Saddle-type vehicle

Abstract

Provided is a saddle-type vehicle that is of a motor scooter type subjected to restriction in a space between an inner surface of exterior constituent components and side surfaces of a head pipe, and that can ensure a space for an internal arrangement component to be arranged therein and heighten degree of freedom in design of an accommodation box or the like even if a steering motor is provided in a space covered with the exterior constituent components. A steering assistance motor 61 of a leaning vehicle 1 is disposed above the upper end of a left shock absorber 21, the upper end of a right shock absorber 22, or a bracket 23, with a prescribed space therebetween in the vertical direction of the leaning vehicle 1 or in a rotation-axis direction of a steering shaft 24. Portions of a component support stay 50 and an internal arrangement component 40 of the leaning vehicle 1 overlap, when viewed in the left-right direction of the leaning vehicle 1, between the steering assistance motor 61 and the bracket 23 in the up-down direction of the leaning vehicle 1 or in the rotation-axis direction of the steering shaft 24 .

Description

Saddle-type vehicle

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

[0002] Scooter-type saddle-ride vehicles are known, and one proposed example of such a scooter-type saddle-ride vehicle has a structure in which the area around a head pipe is covered by a front cover and a rear cover, and front equipment parts such as a headlight are housed within the front cover and the rear cover.

[0003] Vertical rigidity is required for component support stays that support exterior components, including cover components such as front and rear covers and front equipment components such as headlights, on the frame.

[0004] Furthermore, since convenience is required for the scooter-type straddle-type vehicle, a configuration including a storage box is required.

[0005] Brake wires and other wiring materials are arranged around the handle connected to the upper end of the steering shaft. The wiring materials, such as the brake wires extending from the brake, are required to avoid interference with the above-mentioned components and component support stays.

[0006] As described above, in the scooter-type straddle-type vehicle, the space around the head pipe is required to accommodate exterior components, component support stays, wiring materials, storage boxes, etc. For this reason, a pine-needle fork, which makes it easier to keep the size around the head pipe small, is sometimes adopted in the scooter-type straddle-type vehicle. The pine-needle fork is a front fork with a structure in which the forks that support the left and right axles are branched into two at the lower end of the steering shaft.

[0007] Furthermore, there is an ever-increasing demand for convenience in the scooter-type saddle-ride type vehicle, and there is a demand for steering assistance using electric power steering (hereinafter referred to as "EPS") For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a saddle-type vehicle equipped with an actuator unit for steering assistance.

[0008] US Patent Application Publication No. 20230192221

[0009] As described above, in a scooter-type saddle-ride vehicle having a front cover and a rear cover, it is necessary to arrange not only exterior components but also storage boxes and the like in the space in front of the head pipe. The space in front of the head pipe is defined by the front cover and the rear cover. The layout of each component within the front cover and the rear cover is restricted by the space in front of the head pipe.

[0010] In the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, the actuator unit of the EPS is disposed behind the head pipe. However, a configuration in which the actuator unit is disposed behind the head pipe affects the layout of the storage box and the space in which the rider sits.

[0011] In the scooter-type saddle-ride vehicle, which is subject to space restrictions within the front and rear covers, there is a need to ensure space for arranging internal components even when a steering motor is installed within a space covered by external components, thereby increasing the design freedom of storage boxes, etc.

[0012] The present invention aims to provide a saddle-ride type vehicle that, in a scooter-type saddle-ride type vehicle that is restricted by the space between the inner surface of an exterior component and the side of a head pipe, ensures space for arranging internal components even when a steering motor is provided within a space covered by the exterior component, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in designing storage boxes and the like.

[0013] The inventors have conducted extensive research into a straddle-type vehicle in which, for a scooter-type vehicle that is restricted by the space between the inner surface of an exterior component and the side surface of a head pipe, even if a steering motor is provided within the space covered by the exterior component, space is secured for arranging internal components, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in designing a storage box, etc. As a result of extensive research, the inventors have come up with the following configuration.

[0014] A saddle-riding type vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a body frame, a pine-needle fork, an exterior component, an internal component, a component support stay, and a steering motor. The body frame has a head pipe at its front. The pine-needle fork includes a left shock absorber supporting a left end of a front wheel axle, a right shock absorber supporting a right end of the front wheel axle, a bracket connecting an upper end of the left shock absorber to an upper end of the right shock absorber and positioned below the head pipe in the vertical direction of the saddle-riding type vehicle, and a steering shaft extending upward from the bracket, connected at its upper end to a handlebar, and supported by the head pipe to be rotatable about the rotation axis of the steering shaft. The exterior component covers a front side surface of the head pipe when viewed from the front, a rear side surface of the head pipe when viewed from the rear, a right side surface of the head pipe when viewed from the right, and a left side surface of the head pipe when viewed from the left. At least a portion of the internal component is disposed between an inner surface of the exterior component and a side surface of the head pipe. The component support stay is located between the exterior component and the head pipe, extends forward from the head pipe in the fore-and-aft direction of the saddle-riding type vehicle, and supports at least one of the exterior component and the internally disposed component relative to the head pipe. The steering motor is located between the exterior component and the head pipe, and outputs torque to the steering shaft or receives torque from the steering shaft via a torque transmission mechanism that transmits torque to the steering shaft or is capable of transmitting torque input from the steering shaft. The steering motor is located at a predetermined distance above the upper end of the left shock absorber, the upper end of the right shock absorber, or the bracket in the up-and-down direction of the saddle-riding type vehicle or the rotational axis direction of the steering shaft, so that a space extending in the left-right direction of the saddle-riding type vehicle is utilized.When viewed in the left-right direction of the saddle-ride type vehicle, the component support stay and a portion of the internally disposed component overlap between the steering motor and the bracket in the up-down direction of the saddle-ride type vehicle or in the direction of the rotational axis of the steering shaft.

[0015] The above-described configuration includes a pine-needle-shaped fork. The pine-needle-shaped fork includes a left shock absorber supporting a left end of a front wheel axle, a right shock absorber supporting a right end of the front wheel axle, a bracket connecting an upper end of the left shock absorber to an upper end of the right shock absorber and positioned below the head pipe in the vertical direction of the saddle-ride type vehicle, and a steering shaft extending upward from the bracket, connected at its upper end to a handlebar, and supported by the head pipe so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis of the steering shaft. When the handlebars are operated, the bracket, positioned below the head pipe, and the left shock absorber and right shock absorber connected by the bracket in the pine-needle-shaped fork swing about the rotation axis of the steering shaft.

[0016] The steering motor is disposed at a predetermined distance above the upper end of the left shock absorber, the upper end of the right shock absorber, or the bracket in the vertical direction of the saddle-ride type vehicle or in the direction of the rotational axis of the steering shaft.

[0017] A space extending in the left-right direction of the saddle-ride type vehicle is located between the upper ends of the left and right shock absorbers of the pine-needle fork or the brackets and the steering motor. The space on the head pipe side of the imaginary plane through which the upper ends of the shock absorbers or the brackets pass during swing is usable as a space for arranging internal components, etc., because the shock absorbers and brackets do not pass through the space. Furthermore, the space located below the steering motor extends in the left-right direction, allowing for a high degree of design freedom.

[0018] In the above-described configuration, in the above-described space which offers a high degree of freedom in design, the component support stay and a portion of the internally disposed component overlap between the steering motor and the bracket in the up-down direction of the saddle-ride type vehicle or in the direction of the rotational axis of the steering shaft when viewed in the left-right direction of the saddle-ride type vehicle.

[0019] Therefore, even if the steering motor is provided in a space covered by the exterior components, space for arranging the internal components can be secured, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in designing the storage box, etc. Therefore, the degree of freedom in designing the front equipment components can be further improved.

[0020] According to another aspect, the saddle-riding type vehicle of the present invention may include the following configuration: The first component support stay is disposed at a position overlapping with the steering motor when viewed in the up-down direction of the saddle-riding type vehicle or in the direction of the rotation axis of the steering shaft.

[0021] In the above-described configuration, for example, by utilizing the space below the steering motor and above the fork, which extends in the left-right direction, the component support stay can be extended linearly from the head pipe forward in the longitudinal direction of the saddle-ride type vehicle. By configuring the left-right width of the component support stay to be smaller than the left-right width of the space, the space on the left and right of the component support stay can be used for arranging internal components such as wiring materials.

[0022] Furthermore, for example, a component support stay that is straight can be made shorter in length than a component support stay with a bent portion. This increases the component support stay's vertical rigidity. Therefore, such a component support stay is suitable for supporting exterior components or internal components that require vertical rigidity.

[0023] According to another aspect, the saddle-riding type vehicle of the present invention may include the following configuration: a second component support stay is located between the exterior component and the head pipe, extending forward in the longitudinal direction of the saddle-riding type vehicle from the head pipe at least to the left or right of the steering motor, and supporting at least one of the exterior component and the internally disposed component relative to the head pipe. The second component support stay is located at a position overlapping with the steering motor when viewed in the left-right direction of the saddle-riding type vehicle.

[0024] In the above-described configuration, the second component support stay can be disposed by effectively utilizing the space on at least one side of the steering motor. Furthermore, the first component support stay and the second component support stay can support at least one of the exterior component and the internal component, thereby improving rigidity.

[0025] Furthermore, when the second component support stays are disposed on both the left and right sides of the steering motor, the longitudinal elastic modulus of each component support stay can be improved by utilizing the space to the left and right of the steering motor and the space below the steering motor.

[0026] In addition, by arranging each component support stay using the space on both the left and right sides of the steering motor and the space below the steering motor, at least one of the exterior components or the internally arranged components is supported in three locations.

[0027] In this way, by utilizing the space around the steering motor for at least one of the exterior components and the internally arranged components, it is possible to further increase rigidity in the vertical and lateral directions.

[0028] According to another aspect, the saddle-riding type vehicle of the present invention may include the following configuration: when viewed in the vertical direction of the saddle-riding type vehicle or in the direction of the rotation axis of the steering shaft, the first component support stay is disposed at a position offset from the steering motor, and the internally disposed component is disposed at a position overlapping the steering motor.

[0029] In the above-described configuration, when viewed in the vertical direction of the saddle-ride type vehicle or in the direction of the rotational axis of the steering shaft, the first component support stay passes to the left or right of the steering motor and extends to a position where at least one of the external component and the internal component is located.

[0030] Therefore, the first component support stay can be disposed by effectively utilizing the space below the steering motor and at least one of the spaces to the left and right of the steering motor.

[0031] When the first component support stays are disposed on both the left and right sides of the steering motor, the first component support stays are disposed at intervals in the left-right direction of the steering motor, sandwiching the internal components therebetween. In this case, torsional rigidity is increased when subjected to angular acceleration about the yaw axis of the saddle-ride type vehicle. The angular velocity about the yaw axis is, for example, acceleration generated in conjunction with rotational motion such as turning. Therefore, torsional rigidity against acceleration generated in conjunction with rotational motion such as turning can be increased.

[0032] According to another aspect, the saddle-riding type vehicle of the present invention may include the following configuration: a third component support stay is located between the exterior component and the head pipe, extending forward in the longitudinal direction of the saddle-riding type vehicle from the head pipe at least to the left or right of the steering motor, and supporting at least one of the exterior component and the internally disposed component relative to the head pipe. The third component support stay is located at a position overlapping with the steering motor when viewed in the left-right direction of the saddle-riding type vehicle.

[0033] In the above-described configuration, the third component support stay can be disposed at least to the left or right of the steering motor, and can effectively utilize the space that overlaps with the steering motor when viewed in the left-right direction of the saddle-ride type vehicle. Furthermore, since the first component support stay and the third component support stay can support at least one of the exterior component and the internal component, rigidity can be improved.

[0034] Furthermore, a configuration is also conceivable in which first component support stays are disposed below the steering motor, respectively to the left and right of the steering motor, and third component support stays are disposed below the steering motor, respectively to the left and right of the steering motor, overlapping the steering motor in a left-right view. In this configuration, four component support stays support at least one of exterior components or internal components. This allows for utilization of both the left and right spaces of the steering motor and the upper space below the steering motor and extending left and right above the tines. Therefore, in this configuration, the width of the support stays in the left-right and up-down directions can be increased, thereby increasing the vertical and torsional rigidity of the component support stays.

[0035] The terminology used in this specification is used for the purpose of defining particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the invention.

[0036] As used herein, "and / or" includes all combinations of one or more of the associated listed members.

[0037] In this specification, the use of "including," "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof identify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or equivalents thereof, but may include one or more of the steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0038] As used herein, the terms "attached," "connected," "coupled," and / or their equivalents are used broadly to encompass both "direct and indirect" attachments, connections, and couplings. Furthermore, "connected" and "coupled" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections or couplings, but can also include direct or indirect electrical connections or couplings.

[0039] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.

[0040] Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be construed to have a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the relevant art and this disclosure, and should not be construed in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined herein.

[0041] It will be understood that in describing the present invention, several techniques and processes are disclosed, each of which has distinct advantages and can be used in conjunction with one or more, or in some cases all, of the other disclosed techniques.

[0042] Thus, for the sake of clarity, the description of the present invention refrains from unnecessarily repeating every possible combination of the individual steps, but the specification and claims should be read with the understanding that all such combinations are within the scope of the present invention.

[0043] In this specification, an embodiment of a saddle-ride type vehicle according to the present invention will be described.

[0044] In the following description, numerous specific examples are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific examples.

[0045] Accordingly, the following disclosure is to be considered as illustrative of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated by the following drawings or description.

[0046] [Saddle-ride type vehicle] In this specification, a saddle-ride type vehicle refers to a vehicle in which a rider sits on a seat straddling the seat. The saddle-ride type vehicle includes vehicles such as motorcycles, three-wheeled vehicles, and four-wheeled vehicles. Therefore, the saddle-ride type vehicle also includes lean-type vehicles. The saddle-ride type vehicle may be a vehicle for one person or a vehicle that can accommodate multiple people.

[0047] [Lean vehicle] In this specification, a lean vehicle is a vehicle that turns in a leaning posture. Specifically, a lean vehicle refers to a vehicle that, in the left-right direction of the vehicle, leans to the left when turning left and leans to the right when turning right. Lean vehicles are not limited by the number of wheels or the presence or absence of wheels, and include all vehicles that turn in a leaning posture. Lean vehicles also include scooters and the like.

[0048] [Pine-needle-shaped fork] In this specification, the term "pine-needle-shaped fork" refers to a front fork having a structure in which a fork supporting the left and right axles branches into two at the lower end of the steering shaft. That is, the pine-needle-shaped fork is composed of a left shock absorber supporting the left end of the front wheel axle, a right shock absorber supporting the right end of the front wheel axle, a bracket connecting the upper ends of the left shock absorber and the right shock absorber and positioned below the head pipe in the vertical direction of the saddle-ride type vehicle, and a steering shaft extending upward from the bracket and connected at its upper end to the handlebars. Note that the pine-needle-shaped fork may or may not include a coil spring and a damper.

[0049] [Torque transmission mechanism] In this specification, the torque transmission mechanism refers to a configuration that transmits the torque of a steering motor to a steering shaft. The torque transmission mechanism may be configured to transmit the input torque while changing the magnitude, direction, etc. of the input torque. The torque transmission mechanism includes, for example, a gear, a belt, a chain, a link, or the like.

[0050] [Exterior Component Parts] In this specification, exterior component parts refer to parts that cover the front side of the head pipe when the saddle-ride type vehicle is viewed from the front, that cover the rear side of the head pipe when viewed from the rear, that cover the right side of the head pipe when viewed from the right, or that cover the left side of the head pipe when viewed from the left.

[0051] The exterior component parts include parts such as exterior covers including a front cover and a rear cover, meters, switches, brake hoses, and lighting devices including a headlight and indicators. That is, the exterior component parts include parts that are located in positions that allow the saddle-riding type vehicle to be seen from any of the front, rear, left, right, top, and bottom directions of the saddle-riding type vehicle. The exterior component parts also include parts that are supported on the head pipe by component support stays.

[0052] [Internal Mounted Components] In this specification, the term "internal mounted components" refers to components that are partially or entirely mounted between the inner surface of an exterior component and the head pipe of a saddle-riding vehicle. Internal mounted components include components such as wire-like routing materials such as brake hoses, electrical harnesses, hydraulic units for anti-lock brake systems (ABSs), batteries, electrical components, horns, rectifiers / regulators, steering lock mechanisms, and control devices including computing devices. Internal mounted components also include components that are supported on the head pipe by component support stays. Internal mounted components also include storage boxes with storage compartments provided within or along the exterior cover of the exterior component.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the present invention, in a scooter-type saddle-ride vehicle that is restricted by the space between the inner surface of an exterior component and the side of the head pipe, even if a steering motor is provided within the space covered by the exterior component, space can be secured for arranging internal components, thereby providing a saddle-ride vehicle that allows for increased design freedom for storage boxes and the like.

[0054] FIG. 1 is a side view showing an outline of the overall configuration of a lean vehicle according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front view showing a pine-needle fork of the lean vehicle according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the head pipe and its surroundings of the lean vehicle. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a schematic front view showing the positional relationship between a steering assist motor, a component support stay, and internal components. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a lean vehicle in which the steering wheel is steered to the right. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a lean vehicle in which the steering wheel is steered to the left. FIG. 8 is a schematic front view showing the positional relationship between a steering assist motor, a component support stay, a pair of component support stays, and internal components, and is a view corresponding to FIG. 5. FIG. 9 is a schematic front view showing the positional relationship between a steering assist motor, a component support stay, and internal components, and is a view corresponding to FIG. 5. FIG. 10 is a schematic front view showing the positional relationship between the steering assist motor, the first component support stay, the third component support stay, and internally disposed components, and is a view corresponding to FIG. 9 . FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of a lean vehicle according to a modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention, and is a view corresponding to FIG. 3 . FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a lean vehicle according to a modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention, and is a view corresponding to FIG. 4 . FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view of a lean vehicle according to a fifth modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention, and is a view corresponding to FIG. 11 . FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a lean vehicle according to the fifth modified example, and is a view corresponding to FIG. 12 . FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a lean vehicle according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and is a view corresponding to FIG. 4 . FIG. 16 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the periphery of the head pipe of a lean vehicle according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and is a view corresponding to FIG. 3 . FIG. 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a lean vehicle according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and is a view corresponding to FIG. 4 . Fig. 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a lean vehicle according to a modified example of the second embodiment of the present invention, and corresponds to Fig. 15. Fig. 19 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of the external appearance and internal structure of the lean vehicle according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Each embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description of the same parts will not be repeated. Note that the dimensions of the components in each drawing do not faithfully represent the actual dimensions of the components and the dimensional ratios of the components.

[0056] Hereinafter, arrow FR in the drawings indicates the forward direction of lean vehicles 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 2, 2A, and 3 as saddle-ride type vehicles. Arrow RR in the drawings indicates the rearward direction of lean vehicles 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 2, 2A, and 3 as saddle-ride type vehicles. Arrow UP in the drawings indicates the upward direction of lean vehicles 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 2, 2A, and 3. Arrow UP in the drawings indicates the downward direction of lean vehicles 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 2, 2A, and 3. Arrow LF in the drawings indicates the leftward direction of lean vehicles 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 2, 2A, and 3. Arrow RG in the drawings indicates the rightward direction of lean vehicles 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 2, 2A, and 3. In addition, in the following description, the front, rear, left and right directions refer to the front, rear, left and right directions as seen by a driver driving the lean vehicles 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 2, 2A and 3, respectively.

[0057] <First Embodiment> (Overall Configuration of Lean Vehicle) A lean vehicle 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 19. FIG. 1 is a side view showing an outline of the overall configuration of the lean vehicle 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 19 is a schematic view showing an outline of the external appearance and internal structure of the lean vehicle 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The lean vehicle 1 as a saddle-ride type vehicle is, for example, a scooter-type motorcycle. A rider sits on the seat of the lean vehicle 1 while straddling the seat. The lean vehicle 1 also turns in a leaned posture. That is, the lean vehicle 1 leans leftward when turning left, and leans rightward when turning right. The lean vehicle 1 has a front wheel 81, a rear wheel 82, a body frame 10, a pine-needle fork 20, an exterior component 30, an internally arranged component 40 (see FIG. 19 ), a component support stay 50 as a first component support stay, a steering assist device 60 including a steering assist motor 61 as a steering motor, and a torque sensor 71.

[0058] The body frame 10 has a head pipe 11 , a front frame 12 , a lower frame 13 , a rear frame 14 , and a rear arm 15 .

[0059] The head pipe 11 is located at the front of the body frame 10. The head pipe 11 supports a steering shaft 24 (described later) so that the steering shaft 24 is rotatable about a rotation axis P. The head pipe 11 and the steering shaft 24 extend in the up-and-down direction of the lean vehicle 1 along the rotation axis direction in which the rotation axis P extends.

[0060] A head pipe 11 is connected to the front of the front frame 12. The front frame 12 extends from the head pipe 11 toward the rear and downward of the lean vehicle 1.

[0061] The lower frame 13 is connected to the lower end of the front frame 12. The lower frame 13 extends from the lower end of the front frame 12 toward the rear of the lean vehicle 1. A footboard 83 is disposed above the lower frame 13. The footboard 83 is a flat floor type that is flat from one end to the other end in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 1.

[0062] The rear frame 14 is connected to the rear end of the lower frame 13. The rear frame 14 extends from the rear end of the lower frame 13 toward the rear and upward of the lean vehicle 1. A seat 84 on which passengers, including the driver, are seated is disposed above the rear frame 14.

[0063] The rear arm 15 is connected to the lower part of the rear frame 14. A power unit 85 that drives the rear wheel 82 is supported on the rear part of the rear arm 15. The power unit 85 may be, for example, an electric drive motor powered by a battery (not shown).

[0064] (Pine needle type fork) The configuration of the pine needle type fork 20 of the lean vehicle 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a front view showing the pine needle type fork 20 of the lean vehicle 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 2 , the pine needle type fork 20 has a left shock absorber 21 , a right shock absorber 22 , a bracket 23 , and a steering shaft 24 .

[0066] The left shock absorber 21 supports the left end of the axle 811 of the front wheel 81. The right shock absorber 22 supports the right end of the axle 811 of the front wheel 81. The bracket 23 connects the upper end of the left shock absorber 21 to the upper end of the right shock absorber 22, and is located below the head pipe 11 in the up-down direction of the lean vehicle 1. The steering shaft 24 extends upward from the bracket 23 in the axial direction of the steering shaft 24. The upper end of the steering shaft 24 is connected to the handlebars 86. The steering shaft 24 is supported by the head pipe 11 so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis P of the steering shaft 24.

[0067] (Configuration around the head pipe) The configuration around the head pipe 11 of the lean vehicle 1 will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the configuration around the head pipe 11 of the lean vehicle 1. Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV shown in Figure 1. Note that for ease of viewing, part of the configuration of the lean vehicle 1 is omitted in Figure 4.

[0068] 3 and 4 , the exterior component parts 30 cover the front side surface of the head pipe 11 when the lean vehicle 1 is viewed from the front, the rear side surface of the head pipe 11 when viewed from the rear, the right side surface of the head pipe 11 when viewed from the right, or the left side surface of the head pipe 11 when viewed from the left. The exterior component parts 30 include, for example, a front cover 31, a rear cover 32, and a headlight 33. Furthermore, the exterior component parts 30 may include parts such as meters, switches, brake hoses, and lighting devices including indicators, which are not shown.

[0069] The internally disposed components 40 are components that are partially or entirely disposed between the inner surface of the exterior structural component 30 and the head pipe 11. The internally disposed components 40 include wiring materials 41 such as brake hoses, part of which is disposed between the inner surface of the exterior structural component 30 and the head pipe 11. The internally disposed components 40 may also include components such as an electrical harness, a hydraulic unit of an ABS (Anti-lock brake System), a battery, electrical components, a rectifier / regulator, a steering lock mechanism, and a control device including a computing device, all of which are not shown.

[0070] The component support stay 50 is located between the exterior component 30 and the head pipe 11. The component support stay 50 extends forward in the fore-and-aft direction of the lean vehicle 1 from the head pipe 11. The component support stay 50 supports at least one of the exterior component 30 and the internally disposed component 40 relative to the head pipe 11.

[0071] As shown in Fig. 4 , the component support stay 50 has a first fixing portion 511 and a second fixing portion 512 in a front portion 503 located forward in the fore-and-aft direction of the lean vehicle 1. For example, the front cover 31 is fixed to the first fixing portion 511 of the component support stay 50. The headlight 33 is fixed to the second fixing portion 512 of the component support stay 50. In this way, the front cover 31 and the headlight 33, which serve as exterior components 30, are supported relative to the head pipe 11 by the component support stay 50.

[0072] Additionally, wiring material 41 is attached to the mounting portion 52 of the component support stay 50. As a result, the wiring material 41 as the internally disposed component 40 is supported relative to the head pipe 11 by the component support stay 50. As shown in FIG. 3 , the wiring material 41 is disposed in a position overlapping with the component support stay 50 when viewed in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 1. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 4 , the wiring material 41 includes a left wiring material 411 and a right wiring material 412. The left wiring material 411 is disposed to the left of a steering assist motor 61 (described later), and the right wiring material 412 is disposed to the right of the steering assist motor 61.

[0073] The lean vehicle 1 may have support stays other than the component support stay 50. Although not particularly shown, the rear cover 32 may be fixed to the component support stay 50, may be fixed to the front cover 31, or may be fixed to the other support stay.

[0074] The steering assist device 60 is an electric power steering drive device that assists the steering operation of the driver of the lean vehicle 1. The steering assist device 60 includes a steering assist motor 61 and a torque transmission mechanism 62.

[0075] The steering assist motor 61 has a rotation axis Q that extends along the rotation axis P of the steering shaft 24. The steering assist motor 61 is a motor that outputs torque about the rotation axis Q. The steering assist motor 61 is disposed at a predetermined distance above the upper end of the left shock absorber 21, the upper end of the right shock absorber 22, or the bracket 23 in the vertical direction of the lean vehicle 1 or in the direction of the rotation axis of the steering shaft 24. The steering assist motor 61 is located between the exterior component 30 and the head pipe 11. The steering assist motor 61 outputs torque to the steering shaft 24 via a torque transmission mechanism 62, which will be described later. The steering assist motor 61 also receives torque from the steering shaft 24 via the torque transmission mechanism 62, which will be described later.

[0076] The torque transmission mechanism 62 transmits the torque output by the steering assist motor 61 to the steering shaft 24. The torque transmission mechanism 62 may be configured in any way, such as a gear, a link, a belt, or a chain, as long as it is capable of transmitting the torque of the steering assist motor 61 to the steering shaft 24. The torque transmission mechanism 62 is connected to the steering assist motor 61 and the steering shaft 24. The torque transmission mechanism 62 is configured to rotate the steering shaft 24 by transmitting the torque from the steering assist motor 61 to the upper end of the steering shaft 24, for example. The steering assist motor 61 is supported on the steering shaft 24 by the torque transmission mechanism 62. The steering assist motor 61 is located in a range above the bracket 23 of the pine needle fork 20 and below the lowest end of the handlebars 86 in the up-down direction of the lean vehicle 1. The steering assist motor 61 is located in a range RW1 that overlaps with the upper ends of both shock absorbers 21 and 22 or a part of the bracket 23 when viewed in the vertical direction of the lean vehicle 1.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 3 , the torque sensor 71 is located above the steering shaft 24 in the direction of the rotation axis, and detects the torque between the steering wheel 86 and the steering shaft 24. The steering assist device 60 controls the steering assist motor 61 based on the torque detection result. Note that the lean vehicle 1 may also have a steering angle sensor (not shown). For example, the steering angle sensor may detect the steering angle of the steering wheel 86, and the torque sensor 71 may detect the torque of the steering wheel 86, and the steering assist device 60 may control the steering assist motor 61 based on the detected steering angle and torque.

[0078] (Positional Relationship Between the Steering Assist Motor, the Component Support Stay, and the Internally Arranged Components) The positional relationship between the steering assist motor 61 and the component support stay 50 will be described with reference to Fig. 5 again, as well as Fig. 3, Fig. 4, and Fig. 19. Fig. 5 is a schematic front view showing the positional relationship between the steering assist motor 61, the component support stay 50, and the internally arranged component 40. Note that for ease of viewing, some of the configuration of the lean vehicle 1 is omitted in Fig. 5.

[0079] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the steering assist motor 61 is configured so that at least a portion of the steering assist motor 61 is located between the leftmost edge 501 and the rightmost edge 502 of the component support stay 50 in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 1, when viewed in the vertical direction of the lean vehicle 1 or in the direction of the rotational axis of the steering shaft 24.

[0080] Furthermore, the steering assist motor 61 is positioned so as to overlap both the leftmost edge 501 and the rightmost edge 502 of the component support stay 50 when viewed in the up-down direction of the lean vehicle 1. From another perspective, a portion of the steering assist motor 61 is positioned between the leftmost edge 501 and the rightmost edge 502 of the component support stay 50, which are positioned between the front end edge 611 and the rear end edge 612 of the steering assist motor 61 in the front-to-rear direction of the lean vehicle 1. Furthermore, the steering assist motor 61 is positioned in a range rearward of the front end edge of the component support stay 50 and forward of the rear end edge of the head pipe 11 in the front-to-rear direction of the lean vehicle 1.

[0081] When viewed from the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 1, the component support stay 50 and a portion of the wiring material 41 of the internally arranged component 40 overlap between the steering assist motor 61 and the bracket 23 in the vertical direction of the lean vehicle 1 or in the direction of the rotational axis of the steering shaft 24.

[0082] The steering assist motor 61 is disposed at a position overlapping with the component support stay 50 when viewed in the vertical direction of the lean vehicle 1 or in the direction of the rotation axis of the steering shaft 24 .

[0083] The wiring material 41 is arranged at a position offset to the left or right with respect to the steering assist motor 61 when viewed in the vertical direction of the lean vehicle 1 or in the direction of the rotation axis of the steering shaft 24 .

[0084] When the handlebars 86 are operated, the bracket 23 located below the head pipe 11 in the pine-needle fork 20, and the left shock absorber 21 and right shock absorber 22 connected by the bracket 23, swing around the rotation axis P of the steering shaft 24.

[0085] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the case where the steering wheel 86 is steered to the right in the lean vehicle 1. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the case where the steering wheel 86 is steered to the left in the lean vehicle 1.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 6, when the handlebars 86 are steered to the right to rotate the front wheel 81 together with the pine-needle fork 20 in one direction RT1 around the rotation axis P of the steering shaft, the pine-needle fork 20 can be rotated without interfering with the component support stay 50 when viewed in the vertical direction of the lean vehicle 1 or in the direction of the rotation axis of the steering shaft 24.

[0087] Also, referring to Figure 7, when the handlebars 86 are steered to the left to rotate the front wheel 81 together with the pine-needle fork 20 in the other direction RT2 around the rotation axis P of the steering shaft, the pine-needle fork 20 can be rotated without interfering with the component support stay 50 when viewed in the vertical direction of the lean vehicle 1 or in the direction of the rotation axis of the steering shaft 24.

[0088] A space extending in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 1 is located between the upper ends or brackets 23 of the left and right shock absorbers 21, 22 of the pine needle-shaped fork 20 and the steering assist motor 61.

[0089] Therefore, the shock absorbers 21, 22 and the bracket 23 do not pass through the space above the head pipe 11 side of the imaginary plane through which the upper ends of the shock absorbers 21, 22 or the bracket 23 pass during swinging, and this space can be used as space for arranging the internal components 40, etc. In addition, the space located below the steering assist motor 61 is wide in the left-right direction, allowing for a high degree of freedom in design.

[0090] Therefore, when the pine needle-shaped fork 20 swings, it is possible to avoid interference with the component support stay 50 supported by the head pipe 11 .

[0091] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned space, which has a high degree of design freedom, the component support stay 50 and a portion of the wiring material 41 of the internally arranged component 40 overlap between the steering assist motor 61 and the bracket 23 in the vertical direction of the lean vehicle 1 or in the direction of the rotational axis of the steering shaft 24, when viewed in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 1.

[0092] Since the steering assist motor 61, the component support stay 50 and the wiring material 41 for the internally arranged component 40 are arranged as described above, the component support stay 50 and the wiring material 41 for the internally arranged component 40 can be arranged by utilizing the space SP1 extending in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 1 at a position between the steering assist motor 61 and the bracket 23 in the vertical direction of the lean vehicle 1 or in the direction of the rotational axis of the steering shaft 24.

[0093] 3 and 4, the space SP1 is a space located between the lower end LD61 of the steering assist motor 61 and the upper end LU23 of the bracket 23 in the vertical direction of the lean vehicle 1. Alternatively, the space SP1 may be a space located between the lower end LD61 of the steering assist motor 61 and the upper end LU23 of the bracket 23 in the rotational axis direction of the steering shaft 24.

[0094] By configuring it in this manner, even if the steering assist motor 61 is installed in a space covered by the exterior component parts 30, space for arranging the internal components 40 can be secured, thereby increasing the design freedom of storage boxes, etc.

[0095] Therefore, the degree of freedom in designing the front equipment parts that are mounted on the front of the lean vehicle 1 can be further improved.

[0096] As described above, the component support stay 50 is disposed at a position overlapping with the steering assist motor 61 when viewed in the vertical direction of the lean vehicle 1 or in the direction of the rotation axis of the steering shaft 24 .

[0097] Furthermore, the component support stay 50 extends linearly from the head pipe 24 forward in the fore-and-aft direction of the lean vehicle 1. Therefore, the space on the left and right of the component support stay 50 can be used for arranging the internal components 40, such as the wiring material 41.

[0098] Furthermore, for example, the length of the component support stay 50 in the front-to-rear direction can be shortened with a straight component support stay 50 compared to a component support stay with a bent portion. This increases the vertical rigidity of the component support stay 50. Therefore, such a component support stay 50 is suitable for supporting exterior components 30 or internal components 40 that require vertical rigidity.

[0099] 3 and 4, the steering assist motor 61 has a maximum width W1 in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 1 that is larger than the dimension L1 in the rotational axis direction of the steering assist motor 61. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3, the steering assist motor 61 is configured so as not to overlap with the component support stay 50 when viewed in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 1.

[0100] According to the above-described configuration, even when the dimension of the steering assist motor 61 in the direction of its rotational axis and the dimension in the up-down direction of the lean vehicle 1 are restricted by the length of the head pipe 11, it is possible to obtain a steering assist motor 61 that ensures the required performance by increasing the dimension in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 1. By using a steering assist motor 61 that ensures the required performance in this manner, the size of the space occupied by the steering assist motor 61 and the component support stay 50 in the up-down direction of the lean vehicle 1 is reduced. Furthermore, because the steering assist motor 61 is not arranged side by side with the component support stay 50 in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 1, the width of the space occupied by the steering assist motor 61 and the component support stay 50 in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 1 can be reduced.

[0101] By configuring it in this manner, even if the steering assist motor 61 is installed in a space covered by the exterior component parts 30, the left-right and up-down dimensions of the space occupied by the component support stay 50 and the steering assist motor 61 can be reduced, thereby ensuring space for arranging the internal components 40 and increasing the design freedom of storage boxes, etc.

[0102] <First Modification of First Embodiment> A lean vehicle 1A according to a first modification of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 8 . Fig. 8 is a schematic front view showing the positional relationship between the steering assist motor 61, the component support stay 50, the pair of component support stays 901, 902, and the internally disposed component 40, and is a view corresponding to Fig. 5 . The lean vehicle 1A according to the first modification differs from the lean vehicle 1 according to the first embodiment in that it further includes a pair of second component support stays 901, 902. Note that in the following description of the first modification, parts common to the lean vehicle 1 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0103] 8 , the lean vehicle 1A further includes a pair of second component support stays 901, 902. The pair of second component support stays 901, 902 are located between the exterior component 30 and the head pipe 24. The pair of second component support stays 901, 902 extend forward in the fore-and-aft direction of the lean vehicle 1A from the head pipe 24 at positions to the left and right of the steering assist motor 61, respectively, and support at least one of the exterior component 30 or the internally disposed component 40 relative to the head pipe 24.

[0104] In the above-described configuration, the pair of second component support stays 901, 902 can be arranged by effectively utilizing the spaces on both the left and right sides of the steering assist motor 61. When viewed in the front-to-rear direction of the lean vehicle 1A, the component support stay 50 and the pair of second component support stays 901, 902 are arranged in a triangular shape around the steering assist motor 61.

[0105] In this way, by supporting at least one of the exterior component 30 and the internally disposed component 40 at three locations, the component support stay 50 and the pair of component support stays 901, 902, it is possible to further increase rigidity.

[0106] <Modification 2 of Embodiment 1> A lean vehicle 1B according to Modification 2 of Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a schematic front view showing the positional relationship between the steering assist motor 61, the component support stay 50, and the internally disposed component 40, and is a view corresponding to Fig. 5. The lean vehicle 1B according to Modification 2 differs from the lean vehicle 1 according to Embodiment 1 in that it includes first component support stays 911, 912. In the following description of Modification 2, parts common to the lean vehicle 1 according to Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0107] As shown in Fig. 9, the lean vehicle 1B has, as the component support stays 50, first component support stays 911, 912 that pass through positions to the left and right of the steering assist motor 61. When viewed in the up-and-down direction of the lean vehicle 1 or in the direction of the rotation axis of the steering shaft 24, the first component support stays 911, 912 are disposed at positions offset from the steering assist motor 61. Furthermore, the first component support stays 911, 912 are located in a space SP1.

[0108] The wiring material 413 of the internal component 40 is arranged at a position overlapping with the steering assist motor 61 when viewed in the vertical direction of the lean vehicle 1B or in the direction of the rotation axis of the steering shaft 24.

[0109] In the above-described configuration, the first component support stays 911, 912 can be positioned below the steering assist motor 61 and by effectively utilizing the space to the left and right of the steering assist motor 61.

[0110] Furthermore, when viewed in the up-and-down direction of the lean vehicle 1B or in the direction of the rotational axis of the steering shaft 24, the component support stay 50 passes to the left and right of the steering assist motor 61 and extends to a position where at least one of the exterior component 30 and the internally disposed component 40 is disposed. Therefore, the first component support stays 911, 912 of the component support stay 50 are disposed apart from each other in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 1B.

[0111] This increases the torsional rigidity when subjected to angular acceleration about the yaw axis of the lean vehicle 1B. The yaw axis corresponds to, for example, the up-and-down direction of the lean vehicle 1B. The angular velocity of the yaw axis is, for example, acceleration that occurs with rotational motion such as turning. Therefore, it is possible to increase the torsional rigidity against acceleration that occurs with rotational motion such as turning.

[0112] <Variation 3 of Embodiment 1> A lean vehicle 1C according to Variation 3 of Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a schematic front view showing the positional relationship between the steering assist motor 61, the first component support stays 911, 912, the third component support stays 921, 922, and the internally disposed component 40, and is a view corresponding to Fig. 9. The lean vehicle 1C according to Variation 3 differs from the lean vehicle 1B according to Variation 2 in that it further includes the third component support stays 921, 922. In the following description of Variation 3, parts common to the lean vehicle 1B according to Variation 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0113] As shown in Fig. 10 , the lean vehicle 1C further includes third component support stays 921, 922. The third component support stays 921, 922 are located between the exterior component 30 and the head pipe 24. The third component support stays 921, 922 extend forward in the front-to-rear direction of the lean vehicle 1C from the head pipe 24 at positions to the left and right of the steering assist motor 61. The third component support stays 921, 922 support at least one of the exterior component 30 and the internally disposed component 40 relative to the head pipe 24.

[0114] The third component support stays 921, 922 are disposed at positions overlapping with the steering assist motor 61 when viewed in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 1C.

[0115] In the above-described configuration, the third component support stays 921, 922 can be arranged by effectively utilizing a space that is located at least to the left or right of the steering assist motor 61 and that overlaps with the steering assist motor 61 when viewed in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 1. Furthermore, the first component support stays 911, 912 and the third component support stays 921, 922 can support at least one of the exterior component 30 and the internal component 40, thereby improving rigidity.

[0116] Furthermore, at least one of the exterior component 30 and the internal component 40 can be supported by a total of four component support stays, namely the first component support stays 911, 912 and the third component support stays 921, 922. This increases the total cross-sectional area of ​​the component support stays, thereby enhancing the rigidity of the component support stays that support the components.

[0117] <Variation 4 of Embodiment 1> A lean vehicle 1D according to Variation 4 of Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12 . FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of the lean vehicle 1D according to Variation 4 of Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and corresponds to FIG. 3 . FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the lean vehicle 1D according to Variation 4, and corresponds to FIG. 4 . The lean vehicle 1D according to Variation 4 differs from the lean vehicle 1 according to Embodiment 1 in that it includes a storage box 87. In the following description of Variation 4, parts common to the lean vehicle 1 according to Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will not be repeated. For ease of viewing, the front wheel 81, both shock absorbers 21 and 22, the bracket 23, and the wiring material 41 are omitted from FIG. 12 .

[0118] 11 and 12, the lean vehicle 1D has storage boxes 87 on the left and right of the head pipe 11 and the steering shaft 24 when viewed in the up-down direction of the lean vehicle 1D. The storage boxes 87 include a left storage box 871 located on the left of the steering shaft 24 and a right storage box 872 located on the right of the steering shaft 24 in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 1D.

[0119] When viewed in the rotational axis direction of the steering shaft 24, the front end edge 8701 of the storage box 87 is located forward of the rear end edge 612 of the steering assist motor 61 in the front-to-rear direction of the lean vehicle 1D. Note that, as shown in FIG. 11 , when viewed in the up-down direction of the lean vehicle 1D, the front end edge 8701 of the storage box 87 may be located forward of the rear end edge 612 of the steering assist motor 61 in the front-to-rear direction of the lean vehicle 1D.

[0120] The storage box 87 is located at a position overlapping with the steering assist motor 61 when viewed in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 1D.

[0121] In the above-described configuration, the storage box 87 can be disposed in the space covered by the exterior components 30, for example, in a positional relationship where it overlaps with the steering assist motor 61 when viewed in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 1D. As a result, on at least one of the left and right sides of the steering shaft 24, a space extending in the front-rear direction of the lean vehicle 1D can be secured within the space covered by the exterior components 30 without being restricted by the steering assist motor 61. This improves the design freedom of the storage box 87. As a result, the storage capacity of the storage box 87 can be improved.

[0122] Furthermore, when viewed in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 1D, the storage box 87 is arranged such that a lower edge 8702 of the storage box 87 is located lower than an upper edge 613 of the steering assist motor 61 in the rotational axis direction of the steering shaft 24. Note that when viewed in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 1D, the lower edge 8702 of the storage box 87 may be located lower than an upper edge 613 of the steering assist motor 61 in the up-down direction of the lean vehicle 1D.

[0123] In the above-described configuration, the storage box 87 can be disposed in the space covered by the exterior components 30, for example, in a positional relationship where it overlaps with the steering assist motor 61 when viewed in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 1D. As a result, on at least one of the left and right sides of the steering shaft 24, a space extending up and down in the up-down direction of the lean vehicle 1D can be secured within the space covered by the exterior components 30 without being restricted by the steering assist motor 61. This improves the design freedom of the storage box 87. As a result, the storage capacity of the storage box 87 can be improved.

[0124] <Fifth Modification of First Embodiment> A lean vehicle 1E according to a fifth modification of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 13 and 14. Figure 13 is a partial cross-sectional view of the lean vehicle 1E according to the fifth modification of the first embodiment of the present invention, and is a view corresponding to Figure 11. Figure 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the lean vehicle 1E according to the fifth modification, and is a view corresponding to Figure 12. The lean vehicle 1E according to the fifth modification differs from the lean vehicle 1D according to the fourth modification in that the storage box 87 has a connection portion 873. In the following description of the fifth modification, parts common to the lean vehicle 1D according to the fourth modification are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0125] The storage box 87 includes a left storage box 871, a right storage box 872, and a connection portion 873. The connection portion 873 extends in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 1E. The connection portion 873 connects the left storage box 871 and the right storage box 872 to each other.

[0126] When viewed in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 1E, the connection portion 873 is located below the lower end edge of the steering assist motor 61. When viewed in the direction of the rotation axis of the steering shaft 24, a portion of the connection portion 873 overlaps with the steering assist motor 61.

[0127] In the above-described configuration, the storage box 87 is located to the left or right of the steering assist motor 61 within the space covered by the exterior components 30, and can utilize the space extending vertically in the vertical direction of the lean vehicle 1E.

[0128] Furthermore, the connection portion 873, which is a part of the storage box 87, is located below the lower edge of the steering assist motor 61 when viewed in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 1E. Furthermore, the connection portion 873 is located above the component support stay 50 when viewed in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 1E. Therefore, with the above-described configuration, a part of the storage box 87 can be arranged below the steering assist motor 61, utilizing the space SP1 that extends in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 1E.

[0129] <Embodiment 2> A lean vehicle 2 according to embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the lean vehicle 2 according to embodiment 2 of the present invention, and is a view corresponding to Fig. 4. The lean vehicle 2 according to embodiment 2 differs from the lean vehicle 1 according to embodiment 1 in that it has a steering lock mechanism 73. In the following description of embodiment 2, parts that are common to the lean vehicle 1 according to embodiment 1 are assigned the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0130] As shown in FIG. 15 , the steering lock mechanism 73 is located to the right of the head pipe 11 in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 2. The steering lock mechanism 73 is located to the right of a center line CL in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 2. When viewed in the up-down direction of the lean vehicle 2, the center line CL passes through the rotation axis P and extends in the front-to-rear direction of the lean vehicle 2. The steering lock mechanism 73 is activated by a switch or the like (not shown). The steering lock mechanism 73 restricts the rotation of the steering shaft 24 when the switch is in the on state. The steering lock mechanism 73 releases the restriction on the rotation of the steering shaft 24 when the switch is in the off state. The steering lock mechanism 73 is also located to the right of the rightmost edge 502 of the component support stay 50.

[0131] When viewed in the up-down direction of the lean vehicle 2, the steering assist motor 61 and the rotation axis Q are located to the left of the center line CL in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 2. Therefore, the steering assist motor 61 is located on the opposite side of the steering lock mechanism 73 with respect to the center line CL in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 2.

[0132] The steering assist motor 61 is located at a position that overlaps the leftmost edge 501 of the component support stay 50 but does not overlap the rightmost edge 502 of the component support stay 50 when viewed in the vertical direction of the lean vehicle 2. Furthermore, the right end edge 614 of the steering assist motor 61 is located to the left of the center line CL when viewed in the vertical direction of the lean vehicle 2.

[0133] The right storage box 872 is located to the right and in front of the steering lock mechanism 73 in the space within the front cover 31 and the rear cover 32 .

[0134] The left storage box 871 is located rearward of the rear end edge 612 of the steering assist motor 61 when viewed in the up-down direction of the lean vehicle 2 .

[0135] <Third Embodiment> A lean vehicle 3 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 16 and 17. Figure 16 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the configuration around the head pipe 11 of the lean vehicle 3 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and is a view corresponding to Figure 3. Figure 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the lean vehicle 3 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and is a view corresponding to Figure 4. The lean vehicle 3 according to the third embodiment differs from the lean vehicle 1 according to the first embodiment in that the maximum width W2 of the steering assist motor 61 in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 3 is configured to be smaller than the dimension L2 of the steering assist motor 61 in the direction of the rotational axis. Note that in the following description of the third embodiment, parts common to the lean vehicle 1 according to the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0136] As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 , the component support stay 55 of the lean vehicle 3 has a left portion 551 , a right portion 552 , a front portion 553 , and left and right connecting portions 555 .

[0137] The left portion 551 extends in the front-rear direction of the lean vehicle 3 to the left of the center line CL in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 3. The right portion 552 extends in the front-rear direction of the lean vehicle 3 to the right of the center line CL in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 3.

[0138] The left portion 551 and the right portion 552 are connected by a front portion 553 at the front in the longitudinal direction of the lean vehicle 3 .

[0139] The left-right connecting portion 555 connects the left portion 551 and the right portion 552 in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 3 .

[0140] The left and right connecting portion 555 is located below the lower end of the steering assist motor 61 when viewed in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 3. The left and right connecting portion 555 overlaps with the steering assist motor 61 when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis of the steering shaft 24.

[0141] The component support stay 50 is arranged using not only the space to the left or right of the steering assist motor 61 but also the space below it. Therefore, the rigidity of the component support stay 50 can be improved.

[0142] The steering assist motor 61 has a maximum width W2 in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 3 that is smaller than a dimension L2 in the rotational axis direction of the steering assist motor 61. In addition, as shown in FIG. 16 , the steering assist motor 61 is configured so that a portion of the component support stay 55 and a portion of the steering assist motor 61 overlap when viewed in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 3.

[0143] 17 , in the above-described configuration, the maximum width W2 of the steering assist motor 61 in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 3 is smaller than the distance W3 in the left-right direction between the component support stays 55. Therefore, the steering assist motor 61 is located between the leftmost edge 5511 and the rightmost edge 5521 of the component support stay 55 in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 3.

[0144] Therefore, with the above-described configuration, it is possible to reduce the vertical size of the space occupied by the steering assist motor 61 and the component support stay 55 in the lean vehicle 3. Furthermore, since the steering assist motor 61 is not aligned horizontally to the left of the leftmost edge 5511 of the component support stay 55 or to the right of the rightmost edge 5521 of the component support stay 55 in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 3, it is possible to reduce the width of the space occupied by the steering assist motor 61 and the component support stay 55 in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 3. Within the space covered by the exterior component 30, a space extending in the front-to-rear direction of the lean vehicle 3 can be secured without being restricted by the steering assist motor 61.

[0145] Furthermore, even if the length of the head pipe 11 is restricted, the vertical dimension required to increase the vertical support rigidity can be secured because the steering assist motor 61 overlaps the component support stay 55 when viewed in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 3. Furthermore, the vertical dimension of the steering assist motor 61 can be increased even if the size of the steering assist motor 61 in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 3 is restricted, so the required performance can be secured.

[0146] Other Embodiments Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above-described embodiments are merely examples for carrying out the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the above-described embodiments can be appropriately modified and carried out without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0147] In the above-described embodiments, the saddle-ride type vehicle is the lean vehicle 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 2, or 3. However, the saddle-ride type vehicle does not have to be a lean vehicle. The saddle-ride type vehicle may be, for example, an ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) having a saddle-ride type seat.

[0148] In each of the above-described embodiments, the steering motor is the steering assist motor 61. However, the steering motor may be a motor that performs steering without the occupant operating the steering wheel, rather than a motor that outputs torque to assist the occupant in operating the steering wheel. In other words, the saddle-type vehicle may have a steering device that performs steering using the steering motor.

[0149] In the first embodiment described above, the maximum width W1 in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 1 is greater than the dimension L1 in the rotational axis direction of the steering assist motor 61. Also, in the third embodiment described above, the maximum width W2 in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 1 is smaller than the dimension L2 in the rotational axis direction of the steering assist motor 61. However, in each of the above embodiments, the dimension in the rotational axis direction of the steering assist motor and the maximum width in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle can be set arbitrarily depending on the performance required of the steering assist motor. For example, the dimension in the rotational axis direction of the steering assist motor and the maximum width in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle may be the same.

[0150] In each of the above-described embodiments, the meter as an exterior component may be fixed to a position that is easily visible to a driver riding in a lean vehicle, such as an upper portion of a head pipe.

[0151] Although not specifically explained in the above-described embodiments, the distance between the front edge of the steering assist motor and the inner surface of the exterior component member in the longitudinal direction of the lean vehicle may be smaller or larger than the distance between the rear edge of the steering assist motor and the rear edge of the head pipe. Also, the distance between the front edge of the steering assist motor and the inner surface of the exterior component member may be the same as the distance between the rear edge of the steering assist motor and the rear edge of the head pipe in the longitudinal direction of the lean vehicle.

[0152] In each of the above-described embodiments, the power unit 85 drives the rear wheels 82. However, the power unit may also drive the front wheels. Furthermore, the power unit may be powered by an internal combustion engine rather than an electric drive motor. Furthermore, the power unit may not be supported by the rear arm, but may be supported by a portion of the body frame other than the rear arm.

[0153] In each of the above-described embodiments, the body frame 10 includes a head pipe 11, a front frame 12, a lower frame 13, a rear frame 14, and a rear arm 15. However, the body frame may have a structure such as a single cradle or double cradle frame.

[0154] In each of the above-described embodiments, the footboard 83 of the lean vehicles 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 2, and 3 is a flat floor type that is flat from one end to the other end in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle. However, in a lean vehicle, a center tunnel may be disposed in the center of the lean vehicle in the left-right direction. In other words, the footboard may be separated into two parts, one on the left side and one on the right side of the center tunnel.

[0155] In the first modification of the first embodiment described above, the lean vehicle 1A further includes a pair of component support stays 901, 902. However, the lean vehicle may also include component support stays that extend forward in the fore-and-aft direction of the lean vehicle from the head pipe at positions to either the left or right of the steering assist motor. The component support stays may be located in positions that overlap the steering assist motor when viewed in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle.

[0156] In the above-described second and third modifications of the first embodiment, the lean vehicles 1B and 1C have the first component support stays 911 and 912 positioned in the space SP1. However, the lean vehicles may also have a component support stay that passes through either a position to the left or right of the steering assist motor in a space extending in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle, at a position between the steering assist motor and the bracket in the up-down direction of the lean vehicle or in the direction of the rotational axis of the steering shaft.

[0157] In the third modification of the first embodiment described above, the lean vehicle 1C includes the second component support stays 921, 922. However, the lean vehicle may also include a component support stay extending forward in the front-to-rear direction of the lean vehicle from the head pipe at a position either to the left or right of the steering assist motor. The component support stay may be disposed in a position overlapping with the steering assist motor when viewed in the left-to-right direction of the lean vehicle.

[0158] In the above-described second embodiment, the steering assist motor 61 is located to the left of the center line CL in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 2 when viewed in the up-down direction of the lean vehicle 2. However, as shown in FIG. 18 , the steering assist motor 61 may be located to the left of the leftmost edge 501 of the component support stay 50 when viewed in the up-down direction of the lean vehicle 2A. In this case, as shown in FIG. 18 , the storage box 87 may have a connection portion 874. The connection portion 874 passes below the steering assist motor 61 and connects the left storage box 871 and the right storage box 872 to each other. A portion of the connection portion 874 overlaps with the steering assist motor 61 when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis of the steering shaft 24. Furthermore, in the lean vehicle 2A, the wiring material 41 shown in FIG. 4 and the like may be arranged below the steering assist motor 61.

[0159] Furthermore, by arranging the steering assist motor 61 to the left of the center line CL in the left-right direction of the lean vehicle 2A, it is possible to increase the dimensions of the right storage box 872, for example. This also improves the degree of freedom in designing the driver's leg space.

[0160] In the above-described third embodiment, the lean vehicle 3 does not have the steering lock mechanism 73. However, the lean vehicle may have a steering lock mechanism.

[0161] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 2, 2A, 3 Lean vehicle 10 Body frame 11 Head pipe 12 Front frame 13 Lower frame 14 Rear frame 15 Rear arm 20 Pine needle-shaped fork 21 Left shock absorber 22 Right shock absorber 23 Bracket 24 Steering shaft 30 Exterior component part 31 Front cover 32 Rear cover 33 Headlight 40 Internally disposed part 41, 413 Wiring material 411 Left wiring material 412 Right wiring material 50, 55 Component support stay 501 Leftmost edge 502 Rightmost edge 503 Front part 511 First fixing part 512 Second fixing part 52 Mounting part 551 Left part 5511 Leftmost edge 552 Right part 5521 Rightmost edge 553 Front portion 555 Left and right connecting portion 60 Steering assist device 61 Steering assist motor 611 Front edge 612 Rear edge 613 Upper edge 614 Right edge 62 Torque transmission mechanism 71 Torque sensor 73 Steering lock mechanism 81 Front wheel 82 Rear wheel 83 Footboard 84 Seat 85 Power unit 86 Handlebar 87 Storage box 871 Left storage box 872 Right storage box 873, 874 Connection portion 8701 Front edge 8702 Lower edge 901, 902 First component support stay 911, 912 Second component support stay 921, 922 Third component support stay P, Q Rotation axis

Claims

1. A pine-needle-shaped fork including: a body frame having a head pipe at the front; a left shock absorber supporting a left end of an axle of a front wheel; a right shock absorber supporting a right end of the axle of the front wheel; a bracket connecting an upper end of the left shock absorber with an upper end of the right shock absorber and positioned lower than the head pipe in the vertical direction of the saddle-riding type vehicle; and a steering shaft extending upward from the bracket, connected at its upper end to a handlebar and supported by the head pipe so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis of the steering shaft; an exterior component that covers the front side surface of the head pipe when the saddle-riding type vehicle is viewed from the front, covers the rear side surface of the head pipe when viewed from the rear, covers the right side surface of the head pipe when viewed from the right, or covers the left side surface of the head pipe when viewed from the left; and an internal component at least a part of which is disposed between the inner surface of the exterior component and the side surface of the head pipe. a first component support stay located between the exterior component and the head pipe, extending forward from the head pipe in the fore-and-aft direction of the saddle-riding type vehicle, and supporting at least one of the exterior component or the internally disposed component on the head pipe; and a steering motor located between the exterior component and the head pipe, outputting torque to the steering shaft or receiving torque from the steering shaft via a torque transmission mechanism capable of transmitting torque to the steering shaft, wherein the steering motor is disposed at a predetermined distance above an upper end of the left shock absorber, an upper end of the right shock absorber, or above the bracket in the vertical direction of the saddle-riding type vehicle or in the rotational axis direction of the steering shaft, so that a space extending in the left-right direction of the saddle-riding type vehicle is utilized at a position between the steering motor and the bracket in the vertical direction of the saddle-riding type vehicle or in the rotational axis direction of the steering shaft, a first component support stay and a portion of the internally disposed component overlap, as viewed in a left-right direction of the saddle riding type vehicle, between the steering motor and the bracket in a top-bottom direction of the saddle riding type vehicle or in a direction of a rotation axis of the steering shaft.

2. A saddle-ride type vehicle as described in claim 1, wherein the first component support stay is disposed in a position overlapping with the steering motor when viewed in the vertical direction of the saddle-ride type vehicle or in the direction of the rotational axis of the steering shaft.

3. A saddle-ride type vehicle as described in claim 2, further comprising a second component support stay located between the exterior component and the head pipe, extending forward in the longitudinal direction of the saddle-ride type vehicle from the head pipe at least one position to the left or right of the steering motor, and supporting at least one of the exterior component or the internally arranged component against the head pipe, wherein the second component support stay is positioned so as to overlap with the steering motor when viewed in the left-right direction of the saddle-ride type vehicle.

4. A saddle-ride type vehicle as described in claim 1, wherein, when viewed in the vertical direction of the saddle-ride type vehicle or in the direction of the rotational axis of the steering shaft, the first component support stay is disposed in a position offset from the steering motor, and the internally disposed component is disposed in a position overlapping with the steering motor.

5. A saddle-ride type vehicle as claimed in claim 4, further comprising a third component support stay located between the exterior component and the head pipe, extending forward in the longitudinal direction of the saddle-ride type vehicle from the head pipe at least either to the left or right of the steering motor, and supporting at least one of the exterior component or the internally arranged component against the head pipe, the third component support stay being arranged in a position overlapping with the steering motor when viewed in the left-right direction of the saddle-ride type vehicle.

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