Saddle-type vehicle and wiper unit

Abstract

This saddle-type vehicle comprises a camera and a wiper unit. The wiper unit is provided with: a rotary member that is supported so as to be rotated by traveling wind; and a wiping part that is provided to the rotary member and wipes the camera by the rotation of the rotary member.

Description

Saddle-type vehicle and wiper unit

[0001] The present invention relates to a saddle-type vehicle and a wiper unit.

[0002] Vehicles equipped with cameras are known for monitoring and recording the surrounding area of the vehicle or notifying the driver of the presence of road obstacles in the surrounding area from imaging. Water droplets may adhere to the camera depending on the weather. These water droplets may reduce the sharpness of the captured image of the camera. Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 disclose mechanisms for removing water droplets adhering to the camera.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-149256, Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 112884940

[0004] In a saddle-type vehicle, since the degree of freedom in terms of layout and cost is lower than that of other vehicles, it is desirable that the mechanism for removing water droplets and the like does not consume power as much as possible. In addition, since a saddle-type vehicle is exposed to wind and rain, when a camera and a mechanism for removing water droplets and the like are installed in a saddle-type vehicle, a simple configuration is preferably used.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a saddle-type vehicle having a mechanism capable of removing deposits adhering to a camera with a relatively simple configuration.

[0006] [[ID=ID=18]]A saddle-type vehicle (10) comprising a camera (100) and a wiper unit (3), wherein the wiper unit (3) includes a rotating member (310) supported so as to rotate by traveling wind, and a wiping portion (320) provided on the rotating member and configured to wipe the camera (100) by rotation of the rotating member.

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a saddle-type vehicle having a mechanism capable of removing deposits adhering to a camera with a relatively simple configuration.

[0008] Left side view of a saddle-type vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention. Front view and partially enlarged view of the saddle-type vehicle in Figure 1. Cross-sectional view of the housing along line A-A in Figure 2. Explanatory diagram of the inside of the housing showing the cover removed. Perspective view of the cover seen from above. Perspective view of the cover seen from below. Perspective view of the camera and wiper unit. Explanatory diagram of the wiper unit. Front view of the camera and wiper unit. Side view of the camera and wiper unit. Explanatory diagram of the stopper. Front view showing the position of the camera and wiper unit when the side stand is used. Explanatory diagram of the stopper in another configuration example. Perspective view of the camera and wiper unit in another configuration example. Explanatory diagram of the operation of the wiper unit in Figure 14. Explanatory diagram of the operation of the wiper unit in yet another configuration example. Explanatory diagram of another configuration example of the exhaust section. Explanatory diagram of the operation of the wiper unit in yet another configuration example.

[0009] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention as defined in the claims, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential to the invention. Two or more features from the multiple features described in the embodiments may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, identical or similar configurations will be given the same reference numeral, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0010] <First Embodiment> <Vehicle Configuration> Figure 1 is a left side view of a saddle-type vehicle (hereinafter simply referred to as "vehicle") 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 is a front view and a partially enlarged view of the vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 of this embodiment is a scooter-type motorcycle. In each figure, arrow D1 indicates the front-rear direction of the vehicle 10, where F is the front and B is the rear. Arrow D2 indicates the width direction of the vehicle 10, where L is the left side and R is the right side when viewed in the forward direction of the vehicle 10. The D1 and D2 directions are horizontal. Arrow D3 indicates the up-down direction of the vehicle 10, where U is the upper side and D is the lower side.

[0011] Vehicle 10 includes a body frame 11 that forms the skeleton of the vehicle body. The front wheel 13 is attached to the front end of the body frame 11 via left and right front forks 12. A power unit 16 is connected to the lower part of the body frame 11 via a link (not shown), and the rear wheel 17 is attached to the rear end of the power unit 16. Vehicle 10 is equipped with a seat 22 on which the rider sits.

[0012] The vehicle frame 11 comprises a head pipe 24, a down frame 25, a pair of left and right lower frames 26, and a pair of left and right rear frames 27. The head pipe 24 constitutes the front end of the vehicle frame 11. The down frame 25 extends diagonally downward and backward from the head pipe 24. The front ends of the left and right lower frames 26 are connected to the down frame 2, and the left and right lower frames 26 extend rearward. The left and right rear frames 27 extend diagonally upward and rearward from the rear ends of the left and right lower frames 26, respectively. The majority of the vehicle frame 11 is covered by a vehicle cover 31.

[0013] Handlebars 34 are attached to the upper ends of the left and right front forks 12.

[0014] The power unit 16 is connected to the left and right lower frames 26 via links so as to be able to swing up and down. The power unit 16 consists of an engine 36 and a continuously variable transmission 37 integrally mounted at the rear of the engine 36.

[0015] The engine 36 comprises a crankcase 38 and a cylinder section (not shown) extending forward from the crankcase 38. An intake system 42, including an air cleaner 41, is connected to a cylinder head (not shown) located on the cylinder section. A rear wheel 17 is attached to the rear end of the continuously variable transmission 37 via an output shaft 44. A rear cushion unit 46 is provided between the rear end of the continuously variable transmission 37 and the rear of the rear frame 27. Grab rails 81 for passengers to hold onto are attached to the rear of the left and right rear frames 27.

[0016] The vehicle body cover 31 includes a front cover 51, a handle cover 53, a front inner cover 54, a floor step 57, a pair of left and right floor side skirts 58, and a pair of left and right rear side skirts 59. Furthermore, the vehicle body cover 31 includes a center cover 61, a pair of left and right body side covers 62, and a rear center cover 63. The front cover 51 covers the front of the upper part of the front fork 12. The handle cover 53 covers the central part of the handle 34 in the D2 direction. Both ends of the handle 34 are covered by a pair of left and right handle guards 95.

[0017] The front inner cover 54 is positioned behind and below the rear of the front cover 51, covering the front fork 12 from the rear. The front inner cover 54 is also connected to the left and right ends of the front cover 51, covering the rider's legs from the front. The floor step 57 extends downward and rearward from the lower end of the front inner cover 54, forming the rider's footrest. The left and right floor side skirts 58 extend downward from the left and right edges of the floor step 57. The left and right rear side skirts 59 are provided to be continuous with the respective rear ends of the left and right floor side skirts 58.

[0018] The center cover 61 extends from the floor step 57 to below the front end of the seat 22. The left and right body side covers 62 extend from the floor step 56 and the center cover 61, respectively, below the side edges of the seat 22 towards the rear of the vehicle. The rear center cover 63 covers the area between the rear ends of the left and right body side covers 62 behind the seat 22. The front wheel 13 is covered from above by the front fender 65, and the rear wheel 17 is covered from above by the rear fender 66.

[0019] The handle cover 53 is equipped with a headlight 71, a windscreen 72, and a pair of left and right rearview mirrors 73. The front cover 51 comprises a pair of left and right lower covers 85 and an upper cover 87, which constitute the main body of the front cover 51. The front light unit 86 is provided on the front cover 51.

[0020] A main stand 78 is provided at the bottom of the crankcase 38. A side stand 77 is provided on the left lower frame 26. The side stand 77 is provided so as to be able to swing between the upright position shown by the dashed line in Figure 1 and the retracted position shown by the solid line. In the upright position, the side stand 77 supports the vehicle body tilted to the left in the direction D2. At this time, the vehicle 10 is in contact with the ground at three points: the front wheel 13, the rear wheel 17, and the side stand 77.

[0021] Referring to Figure 2, the front cover 51 is provided with a camera 100 and a housing 1 for housing the camera 100. The housing 1 is located below the handle cover 53. The camera 100 captures an image of the area in front of the vehicle 10. The image captured by the camera 100 is used, for example, to assist the rider. For example, if an obstacle is detected in front of the vehicle 10 from the image captured by the camera 100, a warning can be issued to the rider.

[0022] <Storage Section> The structure of the storage section 1 will be explained with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the storage section 1 along the line A-A in Figure 2. The storage section 1 has its bottom and back formed by the upper cover 87, and its top formed by the cover 2. First, the structure of the upper cover 87 will be explained. In addition to Figure 3, please refer to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a view of the storage section 1 from the front and from diagonally above with the cover 2 removed.

[0023] The upper cover 87 has a recessed area 87a for forming the housing 1, which is recessed from the surrounding area. The forming area 87a includes the bottom 870 and the back 871 of the housing 1. The back 871 includes a rear wall portion 871a that is recessed to the rear in the D1 direction. The camera 100 is positioned in front of the rear wall portion 871a, and a space is formed between the camera 100 and the rear wall portion 871a. This space provides a space for the movement of the wind receiving portion 310 of the wiper unit 3, which will be described later.

[0024] Camera 100 is located in the center of vehicle 10 in the D2 direction. Camera 100 has a cylindrical case 101 and a window portion 102 at the front end of case 101. An image sensor and optical system such as a lens are housed inside case 101. The window portion 102 is formed by a lens or a transparent protective cover that protects the lens. The optical axis of the image sensor passes through the window portion 102, and the image sensor captures an image of the area in front of vehicle 10 through the window portion 102.

[0025] The forming region 87a also has engaging portions 872 and 873 for fixing the cover 2 to the upper cover 87. The engaging portion 872 is two engaging holes formed in the back portion 871 spaced apart in the D2 direction. The engaging portion 873 is a screw located in the center of the bottom portion 870 in the D2 direction.

[0026] Refer to Figures 5 and 6 in addition to Figures 3 and 4. Figures 5 and 6 are perspective views of cover 2. Figure 5 is a perspective view of cover 2 seen from diagonally above, and Figure 6 is a perspective view of cover 2 seen from diagonally below.

[0027] The cover 2 has a front wall portion 210 and an upper wall portion 220, and as a whole has an upwardly convex shell shape. The front wall portion 210 has an introduction portion 211 that is located in front of the camera 100 and introduces the airflow generated by the forward movement of the vehicle 10 into the housing portion 1. The introduction portion 211 includes an opening 212 and a plurality of openings 213.

[0028] The opening 212 is formed in the center of the front wall portion 210 in the D2 direction, in front of the camera 100. The opening 212 is formed to introduce airflow into the housing 1 and to prevent the front wall portion 210 from interfering with the camera 100's shooting range (angle of view). Multiple openings 213 are formed in a mesh-like pattern around the opening 212. Airflow flows into the housing 1 through these openings 212 and 213.

[0029] An exhaust section 221 is formed in the upper wall section 220 for exhausting air from inside the housing section 1. The exhaust section 221 includes a plurality of openings 221a. Each opening 221a extends in the D2 direction, and the plurality of openings 221a are arranged in the D1 direction. The plurality of openings 221a are located behind the camera 100 in the D1 direction and above the camera 100 in the D3 direction.

[0030] The arrow AF in Figure 3 indicates an example of airflow within the housing 1. Air introduced from the intake 211 flows rearward in the D1 direction and upward in the D3 direction, and is exhausted outside the housing 1 from the exhaust 221. The exhausted air flows laterally at the rear of the vehicle 10, passing between the front cover 51 and the handle cover 53. This airflow path prevents a decrease in the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle 10 and avoids causing discomfort to the rider due to strong airflow. It also allows for efficient heat dissipation around the camera 100.

[0031] As shown in Figure 6, multiple engaging portions 224 are provided on the lower surface of the upper wall portion 220 of the cover 2. The engaging portions 224 are engaging claws that engage with the engaging portions 872 of the upper cover 87 shown in Figure 4. Two engaging portions 224 are provided spaced apart in the D2 direction, corresponding to the positions of the two engaging portions 872. An engaging portion 225 is provided on the lower surface of the cover 2. The engaging portion 225 is a cylindrical body having an engaging hole that engages with the engaging portion 873. The engaging portion 225 is positioned in the center in the D2 direction, corresponding to the position of the engaging portion 873.

[0032] <Water Droplet Removal Mechanism> Water droplets may adhere to the camera 100 during rainy weather, snowfall, or high humidity. When water droplets adhere to the camera 100, the clarity of the captured image may decrease. In addition to water droplets, dust, mud, insects, etc. may also cover part of the captured image. For this reason, the vehicle 100 of this embodiment is equipped with a mechanism to remove water droplets and other deposits that adhere to the camera 100. Refer to Figures 3, 6, and 7. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the camera 100 and the wiper unit 3 that removes water droplets and other deposits that adhere to the camera 100.

[0033] In Figure 3, the wiper unit 3 is housed in the housing 1. The wiper unit 3 comprises a rotating member 310 and a wiping section 320. The rotating member 310 is supported to rotate by the airflow introduced into the housing 1. In this embodiment, the rotating member 310 is supported on the upper wall 220 of the cover 2 via a shaft member 301. The upper wall 220 is provided with a fitting section 223 that fits with the end of the shaft member 301. The rotating member 310 is supported on the upper wall 220 so as to be suspended via the shaft member 301. Since the wiper unit 3 can be attached and detached together with the cover 2, the maintainability of the wiper unit 3 can be improved. The installation space for the camera 100 and the wiper unit 3 can be reduced in the D1 and D2 directions.

[0034] The shaft member 301 forms the pivot axis in the D3 direction. The rotating member 310 has an annular boss portion 311 through which the shaft member 301 is inserted, and rotates in the D2 direction with the shaft member 301 as the pivot center. The shaft member 301 and the boss portion 311 are located above the camera 100 in the D3 direction and in the center of the camera 100 in the D2 direction.

[0035] The rotating member 310 has a support portion 312 on which a wiping portion 320 is provided. The support portion 312 is an L-shaped portion that extends forward from the boss portion 311 and then extends downward midway. The portion of the support portion 312 that extends forward from the boss portion 311 is located above the camera 100. The wiping portion 320 is supported at the end of the support portion 312. The wiping portion 320 is, for example, a porous material such as a brush or sponge, or a soft blade. The support portion 312 and the wiping portion 320 are arranged so that as the rotating member 310 rotates, the wiping portion 320 moves in an arc to wipe the window portion 102 and remove water droplets adhering to the window portion 102.

[0036] The rotating member 310 also has a wind-receiving portion 313 and an extension portion 314 connecting the wind-receiving portion 313 and the boss portion 311. The extension portion 314 is a beam-like portion that extends radially from the boss portion 311 toward the shaft member 301 and is located above the camera 100. The wind-receiving portion 313 is formed in a flat plate shape that extends rearward and downward from the end of the extension portion 314, and its side surface is a vertical surface. By making the shape of the wind-receiving portion 313 flat, the rotating member 310 can be efficiently rotated by receiving the airflow.

[0037] In this embodiment, the rotating member 310 is a single component in which the boss portion 311, support portion 312, extension portion 314, and wind receiving portion 313 are integrally molded. This reduces the number of parts and the assembly time of the wiper unit 3.

[0038] Next, the configuration of the rotating member 310 and the operation of the wiper unit 3 will be explained with reference to Figures 8 to 10. Figure 8 is a plan view of the wiper unit 3 and camera 100 with the rotating member 310 in a different position. Lines L1 and L2 are imaginary lines passing through the rotation center (axis member 301) of the rotating member 310, with line L1 being an imaginary line extending in the D1 direction and line L2 being an imaginary line extending in the D2 direction. Figure 9 is a front view of the wiper unit 3 and camera 100, and Figure 10 is a side view.

[0039] The state ST81 in Figure 8 and the dashed line in Figure 9 indicate the state in which the rotating member 310 is in the rotation position P1. In this embodiment, the support portion 312 and the wiping portion 320, and the extension portion 314 and the wind receiving portion 313 are spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the shaft member 301, and in plan view, the support portion 312 and the extension portion 314 are not on the same line, but are in a bent positional relationship at the boss portion 311. The range of movement of the wiping portion 320 can be designed by utilizing this bend.

[0040] The support section 312 and the wiping section 320 are located in front of the imaginary line L2 and to the left of the imaginary line L1. The wiping section 320 is located to the left of the window section 102 and is outside the field of view of the camera 100. The extension section 314 and the wind receiving section 313 are located behind the imaginary line L2 and to the right of the imaginary line L1.

[0041] State ST82 of FIG. 8, the solid line in FIG. 9, and FIG. 101 show a state where the rotating member 310 is located at the rotation position P2. The support portion 312 and the wiping portion 320 are located on the front side of the virtual line L2 and on the right side of the virtual line L1. The wiping portion 320 is located on the right side of the window portion 102 and outside the angular field of view of the camera 100. The extending portion 314 and the wind receiving portion 313 are located on the rear side of the virtual line L2. The extending portion 314 is on the virtual line L1, and the wind receiving portion 313 is located on the right side of the virtual line L1.

[0042] When comparing the rotation position P1 and the rotation position P2, the surface direction of the wind receiving portion 313 is close to the direction of the virtual line L2 (D2 direction) at the rotation position P1 and close to the direction of the virtual line L1 (D1 direction) at the rotation position P2. In other words, the projected area of the wind receiving portion 313 with respect to the D2 - D3 plane in the D1 direction, which is the main flow direction of the traveling wind, is larger at the rotation position P than at the rotation position P2. The rotation position P1 is a position where it is easy for the rotating member 310 to rotate in the arrow dr direction when the wind receiving portion 313 receives the traveling wind indicated by the arrow 400. Therefore, during acceleration and traveling of the vehicle 10, the rotating member 310 is likely to rotate from the rotation position P1 to the rotation position P2 due to the action of inertial force and the traveling wind 400, and in this process, the window portion 102 is wiped by the wiping portion 312.

[0043] Also, the wind receiving portion 313 is connected to the boss portion 311 via the extending portion 314 and is located at a position farther from the rotation center (shaft member 301). Even if the amount of the traveling wind is small, a larger rotational force can be applied to the rotating member 310 based on the lever principle.

[0044] On the other hand, when the vehicle 10 decelerates in a state where the rotating member 310 is at the rotation position P2, the rotation of the rotating member 310 in the arrow dl direction is urged by the inertial force indicated by the arrow forty-one in FIG. 8. Therefore, during deceleration of the vehicle 10, the rotating member 310 is likely to rotate from the rotation position P2 to the rotation position P1, and in this process, the window portion <UNK> is wiped by the wiping portion 312.

[0045] In particular, in the case of the present embodiment, among the rotating members 310, the air receiving portion 313 has the largest volume and the heaviest weight. Since the air receiving portion 313 is located behind and to the right of the rotation center (shaft member 301) at the rotation position P2, the inertial force during deceleration of the vehicle 100 due to braking or the like promotes the rotation of the rotating member 310 in the direction of arrow dl. In addition, the relationship between the thickness t1 of the end portion on the side of the shaft member 301 and the thickness t2 of the end portion on the opposite side of the air receiving portion 313 is t1 < t2, and the center of gravity of the air receiving portion 313 is at a position farther from the rotation center of the rotating member 310. The inertial force during deceleration further promotes the rotation of the rotating member 310 in the direction of arrow dl.

[0046] Also, in the rotating member 310 of the present embodiment, the side of the extending portion 314 and the air receiving portion 313 is heavier than the support portion 312 and the wiping portion 320 with respect to the rotation center (shaft member 301). For this reason, when the vehicle 10 is banked to the right, it is likely to be located at the rotation position P1 due to its own weight, and when the vehicle 10 is banked to the left or due to intentional rocking by the occupant, it is likely to be located at the rotation position P2 due to its own weight. Therefore, the rotation of the rotating member 310 occurs due to the turning of the vehicle 10, and the window portion 102 is wiped by the wiping portion 312 in the process.

[0047] Regardless of the rotation position P1 and the rotation position P2, the air receiving portion 313 is located behind the window portion 102 in the D1 direction, so the air receiving portion 313 does not appear in the captured image of the camera 100, and a larger area can be made to easily receive the traveling wind.

[0048] As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the rotating member 310 of the wiper unit 3 is rotated by the traveling wind, the inertial force during deceleration, and its own weight, a drive source is not required. In addition, since the rotating member 310 is rotated by utilizing the traveling wind, the inertial force, or the own weight acting on the rotating member 310 itself, the wiper unit 3 can be configured relatively simply. Therefore, it is possible to provide a saddle-riding type vehicle 10 having a mechanism capable of removing deposits such as water droplets adhering to the camera 100 with a relatively simple configuration.

[0049] The rotation of the rotating member 310 is easily caused by acceleration and deceleration in the D1 direction and swaying in the D2 direction of the vehicle 10, but is insensitive to vertical movement in the D3 direction. In saddle-type vehicles, vertical vibration tends to be greater than in four-wheeled vehicles, but because the rotation of the rotating member 310 is insensitive to vertical movement, it is possible to suppress the wiping part 320 from appearing in the image captured by the camera 100 and causing noise.

[0050] <Second Embodiment> As shown in Figure 11, a stopper may be provided to define the rotation range of the rotating member 310. By restricting the rotation range of the rotating member 310, interference with surrounding vehicle parts can be prevented, and the installation space for the wiper unit 3 can be appropriately designed. State ST111 indicates that the rotating member 310 is in the rotation position P2, and state ST112 indicates that the rotating member 310 is in the rotation position P1.

[0051] The stopper 330 is provided to define the rotation limit of the rotating member 310 in the dr direction. The stopper 330 is formed, for example, as a projection that protrudes downward from the upper wall portion 220 of the cover 2. The stopper 330 restricts further rotation of the rotating member 310 in the dr direction by contacting the extended portion 314 of the rotating member 310.

[0052] Note that the stopper 330 does not restrict the rotation of the rotating member 310 in the dl direction. In addition to the stopper 330, a separate stopper may be provided to restrict the rotation of the rotating member 310 in the dl direction.

[0053] Here, we consider the case where the side stand 77 is used when the vehicle 10 is stopped. When the side stand 77 is swung to the upright position and the vehicle 10 is supported on the ground, the vehicle 10 is supported with the vehicle body tilted to the left in the D2 direction, as described above. At this time, the camera 100 and the wiper unit 3 will also tilt to the left. Since the rotating member 310 is heavier on the side of the extension 314 and the wind receiving part 313 than on the side of the pivot center (axis member 301) than on the support part 312 and the wiping part 312, when the wiper unit 3 tilts to the left, gravity acts on it as shown by arrow 410 in state ST111 in Figure 11, and the rotating member 310 is forced to rotate in the dr direction. The rotating member 310 is positioned at the rotation position P2 by the stopper 330. Figure 12 is a front view of the camera 100 and the wiper unit 3 at this time. In other words, when the vehicle 10 is supported on the ground using the side stand 77, the rotating member 310 remains in the rotated position P2.

[0054] Next, when starting the vehicle 10 from a stationary position, the rider first straightens the vehicle body, which is tilted to the left, and swings the side stand 77 to the retracted position. At this time, as shown by arrow 411 in state ST112 of Figure 11, the rotating member 310 may be subjected to the inertial force generated when the rider straightens the vehicle body. Therefore, the rotating member 310 is biased to rotate in the dl direction, and the rotating member 310 rotates to the rotation position P1. During this rotation, the window portion 102 is wiped by the wiping portion 312.

[0055] Thus, in this embodiment, when the vehicle 10 starts moving from a stationary position, the window portion 102 is wiped at least once to remove any adhering substances such as water droplets. Even if it rains while the vehicle 10 is stationary and water droplets adhere to the window portion 102, they are removed when the vehicle starts moving, allowing the camera 100 to capture clearer images while the vehicle is in motion.

[0056] Figure 13 shows another example of the stopper configuration. The stopper 331 in Figure 13 has an arc shape along the circumferential surface of the boss portion 311. The stopper 331 is formed, for example, as a projection that protrudes downward from the upper wall portion 220 of the cover 2. The stopper 331 is provided to define both the rotation limit in the dr direction and the rotation limit in the dl direction of the rotating member 310. The stopper 331 restricts further rotation of the rotating member 310 in the dl direction by contacting the extended portion 314 of the rotating member 310, and restricts further rotation of the rotating member 310 in the dr direction by contacting the support portion 312.

[0057] In this configuration example as well, when the vehicle 10 is supported on the ground using the side stand 77, gravity acts on the rotating member 310 as indicated by the arrow 410 in state ST131, and it remains in the rotated position P2. Also, when the rider straightens the vehicle body which has been tilted to the left when starting, an inertial force acts on the rotating member 310 as indicated by the arrow 411 in state ST132, causing it to rotate to the rotated position P1. During this rotation process, the window portion 102 is wiped by the wiping portion 312.

[0058] <Third Embodiment> Figure 14 is a perspective view of the camera 100 and wiper unit 3 of this embodiment. As shown, the wind receiving portion may be integrally formed with the support portion 312. The rotating member 310' is provided with a flat wind receiving portion 313'. The wind receiving portion 313' extends laterally from a part of the support portion 312.

[0059] Figure 15 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the third embodiment. State ST151 shows the state in which the rotating member 310' is in the rotation position P11. The surface direction of the wind receiving part 313' is in the D2 direction. The wiping part 320 is located to the right of the window part 102 and is outside the field of view of the camera 100. State ST152 shows the state in which the rotating member 310' is in the rotation position P12. The surface direction of the wind receiving part 313' is closer to the D1 direction than the D2 direction. The wiping part 320 is located to the left of the window part 102 and is outside the field of view of the camera 100.

[0060] The rotation position P11 is a position where the wind receiving portion 313 receives the airflow indicated by arrow 400, making it easy for the rotation member 310' to rotate in the direction of arrow dl. Therefore, during acceleration of the vehicle 10, the rotation member 310 easily rotates from rotation position P11 to rotation position P12, and in the process, the window portion 102 is wiped by the wiping portion 312.

[0061] On the other hand, when the vehicle 10 decelerates while the rotating member 310' is in the rotation position P12, the inertial force indicated by arrow 401 biases the rotating member 310' to rotate in the direction of arrow dr. Therefore, while the vehicle 10 is decelerating, the rotating member 310' is more likely to rotate from the rotation position P12 to the rotation position P11, and in the process, the window portion 102 is wiped by the wiping portion 312.

[0062] As described above, in this embodiment as well, similar to the first embodiment, a saddle-type vehicle 10 equipped with a mechanism capable of removing water droplets and other deposits adhering to the camera 100 with a relatively simple configuration can be provided. The rotating member 310' can be miniaturized, and the wiper unit 3 can be installed in a narrower installation space.

[0063] In the examples shown in Figures 14 and 15, a weight portion may be provided on the rotating member 310' to facilitate the application of inertial force. Figure 16 shows one such example. The rotating member 310' is equipped with a weight portion 315. The weight portion 315 is connected to the boss portion 311 via an extension portion 316. In plan view, the support portion 312 and the extension portion 316 are bent at the boss portion 311 and are not in the same straight line. The weight portion 315 and the extension portion 316 are spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the shaft member 301 relative to the support portion 312 and the wiping portion 320.

[0064] State ST161 indicates that the rotating member 310' is in the rotation position P11. The surface direction of the wind receiving portion 313' is in the D2 direction. The wiping portion 320 is located to the right of the window portion 102 and is outside the field of view of the camera 100. State ST162 indicates that the rotating member 310' is in the rotation position P12. The surface direction of the wind receiving portion 313' is closer to the D1 direction than the D2 direction. The wiping portion 320 is located to the left of the window portion 102 and is outside the field of view of the camera 100.

[0065] When the wind receiving portion 313 receives airflow at the rotation position P11, the rotating member 310' rotates in the direction of arrow dl. Therefore, during acceleration of the vehicle 10, the rotating member 310 easily rotates from the rotation position P11 to the rotation position P12, and in the process, the window portion 102 is wiped by the wiping portion 312.

[0066] On the other hand, when the vehicle 10 decelerates while the rotating member 310' is in the rotation position P12, the rotating member 310' is biased to rotate in the direction of arrow dr by inertial force. Therefore, while the vehicle 10 is decelerating, the rotating member 310' is more likely to rotate from the rotation position P12 to the rotation position P11, and in the process, the window portion 102 is wiped by the wiping portion 312. The weight portion 315 provides a strong bias for rotation of the rotating member 310' due to inertial force during deceleration. Since the weight portion 315 is connected to the boss portion 311 via the extension portion 316, the weight portion 315 can be positioned further away from the rotation center, allowing the inertial force to act more strongly. Such a weight portion can also be provided on the rotating member 310 of the first embodiment.

[0067] <Fourth Embodiment> The exhaust section 221 may be located in a position other than above the camera 100. Figure 17 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the exhaust section, and corresponds to the cross-sectional view in Figure 3. In the first embodiment, the exhaust section 221 was formed on the upper wall portion 220 of the cover 2, but it may also be in the position shown in exhaust section 221A or exhaust section 221B in Figure 17.

[0068] The exhaust section 221A is located behind the camera 100 in the D1 direction, and at least a portion of it is at the same height in the D3 direction. The exhaust section 221A can be formed, for example, on the rear wall portion 871a of the back portion 871 of the forming region 87a of the housing section 1 shown in Figure 4. In the housing section 1, the airflow becomes approximately horizontal, so the resistance to the flow can be reduced.

[0069] The exhaust section 221B is located behind the camera 100 in the D1 direction and below it in the D3 direction. The exhaust section 221B can be formed, for example, at the bottom 870 of the forming area 87a of the housing section 1. In the housing section 1, the airflow is approximately horizontal, so moisture contained in the airflow can be directed downwards towards the vehicle 10.

[0070] <Fifth Embodiment> To maintain the rotating member in a predetermined rotational position, the airflow from the vehicle may be used. Figure 18 is an explanatory diagram (plan view) of the wiper unit 3 of this embodiment. The rotating member 310" has a structure in which the wind receiving portion 313' is removed from the rotating member 310' of the third embodiment. In this embodiment, the rotation of the rotating member 310" is mainly generated by utilizing the inertial force during acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle 100. For this reason, providing the weight portion 315 is advantageous in terms of utilizing the inertial force.

[0071] The wiper unit 3 has stoppers 332 and 333 that define the rotation range of the rotating member 310". The stoppers 332 and 333 are formed, for example, as projections that protrude downward from the upper wall portion 220 of the cover 2. The stopper 332 abuts against the rotating member 310" to define its rotation limit in the dr direction, and the stopper 333 abuts against the rotating member 310" to define its rotation limit in the dl direction.

[0072] State ST181 indicates that the rotating member 310" is in the rotation position P11. The wiping unit 320 is located to the right of the window 102 and is outside the field of view of the camera 100. For example, when the vehicle 10 is traveling at a constant speed, the rotating member 310" is pressed against the stopper 332 by the airflow indicated by the arrow 400, and the rotating member 310" is maintained in the rotation position P11. The state in which the wiping unit 320 is located outside the field of view of the camera 100 is maintained.

[0073] Assume that the vehicle 10 starts moving from a standstill while the rotating member 310" is in the rotation position P11. The inertial force of the vehicle 10's acceleration when starting biases the rotating member 310" to rotate in the dl direction. As a result, the rotating member 310" is positioned in the rotation position P12, as shown in state ST182. The wiping section 320 is located to the left of the window section 102 and is outside the field of view of the camera 100. For example, when the vehicle 10 is traveling at a constant speed, the rotating member 310" is pressed against the stopper 333 by the airflow indicated by the arrow 400, and the rotating member 310" is maintained in the rotation position P12. The state in which the wiping section 320 is located outside the field of view of the camera 100 is maintained.

[0074] Assume that the vehicle 10 decelerates due to braking or the like while the rotating member 310" is in the rotation position P12. The inertial force of the vehicle 10's deceleration biases the rotating member 310" to rotate in the dr direction. As a result, the rotating member 310" returns to the rotation position P11 shown in state ST181.

[0075] In this embodiment, when the vehicle is in motion and water droplets are easily washed away by the airflow, the stoppers 332 and 333 can maintain the wiping unit 320 in a predetermined position, such as outside the field of view of the camera 100. This prevents the wiping unit 320 from appearing in the image captured by the camera 100 and causing noise. Furthermore, by using the inertial force during acceleration and deceleration to rotate the rotating member 310", the wiping unit 320 can remove water droplets when starting from a stationary state where water droplets are likely to adhere.

[0076] In the example shown in Figure 18, the rotating member 310" is configured to be maintained at two rotational positions P11 and P12 by the airflow and stoppers 332 and 333. However, it is also possible to use a single stopper to maintain the rotating member at any one rotational position. Furthermore, although stoppers 332 and 333 are used in this embodiment, it is also possible to adopt a configuration that maintains the rotating member 310" at a predetermined rotational position without using stoppers. For example, by continuously receiving airflow, the rotating member 310" may be pushed to a rotational position outside the field of view of the camera 100, where it is not hit by airflow, and cannot return to a position where it is hit by airflow unless inertial force acts upon it.

[0077] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 18, the rotating member 310" is equipped with a weight portion 315, but the rotating member may not have a configuration specifically designed for utilizing inertial force like the weight portion 315, as long as the rotating member can rotate by utilizing the inertial force during acceleration and deceleration.

[0078] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the intention is not to actively utilize the airflow for the rotation of the rotating member 310", but rather to utilize it to maintain it in a predetermined rotational position. For this reason, a wind-receiving section specifically for receiving airflow is not essential. However, a configuration in which a wind-receiving section is provided on the rotating member 310 is also possible.

[0079] <Other Embodiments> In the above embodiment, the camera 100 is configured to photograph the front of the vehicle 10, but the wiper unit 3 can also be applied to cameras that photograph the sides or rear of the vehicle 10.

[0080] <Summary of Embodiments> The above embodiments disclose saddle-type vehicles that meet at least the following criteria.

[0081] Item 1. A saddle-type vehicle (10) comprising a camera (100) and a wiper unit (3), wherein the wiper unit (3) comprises a rotating member (310) supported to rotate by the airflow while driving, and a wiping section (320) provided on the rotating member for wiping the camera (100) by the rotation of the rotating member. This embodiment provides a saddle-type vehicle equipped with a mechanism capable of removing deposits adhering to the camera with a relatively simple configuration.

[0082] Item 2. A saddle-type vehicle (10) as described in Item 1, wherein the rotating member (310) has a flat wind-receiving portion (313) that receives the airflow while driving. According to this embodiment, the rotational biasing force of the rotating member can be efficiently obtained by the airflow while driving.

[0083] Item 3. A saddle-type vehicle (10) as described in Item 2, wherein the rotating member (310) is provided with a support portion (312) that supports the wiping portion (320), and the wind receiving portion (313) is formed integrally with the support portion (312). According to this embodiment, the rotating member can be made smaller.

[0084] Item 4. A saddle-type vehicle (10) as described in Item 2, wherein the rotating member (310) is provided with a support portion (312) that supports the wiping portion (320), and the wind receiving portion (313) and the support portion (312) are spaced apart in the direction of rotation of the rotating member (310). According to this embodiment, it becomes easier to position the wind receiving portion in a position that is easily exposed to the airflow while driving. Furthermore, it becomes easier to design a vehicle that can avoid the wind receiving portion appearing in the image captured by the camera.

[0085] Item 5. A saddle-type vehicle (10) as described in Item 4, characterized in that the rotating member (310) is heavier on the side of the wind receiving part (313) than on the side of the support part (312) and the wiping part (320) with respect to the rotation center of the rotating member (310). According to this embodiment, the rotation direction of the rotating member can be easily controlled by its own weight.

[0086] Item 6. A saddle-type vehicle (10) according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the camera (100) is arranged to capture an image of the front of the saddle-type vehicle (10), and the axial direction of the pivot axis of the rotating member (310) is in the vertical direction of the saddle-type vehicle (10). According to this embodiment, an image of the front of the saddle-type vehicle can be obtained, and the rotating member can be made less likely to rotate in response to vertical vibrations of the saddle-type vehicle.

[0087] Item 7. A saddle-type vehicle (10) as described in Item 6, characterized in that it is equipped with a stopper (330) that contacts the rotating member (310) and defines the rotation range of the rotating member (310). According to this embodiment, it is easier to define the installation space for the wiper unit, and it is possible to miniaturize it and avoid interference with surrounding vehicle parts.

[0088] Item 8. A saddle-type vehicle (10) as described in Item 7, comprising a side stand (77) that is pivotably provided between an upright position and a retracted position and supports the body of the saddle-type vehicle (10) in a tilted position to the left in the upright position, wherein the rotating member (310) is formed to rotate in a predetermined direction by its own weight when the body is supported by the side stand (77), and the stopper (330) defines the rotation limit of the rotating member (310) in the predetermined direction. According to this embodiment, the rotating member can be rotated at least once between stopping using the side stand and starting to wipe away the water droplets.

[0089] Item 9. A saddle-type vehicle (10) as described in Item 7 or Item 8, characterized in that, at the position where the rotating member (310) contacts the stopper (330), the wiping part (320) is located outside the field of view of the camera (100). According to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the wiping part from appearing in the image captured by the camera.

[0090] Item 10. A saddle-type vehicle (10) according to any one of items 7 to 9, wherein the rotating member (310) has a support portion (312) that supports the wiping portion (320) and an extension portion (314) that extends radially with respect to the rotation center of the rotating member (310), the stopper (330) is in contact with the extension portion (314), and the extension portion (314) and the support portion (312) are spaced apart in the rotation direction of the rotating member (310). This embodiment allows for the restriction of the rotation range of the rotating member with a relatively simple configuration.

[0091] Item 11. A saddle-type vehicle (10) according to any one of items 6 to 10, comprising a housing (1) for housing the camera (100) and the wiper unit (3), wherein the housing (1) has an introduction section (211) for introducing airflow into the housing (1) and an exhaust section (221) for exhausting air from the housing (1), wherein in the front-rear direction of the saddle-type vehicle (10), the introduction section (211) is located in front of the camera (100) and the exhaust section (221) is located behind the camera (100). This embodiment allows for efficient introduction of airflow into the housing and exhaust from the housing.

[0092] Item 12. A saddle-type vehicle (10) as described in Item 11, characterized in that a part of the rotating member (310) is located above the camera (100). According to this embodiment, the installation space between the wiper unit and the camera can be reduced.

[0093] Item 13. A saddle-type vehicle (10) according to either Item 11 or Item 12, characterized in that the rotating member (310) is rotatably supported on the upper wall (220) of the housing (1). According to this embodiment, the installation space between the wiper unit and the camera can be reduced.

[0094] Item 14. A saddle-type vehicle (10) according to any one of items 11 to 13, wherein the housing (1) is formed in the front cover (51), and the exhaust section (221) is located lower than the handle cover (53). This embodiment makes it possible to avoid reducing the aerodynamic performance of the saddle-type vehicle and causing discomfort to the rider due to strong winds blowing on them while riding.

[0095] Item 15. A saddle-type vehicle (10) as described in Item 14, wherein the housing (1) is formed by the main body (87) of the front cover (51) and has a bottom portion (870) on which the camera (100) is supported, and a cover (2) that covers the bottom portion (870) and rotatably supports the rotating member (310). According to this embodiment, the rotating member can be attached and detached together with the cover, and the maintainability of the wiper unit can be improved.

[0096] Item 16. A saddle-type vehicle (10) as described in any one of Items 1 to 15, wherein the rotating member (310) is pivotally supported such that it rotates in a first direction (dr) by the airflow while traveling and rotates in a second direction (dl) opposite to the first direction (dr) by the inertial force due to the deceleration of the saddle-type vehicle (10). According to this embodiment, the rotating member can be rotated in both directions by utilizing the airflow while traveling and the inertial force during deceleration, and the camera can be repeatedly wiped.

[0097] Item 17. A saddle-type vehicle (10) comprising a camera (100) and a wiper unit (3), wherein the wiper unit (3) comprises a pivoted member (310") that is pivoted to rotate by the inertial force due to the acceleration and deceleration of the saddle-type vehicle (10), and a wiping section (320) provided on the pivoted member (310") that wipes away water droplets by the rotation of the pivoted member (310"), and the pivoted member (310") is maintained in a predetermined pivot position by the airflow while driving. According to this embodiment, when driving, when water droplets etc. are easily washed away by the airflow, the wiping section can be maintained in a predetermined position such as outside the camera's field of view. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the wiping section from appearing in the camera's captured image and causing noise. Furthermore, by using the inertial force during acceleration and deceleration to rotate the rotating member, when starting from a stationary state where water droplets or other contaminants are likely to adhere, the wiping unit can remove such contaminants.

[0098] Although embodiments of the invention have been described above, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the invention.

[0099] 10 Saddle-type vehicle, 3 Wiper unit, 100 Camera, 310 Rotating member, 320 Wiping unit

Claims

1. A saddle-type vehicle (10) comprising a camera (100) and a wiper unit (3), wherein the wiper unit (3) comprises a rotating member (310) supported to rotate by the airflow while driving, and a wiping section (320) provided on the rotating member for wiping the camera (100) by the rotation of the rotating member.

2. A saddle-type vehicle (10) according to claim 1, wherein the rotating member (310) has a flat wind-receiving portion (313) that receives the airflow while traveling.

3. A saddle-type vehicle (10) according to claim 2, wherein the rotating member (310) comprises a support portion (312) that supports the wiping portion (320), and the wind receiving portion (313) is formed integrally with the support portion (312).

4. A saddle-type vehicle (10) according to claim 2, wherein the rotating member (310) comprises a support portion (312) that supports the wiping portion (320), and the wind receiving portion (313) and the support portion (312) are spaced apart in the direction of rotation of the rotating member (310).

5. A saddle-type vehicle (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that the rotating member (310) is heavier on the side of the wind receiving portion (313) than on the side of the support portion (312) and the wiping portion (320) with respect to the rotation center of the rotating member (310).

6. A saddle-type vehicle (10) according to claim 1, wherein the camera (100) is arranged to capture an image of the front of the saddle-type vehicle (10), and the axial direction of the pivot axis of the rotating member (310) is in the vertical direction of the saddle-type vehicle (10).

7. A saddle-type vehicle (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that it is provided with a stopper (330) that contacts the rotating member (310) and defines the range of rotation of the rotating member (310).

8. A saddle-type vehicle (10) according to claim 7, comprising a side stand (77) that is pivotably provided between an upright position and a stowed position and supports the body of the saddle-type vehicle (10) in an upright position tilted to the left, wherein the rotating member (310) is formed to rotate in a predetermined direction by its own weight when the body is supported by the side stand (77), and the stopper (330) defines the rotation limit of the rotating member (310) in the predetermined direction.

9. A saddle-type vehicle (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that, at the position where the rotating member (310) contacts the stopper (330), the wiping portion (320) is located outside the field of view of the camera (100).

10. A saddle-type vehicle (10) according to claim 7, wherein the rotating member (310) has a support portion (312) that supports the wiping portion (320) and an extension portion (314) that extends radially with respect to the rotation center of the rotating member (310), the stopper (330) is in contact with the extension portion (314), and the extension portion (314) and the support portion (312) are spaced apart in the rotational direction of the rotating member (310).

11. A saddle-type vehicle (10) according to claim 6, comprising a housing section (1) for housing the camera (100) and the wiper unit (3), wherein the housing section (1) has an introduction section (211) for introducing running air into the housing section (1), and an exhaust section (221) for exhausting air from the housing section (1), wherein in the front-rear direction of the saddle-type vehicle (10), the introduction section (211) is located in front of the camera (100) and the exhaust section (221) is located behind the camera (100).

12. A saddle-type vehicle (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that a part of the rotating member (310) is located above the camera (100).

13. A saddle-type vehicle (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that the rotating member (310) is rotatably supported on the upper wall portion (220) of the housing portion (1).

14. A saddle-type vehicle (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that the housing section (1) is formed in the front cover (51), and the exhaust section (221) is located lower than the handle cover (53).

15. A saddle-type vehicle (10) according to claim 14, wherein the housing (1) is formed by the main body (87) of the front cover (51) and has a bottom (870) on which the camera (100) is supported, and a cover (2) that covers the bottom (870) and rotatably supports the rotating member (310).

16. A saddle-type vehicle (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the rotating member (310) is pivotally supported such that it rotates in a first direction (dr) by the airflow while traveling and rotates in a second direction (dl) opposite to the first direction (dr) by the inertial force due to the deceleration of the saddle-type vehicle (10).

17. A saddle-type vehicle (10) comprising a camera (100) and a wiper unit (3), wherein the wiper unit (3) comprises a pivot member (310) pivotally supported so as to rotate by the inertial force due to the acceleration and deceleration of the saddle-type vehicle (10), and a wiping section (320) provided on the pivot member for wiping the camera (100) by the rotation of the pivot member, and the pivot member is maintained in a predetermined rotation position by the airflow while driving.

18. A wiper unit (3) provided on a saddle-type vehicle (10) equipped with a camera (100), comprising: a rotating member (310) supported to rotate by the airflow while driving; and a wiping section (320) provided on the rotating member for wiping the camera (100) by the rotation of the rotating member.

Images