JP7463612B2 - Saddle type vehicle - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a saddle-ride type vehicle.
This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-040331, filed in Japan on March 12, 2021, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a saddle-type vehicle in which a rib is provided on a rear fender (mudguard cover) (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-233663).
The rib is attached to, for example, the vehicle body frame to reinforce the rear fender.

Japanese Patent No. 6501431

Incidentally, the rear fender has a function of suppressing the scattering of muddy water and the like kicked up by the rear wheel. On the other hand, it would be preferable if the direction of the wind flow could be adjusted by using the ribs of the rear fender (mudguard cover). In other words, it would be preferable if the mudguard cover could efficiently suppress the scattering of muddy water and the like and adjust the direction of the wind flow.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE An object of the present invention is to efficiently suppress scattering of muddy water and the like from a mudguard cover and to efficiently adjust the direction of wind flow in a saddle-ride type vehicle.

As a means for solving the above problem, one aspect of the present invention is a saddle-type vehicle equipped with a mudguard cover (31) that covers a wheel (4) from above, the mudguard cover (31) is equipped with a pair of side walls (31m) extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle on both sides in the vehicle width direction, a plurality of cross rib portions (31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4) extending in the vehicle width direction between the pair of side walls (31m), and a base portion (31k) that covers an installation area (R1) of the pair of side walls (31m) and the plurality of cross rib portions (31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4) from above and causes the pair of side walls (31m) and the plurality of cross rib portions (31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4) to protrude toward the underside (31p), and the plurality of cross rib portions (31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4) are disposed in the front of the vehicle. A gap (61) in the vehicle width direction is provided between each of the pair of side walls (31m) and the vehicle width direction ends of the plurality of cross rib portions (31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4). The plurality of cross rib portions (31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4) extend obliquely downward and forward from a lower surface (31p) of the base portion (31k). The cross rib portions (31w1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4) each comprise a plate-shaped cross rib main body (31w1, 31w2, 31w3, 31w4) extending in the vehicle width direction, and a support portion (31y) extending from the cross rib main body (31w1, 31w2, 31w3, 31w4) to the underside (31p) of the base portion (31k) and independent for each cross rib portion (31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4).

With this configuration, the mudguard cover can be reinforced by the pair of side walls and the cross rib portion. In addition, the installation area of the pair of side walls and the cross rib portion is covered and closed by the base portion, and the pair of side walls and the cross rib portion protrude from the underside of this base portion, which provides the following effects. That is, it is possible to prevent muddy water and the like that is kicked up by the wheels from reaching the top of the mudguard cover. In addition, the side walls and the cross rib portion allow the wind that is kicked up from the wheels to flow outward in the vehicle width direction. This makes it possible to prevent the wind flowing from the front of the vehicle and the wind kicked up by the wheels from colliding with each other.

In addition, the gap between the side wall and the cross rib allows muddy water and other liquids to easily drain through the gap to the front of the fender. In other words, if muddy water or other liquids fall partway down the side wall, there is a possibility that the muddy water or other liquids will splash outside the fender. By allowing the muddy water or other liquids to pass through to the front of the fender and then making it easier to drain, it is possible to prevent the muddy water or other liquids from splashing outside the fender.
In addition, compared to when the cross ribs extend vertically downward, the mudguard cover has a smaller thickness in the vertical direction, which reduces the impact on the vehicle's appearance. In addition, the cross ribs that are inclined diagonally downward and forward above the wheels tend to allow muddy water and other debris adhering to the cross ribs to flow outward in the vehicle width direction due to the forward inclination, compared to when the cross ribs extend vertically. This makes it easier for muddy water and other debris to be discharged from the gap between the side wall and the cross ribs.
In addition, since the cross rib portion is composed of a plate-shaped cross rib body and a support portion, the weight of the mudguard cover can be reduced. In other words, the weight of the cross rib portion can be reduced compared to when the cross rib portion is made into a solid block shape. In addition, the cross rib portion can be configured at a specified angle.

In the above aspect, the vehicle widthwise spacing between the pair of side walls (31m) may be wider toward the front in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction, and the cross rib portions (31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4) may be arranged in a row in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction, and the cross rib portions (31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4) may have a wider vehicle width toward the front in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction.
According to this configuration, the width of the gap between the pair of side walls, which serves as the flow path for the wind drawn by the wheels, becomes wider toward the front of the wheels (downstream in the direction of wheel rotation). This makes it easier for the wind drawn by the wheels to flow outward in the vehicle width direction. In addition, because the base portion on the front side of the wheels is wider, it becomes easier to catch muddy water and the like, and it is possible to effectively prevent muddy water and the like from scattering.

In the above aspect, a separate cover (38) may be provided which is separate from the base portion (31k) and covers the upper surface (31v) of the base portion (31k).
According to this configuration, even if sink marks occur on the upper surface of the base due to the formation of the side walls and cross ribs, etc., the sink marks can be hidden by the separate cover, thereby improving the appearance of the mudguard cover.

In the above aspect, electrical components (52, 53) may be supported on at least one of the mudguard cover (31) and the separate cover (38).
According to this configuration, the wire harness leading to the electrical components can be hidden between the mudguard cover and the separate cover, which protects the wire harness and improves the appearance of the mudguard cover.

In the above aspect, the pair of side walls (31m) and the cross rib portions (31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4) of the mudguard cover (31) may be provided above an air cleaner (109) having an air intake (109a).
This configuration can prevent the wind coming from the front of the vehicle from colliding with the wind stirred up by the wheels. This effect also reduces the impact on the amount of air drawn into the air cleaner. In addition, a configuration with a gap between the side wall of the mudguard cover and the cross rib portion provides the following effect. That is, it makes it easier to send muddy water to the front of the fender, and prevents the muddy water from falling halfway down the side wall. This prevents the muddy water that falls halfway down from reaching the intake port of the air cleaner.

According to the present invention, in a saddle-type vehicle equipped with a mudguard cover that covers the wheels from above, the mudguard cover can be reinforced by the side walls and cross rib portion. The side walls and cross rib portion can also prevent muddy water and other liquids from splashing onto the wheels. The direction of the wind flow behind the fender can also be adjusted.

FIG. 1 is a left side view of a motorcycle according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a rear portion of the motorcycle body. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a rear fender assembly of the motorcycle. FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the rear fender assembly as viewed from below. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the rear fender assembly as viewed obliquely from below. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along a lateral center plane of a rear part of the motorcycle. FIG. FIG. 11 is a left side view of a motorcycle according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the directions of front, rear, left and right are the same as those in the vehicle described below unless otherwise specified. In addition, in the appropriate places in the drawings used in the following description, an arrow FR indicating the front of the vehicle, an arrow LH indicating the left side of the vehicle, and an arrow UP indicating the top of the vehicle are shown.

<Entire vehicle>
Fig. 1 shows a motorcycle 1 as an example of a saddle-ride type vehicle according to this embodiment. The effect of "reducing the effect on the amount of air taken into the air cleaner" in this embodiment will be described in a second embodiment shown in Fig. 7.
The motorcycle 1 includes a front wheel 3 steered by a handlebar 2 and a rear wheel (wheel) 4 driven by a power unit 20. The motorcycle 1 is a saddle-ride type vehicle in which a rider straddles the vehicle body. The motorcycle 1 can swing (bank) the vehicle body in the left-right direction (roll direction) based on the ground contact points of the front and rear wheels 3, 4. The vehicle of the embodiment is a vehicle that turns in a direction in which the vehicle body is banked, like a motorcycle, but is not limited to this. The vehicle of the embodiment may include a vehicle that turns by steering the steering wheel without banking the vehicle body.

The motorcycle 1 includes a steering system 10 including a handlebar 2 and a front wheel 3, and a body frame 5 that forms the skeleton of the motorcycle 1. The steering system 10 is supported for steering by a head pipe 6 at the front end of the body frame 5. The front wheel 3 is supported by the lower ends of a pair of left and right front forks 11 in the steering system 10. The periphery of the body frame 5 is covered by a body cover 12.

The body frame 5 includes a head pipe 6 , a pair of left and right main frames 7 , a pair of left and right pivot frames 8 , a seat frame 14 , and a down frame 15 .
The head pipe 6 supports steering system components 10 to enable steering. The left and right main frames 7 extend diagonally rearward and downward from an upper portion of the head pipe 6. The left and right pivot frames 8 extend downward from the respective rear ends of the left and right main frames 7.

The seat frame 14 comprises a pair of left and right front seat frames 14a and a pair of left and right rear seat frames 14b. The left and right front seat frames 14a extend rearward from the rear portions of the left and right main frames 7. The left and right rear seat frames 14b extend diagonally upward and rearward from the left and right pivot frames 8. The rear ends of the left and right front seat frames 14a are connected midway along the length of the left and right rear seat frames 14b. The down frame 15 extends diagonally downward and rearward from the lower portion of the head pipe 6 below the left and right main frames 7.

A pivot shaft 8a extending in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction) is provided across the left and right pivot frames 8. The front end of a swing arm 18 is supported on the left and right pivot frames 8 via the pivot shaft 8a so that the swing arm 18 can swing up and down. The rear wheel 4 is supported on the rear end of the swing arm 18.

A cushion unit 21 serving as a shock absorber is provided between the body frame 5 and the swing arm 18 .
A fuel tank 17 is supported on the upper parts of the left and right main frames 7. Behind the fuel tank 17, a seat 22 supported by the seat frame 14 is supported.

A power unit 20 of the motorcycle 1 is supported by the left and right pivot frames 8 and the down frame 15. An output shaft of the power unit 20 is connected to the rear wheel 4 via a chain-type transmission mechanism (not shown) so as to be capable of transmitting power.
The power unit 20 integrally includes an engine 34 serving as a prime mover, and a transmission 35 connected to the rear of the engine 34 .

The vehicle body cover 12 is provided with a pair of left and right rear side covers 24 at the rear of the vehicle body, and a rear upper cover 25 that is disposed between the left and right rear side covers 24 and covers the rear periphery of the seat 22. A tail lamp 27 is disposed between the rear ends of the left and right rear side covers 24. A rear fender 31 serving as a mudguard cover is disposed between the left and right rear side covers 24 and above the rear of the rear wheel 4.

<Rear fender>
2 to 4, the rear fender 31 is covered from above by a separate cover assembly 38. The cover assembly 38 is made up of a plurality of covers. The rear fender 31 and the cover assembly 38 constitute a rear fender assembly 41.
2, a vehicle body rear opening 37 that opens downward is provided between the rear portions of the left and right rear side covers 24. The rear fender assembly 41 is provided so as to protrude rearward and downward from the vehicle body rear opening 37.

The rear fender 31 is integrally provided with a front cover 31a arranged substantially horizontally and a rear inclined cover 31b extending diagonally rearward and downward from the rear end of the front cover 31a. The front cover 31a is formed so that its left-right width increases toward the front side. The rear inclined cover 31b is formed so that its left-right width decreases toward the lower side. In the vertical middle part of the rear inclined cover 31b, a license plate attachment part 31c that is wider in the vehicle width direction than other parts is formed. The "middle" used in the embodiment is not limited to the center between both ends of the target, but includes the inner range between both ends of the target. A license plate 51 is attached to the license plate attachment part 31c. A reflector 46 is arranged above the license plate 51.

The rear fender 31 covers an area extending from above to the rear of the rear wheel 4 from the outer periphery side of the rear wheel 4 (see FIG. 1 ).
4, the rear fender 31 includes a pair of side stays (side walls) 31m, a plurality of cross ribs 31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4, and a cover wall (base) 31k. The pair of side stays 31m extend in the front-rear direction of the vehicle on both sides in the vehicle width direction. The plurality of cross ribs 31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4 extend in the vehicle width direction between the pair of side stays 31m. The cover wall 31k covers the installation region R1 of the pair of side stays 31m and the plurality of cross ribs 31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4 from above. The cover wall 31k causes the pair of side stays 31m and the plurality of cross ribs 31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4 to protrude toward the lower surface 31p side.
The installation region R1 of the embodiment is provided from the rear part of the front cover 31a to the upper part of the rear inclined cover 31b. The cover wall 31k of the embodiment is provided across the front cover 31a and the rear inclined cover 31b.

3, the rear fender 31 has a front upper wall 31f on the upper side of the front end of the front cover 31a. The front upper wall 31f has a pair of left and right side walls 31d and a front wall 31e. The pair of left and right side walls 31d rise upward from the left and right ends of the approximately horizontal front end of the front cover 31a. The front wall 31e rises upward from the front end of the front cover 31a and connects the front ends of the left and right side walls 31d. The front upper wall 31f forms a three-dimensional shape at the front end of the front cover 31a and ensures the rigidity of the front end of the rear fender 31. The left and right side walls 31d of the front upper wall 31f are fastened to the fender bracket 48 (see FIG. 6). The fender bracket 48 is provided at the rear end of the seat frame 14.

Referring to Figure 4, a pair of left and right side stays 31m are provided at both ends of the cover wall 31k of the rear fender 31 in the vehicle width direction. The left and right side stays 31m have, for example, a U-shaped cross section that opens upward and extends in the vehicle front-rear direction. The left and right side stays 31m protrude downward from the lower surface 31p of the cover wall 31k.

A plurality of cross rib portions 31n1, 31n2, 31n3, and 31n4 are provided in the vehicle width direction intermediate portion of the cover wall 31k of the rear fender 31. The multiple cross rib portions 31n1, 31n2, 31n3, and 31n4 are arranged at intervals from the rear side to the front side in the order described.

Each cross rib portion 31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4 has a plate-shaped cross rib main body 31w1, 31w2, 31w3, 31w4 extending in the vehicle width direction, and a leg portion (support portion) 31y extending from each cross rib main body 31w1, 31w2, 31w3, 31w4 to the underside 31p of the cover wall 31k.

5 and 6, the cover wall 31k has no openings except for the screw insertion holes, and closes the space between the left and right side stays 31m. The lower surface 31p of the cover wall 31k includes a front lower surface 31q on the front cover 31a side, a rear lower surface 31r on the rear inclined cover 31b side, and a concave lower surface 31s formed by curving concavely between the front cover 31a and the rear inclined cover 31b. The front lower surface 31q and the rear lower surface 31r are provided so as to be continuous via the concave lower surface 31s.

A pair of left and right fastening portions 31h are provided on both left and right sides of a middle portion of the front-rear direction of the front lower surface 31q. The pair of left and right fastening portions 31h are fastened and fixed to a lower portion of the base cover 42 (see FIG. 3).
A fastening portion 31t is provided at the left-right center of the concave lower surface 31s. Like the fastening portion 31h, the fastening portion 31t is fastened and fixed to the lower portion of the base cover 42. Fastening portions 31j are provided on both the left and right sides of the upper portion of the rear lower surface 31r. The fastening portions 31j are fastened and fixed to the hanging portion 42e of the base cover 42.

The rearmost cross rib portion 31n1 has a plate-shaped cross rib body 31w1 that extends diagonally downward and forward from the concave lower surface 31s, and a pair of plate-shaped legs 31y that extend upward from both the left and right ends of the cross rib body 31w1 and are connected to the concave lower surface 31s. The pair of legs 31y extend upward at an angle so as to widen in the vehicle width direction.

Similarly, each cross rib portion 31n2, 31n3, 31n4 includes a plate-shaped cross rib body 31w2, 31w3, 31w4 extending diagonally downward and forward from the front lower surface 31q, and a plurality of plate-shaped legs 31y extending upward from each cross rib body 31w2, 31w3, 31w4 and connected to the front lower surface 31q. The plurality of plate-shaped legs 31y extend upward at an angle so as to widen in the vehicle width direction.
The entire width of the rear end (base end) of each of the cross rib bodies 31w1, 31w2, 31w3, and 31w4 is connected to the lower surface 31p of the cover wall 31k.

The direction of inclination of each leg 31y of each cross rib portion 31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4 changes at the center of the left and right. In other words, each leg 31y of each cross rib portion 31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4 is inclined so as to widen in the vehicle width direction. By setting the inclination of the leg 31y in this way, the rigidity of each cross rib portion 31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4 in the vehicle width direction is ensured.

4, the left and right side stay portions 31m are inclined as follows in the installation region R1: That is, the left and right side stay portions 31m are inclined so that the distance therebetween in the vehicle width direction gradually increases from the rear side to the front side of the front cover 31a.
The cross ribs 31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4 are arranged such that the width in the vehicle width direction of the cross ribs 31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4 increases as the cross ribs are disposed closer to the front. The width in the vehicle width direction of each of the cross ribs 31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4 changes to match the distance between the left and right side stays 31m.

Gaps 61 are provided in the vehicle width direction between the left and right side stay portions 31m and the left and right ends of each of the cross ribs 31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4.
The arrow H1 in the figure is an arrow that sequentially connects the multiple gaps 61 located on one side (left side) of the cover wall 31k in the vehicle width direction from the rear side. As shown by the arrow H1, a one-side passage 62 is formed on one side of the cover wall 31k in the vehicle width direction along the side stay portion 31m on the same side. The arrow H2 in the figure is an arrow that sequentially connects the multiple gaps 61 located on the other side (right side) of the cover wall 31k in the vehicle width direction from the rear side. As shown by the arrow H2, an other-side passage 63 is formed on the other side of the cover wall 31k in the vehicle width direction along the side stay portion 31m on the same side.

The fastening portions 31h are disposed midway through the one-side passage 62 and the other-side passage 63. The left and right fastening portions 31h are provided in pairs on both the left and right sides of the front-rear direction middle portion of the front cover 31a of the rear fender 31. The left and right fastening portions 31h are fastened and fixed to the lower portion of the base cover 42 (see FIG. 3). The fastening portions 31h are formed in a concave shape in the one-side passage 62 and the other-side passage 63.

The rear fender 31 has a turn signal mounting lower portion 31u integrally formed on both the left and right sides of the upper portion of the rear inclined cover 31b. The turn signal mounting lower portion 31u is connected to the inside of the left and right turn signal mounting portions 43b of the upper cover 43 in the vehicle width direction. The turn signal mounting lower portion 31u connects the space 55 of the base cover 42 to the rear turn signal (electrical component) 53. The turn signal mounting lower portion 31u connects the wire harness (not shown) passing through the space 55 to the rear turn signal 53. The wire harness 75 (see FIG. 6) leading to the license lamp (electrical component) 52 is also routed in the space 55 of the base cover 42.

Referring to Figure 3, the cover assembly 38 is constructed by stacking multiple covers on top of the rear fender 31. The cover assembly 38 comprises, in order from the lower side (rear fender 31 side), a base cover 42, an upper cover 43, and a top cover 44 (see Figure 2).

The base cover 42 has fastening parts 42a, 42b on the top and bottom of both the left and right sides of the front end. Each fastening part 42a, 42b is fastened to a fender bracket 48 (see FIG. 6) provided at the rear end of the body frame 5 (see FIG. 1) by a bolt attached from the outside in the vehicle width direction. The base cover 42 supports the rear fender 31 on its lower side, and supports the upper cover 43 and the top cover 44 on its upper side.

The base cover 42 is integrally provided with a front standing portion 42c that stands higher than other portions, a rear extension portion 42d that extends rearward from the rear lower portion of the front standing portion 42c, and a hanging portion 42e that extends downward from the rear end of the rear extension portion 42d. The base cover 42 is formed so that its width increases overall toward the front.

The front upright portion 42c has fastening portions 42a, 42b at the top and bottom on both the left and right sides of the front end portion thereof, which are fastened to the fender bracket 48 (see FIG. 6). The rear extension portion 42d has a recess 42f on the inside in a plan view, which forms a space 55 that is long in the vehicle's fore-and-aft direction. A license lamp 52 is attached to the rear end portion of the rear extension portion 42d. The hanging portion 42e is fastened to the upper portion of the rear inclined cover 31b of the rear fender 31 from the rear and overlaps it. A reflector 46 is attached to the rear surface of the hanging portion 42e. The base cover 42 has fastening portions at appropriate locations from the middle to the rear end in the vehicle's fore-and-aft direction, which fasten and fix the rear fender 31.

The upper cover 43 is generally formed so that its left-right width increases towards the front. The rear end of the upper cover 43 is provided with a license lamp cover portion 43a. The license lamp cover portion 43a protrudes rearward beyond the rear end of the front cover 31a of the rear fender 31. A pair of left and right turn signal mounting portions 43b are provided on both sides of the front part of the license lamp cover portion 43a in the upper cover 43 in the vehicle width direction. The left and right turn signal mounting portions 43b protrude outward in the vehicle width direction from the license lamp cover portion 43a.

The license lamp cover portion 43a covers the license lamp 52 (see FIG. 6) from above. The license lamp 52 illuminates the license plate 51 attached to the license plate attachment portion 31c. The left and right turn signal attachment portions 43b support the bases (the inner ends in the vehicle width direction) of the left and right rear turn signals 53 on the same side.
A pair of left and right extensions 43f are provided on both sides in the vehicle width direction at a portion rearward of the left and right turn signal mounting portions 43b on the upper cover 43. Each extension 43f protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction beyond the left and right ends of the front cover 31a of the rear fender 31.

The upper cover 43 has a plate-shaped raised portion 43c extending diagonally upward and rearward on the inside of the front end in the vehicle width direction. The raised portion 43c covers the rear end of the vehicle body rear opening 37 (see Figure 2). An opening 43d that penetrates the upper cover 43 from top to bottom is formed at the rear lower side of the raised portion 43c. The opening 43d exposes the space 55 of the base cover 42 upward. The opening 43d and the space 55 are covered and closed from above by the top cover 44. The upper cover 43 and the top cover 44 are fastened and fixed to appropriate locations of the base cover 42.

The top cover 44 is formed so that its lateral width increases toward the front. The top cover 44 includes a central portion 44a formed flat on the inner side in the vehicle width direction, and a pair of left and right upper rib portions 44b extending in the vehicle front-rear direction along the left and right side edges on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the central portion 44a. The left and right upper rib portions 44b are provided so as to open outward in the vehicle width direction toward the front.
The top cover 44 covers the front portion of the upper cover 43 (the portion forward of the license lamp cover portion 43a) from above.

FIG. 6 shows a cross section of the rear part of the motorcycle 1 taken along the center plane of the left and right sides of the vehicle body.
The rear ends of the left and right rear seat frames 14b are connected by a cross pipe 71 that extends in the vehicle width direction. A fender bracket 48 is attached to the cross pipe 71. The fender bracket 48 includes an upper bracket 48a that extends upward from the cross pipe 71, and a rear bracket 48b that extends rearward from a lower portion of the upper bracket 48a.

A seat lock device 73 for locking the seat 22 is provided on the upper bracket 48a.
The base cover 42 is appropriately fastened and fixed to the lower bracket 48b. The tail lamp 27 is supported at the rear of the front upright portion 42c of the base cover 42.

A license lamp 52 is attached to the rear end of the base cover 42. A wire harness 75 leading to the license lamp 52 passes through a space 55 provided in the middle of the base cover 42 in the fore-aft direction. Wire harnesses (not shown) leading to the left and right rear blinkers 53 also pass through the space 55. An inner fender 77 that covers the upper part of the front of the rear wheels 4 is connected to the front of the rear fender 31.

The lower surface 31p of the front cover 31a of the rear fender 31 is disposed almost horizontally. The cross rib bodies 31w2, 31w3, and 31w4 of the multiple cross rib portions 31n2, 31n3, and 31n4 are inclined obliquely downward toward the front by an angle θ with respect to the front lower surface 31q. For example, the angle θ is smaller than 45°. The cross rib portion 31n1 on the concave lower surface 31s is inclined as follows in a side view of the vehicle. That is, the cross rib portion 31n1 is inclined obliquely downward toward the front by an angle θ with respect to the tangent of the concave lower surface 31s at the base end position of the cross rib body 31w1, for example. The upper surface 31v of the cover wall 31k provided in the installation area R1 of the rear fender 31 is covered by the cover assembly 38.

Next, the operation of the rear fender 31 will be described with reference to FIGS.
When the motorcycle 1 is traveling, wind caught in the rotation of the rear wheel 4 and mud and water (hereinafter referred to as "muddy water, etc.") kicked up from the road surface flow as shown by arrow A in Fig. 6. That is, the wind, muddy water, etc. first flow toward the rear inclined cover 31b. The wind, muddy water, etc. that hit the rear lower surface 31r then flow diagonally forward and upward along the rear lower surface 31r as shown by arrow B in Fig. 6.

This wind and muddy water then hits the cross rib main body 31w1 of the cross rib portion 31n1 on the inside of the rear fender 31 in the vehicle width direction. The muddy water that hits the cross rib portion 31n1 changes direction and falls diagonally downward and forward along the inclination of the cross rib main body 31w1, as shown by arrow C in Figure 6. Similarly, muddy water that is kicked up by the rear wheel 4 and hits the cross rib portions 31n1, 31n2, 31n3, and 31n4 directly changes direction and falls diagonally downward and forward along the cross rib main bodies 31w1, 31w2, 31w3, and 31w4, as shown by arrows C, D, E, and F in Figure 6.

In the space (tire house) below the rear fender 31, an air flow is generated that is caught up in the rotation of the rear wheel 4. This air flow (wind) is appropriately disturbed by hitting the cross rib main bodies 31w1, 31w2, 31w3, 31w4. This provides the following effects compared to when the underside of the rear fender 31 is flat. That is, the flow speed of the wind caught up in the rotation of the rear wheel 4 is reduced, and the pressure rise in front of the wheel is suppressed. This makes it possible to reduce air resistance and lift action in front of the wheel. It also makes it possible to prevent muddy water and the like from splashing outward in the vehicle width direction.

In the gaps 61 on both sides of the cross rib portion 31n1, some of the muddy water, etc., passes through the one-side passage 62 and the other-side passage 63 together with the wind generated by the rotation of the rear wheel 4 (see FIG. 4). The momentum of the wind and muddy water weakens along the way. As shown by the arrow G in FIG. 6, the wind and muddy water either fall from the top of the rear fender 31 or are received and fall by the inner fender 77 in front of the rear fender 31. At this time, the wind and muddy water move together through the one-side passage 62 and the other-side passage 63. This allows the muddy water, etc., to fall inside the wheel well without scattering around.

Fastening portions 31h are disposed midway through the one-side passage 62 and the other-side passage 63. Each fastening portion 31h is formed in a concave shape to prevent the bolts, etc. from protruding. Therefore, the flow of wind, muddy water, etc. in the one-side passage 62 and the other-side passage 63 is not obstructed.
The distance between the left and right side stays 31m in the vehicle width direction gradually becomes wider from the rear inclined cover 31b toward the front cover 31a. Therefore, when wind flows forward between the left and right side stays 31m, the wind flow speed gradually slows down and the wind flow becomes more likely to become turbulent.

The multiple cross rib portions 31n1, 31n2, 31n3, and 31n4 have a wider width in the vehicle width direction toward the front. This makes it easier to disrupt the wind flow and catch muddy water, etc. In other words, the wind that spreads in the vehicle width direction between the left and right side stay portions 31m hits the cross rib portions 31n1, 31n2, 31n3, and 31n4, which also spread in the vehicle width direction, over a wide area. This makes it easier to disrupt the wind flow. In addition, muddy water, etc., kicked up by the rear wheel 4 is well caught by the cross rib portions 31n1, 31n2, 31n3, and 31n4, which gradually become wider. This makes it possible to effectively suppress the momentum of splashing muddy water, etc.

As described above, the saddle-type vehicle in the above embodiment is a motorcycle 1 equipped with a rear fender 31 that covers the rear wheel 4 from above. The rear fender 31 is equipped with a pair of side stays 31m extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle on both sides in the vehicle width direction, cross ribs 31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4 extending in the vehicle width direction between the pair of side stays 31m, and a cover wall 31k that covers the installation area R1 of the pair of side stays 31m and the cross ribs 31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4 from above. The cover wall 31k has the pair of side stays 31m and the cross ribs 31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4 protruding from the lower surface 31p side.

According to this configuration, the pair of side stays 31m and the cross rib portions 31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4 can reinforce the rear fender 31. In addition, the installation area R1 of the pair of side stays 31m and the cross rib portions 31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4 is covered and closed by the cover wall 31k. The pair of side stays 31m and the cross rib portions 31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4 are protruded from the lower surface 31p of the cover wall 31k. This provides the following effects. That is, it is possible to prevent muddy water, etc., that is stirred up by the rear wheel 4 from reaching above the rear fender 31. In addition, the pair of side stays 31m and the cross rib portions 31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4 can prevent muddy water, etc., from scattering outward in the vehicle width direction and forward (downstream in the wheel rotation direction).
In this way, the side stay portion 31m and the cross rib portions 31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4 serve both to reinforce the rear fender 31 and to prevent the scattering of muddy water, etc. This makes it possible to efficiently achieve both reinforcement of the rear fender 31 and prevention of the scattering of muddy water, etc.

In the saddle-ride type vehicle, a gap 61 is provided in the vehicle width direction between each of the pair of side stays 31m and the vehicle width direction ends of the cross ribs 31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4. This allows the cross ribs 31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4 to appropriately disrupt the flow of air drawn in by the rear wheel 4. This makes it possible to suppress the pressure rise in front of the rear wheel 4, and to suppress air resistance and lift action. In addition, the gap 61 between the side stays 31m and the cross ribs 31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4 allows an appropriate amount of air to flow. This air flow allows muddy water and the like to be discharged forward along the side stays 31m.
In this way, the cross rib portions 31n1, 31n2, 31n3, and 31n4 can suppress the influence of the airflow around the rear wheel 4. In addition, the gaps 61 between the side stay portion 31m and the cross rib portions 31n1, 31n2, 31n3, and 31n4 can facilitate the discharge of muddy water and the like.

In addition, in the above-mentioned saddle-type vehicle, the distance between the pair of side stays 31m in the vehicle width direction becomes wider toward the front in the vehicle front-rear direction. The cross rib parts 31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4 are arranged in a row in the vehicle front-rear direction. The cross rib parts 31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4 have a wider width in the vehicle width direction as they are located closer to the front in the vehicle front-rear direction. The width of the distance between the pair of side stays 31m, which serves as the flow path for the wind caught by the rear wheel 4, becomes wider toward the front side of the rear wheel 4 (downstream side in the wheel rotation direction), which provides the following effects. That is, the flow of the wind caught by the rear wheel 4 is more easily disturbed, and the pressure rise on the front side of the rear wheel 4 can be efficiently suppressed. In addition, since the cover wall 31k on the front side of the rear wheel 4 is wider, it becomes easier to catch muddy water, etc., and the scattering of muddy water, etc. can be effectively suppressed.

In the above-mentioned saddle-ride type vehicle, the cross rib portions 31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4 (specifically, the cross rib main bodies 31w1, 31w2, 31w3, 31w4) extend from the lower surface 31p of the cover wall 31k at an incline obliquely downward and forward. This provides the following advantages compared to a case in which the cross rib portion extends vertically downward. That is, the vertical thickness of the rear fender 31 can be reduced, and the impact on the vehicle appearance can be reduced. In addition, the cross rib portions 31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4 inclined obliquely downward and forward above the rear wheel 4 are likely to collide with wind and muddy water that swirl around the rear wheel 4. This allows for a structure that is easy to disrupt the flow of wind and easy to receive muddy water.

In addition, the saddle-type vehicle is provided with a cover assembly 38 that is separate from the cover wall 31k and covers the upper surface 31v of the cover wall 31k. This improves the appearance of the rear fender 31. That is, even if sink marks occur on the upper surface 31v of the cover wall 31k due to the formation of the side stay portions 31m and the cross rib portions 31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4, etc., the sink marks can be hidden by the separate cover assembly 38.

In addition, in the above-mentioned saddle-ride type vehicle, the rear blinker 53 and the license lamp 52 are supported on at least one of the rear fender 31 and the cover assembly 38. This allows the wire harness 75 leading to the license lamp 52 and the rear blinker 53 to be hidden between the rear fender 31 and the cover assembly 38. This protects the wire harness 75 and improves the appearance of the rear fender 31.

In addition, in the above-mentioned saddle-ride type vehicle, the cross rib portions 31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4 are provided with plate-shaped cross rib bodies 31w1, 31w2, 31w3, 31w4 extending in the vehicle width direction, and legs 31y extending from the cross rib bodies 31w1, 31w2, 31w3, 31w4 to the underside 31p of the cover wall 31k. The cross rib portions 31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4 are composed of the plate-shaped cross rib bodies 31w1, 31w2, 31w3, 31w4 and the legs 31y. Therefore, compared to the case where the cross rib portions 31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4 are solid block-shaped, the following effects are achieved. That is, the weight of the cross rib portions 31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4 can be reduced. In addition, the cross ribs 31n1, 31n2, 31n3, and 31n4 can be configured at a specified angle. This reduces the weight of the rear fender 31 and makes it easier to catch wind, muddy water, and the like that is carried around by the rear wheel.

Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 7 and with reference to FIGS.
This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a rear fender 31 is applied to a motorcycle 101 having a swing-type power unit 105. Other configurations that are the same as those in the above embodiment are given the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

<Entire vehicle>
7 shows a scooter-type motorcycle (saddle-type vehicle) 101 as an example of a vehicle according to the second embodiment. The motorcycle 101 includes a front wheel 103 that is a steering wheel, and a rear wheel 104 that is a drive wheel. The front wheel 103 is supported by a front fork 103a and can be steered by a bar handle 102. The rear wheel 104 is supported by a swing-type power unit 105 and can be driven by the power unit 105. Reference numeral 104a in the figure denotes a rear cushion that supports the rear end of the power unit 105.

Steering system components including the handlebars 102, the front forks 103a, and the front wheel 103 are steerably supported by a head pipe 121a at the front end of a body frame 121. A front portion of the power unit 105 is supported by a lower portion of the body frame 121 so as to be vertically swingable.
The body frame 121 includes a head pipe 121a, a down frame 121b extending downward and rearward from the head pipe 121a, a lower frame 121c extending rearward from a lower end of the down frame 121b, a rear frame 121d extending rearward and upward from a rear end of the lower frame 121c, and a seat frame 121e supported from below by the rear frame 121d. The periphery of the body frame 121 of the motorcycle 101 is covered with a body cover 122. The rear end of the body cover 122 is provided with a rear fender 31 similar to that of the first embodiment.

Between the front wheels 103 and the rear wheels 104, a step floor 106 on which the driver places his/her feet is provided. For example, a pair of step floors 106 are provided on the left and right. A center tunnel 107 is provided between the left and right step floors 106. A front body 114 is provided in front of the step floor 106. A rear body 115 is provided behind the step floor 106. The space above the step floor 106 between the front body 114 and the rear body 115 is used as a straddle space when the driver straddles the vehicle body. The handlebars 102 are disposed above the front body 114. A seat 108 on which the passenger sits is disposed above the rear body 115.

The power unit 105 includes an engine 105a, which is an internal combustion engine, and a transmission device (e.g., a belt-type continuously variable transmission) 105b that transmits the driving force generated by the engine 105a to the rear wheel 104. The transmission device 105b includes a transmission case 105c. The transmission case 105c extends rearward from one side (left side) of the crankcase of the engine 105a in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction). An air cleaner 109 of the engine intake system is disposed above the transmission case 105c. The air cleaner 109 is disposed so that its rear portion overlaps with the upper front portion of the rear wheel 104 in a side view of the vehicle. The air cleaner 109 is disposed in front of and below the rear fender 31. The air cleaner 109 includes an intake port 109a that draws in outside air.

4 and 6, the operation of the motorcycle 101 during running is the same as that of the first embodiment. That is, wind caught in the rotation of the rear wheel 104 and muddy water kicked up from the road surface hit the cross rib main bodies 31w1, 31w2, 31w3, and 31w4 and fall diagonally downward and forward. The intake port 109a of the air cleaner 109 opens toward the rear of the vehicle, for example, in an area overlapping with the disc brake of the rear wheel 104 in a side view of the vehicle. The intake port 109a is disposed inside the exterior cover. If muddy water falls in the middle of the side stay portion 31m, the muddy water may reach the intake port 109a.

In the space (tire house) below the rear fender 31, an air flow (wind) is generated that is caught up in the rotation of the rear wheel 104. This wind hits the cross rib bodies 31w1, 31w2, 31w3, and 31w4 and flows diagonally downward and forward. Alternatively, the wind flows outward in the vehicle width direction along the cross rib bodies 31w1, 31w2, 31w3, and 31w4. This reduces the amount of wind that reaches the front of the fender (above and in front of the rear wheel 104).

The wind from the front of the vehicle enters the wheel well. The air intake 109a of the air cleaner 109 is designed to easily take in the wind from the wheel well. If the wind drawn in by the rear wheel 104 collides with the wind, it may affect the amount of air intake by the air cleaner 109. Therefore, the cross rib main bodies 31w1, 31w2, 31w3, and 31w4 reduce the wind drawn in up to the front of the fender, thereby achieving the following effects. That is, the effect on the amount of air intake by the air cleaner 109 can be suppressed. In addition, the intrusion of muddy water and the like that flows along with the drawn in wind into the air intake 109a can be suppressed.

As described above, the saddle-type vehicle (motorcycle 101) in the second embodiment also has a rear fender 31 similar to that in the first embodiment. This makes it difficult for muddy water and other liquids kicked up by the rear wheel 104 to reach above the rear fender 31. In addition, the side stay portion 31m and the cross rib portions 31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4 allow wind kicked up from the rear wheel 104 to flow outward in the vehicle width direction. This makes it possible to prevent collision between wind flowing from the front of the vehicle and wind kicked up by the rear wheel 104.

In addition, in the saddle-ride type vehicle of the second embodiment, a gap 61 in the vehicle width direction is provided between each of the pair of side stay portions 31m and the vehicle width direction ends of the cross rib portions 31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4. This makes it easier for muddy water and the like to be discharged through the gap to the front of the fender. In other words, if muddy water or the like falls halfway down the side stay portion 31m, there is a possibility that the muddy water or the like will splash outside the fender. In response to this, by allowing the muddy water or the like to pass to the front of the fender and then making it easier to drain, it is possible to prevent the muddy water or the like from splashing outside the fender.

In addition, in the saddle-type vehicle of the second embodiment, the distance between the pair of side stays 31m in the vehicle width direction becomes wider toward the front side in the vehicle front-rear direction. The cross rib portions 31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4 are arranged in a row in the vehicle front-rear direction. The cross rib portions 31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4 have a wider width in the vehicle width direction as they are located closer to the front side in the vehicle front-rear direction. The width of the distance between the pair of side stays 31m, which serves as a flow path for the wind caught by the rear wheel 104, becomes wider toward the front side of the rear wheel 104 (downstream side in the wheel rotation direction), thereby achieving the following effects. That is, the flow of the wind caught by the rear wheel 104 can be easily caused to flow outward in the vehicle width direction. In addition, since the cover wall 31k on the front side of the rear wheel 104 is wider, it becomes easier to catch muddy water, etc., and the scattering of muddy water, etc. can be effectively suppressed.

In the second embodiment of the saddle-type vehicle, the cross rib portions 31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4 (specifically, the cross rib bodies 31w1, 31w2, 31w3, 31w4) extend from the lower surface 31p of the cover wall 31k at an incline obliquely downward and forward. This provides the following advantages compared to when the cross rib portions 31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4 extend vertically downward. That is, the thickness of the rear fender 31 in the vertical direction can be reduced, and the impact on the vehicle appearance can be reduced. In addition, the cross rib portions 31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4 inclined obliquely downward and forward above the rear wheel 104 make it easier for muddy water adhering to the cross rib portions 31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4 to flow outward in the vehicle width direction due to the forward inclination, compared to when they extend vertically. This makes it easier for muddy water and the like to be channeled through the gaps between the side stay portions 31m and the cross rib portions 31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4.

In addition, the saddle-ride type vehicle of the second embodiment is provided with a cover assembly 38 that is separate from the cover wall 31k and covers the upper surface 31v of the cover wall 31k. This improves the appearance of the rear fender 31. That is, even if sink marks occur on the upper surface 31v of the cover wall 31k due to the formation of the side stay portions 31m and the cross rib portions 31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4, etc., the separate cover assembly 38 can hide the sink marks.

In addition, in the saddle-ride type vehicle of the second embodiment, the rear blinker 53 and the license lamp 52 are supported on at least one of the rear fender 31 and the cover assembly 38. This allows the wire harness 75 leading to the license lamp 52 and the rear blinker 53 to be hidden between the rear fender 31 and the cover assembly 38. This protects the wire harness 75 and improves the appearance of the rear fender 31.

In addition, in the saddle-ride type vehicle of the second embodiment, the cross rib portions 31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4 are provided with plate-shaped cross rib bodies 31w1, 31w2, 31w3, 31w4 extending in the vehicle width direction, and legs 31y extending from the cross rib bodies 31w1, 31w2, 31w3, 31w4 to the underside 31p of the cover wall 31k. The cross rib portions 31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4 are composed of the plate-shaped cross rib bodies 31w1, 31w2, 31w3, 31w4 and the legs 31y. Therefore, compared to the case where the cross rib portions 31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4 are solid block-shaped, the following effects are achieved. That is, the weight of the cross rib portions 31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4 can be reduced. In addition, the cross ribs 31n1, 31n2, 31n3, and 31n4 can be configured at a specified angle, thereby making it possible to reduce the weight of the rear fender 31.

In addition, in the saddle-type vehicle of the second embodiment, a pair of side stays 31m and cross rib portions 31n1, 31n2, 31n3, and 31n4 of the rear fender 31 are provided above the air cleaner 109 having the intake port 109a. This prevents the wind flowing from the front of the vehicle from colliding with the wind stirred up by the rear wheel 104. This effect reduces the impact on the amount of air taken into the air cleaner 109. In addition, if there is a gap 61 between the side stays 31m and the cross rib portions 31n1, 31n2, 31n3, and 31n4 of the rear fender 31, the following effect is achieved. That is, muddy water and the like is easily sent to the front of the fender, and muddy water and the like is prevented from falling halfway down the side stays 31m. Therefore, it is possible to prevent muddy water and the like that falls halfway down from reaching the intake port 109a of the air cleaner 109.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the side stay portion 31m of the rear fender 31 has a U-shaped cross section that opens upward and extends in the front-rear direction of the vehicle, but is not limited to this. For example, the side stay portion 31m may simply be a plate (wall) that stands downward from both sides of the cover wall 31k.
Although the multiple cross rib portions 31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4 are configured to have a gap 61 between them and the pair of side stay portions 31m, this is not limited thereto. For example, the multiple cross rib portions 31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4 may be configured to extend across the pair of side stay portions 31m (connected to the pair of side stay portions 31m). In addition, the multiple cross rib portions 31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4 are configured to have all of their base ends connected to the cover wall 31k, this is not limited thereto. For example, the multiple cross rib portions 31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4 may be configured to have at least a portion of their base ends separated from the cover wall 31k to allow air to flow.

The saddle-type vehicle includes all vehicles on which a rider straddles the vehicle body, including not only motorcycles (including motorized bicycles and scooter-type vehicles), but also three-wheeled vehicles (including vehicles with one front wheel and two rear wheels, as well as vehicles with two front wheels and one rear wheel) or four-wheeled vehicles. It also includes vehicles that include an electric motor as a prime mover.
The configurations in the above-described embodiments are merely examples of the present invention, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the present invention, such as replacing the components of the embodiments with well-known components.

1,101 Motorcycles (saddle-type vehicles)
4,104 Rear wheels (wheels)
31 Rear fender (mudguard cover)
31k Cover wall (base part)
31m Side stay section (side wall)
31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4 Cross rib portion 31p Lower surface 31v Upper surface 31w1, 31w2, 31w3, 31w4 Cross rib body 31y Leg portion (support portion)
38 Cover assembly (separate cover)
52 License lamp (electrical parts)
53 Rear turn signal (electrical parts)
61 Gap R1 Installation area

Claims (8)

A saddle-type vehicle equipped with a mudguard cover (31) that covers a wheel (4) from above,
The mudguard cover (31) is
A pair of side walls (31 m) extending in a front-rear direction of the vehicle on both sides in the vehicle width direction;
A plurality of cross rib portions (31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4) extending in the vehicle width direction between the pair of side walls (31m);
a base portion (31k) that covers an installation region (R1) of the pair of side walls (31m) and the plurality of cross rib portions (31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4) from above and causes the pair of side walls (31m) and the plurality of cross rib portions (31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4) to protrude toward a lower surface (31p),
The multiple cross rib portions (31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4) are aligned in the vehicle front-rear direction,
A gap (61) in the vehicle width direction is provided between each of the pair of side walls (31m) and the vehicle width direction ends of the multiple cross rib portions (31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4),
The plurality of cross rib portions (31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4) extend obliquely downward and forward from the lower surface (31p) of the base portion (31k),
The plurality of cross rib portions (31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4) are
A plate-shaped cross rib body (31w1, 31w2, 31w3, 31w4) extending in the vehicle width direction;
a support portion (31y) extending from the cross rib main body (31w1, 31w2, 31w3, 31w4) to a lower surface (31p) of the base portion (31k) and independent for each cross rib portion (31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4), (delete) The distance between the pair of side walls (31 m) in the vehicle width direction becomes wider toward the front side in the vehicle front-rear direction,
The cross rib portions (31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4) are provided in a plurality of rows in the vehicle front-rear direction,
2. The saddle-ride type vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the cross rib portions (31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4) have a width in the vehicle width direction that is wider as they are positioned closer to the front in the vehicle longitudinal direction. (delete) 4. The saddle-ride type vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising a separate cover (38) separate from the base portion (31k) and covering an upper surface (31v) of the base portion (31k). 6. The saddle-ride type vehicle according to claim 5, wherein electrical components (52, 53) are supported on at least one of the mudguard cover (31) and the separate cover (38). (delete) 7. The saddle-type vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the pair of side walls (31m) and the cross rib portions (31n1, 31n2, 31n3, 31n4) of the mudguard cover (31) are provided above an air cleaner (109) having an air intake (109a).

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