Patent Description:
Some straddled vehicles are provided with a footboard on which the rider's foot is placed. For example, the motorcycle disclosed in <CIT> includes a footboard extending in the vehicle width direction. The footboard is positioned adjacent to the cover under the seat. The engine is disposed in the cover under the seat.

In order to improve rider comfort, it is desirable that the footboard have a large footrest space. However, if the footboard is enlarged in order to provide a large footrest space on the footboard, the size of the vehicle will increase. For example, if the entire footboard is enlarged in the vehicle width direction in order to increase the footrest space in the vehicle width direction, the rider's foot grounding performance is reduced when the foot touches the ground.

On the other hand, by reducing the width of the cover under the seat, a large footrest space can be provided in the vehicle width direction on the footboard. However, when the engine is disposed inside the cover, it is necessary to provide a space for arranging the engine inside the cover, so it is not easy to reduce the width of the cover. An object of the present invention is to provide straddled vehicle having a large footrest space on a footboard while suppressing deterioration of foot grounding in a straddled vehicle in which an engine is disposed in a cover under a seat. According to the present invention said object is solved by straddled vehicle having the features of independent claim <NUM>. Preferred embodiments are laid down in the dependent claims.

A straddled vehicle according to an aspect of the embodiment includes a seat, a cover, an engine, and a footboard. The cover is disposed below the seat. The engine is disposed in the cover. The footboard is disposed in front of the cover. The cover includes a first side surface extending upwardly from the footboard. The first side surface includes a first recess. The first recess is disposed adjacent to the footboard. The first recess is recessed laterally inward of the cover. The first recess overlaps the engine as seen in a vehicle side view.

In the straddled vehicle according to the present aspect, the cover under the seat is provided with the first recess. The first recess is disposed adjacent to the footboard on the first side surface of the cover and has a shape recessed laterally inward of the cover. Therefore, the footrest space on the footboard is expanded while suppressing the deterioration of the foot grounding ability. Further, the width of the cover is partially narrowed by the first recess, instead of narrowing the width of the entire cover. Therefore, a space for arranging the engine is provided in the cover.

The first side surface includes a first lower edge. The first lower edge is inclined forward and laterally inward. The footboard includes a first flat surface. The first flat surface extends forward from the laterally outside of the first lower edge. The first recess is disposed adjacent to the first flat surface. Accordingly, the area of the first flat surface for placing the rider's foot is enlarged by the first recess.

The first recess is provided to fit a heel of a rider's shoe resting on the first flat surface. In this case, by making the first recess as small as possible, a large space inside the cover is provided.

The first side surface may include a first side panel and a second side panel. The second side panel may be provided separately from the first side panel. The second side panel may be attached to the first side panel. In this case, since the first side surface is formed of a plurality of panels, the degree of freedom in designing the cover is improved. On the other hand, when the first side surface is formed of a plurality of panels, the width of the first side surface becomes large, but the first recess provides a footrest space.

The first side surface may include a bulging portion. The bulging portion may be disposed above the first recess. The bulging portion may have a shape that bulges laterally outward. In this case, when the foot is placed on the first recess, the foot of the rider is stably supported by bringing the foot into contact with the bulging portion.

The cover includes a second side surface. The second side surface is located opposite to the first side surface. The second side surface extends upward from the footboard. The second side surface includes a second recess. The second recess is disposed adjacent to the footboard. The second recess is recessed laterally inward of the cover. The second recess overlaps the engine as seen in the vehicle side view. Accordingly, the footrest space on the footboard is enlarged by the second recess while suppressing deterioration of the foot grounding ability. Also, a space for arranging the engine is provided in the cover.

The second side surface includes a second lower edge. The second lower edge is inclined forward and laterally inward. The footboard includes a second flat surface. The second flat surface extends forward from the laterally outside of the second lower edge. The second recess is disposed adjacent to the second flat surface. Accordingly, the area of the second flat surface for placing the rider's foot is enlarged by the second recess.

The footboard may have a flat shape across the vehicle width direction. In this case, the footrest space on the footboard is enlarged.

The maximum width of the footboard may be <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less. The maximum width of the footboard may be <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less. The straddled vehicle may have a wheelbase of <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less. The straddled vehicle may have a wheelbase of <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less. In this case, the footrest space on the footboard is increased in a small straddled vehicle.

The height of the first recess may be <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less. The height of the first recess may be <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less. In this case, the first recess is provided to fit the heel of the rider's shoe. Accordingly, by making the first recess as small as possible, a large space inside the cover can be provided.

The depth of the first recess may be <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less. The depth of the first recess may be <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less. In this case, the space for placing the foot on the footboard is increased, and interference with the engine inside the cover is suppressed.

A straddled vehicle according to an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. <FIG> is a side view of a straddled vehicle <NUM> according to an embodiment. <FIG> is a top view of the straddled vehicle <NUM>. The straddled vehicle <NUM> according to the present embodiment is a scooter. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the straddled vehicle <NUM> includes a vehicle body <NUM>, a power unit <NUM>, a front wheel <NUM>, a front fork <NUM>, a handle <NUM>, and a rear wheel <NUM>.

The power unit <NUM> is supported by the vehicle body <NUM>. The power unit <NUM> includes an engine <NUM> and a transmission <NUM>. The rear wheel <NUM> is rotatably supported by the power unit <NUM>. The front wheel <NUM> is rotatably supported by the front fork <NUM>. The handle <NUM> is connected to the front fork <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the wheelbase L1 of the straddled vehicle <NUM> may be <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less. The wheelbase L1 of the straddled vehicle <NUM> may be <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less. The wheelbase L1 extends in the vehicle front-rear direction of the straddled vehicle <NUM> according to a rider sitting on the seat <NUM> with view in forward direction. A vertical direction of the straddled vehicle perpendicular to the vehicle front-rear direction and the width direction of the straddled vehicle <NUM> referrers to the vehicle up-down direction. The width direction coincides with the vehicle left-right direction.

The vehicle body <NUM> includes a front cover <NUM>, a leg shield <NUM>, a footboard <NUM>, a rear cover <NUM>, and a seat <NUM>. The front cover <NUM> is disposed above the front wheel <NUM>. The leg shield <NUM> is disposed behind the front cover <NUM>. The seat <NUM> is disposed behind the leg shield <NUM>. The rear cover <NUM> is disposed below the seat <NUM>.

The footboard <NUM> is disposed in front of the rear cover <NUM>. The footboard <NUM> is disposed between the leg shield <NUM> and the rear cover <NUM>. The footboard <NUM> has a flat shape extending in the vehicle width direction. As shown in <FIG>, the width of the footboard <NUM> is greatest at the rear of the footboard <NUM>. The maximum width W1 of the footboard <NUM> may be <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less. The maximum width W1 of the footboard <NUM> may be <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less.

<FIG> is an enlarged side view of the straddled vehicle <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, a part of the engine <NUM> is disposed inside the rear cover <NUM>. Specifically, the engine <NUM> includes a cylinder head <NUM>. The cylinder head <NUM> is disposed in the rear cover <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the rear portion of the straddled vehicle <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the rear cover <NUM> includes a center surface <NUM>, a first side surface <NUM>, and a second side surface <NUM>. The center surface <NUM>, the first side surface <NUM>, and the second side surface <NUM> extend upward from the footboard <NUM>. The center surface <NUM> is disposed in the center of the vehicle body <NUM> in the left-right direction. The center surface <NUM> is disposed between the first side surface <NUM> and the second side surface <NUM>.

The first side surface <NUM> is disposed on one side of the center surface <NUM> in the left-right direction. The second side surface <NUM> is disposed on the other side of the center surface <NUM> in the left-right direction. The second side surface <NUM> is located opposite the first side surface <NUM>. The first side surface <NUM> extends laterally outward and rearward from the center surface <NUM>. The second side surface <NUM> extends laterally outward and rearward from the center surface <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the first side surface <NUM> is disposed to the left of the center surface <NUM> and the second side surface <NUM> is disposed to the right of the center surface <NUM>. However, the first side surface <NUM> and the second side surface <NUM> may be disposed opposite to the above.

As shown in <FIG>, the first side surface <NUM> overlaps a portion of the engine <NUM> as seen in the vehicle side view. Specifically, the first side surface <NUM> overlaps the cylinder head <NUM> as seen in the vehicle side view. The second side surface <NUM> is disposed symmetrically with the first side surface <NUM>. As with the first side surface <NUM>, the second side surface <NUM> overlaps the cylinder head <NUM> as seen in the vehicle side view.

As shown in <FIG>, the first side surface <NUM> includes a first lower edge <NUM>. The first lower edge <NUM> is inclined forward and laterally inward. The second side surface <NUM> includes a second lower edge <NUM>. The second lower edge <NUM> is inclined forward and laterally inward. The first side surface <NUM> and the second side surface <NUM> are tapered forward. The center surface <NUM> includes a central lower edge <NUM>. The central lower edge <NUM> is disposed between the first lower edge <NUM> and the second lower edge <NUM>.

<FIG> is a top view showing the vicinity of the footboard <NUM> and the rear cover <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the footboard <NUM> includes a first flat surface <NUM> and a second flat surface <NUM>. The first flat surface <NUM> extends forward from the laterally outside of the first lower edge <NUM>. The first flat surface <NUM> is a portion of the footboard <NUM> located to the leftward of the first lower edge <NUM> and rearward of the front end of the central lower edge <NUM>. The first flat surface <NUM> has a shape that tapers rearward. The second flat surface <NUM> extends forward from the laterally outside of the second lower edge <NUM>. The second flat surface <NUM> is a portion of the footboard <NUM> located rightward of the second lower edge <NUM> and rearward of the front end of the central lower edge <NUM>. The second flat surface <NUM> has a shape that tapers rearward.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the rear cover <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the first side surface <NUM> includes a first side panel <NUM> and a second side panel <NUM>. The first side panel <NUM> is disposed below the second side panel <NUM>. The first side panel <NUM> is disposed adjacent to the footboard <NUM>.

The second side panel <NUM> is provided separately from the first side panel <NUM>. The second side panel <NUM> is attached to the first side panel <NUM>. The first side panel <NUM> and the second side panel <NUM> each include, for example, a hole and a protrusion that engages with the hole, and are connected to each other by engaging with each other.

The second side surface <NUM> includes a third side panel <NUM> and a fourth side panel <NUM>. The third side panel <NUM> is disposed below the fourth side panel <NUM>. The third side panel <NUM> is disposed adjacent to the footboard <NUM>. The fourth side panel <NUM> is provided separately from the third side panel <NUM>. The fourth side panel <NUM> is attached to the third side panel <NUM>.

The third side panel <NUM> and the fourth side panel <NUM> each include, for example, a hole and a protrusion that engages with the hole, and are connected to each other by engaging with each other. The first to fourth side panels <NUM>-<NUM> are each provided separately from the center surface <NUM>. The first to fourth side panels <NUM>-<NUM> and the center surface <NUM>, for example, each include a hole and a projection that engages the hole, which engage with each other to allow the first to fourth side panels <NUM>-<NUM> is connected to the center surface <NUM>.

The first side surface <NUM> includes a first recess <NUM>. The first recess <NUM> has a shape recessed laterally inward of the rear cover <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the first recess <NUM> overlaps the engine <NUM> as seen in the vehicle side view. Specifically, the first recess <NUM> overlaps the cylinder head <NUM> as seen in the vehicle side view. The first recess <NUM> is provided in the first side panel <NUM>. The first recess <NUM> is disposed adjacent to the first flat surface <NUM>. The first recess <NUM> extends upward from the first flat surface <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the first recess <NUM> is disposed behind the front end <NUM> of the seat <NUM> as seen in the vehicle side view. As seen in the vehicle side view, the first recess <NUM> is disposed forward of the rear end <NUM> of the first flat surface <NUM>. The first recess <NUM> has an upwardly curved shape. The first recess <NUM> has a shape whose height increases toward the rear. The first recess <NUM> is disposed below the upper end <NUM> of the cylinder head <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the first recess <NUM> extends forward and laterally inward along the first lower edge <NUM>. The first recess <NUM> has a shape whose depth increases toward the rear.

<FIG> is an enlarged side view of the first recess <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the height H1 of the first recess <NUM> may be <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less. The height H1 of the first recess <NUM> may be <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less. It should be noted that the height H1 of the first recess <NUM> means the height of the highest position in the first recess <NUM> from the first flat surface <NUM>.

As seen in the vehicle side view, the length L2 of the first recess <NUM> in the front-rear direction may be <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less. As seen in the vehicle side view, the length L2 of the first recess <NUM> in the front-rear direction may be <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less.

<FIG> is an enlarged top view of the first recess <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the depth D1 of the first recess <NUM> may be <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less. The depth D1 of the first recess <NUM> may be <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less. The depth D1 of the first recess <NUM> means the depth of the position of the first recess <NUM> that is most recessed laterally inward from the first side surface <NUM>.

The second side surface <NUM> includes a second recess <NUM>. The second recess <NUM> has a shape recessed laterally inward of the rear cover <NUM>. The second recess <NUM> overlaps the engine <NUM> as seen in the vehicle side view. The second recess <NUM> is disposed adjacent to the second flat surface <NUM>. The second recess <NUM> is provided symmetrically with the first recess <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the first side surface <NUM> includes a first bulging portion <NUM>. The first bulging portion <NUM> is disposed above the first recess <NUM>. The first bulging portion <NUM> has a shape that bulges laterally outward. The second side surface <NUM> includes a second bulging portion <NUM>. The second bulging portion <NUM> is disposed above the second recess <NUM>. The second bulging portion <NUM> has a shape that bulges laterally outward.

In the straddled vehicle <NUM> according to the present embodiment, the rear cover <NUM> under the seat <NUM> is provided with the first recess <NUM>. The first recess <NUM> is disposed adjacent to the footboard <NUM> on the first side surface <NUM> of the cover and has a shape recessed laterally inward of the rear cover <NUM>. Therefore, the footrest space is enlarged in the footboard <NUM> while suppressing the deterioration of the foot grounding ability. Further, the width of the rear cover <NUM> is partially narrowed by the first recess <NUM> instead of narrowing the width of the entire rear cover <NUM>. Therefore, a space for arranging the engine <NUM> is provided inside the rear cover <NUM>.

<FIG> is a top view showing the position of the rider's shoes <NUM>, <NUM> placed on the footboard <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the first recess <NUM> is provided to fit the heel of the rider's shoe <NUM> placed on the first flat surface <NUM>. A rider can place the shoe <NUM> on the first flat surface <NUM> with a portion of the sole of the shoe <NUM> resting in the first recess <NUM>. Therefore, the footrest space on the lateral side of the rear cover <NUM> on the footboard <NUM> is increased as compared with the case where the first recess <NUM> is not provided. Further, by making the first recess <NUM> as small as possible, a large space inside the rear cover <NUM> can be provided. For the second recess <NUM> as well, the same effects as those for the first recess <NUM> are obtained.

An embodiment has been described as a scooter, but may be another vehicle.

The shape of the footboard <NUM> is not limited to that of the above embodiment, and may be changed. For example, the footboard <NUM> may have a shape in which the central portion in the left-right direction protrudes upward. The shape of the rear cover <NUM> is not limited to that of the above embodiment, and may be changed. For example, the shape of the first side surface <NUM> may be changed. The first side surface <NUM> may be integrally formed. The shape of the second side surface <NUM> may be changed. The second side surface <NUM> may be integrally formed.

The length of the wheelbase L1 of the straddled vehicle <NUM> is not limited to that of the above embodiment, and may be changed. The maximum width W1 of the footboard <NUM> is not limited to that of the above embodiment, and may be changed. However, in the small straddled vehicle <NUM> as in the above-described embodiment, the effect of expanding the footrest space by the first recess <NUM> and the second recess <NUM> is more effective because the footboard <NUM> has a limited footrest space.

Claim 1:
A straddled vehicle (<NUM>) comprising:
a seat (<NUM>);
a cover (<NUM>) at least partly disposed below the seat (<NUM>) with regard to a vehicle up-down direction;
an engine (<NUM>) disposed in the cover (<NUM>);
a footboard (<NUM>) disposed in front of the cover (<NUM>) with regard to the vehicle front-rear direction, wherein
the cover (<NUM>) includes a first side surface (<NUM>) extending upward from the footboard (<NUM>) with regard to the vehicle up-down direction,
the first side surface (<NUM>) includes a first recess (<NUM>) recessed laterally inward of the cover (<NUM>) with regard to a vehicle left-right direction,
the first recess (<NUM>) is disposed adjacent to the footboard (<NUM>),
the first recess (<NUM>) overlaps the engine (<NUM>) as seen in a vehicle side view,
the cover (<NUM>) includes a second side surface (<NUM>) located opposite to the first side surface (<NUM>),
the second side surface (<NUM>) extends upward from the footboard (<NUM>) with regard to the vehicle up-down direction,
the second side surface (<NUM>) includes a second recess (<NUM>) recessed laterally inward of the cover (<NUM>) with regard to the vehicle left-right direction,
the second recess (<NUM>) is disposed adjacent to the footboard (<NUM>), and
the second recess (<NUM>) overlaps the engine (<NUM>) as seen in the vehicle side view,
characterized in that the first side surface (<NUM>) includes a first lower edge (<NUM>) inclined forward with regard to the vehicle front-rear direction and laterally inward with regard to the vehicle left-right direction,
the footboard (<NUM>) includes a first flat surface (<NUM>) extending forward with regard to the vehicle front-rear direction from a laterally outside of the first lower edge (<NUM>), and the first recess (<NUM>) is disposed adjacent to the first flat surface (<NUM>), and
the first recess (<NUM>) has a shape that is configured to fit a heel of a rider's shoe placed on the first flat surface (<NUM>), wherein
the second side surface (<NUM>) includes a second lower edge (<NUM>) inclined forward and laterally inward with regard to the vehicle left-right direction,
the footboard (<NUM>) includes a second flat surface (<NUM>) extending forward with regard to the vehicle front-rear direction from a laterally outside of the second lower edge (<NUM>), and
the second recess (<NUM>) is disposed adjacent to the second flat surface (<NUM>).