Patent Description:
There has been conventionally known a type of straddled vehicle including a storage box installed inside a tank shroud (see <CIT>). An operating member is disposed on the external surface of the tank shroud so as to cause a lid portion of the storage box to perform an opening action.

The document <CIT> shows another known type of straddle vehicle according to the preamble of claim <NUM>. This document shows a storage box with an operating member between the storage box and the steering device of the vehicle.

In the conventional straddled vehicle, the operating member is disposed in adjacent to the lid portion on the external surface of the tank shroud. Because of this, it is required to reliably produce a region for disposing the operating member on the external surface of the tank shroud; consequently, enlargement of a space for installing the storage box is concerned.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a straddled vehicle, whereby it is possible to efficiently dispose a storage box inside a side cover, and simultaneously, to inhibit degradation in accessibility to the storage box from an operating member for causing a lid portion of the storage box to perform an opening action.

A straddled vehicle according to an aspect of the present invention includes a head pipe, a steering device, a side cover, a storage box, and an operating member. The steering device is turnably supported by the head pipe. The side cover is disposed lateral to the steering device and on one side of the head pipe in a vehicle width direction. The storage box is disposed inside the side cover. The storage box includes a storage portion, including an opening for putting-in and taking-out of an item, and a lid portion configured to open and close the storage portion. The operating member serves as a member for causing the lid portion to perform an opening action. The operating member is disposed apart from the side cover on the one side of the head pipe in the vehicle width direction and on an inner side of the storage box in the vehicle width direction.

In the straddled vehicle according to the present invention, the operating member is remote from the side cover on the inner side of the storage box in the vehicle width direction. In other words, the operating member is disposed near to the storage box; simultaneously, a region for disposing the operating member can be omitted on the external surface of the side cover. Accordingly, degradation in accessibility to the storage box from the operating member can be inhibited; simultaneously, the storage box can be efficiently disposed inside the side cover. Besides, the operating member is disposed to be unlikely to be visible by a third party in comparison with that disposed on the external surface of the side cover; hence, the storage box can be enhanced in anti-crime performance. Furthermore, the operating member can be inhibited from being complicated in structure in comparison with that disposed remote from the storage portion.

The operating member is disposed on an external surface of a vehicle width directionally inner portion of the storage box. In this case, the operating member can be disposed near to the storage portion. Hence, the operating member can be inhibited from being complicated in structure; simultaneously, degradation in accessibility to the storage box from the operating member can be inhibited.

The operating member may be disposed below an upper surface of the side cover and may overlap with the upper surface of the side cover in a vehicle plan view. In this case, the operating member is disposed to be unlikely to be visible by a third party; hence, the storage box can be enhanced in anti-crime performance. Besides, the operating member can be inhibited from being splashed with water.

The operating member is disposed on an outer side than an external surface of a vehicle width directionally inner portion of the side cover in the vehicle width direction. In this case, the operating member is disposed to be unlikely to be visible by a third party; hence, the storage box can be enhanced in anti-crime performance.

The operating member may be accessible from a space between the steering device and the side cover. In this case, the space between the steering device and the side cover can be effectively utilized. Besides, degradation in accessibility to the storage box from the operating member can be inhibited.

The side cover may include an inner cover portion configured to cover the external surface of the vehicle width directionally inner portion of the storage box. The inner cover portion may include an opening for operating the operating member from the inner side of the inner cover portion in the vehicle width direction. In this case, the inner cover portion makes the operating member unlikely to be visible by a third party; hence, the storage box can be enhanced in anti-crime performance.

The operating member may be a push button pressable to the outer side from the inner side in the vehicle width direction. In this case, for instance, a rider is enabled to easily operate the operating member, while riding on the vehicle.

The operating member may overlap with the lid portion in the vehicle plan view when the lid portion is closed. In this case, the lid portion makes the operating member unlikely to be visible by a third party; hence, the storage box can be enhanced in anti-crime performance. Besides, the operating member can be inhibited from being splashed with water.

The side cover may further include a lid cover fixed to the lid portion outside the lid portion so as to be unitarily pivotable therewith. In this case, the lid cover makes the storage box unlikely to be visible by a third party. Hence, the storage box can be enhanced in anti-crime performance; simultaneously, the vehicle can be intended to be enhanced in external aesthetics. Besides, the storage box can be protected by the lid cover.

The side cover may further include a side cover body in which the storage portion of the storage box is disposed. The lid cover and the side cover body may form a labyrinth structure. In this case, the storage box can be enhanced in waterproof performance.

The storage box may further include a shaft portion configured to pivotably support the lid portion. The shaft portion may extend in a vehicle back-and-forth direction. The lid portion may be configured to be opened outward in the vehicle width direction with respect to the storage portion. In this case, it is made easy to reliably produce a space for the storage portion in the vehicle back-and-forth direction. Besides, it is made easy to reliably produce a space for opening and closing the lid portion.

The opening may be opened upward and outward in the vehicle width direction. In this case, it is made easy to put/take the item in/out of the storage portion.

The storage box may further include an upper surface portion. The upper surface portion may extend from the storage portion in a direction of closing the lid portion and may be disposed below an upper end of the storage portion. In this case, a step is configured to be formed between the upper end of the storage portion and the upper surface portion; hence, it is made possible to inhibit such a fluid as water from intruding into the storage portion from the upper surface portion in the storage box.

The operating member may be disposed below the upper surface portion. In this case, the upper surface portion makes the operating member unlikely to be visible by a third party; hence, the storage box can be enhanced in anti-crime performance. Besides, the operating member can be inhibited from being splashed with water.

The steering device may include a handle. The storage box may be disposed below a turning trajectory of the handle. In this case, compared to a configuration that the operating member is disposed on the external surface of the side cover, for instance, a clearance can be reliably produced between the handle and the operating member, while the storage box can be compactly disposed below the turning trajectory of the handle.

Overall, according to the present invention, it is made possible to provide a straddled vehicle, whereby it is possible to efficiently dispose a storage box inside a side cover, and simultaneously, to inhibit degradation in accessibility to the storage box from an operating member for causing a lid portion of the storage box to perform an opening action.

A preferred embodiment of a straddled vehicle according to an aspect of the present invention will be hereinafter explained with reference to drawings. It should be noted that in the following explanation, terms indicating such directions as "back and forth", "up and down", and "right and left" are explained based on directions seen from a rider in operation of a straddled vehicle <NUM>. Therefore, a right-and-left direction is synonymous with a vehicle width direction. Besides, the term "outer side in a vehicle width direction" means a side far from the center of the straddled vehicle <NUM> in the vehicle width direction. By contrast, the term "inner side in the vehicle width direction" means a side near to the center of the straddled vehicle <NUM> in the vehicle width direction.

In the present specification, a condition of a constituent element extending in a vehicle back-and-forth direction (extending forward and/or rearward) is not limited to a condition of the constituent element extending in a direction orthogonal to a vehicle up-and-down direction and the vehicle width direction. The condition of the constituent element extending in the vehicle back-and-forth direction encompasses a condition of the constituent element extending to tilt relative to the vehicle up-and-down direction and/or the vehicle width direction. When described in detail, the vehicle back-and-forth direction encompasses a direction closer to the vehicle back-and-forth direction. The direction closer to the vehicle back-and-forth direction refers to, for instance, a direction that forms angles, the smaller of which is <NUM> degrees or less, together with the vehicle back-and-forth direction. The settings herein described are also true of the vehicle width direction (rightward and/or leftward directions) and the vehicle up-and-down direction (upward and/or downward directions).

<FIG> is a side view of the straddled vehicle <NUM>. <FIG> is a front view of the straddled vehicle <NUM>. The straddled vehicle <NUM> includes a vehicle body frame <NUM>, a steering device <NUM>, a tank-like member <NUM>, a seat <NUM>, a power unit <NUM>, a front wheel <NUM>, and a rear wheel <NUM>.

The vehicle body frame <NUM> includes a head pipe <NUM>, a main frame <NUM>, and a rear frame <NUM>. The main frame <NUM> is connected to the head pipe <NUM>. The main frame <NUM> extends rearward from the head pipe <NUM>. The rear frame <NUM> is connected to the main frame <NUM>. The rear frame <NUM> extends rearward from the main frame <NUM>.

The steering device <NUM> is supported by the head pipe <NUM> so as to be turnable. The steering device <NUM> supports the front wheel <NUM> such that the front wheel <NUM> is made rotatable. The steering device <NUM> includes a steering shaft <NUM>, a handle <NUM>, a right front fork <NUM>, a left front fork <NUM>, an upper bracket <NUM>, and a lower bracket <NUM>.

The steering shaft <NUM> is inserted into the head pipe <NUM>. The handle <NUM> is disposed further on the upper side than the head pipe <NUM>. The handle <NUM> is connected to the steering shaft <NUM>. The handle <NUM> extends in the right-and-left direction. The right and left front forks <NUM> and <NUM> are connected to the steering shaft <NUM> through the upper and lower brackets <NUM> and <NUM>. The right and left front forks <NUM> and <NUM> support the front wheel <NUM> such that the front wheel <NUM> is made rotatable.

The tank-like member <NUM> is disposed behind the head pipe <NUM>. The tank-like member <NUM> is supported by the main frame <NUM>. In the present preferred embodiment, the tank-like member <NUM> is a fuel tank. <FIG> shows the tank-like member <NUM> in a schematic manner.

The seat <NUM> is disposed behind the tank-like member <NUM>. The seat <NUM> is disposed above the rear frame <NUM>.

The power unit <NUM> is disposed below the tank-like member <NUM>. The power unit <NUM> is supported by the main frame <NUM>. The power unit <NUM> includes, for instance, an internal combustion engine. The power unit <NUM> generates a drive force. In the present preferred embodiment, the drive force generated by the power unit <NUM> is transferred to the rear wheel <NUM>.

The rear wheel <NUM> is supported by the main frame <NUM> through a swing arm <NUM> supported by the main frame <NUM>. The rear wheel <NUM> is supported by the swing arm <NUM> so as to be rotatable. The rear wheel <NUM> is driven by the drive force generated by the power unit <NUM>.

The straddled vehicle <NUM> includes a wind shield <NUM>, a front cowl <NUM>, a right side cowl <NUM>, a left side cowl <NUM>, a right side cover <NUM> (exemplary side cover), and a left side cover <NUM>. The wind shield <NUM> is disposed above the front cowl <NUM>.

The front cowl <NUM> is disposed in front of the head pipe <NUM>. The right side cowl <NUM> is disposed on the right of the head pipe <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the right side cowl <NUM> extends forward from the right side cover <NUM> in a vehicle side view. The right side cowl <NUM> extends downward from the right side cover <NUM> in the vehicle side view. The left side cowl <NUM> is disposed on the left of the head pipe <NUM>. The left side cowl <NUM> extends forward from the left side cover <NUM> in the vehicle side view. The left side cowl <NUM> extends downward from the left side cover <NUM> in the vehicle side view.

The right side cover <NUM> is connected to the right side cowl <NUM>. The right side cover <NUM> is disposed above the right side cowl <NUM>. The right side cover <NUM> is disposed not only lateral to the steering device <NUM> but also on one side of the head pipe <NUM> in the vehicle width direction. The right side cover <NUM> is disposed on the right of the head pipe <NUM>. The right side cover <NUM> overlaps with the head pipe <NUM> in the vehicle side view. The right side cover <NUM> is remote from the steering device <NUM> in the vehicle width direction. The right side cover <NUM> is disposed on the right of the steering device <NUM>. The right side cover <NUM> overlaps with the steering shaft <NUM> of the steering device <NUM> in the vehicle side view. The right side cover <NUM> is fixed to the vehicle body frame <NUM> through a bracket (not shown in the drawings). The right side cover <NUM> may be fixed to the tank-like member <NUM>.

The right side cover <NUM> extends in the vehicle back-and-forth direction. The right side cover <NUM> extends further rearward than the right side cowl <NUM>. The right side cover <NUM> is disposed between the right side cowl <NUM> and the tank-like member <NUM> in the vehicle back-and-forth direction. The right side cover <NUM> is disposed lateral to the tank-like member <NUM>. In the present preferred embodiment, a rear portion of the right side cover <NUM> is disposed laterally on the right of the tank-like member <NUM> and overlaps with the tank-like member <NUM> in the vehicle side view.

The left side cover <NUM> is connected to the left side cowl <NUM>. The left side cover <NUM> is disposed above the left side cowl <NUM>. The left side cover <NUM> is disposed not only lateral to the steering device <NUM> but also on the other side of the head pipe <NUM> in the vehicle width direction. The left side cover <NUM> is disposed on the left of the head pipe <NUM>. The left side cover <NUM> overlaps with the head pipe <NUM> in the vehicle side view. The left side cover <NUM> is remote from the steering device <NUM> in the vehicle width direction. The left side cover <NUM> is disposed on the left of the steering device <NUM>. The left side cover <NUM> overlaps with the steering shaft <NUM> of the steering device <NUM> in the vehicle side view.

The left side cover <NUM> extends in the vehicle back-and-forth direction. The left side cover <NUM> extends further rearward than the left side cowl <NUM>. The left side cover <NUM> is disposed between the left side cowl <NUM> and the tank-like member <NUM> in the vehicle back-and-forth direction. The left side cover <NUM> is disposed lateral to the tank-like member <NUM>. In the present preferred embodiment, a rear portion of the left side cover <NUM> is disposed laterally on the left of the tank-like member <NUM> and overlaps with the tank-like member <NUM> in the vehicle side view.

The straddled vehicle <NUM> includes a storage box <NUM>. <FIG> is a perspective view of the storage box <NUM>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the storage box <NUM>. <FIG> and <FIG> are partial perspective views of the storage box <NUM>. The storage box <NUM> is capable of storing one or more items. The storage box <NUM> is capable of storing, for instance, a portable information terminal T. The portable information terminal T is an exemplary item to be stored in the storage box <NUM>.

The storage box <NUM> is disposed below a turning trajectory of the handle <NUM>. The storage box <NUM> is disposed further on the right side than the head pipe <NUM>. The storage box <NUM> is disposed laterally on the right of the head pipe <NUM>. The storage box <NUM> overlaps with the head pipe <NUM> in the vehicle side view.

The storage box <NUM> is disposed on the right of the steering device <NUM>. The storage box <NUM> overlaps with the steering shaft <NUM> of the steering device <NUM> in the vehicle side view. The storage box <NUM> is disposed further on the upper side than the lower bracket <NUM>. The storage box <NUM> is disposed inside the right side cover <NUM>. The storage box <NUM> is disposed further on the front side than the tank-like member <NUM>. The storage box <NUM> does not overlap with the tank-like member <NUM> in the vehicle side view. The storage box <NUM> overlaps with the tank-like member <NUM> in the vehicle front view.

The storage box <NUM> includes a storage portion <NUM>, a lid portion <NUM>, an upper surface portion <NUM>, an opposed portion <NUM>, at least one elastic member <NUM>, a shaft portion <NUM>, and a shaft support portion <NUM>.

The storage portion <NUM> is disposed on the right of the steering device <NUM>. The storage portion <NUM> is fixed to a member configured not to be turned together with the steering device <NUM>. The storage portion <NUM> is fixed to the right side cover <NUM>. The storage portion <NUM> is capable of storing the portable information terminal T. The dimension of the storage portion <NUM> is greater in the vehicle back-and-forth direction than not only in the vehicle up-and-down direction but also in the vehicle width direction. The dimension of the storage portion <NUM> is greater in the vehicle up-and-down direction than in the vehicle width direction.

The storage portion <NUM> includes an opening <NUM>, a bottom surface portion <NUM>, an inner sidewall <NUM>, a front surface portion <NUM>, a rear surface portion <NUM>, at least one restriction portion <NUM>, an attachment portion <NUM>, and a drain hole <NUM> (see <FIG>).

The opening <NUM> serves as an opening for putting-in and taking-out of the item and is opened not only upward but also outward in the vehicle width direction. The opening <NUM> is defined by the inner sidewall <NUM>, the front surface portion <NUM>, and the rear surface portion <NUM>.

When the lid portion <NUM> is opened, the storage portion <NUM> is uncovered upward. When the lid portion <NUM> is opened, the storage portion <NUM> is uncovered outward in the vehicle width direction except for at the restriction portion (or portions) <NUM>. It should be noted that in the following explanation, the state that the lid portion <NUM> is opened will be referred to as "an opened state", whereas the state that the lid portion <NUM> is closed will be referred to as "a closed state". In other words, the opened state means that the opening <NUM> is opened (uncovered), whereas the closed state means that the opening <NUM> is closed (covered). <FIG> shows the opened state, whereas <FIG> shows the closed state.

The bottom surface portion <NUM> serves as a portion on which the portable information terminal T is put. The portable information terminal T is put on the bottom surface portion <NUM> such that the lengthwise direction thereof is matched with the vehicle back-and-forth direction. The bottom surface portion <NUM> is disposed lateral to the head pipe <NUM>. The bottom surface portion <NUM> extends in a direction intersecting with the vehicle up-and-down direction. The dimension of the bottom surface portion <NUM> is greater in the vehicle back-and-forth direction than in the vehicle width direction. The bottom surface portion <NUM> tilts down forward. The bottom surface portion <NUM> extends to gradually approach to the head pipe <NUM> from rear to front. The front end of the bottom surface portion <NUM> is located further on the inner side than the rear end thereof in the vehicle width direction. The front end of the bottom surface portion <NUM> is located further on the rear side than that of the right side cover <NUM>. The rear end of the bottom surface portion <NUM> is located further on the rear side than the head pipe <NUM>. The rear end of the bottom surface portion <NUM> is located further on the front side than that of the right side cover <NUM>.

The inner sidewall <NUM> extends in a direction intersecting with the vehicle width direction. The inner sidewall <NUM> extends in approximately both the vehicle up-and-down direction and the vehicle back-and-forth direction. The inner sidewall <NUM> is disposed between the front surface portion <NUM> and the rear surface portion <NUM> in the vehicle back-and-forth direction. The inner sidewall <NUM> is connected to the bottom surface portion <NUM>, the front surface portion <NUM>, and the rear surface portion <NUM>. The inner sidewall <NUM> extends upward from a vehicle width directionally inner portion of the bottom surface portion <NUM>. The inner sidewall <NUM> extends to gradually approach to the head pipe <NUM> from rear to front. The front end of the inner sidewall <NUM> is located further on the inner side than the rear end thereof in the vehicle width direction. In the closed state, the inner sidewall <NUM> is opposed to the lid portion <NUM> in the vehicle width direction.

The front surface portion <NUM> extends in a direction intersecting with the vehicle back-and-forth direction. The front surface portion <NUM> extends upward from the front end of the bottom surface portion <NUM>. The front surface portion <NUM> extends outward from the front end of the inner sidewall <NUM> in the vehicle width direction.

The rear surface portion <NUM> extends in a direction intersecting with the vehicle back-and-forth direction. The rear surface portion <NUM> is opposed to the front surface portion <NUM> in the vehicle back-and-forth direction. The rear surface portion <NUM> extends upward from the rear end of the bottom surface portion <NUM>. The rear surface portion <NUM> extends outward from the rear end of the inner sidewall <NUM> in the vehicle width direction. The rear surface portion <NUM> is located further on the rear side than the head pipe <NUM>. The rear surface portion <NUM> is located further on the front side than the rear end of the right side cover <NUM>. The rear surface portion <NUM> is disposed further on the rear side than the restriction portion (or portions) <NUM>. The rear surface portion <NUM> defines part of the opening <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the rear surface portion <NUM> includes an edge 45a extending not only downward but also outward in the vehicle width direction. The edge 45a is disposed on the upper end of a vehicle width directionally outer portion of the rear surface portion <NUM>. The edge 45a defines part of the opening <NUM>.

The restriction portion (or portions) <NUM> restricts the portable information terminal T, put on the bottom surface portion <NUM>, from moving outward in the vehicle width direction. The restriction portion (or portions) <NUM> is disposed further on the outer side than the inner sidewall <NUM> in the vehicle width direction. The restriction portion (or portions) <NUM> is opposed to the inner sidewall <NUM> in the vehicle width direction. The portable information terminal T is stored in the storage portion <NUM> so as to stand between the inner sidewall <NUM> and the restriction portion (or portions) <NUM>.

The one or more restriction portions <NUM> include a first restriction portion 46a and a second restriction portion 46b. The first restriction portion 46a extends upward from the bottom surface portion <NUM>. The first restriction portion 46a is disposed further on the lower side than the upper end of the inner sidewall <NUM>. The second restriction portion 46b is disposed remote from the first restriction portion 46a in the vehicle back-and-forth direction. The second restriction portion 46b is disposed further on the front side than the first restriction portion 46a. The second restriction portion 46b extends upward from the bottom surface portion <NUM> and is connected to the front surface portion <NUM>. The upper edge of the second restriction portion 46b extends not only rearward but also downward.

The attachment portion <NUM> serves as a portion for attaching a power supply device (not shown in the drawings). The power supply device is, for instance, a power socket provided as an accessory socket. The power supply device may connect therethrough the portable information terminal T and an electronic device installed in the straddled vehicle <NUM> such that intercommunication of data is enabled between the portable information terminal T and the electronic device. The attachment portion <NUM> is formed by bulging a rear portion of the inner sidewall <NUM> inward in the vehicle width direction. The attachment portion <NUM> includes an attachment hole 47a to which the power supply device is attached. The attachment hole 47a is disposed further on the inner side than the bottom surface portion <NUM> in the vehicle width direction. The attachment hole 47a is disposed below the upper surface portion <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the drain hole <NUM> is disposed in the bottom surface portion <NUM>. The drain hole <NUM> is provided in the vehicle width directionally inner one of the front corners of the bottom surface portion <NUM>.

Cushioning members <NUM> are disposed on the upper surface of the bottom surface portion <NUM>, the rear surface of the front surface portion <NUM>, the front surface of the rear surface portion <NUM>, and the internal surface of the lid portion <NUM>, respectively.

The lid portion <NUM> closes (covers) and opens (uncovers) the opening <NUM>. In the closed state, the lid portion <NUM> covers the bottom surface portion <NUM>, the inner sidewall <NUM>, the front surface portion <NUM>, the rear surface portion <NUM>, and the upper surface portion <NUM>. The lid portion <NUM> is supported by the shaft portion <NUM> so as to be pivotable. The lid portion <NUM> is pivotable between an opened position shown in <FIG> and a closed position shown in <FIG>. The lid portion <NUM> is set to be pivotable in an angular range of approximately <NUM>° to <NUM>°. It should be noted that the lid portion <NUM> is preferably pivotable in an angular range of <NUM>° or less. The lid portion <NUM> is pivotable with respect to the right side cover <NUM>. The lid portion <NUM> is configured to be opened outward in the vehicle width direction with respect to the storage portion <NUM>. The lid portion <NUM> is configured to be opened outward in the vehicle width direction with respect to the inner sidewall <NUM>. When moved from the closed position to the opened position, the lid portion <NUM> is opened outward in the vehicle width direction. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, an upper portion of the lid portion <NUM> is located further on the outer side in the vehicle width direction in the opened position than in the closed position. The lid portion <NUM> is biased to the opened position by a hinge spring (not shown in the drawings) disposed below the storage portion <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the lid portion <NUM> includes a wall portion 32a, a canopy portion 32b, and an engaged portion 32c. In the closed state, the wall portion 32a extends in a direction intersecting with the vehicle width direction. In the closed state, the wall portion 32a is opposed to the inner sidewall <NUM> in the vehicle width direction. The canopy portion 32b extends inward from the upper end of the wall portion 32a in the vehicle width direction. In the closed state, the canopy portion 32b covers the upper surface portion <NUM>. In the closed state, a distal end portion 321b, which is a vehicle width directionally inner end portion of the canopy portion 32b, is located further on the inner side than the inner sidewall <NUM> in the vehicle width direction. The engaged portion 32c is provided on the lower surface of the distal end portion 321b of the canopy portion 32b. The engaged portion 32c extends downward from the lower surface of the distal end portion 321b of the canopy portion 32b. The engaged portion 32c is shaped to recess from the inner side to the outer side in the vehicle width direction.

The upper surface portion <NUM> extends in a direction intersecting with the vehicle up-and-down direction. The upper surface portion <NUM> extends from the storage portion <NUM> in a direction of closing the lid portion <NUM>. The upper surface portion <NUM> extends inward from the storage portion <NUM> in the vehicle width direction. In the vicinity of the upper end of the inner sidewall <NUM> of the storage portion <NUM>, the upper surface portion <NUM> extends inward from the inner sidewall <NUM> in the vehicle width direction. The upper surface portion <NUM> is disposed further on the lower side than the aforementioned upper end (43a) of the inner sidewall <NUM> (exemplary upper end of a storage portion). The upper end 43a of the inner sidewall <NUM> protrudes further upward than the upper surface portion <NUM>. Because of this, a step is provided between the upper surface portion <NUM> and the inner sidewall <NUM>. In the closed state, the upper surface portion <NUM> is disposed below the canopy portion 32b so as to be covered therewith.

The upper surface portion <NUM> includes a through hole 33a and a plurality of drain holes 33b. The through hole 33a and the plural drain holes 33b are disposed between the opposed portion <NUM> and the storage portion <NUM>. The through hole 33a and the plural drain holes 33b are disposed between the opposed portion <NUM> and the inner sidewall <NUM>. The through hole 33a and the plural drain holes 33b penetrate the upper surface portion <NUM> in the vehicle up-and-down direction. The through hole 33a is provided in the vicinity of the middle of the upper surface portion <NUM> in the vehicle back-and-forth direction. The plural drain holes 33b are provided on the front side and the rear side of the through hole 33a.

The opposed portion <NUM> is connected to the upper surface portion <NUM>. The opposed portion <NUM> extends upward from the upper surface portion <NUM>. The opposed portion <NUM> is disposed further on the inner side than the plural drain holes 33b in the vehicle width direction. In the closed state, the opposed portion <NUM> is opposed to the distal end portion 321b of the canopy portion 32b. In the closed state, a seal member <NUM> is disposed between the opposed portion <NUM> and the distal end portion 321b of the canopy portion 32b so as to seal a gap produced therebetween. The seal member <NUM> is fixed to the opposed portion <NUM>. The seal member <NUM> may be fixed to the distal end portion 321b of the canopy portion 32b. As shown in <FIG>, a plurality of ribs <NUM> are provided on the inner side of the opposed portion <NUM> in the vehicle width direction so as to be connected to the upper surface portion <NUM> and the opposed portion <NUM>.

In the closed state, the portable information terminal T is pressed by the elastic member (or members) <NUM> in the thickness direction thereof (herein corresponding to the vehicle width direction). Accordingly, the portable information terminal T is retained in the storage portion <NUM>.

The one or more elastic members <NUM> include a first elastic member 35a and a second elastic member 35b. The first elastic member 35a is disposed on the lid portion <NUM>. The first elastic member 35a is fixed to the internal surface of the wall portion 32a of the lid portion <NUM>. In the closed state, the first elastic member 35a is disposed above the first restriction portion 46a. The first elastic member 35a, at least in part, is disposed at an identical height to the center of the inner sidewall <NUM> in the vehicle up-and-down direction. The second elastic member 35b is disposed on the inner sidewall <NUM>. The second elastic member 35b is fixed to the surface of the inner sidewall <NUM> on the outer side of the inner sidewall <NUM> in the vehicle width direction. In the closed state, the second elastic member 35b is opposed to the first elastic member 35a in the vehicle width direction.

The shaft portion <NUM> supports the lid portion <NUM> such that the lid portion <NUM> is made pivotable. The shaft portion <NUM> extends in the vehicle back-and-forth direction. In the present preferred embodiment, the shaft portion <NUM> extends to tilt with respect to not only the vehicle up-and-down direction but also the vehicle width direction. The shaft portion <NUM> extends from the vehicle rear side to the vehicle front side so as to tilt down to the inner side in the vehicle width direction. It should be noted that the shaft portion <NUM> may extend in parallel to the vehicle back-and-forth direction, or alternatively, may extend to tilt with respect to either the vehicle up-and-down direction or the vehicle width direction.

The shaft portion <NUM> is disposed below the storage portion <NUM>. In other words, the axis of the shaft portion <NUM> extends in the vehicle back-and-forth direction. The shaft portion <NUM> overlaps with the storage portion <NUM> in a vehicle plan view. The shaft portion <NUM> is supported by the shaft support portion <NUM>. The shaft portion <NUM> is disposed further on the outer side than the inner sidewall <NUM> in the vehicle width direction.

The shaft support portion <NUM> is disposed below the storage portion <NUM>. The shaft support portion <NUM> is provided on a lower portion of the bottom surface portion <NUM>.

Here, the right side cover <NUM> includes a side cover body 25a, an upper cover portion 25b, an inner cover portion 25c, and a lid cover 25d.

The side cover body 25a is a portion in which the storage portion <NUM> of the storage box <NUM> is disposed. The storage portion <NUM> is fixed to the side cover body 25a. The side cover body 25a extends in the vehicle back-and-forth direction. The front end of the side cover body 25a is disposed further on the front side than the head pipe <NUM>. The rear end of the side cover body 25a is disposed laterally on the right of the tank-like member <NUM> and overlaps with the tank-like member <NUM> in the vehicle side view.

As shown in <FIG>, the side cover body 25a includes a side edge 251a disposed above the canopy portion 32b of the lid portion <NUM>. The side edge 251a is located further on the outer side than the upper cover portion 25b in the vehicle width direction.

The upper cover portion 25b is disposed further on the upper side than the head pipe <NUM>. The upper cover portion 25b is connected to the side cover body 25a. The upper cover portion 25b is provided as a member separated from the side cover body 25a and is fixed to the side cover body 25a. The upper cover portion 25b covers the upper edge of a vehicle width directionally inner portion of the side cover body 25a. The upper cover portion 25b is disposed further on the upper side than the storage box <NUM>. The upper cover portion 25b extends not only in the vehicle back-and-forth direction but also in the vehicle width direction. The upper cover portion 25b is disposed in part above the upper surface portion <NUM> and the opposed portion <NUM>.

The inner cover portion 25c is disposed between the steering device <NUM> and the storage box <NUM> in the vehicle width direction. The inner cover portion 25c covers the external surface of a vehicle width directionally inner portion of the storage box <NUM>. The inner cover portion 25c is disposed on the inner side of the inner sidewall <NUM> in the vehicle width direction. The inner cover portion 25c is disposed below the upper cover portion 25b. The inner cover portion 25c extends in the vehicle back-and-forth direction. The inner cover portion 25c extends downward from a vehicle width directionally inner portion of the upper cover portion 25b.

As shown in <FIG>, the inner cover portion 25c is shaped to avoid contact with the steering device <NUM>. The inner cover portion 25c is shaped to curve from the inner side to the outer side in the vehicle width direction. The inner cover portion 25c is fixed to the side cover body 25a and the upper cover portion 25b. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the inner cover portion 25c includes an opening 251c for operating an operating member <NUM> (to be described) from the inner side of the inner cover portion 25c in the vehicle width direction. The opening 251c is shaped to penetrate the inner cover portion 25c in the vehicle width direction. The opening 251c overlaps with the storage box <NUM> in the vehicle side view. It should be noted that in <FIG>, the opening 251c is omitted in illustration.

The lid cover 25d is fixed to the lid portion <NUM> outside the lid portion <NUM> so as to be unitarily pivotable therewith. For example, at least one resin rivet is inserted into the lid cover 25d from the inside of the lid portion <NUM>, whereby the lid cover 25d is fixed to the lid portion <NUM>. For example, the lid cover 25d is disposed to be flush with the side cover body 25a at a portion thereof adjoining the side cover body 25a. The lid cover 25d is disposed further on the outer side than the upper cover portion 25b in the vehicle width direction. The lid cover 25d is disposed further on the lower side than the upper cover portion 25b. As shown in <FIG>, a distal end portion 252d, which is a vehicle width directional distal end portion of an upper portion 251d of the lid cover 25d, is disposed above the side cover body 25a. It should be noted that in <FIG>, the lid cover 25d is omitted in illustration.

As shown in <FIG>, a labyrinth structure <NUM> is formed by the lid cover 25d and the side cover body 25a. When described in detail, as shown in <FIG>, the distal end portion 252d, which is the vehicle width directional distal end portion of the upper portion 251d of the lid cover 25d, forms part of the labyrinth structure <NUM>. The labyrinth structure <NUM> is formed by the side edge 251a of the side cover body 25a and the distal end portion 252d of the upper portion 251d of the lid cover 25d. The side edge 251a overlaps with the distal end portion 252d of the upper portion 251d of the lid cover 25d in the vehicle plan view. The side edge 251a is disposed below the distal end portion 252d of the upper portion 251d of the lid cover 25d.

In the closed state, the distal end portion 321b, which is the vehicle width directionally distal end portion of the lid portion <NUM>, does not overlap at least in part with the distal end portion 252d of the upper portion 251d of the lid cover 25d in the vehicle plan view. In <FIG>, the distal end portion 321b, which is the vehicle width directionally distal end portion of the lid portion <NUM>, is located further on the inner side than the distal end portion 252d of the upper portion 251d of the lid cover 25d and the side edge 251a of the side cover body 25a in the vehicle width direction.

The straddled vehicle <NUM> includes an opening and closing mechanism <NUM> and the operating member <NUM>. When the lid portion <NUM> is moved to the closed position, the opening and closing mechanism <NUM> keeps the lid portion <NUM> in the closed state. The opening and closing mechanism <NUM> releases the closed state in response to operating the operating member <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the opening and closing mechanism <NUM> includes an engaging protrusion 60a. The engaging protrusion 60a is disposed to be protrusible and retractable with respect to the through hole 33a. The engaging protrusion 60a is biased upward by an urging member (not shown in the drawings). In the closed state, the engaging protrusion 60a protrudes upward from the through hole 33a so as to engage with the engaged portion 32c of the lid portion <NUM>. Accordingly, the lid portion <NUM> is kept in the closed state, while being restricted from moving to the opened position. On the other hand, when the operating member <NUM> is operated, the engaging protrusion 60a is pulled into the through hole 33a. When the operating member <NUM> is operated in the closed state, the engaged portion 32c of the lid portion <NUM> is released from being engaged with the engaging protrusion 60a. Accordingly, the lid portion <NUM> is moved from the closed position to the opened position.

The engaging protrusion 60a includes a slope 601a. The slope 601a is provided on the upper surface of the engaging protrusion 60a. The slope 601a tilts down to the outer side in the vehicle width direction. When the lid portion <NUM> is moved from the opened position to the closed position, the distal end portion 321b of the canopy portion 32b of the lid portion <NUM> contacts with the slope 601a from the outer side in the vehicle width direction. Accordingly, the engaging protrusion 60a is pressed downward to be pulled into the through hole 33a. When the engaged portion 32c of the lid portion <NUM> gets over the engaging protrusion 60a to the inner side in the vehicle width direction, the engaging protrusion 60a engages with the engaged portion 32c of the lid portion <NUM>, whereby the lid portion <NUM> is restricted from moving to the opened position.

The operating member <NUM> serves as a member to be operated for causing the lid portion <NUM> to perform an opening action. The operating member <NUM> is a member to be operated for pulling the engaging protrusion 60a into the through hole 33a. The operating member <NUM> is coupled to the opening and closing mechanism <NUM>. The operating member <NUM> is a member operable by pressing. The operating member <NUM> is, for instance, a push button pressable from the inner side to the outer side in the vehicle width direction. As shown in <FIG>, the operating member <NUM> is accessible from a space between the steering device <NUM> and the right side cover <NUM>. The operating member <NUM> is disposed to be operable through the opening 251c by the rider with the thumb of the right hand put on the upper cover portion 25b.

The operating member <NUM> is disposed remote from the right side cover <NUM> not only on one side of the head pipe <NUM> in the vehicle width direction but also on the inner side of the storage box <NUM> in the vehicle width direction. In the present preferred embodiment, the operating member <NUM> is disposed on the right of the head pipe <NUM>. The operating member <NUM> is disposed further on the rear side than the head pipe <NUM>. The operating member <NUM> is disposed further on the upper side than the steering shaft <NUM>.

A shown in <FIG>, the operating member <NUM> is disposed further on the outer side than the external surface of a vehicle width directionally inner portion of the right side cover <NUM> in the vehicle width direction. The operating member <NUM> is disposed further on the outer side than the opening 251c of the inner cover portion 25c in the vehicle width direction. The operating member <NUM> is disposed remote from the inner cover portion 25c. The operating member <NUM> overlaps with the storage box <NUM> in the vehicle side view. The operating member <NUM> is disposed between the inner cover portion 25c and the inner sidewall <NUM> in the vehicle width direction. The operating member <NUM> is disposed on the external surface of a vehicle width directionally inner portion of the storage box <NUM>. The operating member <NUM> is disposed on the external surface of a vehicle width directionally inner portion of the inner sidewall <NUM>. In the closed state, the operating member <NUM> is opposed to the lid portion <NUM> in the vehicle width direction. The operating member <NUM> is disposed in front of the attachment portion <NUM>. The operating member <NUM> overlaps at least in part with the opening 251c in the vehicle side view. In the present preferred embodiment, the operating member <NUM> entirely overlaps with the opening 251c in the vehicle side view.

As shown in <FIG>, the operating member <NUM> is disposed to be invisible in the vehicle plan view. The operating member <NUM> is disposed further on the lower side than the upper surface of the right side cover <NUM> and overlaps therewith in the vehicle plan view. When described in detail, the operating member <NUM> is disposed further on the lower side than the upper cover portion 25b and overlaps therewith in the vehicle plan view. The operating member <NUM> is disposed below the upper surface portion <NUM> of the storage box <NUM>.

In the straddled vehicle <NUM> according to the present aspect, the operating member <NUM> is disposed remote from the right side cover <NUM> on the inner side of the storage box <NUM> in the vehicle width direction. In other words, it is made possible to dispose the operating member <NUM> in a position near to the storage box <NUM>, and simultaneously, to omit a region for disposing the operating member <NUM> on the external surface of the right side cover <NUM>. Accordingly, it is possible to inhibit degradation in accessibility to the storage box <NUM> from the operating member <NUM>, and simultaneously, to efficiently dispose the storage box <NUM> inside the right side cover <NUM>. Besides, the storage box <NUM> can be further enhanced in anti-crime performance than when the operating member <NUM> is disposed on the external surface of the right side cover <NUM>.

The operating member <NUM> is disposed on the external surface of the vehicle width directionally inner portion of the storage box <NUM>; hence, compared to when the operating member <NUM> is disposed on the external surface of the right side cover <NUM>, the operating member <NUM> is herein unlikely to be visible by a third party. Because of this, the storage box <NUM> can be enhanced in anti-crime performance. Besides, compared to when the operating member <NUM> is disposed remote from the storage portion <NUM>, the operating member <NUM> can be herein inhibited from being complicated in structure.

In the closed state, the storage box <NUM> is covered with the lid cover 25d of the right side cover <NUM>; hence, the storage box <NUM> is unlikely to be recognized by a third party. Because of this, the storage box <NUM> can be enhanced in anti-crime performance; simultaneously, the vehicle can be intended to be enhanced in external aesthetics. Besides, the storage box <NUM> can be protected by the lid cover 25d.

One preferred embodiment of the present invention has been explained above. However, the present invention is not limited to the preferred embodiment described above, and a variety of changes can be made within the scope of the appended claims.

The straddled vehicle <NUM> may be an electric straddled vehicle. In this case, the power unit <NUM> may include an electric motor, while the tank-like member <NUM> may include a battery. The battery may be stored in the tank-like member <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A straddled vehicle (<NUM>) comprising:
a head pipe (<NUM>);
a steering device (<NUM>) turnably supported by the head pipe (<NUM>);
a side cover (<NUM>) disposed lateral to the steering device (<NUM>) and on one side of the head pipe (<NUM>) in a vehicle width direction;
a storage box (<NUM>) disposed inside the side cover (<NUM>), the storage box (<NUM>) including a storage portion (<NUM>) and a lid portion (<NUM>), the storage portion (<NUM>) including an opening (<NUM>) for putting-in and taking-out of an item, the lid portion (<NUM>) configured to open and close the storage portion (<NUM>); and
an operating member (<NUM>) for causing the lid portion (<NUM>) to perform an opening action, the operating member (<NUM>) being disposed apart from the side cover (<NUM>) on the one side of the head pipe (<NUM>) in the vehicle width direction and on an inner side of the storage box (<NUM>) in the vehicle width direction; said operating member (<NUM>) being accessible from a space between the steering device (<NUM>) and the side cover (<NUM>);
characterized in that said operating member (<NUM>) is disposed on an external surface of a vehicle width directionally inner portion of the storage box (<NUM>).