Patent Description:
<CIT> discloses a connector supporting structure for vehicle. The connector supporting structure for vehicle supports a connector for connecting a device that is connected to or additionally equipped in a vehicle such as an automobile, a motorcycle, etc. Specifically, a controller is disposed along a front surface of a front wall of an article housing chamber. One end of a harness that serves as a spare wiring is coupled to a main harness that projects from a lower end of the controller. Another end of the harness is coupled to a coupler (connector). If a device that is additionally equipped is disposed inside the article housing chamber, the coupler is inserted into the article housing chamber through a wiring insertion hole formed in a peripheral wall of the article housing chamber and the coupler is connected to the device. Furthermore, other prior art documents, such as <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>, have attempted to optimize the arrangement and integration of electrical components within a straddled vehicle. These documents disclose various configurations to improve space utilization, maintain storage capacity, enhance component accessibility, and reduce wiring complexity. Said <CIT> discloses a straddled vehicle according to the preamble of claim <NUM>.

The inventor of preferred embodiments of the present invention described and claimed in the present application conducted an extensive study and research regarding a straddled vehicle, such as the one described above, and in doing so, discovered and first recognized new unique challenges and previously unrecognized possibilities for improvements as described in greater detail below.

The arrangement of <CIT> is not high in a degree of freedom with respect to additionally equipping a device.

The present invention provides a straddled vehicle with which it is possible to increase a degree of freedom with respect to additionally equipping a device.

In order to overcome the previously unrecognized and unsolved challenges described above, the present invention provides a straddled vehicle that includes a body frame, a wire harness, and a vehicle controller. The body frame includes a head pipe that supports a steering device. The wire harness includes a main line at least a portion of which is laid along the body frame and a branch line that is branched from the main line. The vehicle controller is connected to the wire harness. The main line includes a first electric line having one end connected to a first connector and another end connected to a second connector and a second electric line having one end connected to a third connector and another end connected to a fourth connector. The branch line includes a branch electric line branched from an intermediate portion of the first electric line and having a terminal connected to the vehicle controller. The fourth connector is disposed at a position more rearward than the head pipe and the third connector is disposed at a position more forward than the fourth connector.

According to this arrangement, the wire harness includes the main line at least a portion of which is laid along the body frame. The vehicle controller is connected via the branch line to the first electric line that is included in the main line. It is possible to use the second electric line for connection with a device that is additionally equipped. Since the device that is additionally equipped is connectable to the second electric line by the third connector at one end thereof and the fourth connector at the other end thereof, a degree of freedom with respect to additionally equipping a device is high.

The straddled vehicle further includes a storage box that is supported by the body frame and disposed at a position more rearward than the head pipe and an occupant seat that is disposed above the storage box. The fourth connector is disposed below the occupant seat. By this arrangement, it is possible to protect the fourth connector.

Further, the fourth connector is arranged to be connectable to a connector provided in an optional device that is capable of being disposed in the storage box. According to this arrangement, when the optional device is disposed in the storage box, it is possible to connect the fourth connector to the connector of the optional device.

Furthermore, the second connector is arranged to be connectable to a connector provided in the optional device. By this arrangement, it is possible to connect the second connector to the connector of the optional device.

In a preferred embodiment, the fourth connector is disposed in the storage box. By this arrangement, it is possible to protect the fourth connector.

In a preferred embodiment, the fourth connector is disposed adjacent to the storage box. By this arrangement, it is possible to protect the fourth connector.

In a preferred embodiment, the second electric line is electrically open when the optional device is not included in the straddled vehicle. According to this arrangement, connection of the optional device is facilitated by using the second electric line that is electrically open.

In a preferred embodiment, the straddled vehicle further includes a footboard that is supported by the body frame. A portion of the main line is disposed lower than an upper surface of the footboard as seen in a vehicle side view. According to this arrangement, it is possible to protect the portion of the main line by the footboard.

In a preferred embodiment, the footboard includes a pair of right and left footrests and a center tunnel that is provided between the pair of footrests. The center tunnel protrudes higher than the pair of footrests and extends in a vehicle front-rear direction. A portion of the main line is disposed inside the center tunnel. According to this arrangement, it is possible to dispose and protect the portion of the main line inside the center tunnel that is provided in the footboard.

In a preferred embodiment, the straddled vehicle further includes an exterior cover that is supported by the body frame. The exterior cover includes a head pipe storage portion. The head pipe storage portion includes a front cover which is at least in part disposed in front of the head pipe and a back cover which is at least in part disposed in rear of the head pipe. The head pipe storage portion forms an inner space in which the head pipe is accommodated between the front cover and the back cover. The third connector is disposed in the inner space of the head pipe storage portion. According to this arrangement, it is possible to dispose the third connector in the inner space of the head pipe storage portion.

In a preferred embodiment, the third connector includes a terminal that is connected to a relay disposed in the inner space of the head pipe storage portion. According to this arrangement, it is possible to connect the terminal of the third connector to the relay in the inner space of the head pipe storage portion.

In a preferred embodiment, the third connector includes a housing and a plurality of terminals held by the housing. The plurality of terminals are connected to each other inside the housing. According to this arrangement, by connecting the terminals to each other inside the connector, it is possible to reduce the number of components in comparison to a case where the terminals are connected individually to connection objects outside the connector.

In a preferred embodiment, the first connector is arranged to be connectable to a main switch for turning on power. According to this arrangement, it is possible to connect the first connector to the main switch. The vehicle controller is connected to the first electric line via the branch line and it is therefore possible to notify the vehicle controller of conduction/interruption of the main switch.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be hereinafter described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<FIG> is a left side view of a straddled vehicle <NUM> according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is a front view of the straddled vehicle <NUM>.

In the following, unless noted otherwise, the straddled vehicle <NUM> in a reference orientation of being disposed on a horizontal road surface shall be described. The reference orientation is an orientation in which a pivoting position of a handle <NUM> is at a straight-traveling position and a rotational axis of a rear wheel Wr is horizontal. The straight-traveling position is the pivoting position of the handle <NUM> when the straddled vehicle <NUM> travels straight forward. A front-rear direction, an up-down direction, and a right-left direction are defined on the basis of the straddled vehicle <NUM> in the reference orientation. The right-left direction corresponds to a vehicle width direction. A vehicle center WO is defined by a vertical plane that passes through a center line of a head pipe <NUM> and is orthogonal to the rotational axis of the rear wheel Wr.

"U" and "F" in <FIG> respectively indicate an up direction and a front direction of the straddled vehicle <NUM>. "L" in <FIG> indicates a left direction of the straddled vehicle <NUM>. The same applies to other drawings. A front view, a plan view, and a side view in the following description mean a front view, a plan view, and a side view of the straddled vehicle <NUM>, respectively, unless noted otherwise. Also in the following description, it is deemed that an occupant seat <NUM> is disposed in a closed position (position of the occupant seat <NUM> illustrated by solid lines in <FIG>) unless noted otherwise.

As shown in <FIG>, the straddled vehicle <NUM> is, for example, a scooter. The straddled vehicle <NUM> includes a body frame <NUM>, a steering device <NUM>, an exterior cover <NUM>, the occupant seat <NUM>, a storage box <NUM>, a front wheel Wf, the rear wheel Wr, a power unit <NUM>, a wire harness <NUM>, and a vehicle controller <NUM> (VCU: vehicle control unit).

The body frame <NUM> is covered by the exterior cover <NUM>. The body frame <NUM> includes the head pipe <NUM>, a down frame <NUM>, a pair of lower frames <NUM>, and a pair of rear frames <NUM>. An axis of the head pipe <NUM> extends obliquely rearward and upward. The down frame <NUM> extends obliquely rearward and downward from the head pipe <NUM>.

The pair of lower frames <NUM> extend in the vehicle width direction from the down frame <NUM>. The pair of lower frames <NUM> overlap mutually in side view. Front end portions 23a of the pair of lower frames <NUM> are disposed at a lower position than the head pipe <NUM> and are fixed to the down frame <NUM>.

The pair of rear frames <NUM> extend obliquely rearward and upward from rear end portions of the pair of lower frames <NUM>. The pair of rear frames <NUM> overlap mutually in side view. The pair of rear frames <NUM> are coupled to each other by one or a plurality of cross members (not shown) extending in the vehicle width direction.

The steering device <NUM> is rotatably supported by the head pipe <NUM>. The steering device <NUM> supports the front wheel Wf such as to be rotatable around a central axis of the front wheel Wf. The steering device <NUM> includes a steering shaft <NUM>, an under bracket <NUM>, right and left suspensions <NUM>, and the handle <NUM>. The front wheel Wf is disposed at a lower position than the head pipe <NUM>. The steering shaft <NUM> is inserted into the head pipe <NUM>. The steering shaft <NUM> is supported by the head pipe <NUM> such as to be pivotable to the right and left. An upper portion of the steering shaft <NUM> is connected to the handle <NUM>.

The under bracket <NUM> is connected to a lower end of the steering shaft <NUM>. The under bracket <NUM> is disposed below the head pipe <NUM>. Upper ends of the right and left suspensions <NUM> are connected to the under bracket <NUM>. The right and left suspensions <NUM> overlap mutually in side view. The front wheel Wf is supported by the right and left suspensions <NUM> such as to be rotatable around the central axis of the front wheel Wf.

The exterior cover <NUM> includes a handle cover <NUM>, a head pipe storage portion <NUM>, a lower cover <NUM>, and a rear cover <NUM>. The handle cover <NUM> covers the front and rear of the handle <NUM>. The head pipe storage portion <NUM> is disposed below the handle cover <NUM>. The head pipe storage portion <NUM> covers a periphery of the head pipe <NUM> and the down frame <NUM>. The head pipe storage portion <NUM> is disposed in front and rear of the head pipe <NUM>. The head pipe storage portion <NUM> is disposed in front and rear of the down frame <NUM>. A lower portion of the head pipe storage portion <NUM> is connected to the lower cover <NUM>. The head pipe storage portion <NUM> includes a front cover <NUM>, a back cover <NUM>, and a mud cover <NUM>.

The front cover <NUM> is disposed below the handle cover <NUM> in a vehicle up-down direction. At least a portion of the front cover <NUM> is disposed in front of the head pipe <NUM>. The mud cover <NUM> is disposed in rear of the front wheel Wf. The mud cover <NUM> is disposed in front of the down frame <NUM>. Although not illustrated, at least a portion of the mud cover <NUM> overlaps with the down frame <NUM> in front view.

The back cover <NUM> is disposed in rear of the front cover <NUM>. At least a portion of the back cover <NUM> is disposed in rear of the head pipe <NUM>. An inner space S1 in which the head pipe <NUM> is accommodated is formed between the front cover <NUM> and the back cover <NUM>. An inner space S2 that houses the down frame <NUM> is formed between the mud cover <NUM> and the back cover <NUM>.

The lower cover <NUM> is disposed between the head pipe storage portion <NUM> and the rear cover <NUM>. The lower cover <NUM> covers a periphery of the lower frames <NUM>. The lower cover <NUM> includes a footboard 43a and a pair of lower side covers 43b. The footboard 43a is disposed above the pair of lower frames <NUM>. The pair of lower side covers 43b are respectively disposed to the right and left of the pair of lower frames <NUM>. The pair of lower side covers 43b overlap mutually in side view.

A portion or an entirety of the footboard 43a is disposed lower and more forward than the occupant seat <NUM>. The footboard 43a is provided such that a driver (rider) places his/her feet thereon. An upper surface of the footboard 43a has a flat shape across the vehicle width direction. However, the footboard 43a does not have to be of flat shape. For example, a center tunnel that has an upwardly projecting shape and extends in a vehicle front-rear direction may be provided at a center in the vehicle width direction of the footboard 43a.

The rear cover <NUM> includes a pair of rear side covers 44a, a middle center cover 44b, and a rear center cover 44c. The pair of rear side covers 44a are respectively disposed to the right and left of the pair of rear frames <NUM>. The pair of rear side covers 44a overlap mutually in side view. The rear side covers 44a are disposed below the occupant seat <NUM> in side view.

The pair of rear side covers 44a are respectively disposed to the right and left of the storage box <NUM>. The rear side covers 44a are overlapped with the storage box <NUM> in side view. The rear frame <NUM> is disposed between the storage box <NUM> and the rear side covers 44a in the vehicle width direction. The rear side covers 44a are also overlapped with the rear frame <NUM> in side view. The rear side covers 44a are disposed outward of the rear frame <NUM> in the vehicle width direction.

The middle center cover 44b extends upward from a rear edge of the footboard 43a and is disposed between front edges of the pair of rear side covers 44a. The middle center cover 44b is disposed in rear of the back cover <NUM>. Between the back cover <NUM> and the middle center cover 44b in the front-rear direction, the exterior cover <NUM> forms a leg space SL in which the feet and legs of the driver seated on the occupant seat <NUM> are disposed. The rear center cover 44c is disposed between rear edges of the pair of rear side covers 44a.

The occupant seat <NUM> is a straddle type seat on which the driver sits. <FIG> shows an example where the occupant seat <NUM> is provided with a main seat <NUM> on which the driver sits and a tandem seat 5t on which a passenger sits. The occupant seat <NUM> may be that for a single occupant instead. The occupant seat <NUM> is disposed in rear of the head pipe <NUM>. The occupant seat <NUM> is disposed in rear of the back cover <NUM>. The occupant seat <NUM> is disposed above the pair of rear frames <NUM> and although not illustrated, overlaps with the pair of rear frames <NUM> in plan view. The occupant seat <NUM> may be directly supported by the body frame <NUM> or may be indirectly supported by the body frame <NUM>.

The storage box <NUM> forms a housing space S3 that houses an article such a helmet, etc. The storage box <NUM> is disposed below the occupant seat <NUM>. The occupant seat <NUM> is coupled to the storage box <NUM> via a hinge <NUM>. <FIG> shows an example where a front end portion of the occupant seat <NUM> is coupled to the storage box <NUM> via the hinge <NUM>. The occupant seat <NUM> is pivotable up and down with respect to the storage box <NUM>. An opening 6a provided at an upper end portion of the storage box <NUM> (corresponding to an upper end of the housing space S3) is opened and closed by the occupant seat <NUM>.

The occupant seat <NUM> is pivotable up and down between an open position (position indicated by alternate long and two short dashed lines in <FIG>) at which the opening 6a of the storage box <NUM> is open and a closed position (position indicated by solid lines in <FIG>) at which the opening 6a of the storage box <NUM> is closed by the occupant seat <NUM>. The straddled vehicle <NUM> includes a seat lock apparatus <NUM> that locks the occupant seat <NUM> at the closed position.

The power unit <NUM> is disposed below the occupant seat <NUM>. The power unit <NUM> rotates the rear wheel Wr that corresponds to a driving wheel. The power unit <NUM> may be an in-wheel motor that is disposed inside the rear wheel Wr. The in-wheel motor is an electric motor that receives a supply of electric power from an unillustrated battery to rotationally drive the rear wheel Wr and may be constituted of an electric motor with a speed reducing mechanism incorporated therein. Also, although not illustrated, the power unit <NUM> may include and be arranged with a driving source that includes at least one of either of an electric motor and an engine and a transmission that transmits a motive power of the driving source to the rear wheel Wr.

The rear wheel Wr is swingably supported by the body frame <NUM> via a rear suspension <NUM>.

The wire harness <NUM> includes a main line MH at least a portion of which is laid along the body frame <NUM>, a branch line DH that is branched from the main line MH, a first connector C1, a second connector C2, a third connector C3, and a fourth connector C4. The main line MH includes a first electric line <NUM> and a second electric line <NUM>. The first electric line <NUM> has one end <NUM> to which the first connector C1 is connected, another end <NUM> to which the second connector C2 is connected and an intermediate portion <NUM> (see <FIG>) between the one end <NUM> and the other end <NUM>. The second electric line <NUM> has one end <NUM> to which the third connector C3 is connected and another end <NUM> to which the fourth connector C4 is connected.

The branch line DH includes a branch electric line <NUM> that is branched from the intermediate portion <NUM> (see <FIG>) of the first electric line <NUM>. The vehicle controller <NUM> is connected to a terminal <NUM> of the branch electric line <NUM>.

The first connector C1 is disposed in the head pipe storage portion <NUM>. The first connector C1 is arranged to be connectable to a main switch <NUM>. The first connector C1 is connectable to a connector provided in the main switch <NUM>. The third connector C3 is disposed in the head pipe storage portion <NUM>. The third connector C3 is disposed in proximity to the first connector C1. The third connector C3 includes a plurality of third connectors C31, C32, and C33.

The fourth connector C4 is disposed at a position more rearward than the head pipe <NUM>. The third connector C3 is disposed at a position more forward than the fourth connector C4. The fourth connector C4 is disposed below the occupant seat <NUM>. Although not illustrated, the occupant seat <NUM> and the fourth connector C4 overlap mutually in plan view. In <FIG>, the fourth connector C4 is disposed in the storage box <NUM>. The fourth connector C4 may be disposed adjacent to the storage box <NUM> instead. The second connector C2 is disposed in proximity to the fourth connector C4.

As shown in <FIG>, the head pipe storage portion <NUM> overlaps with the head pipe <NUM> in front view. The front cover <NUM> overlaps with the head pipe <NUM> in front view. A headlight <NUM> is disposed on the front cover <NUM>. The headlight <NUM> is disposed in front of the head pipe <NUM>. The headlight <NUM> overlaps with the head pipe <NUM> in front view. The headlight <NUM> constitutes a portion of the head pipe storage portion <NUM>. The headlight <NUM> does not have to be disposed at the head pipe storage portion <NUM> and may be disposed, for example, on the handle cover <NUM> instead. The mud cover <NUM> overlaps with the front wheel Wf in front view.

<FIG> is a rear view of a structure in a periphery of the handle of the straddled vehicle. As shown in <FIG>, a meter panel 41b that includes a speedometer, etc., is mounted on an upper surface 41a of the handle cover <NUM>. Also, a pair of right and left LEDs <NUM> and <NUM> are mounted as optional devices in some cases on the upper surface 41a of the handle cover <NUM>. The right and left LEDs <NUM> and <NUM> are disposed in proximity to the meter panel 41b. The right and left LEDs <NUM> and <NUM> are disposed, for example, at symmetrical positions with respect to the vehicle center WO.

The handle <NUM> includes a pair of right and left grips 34R and <NUM> and a handle bar 34B. The right and left grips 34R and <NUM> are mounted on respective ends of the handle bar 34B. The left grip <NUM> is disposed at the left of the handle cover <NUM>. The right grip 34R is disposed at the right of the handle cover <NUM>.

<FIG> is a plan view of the storage box <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the storage box <NUM> includes a main body <NUM> that forms the housing space S3 for housing an article. The main body <NUM> includes a cylindrical portion <NUM> that surrounds the housing space S3 and a bottom portion <NUM> that is disposed below the housing space S3. The cylindrical portion <NUM> extends upward from an outer edge of the bottom portion <NUM>. A bottom of the cylindrical portion <NUM> is closed by the bottom portion <NUM>.

The cylindrical portion <NUM> includes a front wall 17f, a rear wall 17r, and a pair of side walls <NUM>. A peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion <NUM> is arranged by the front wall 17f, the rear wall 17r, and the pair of side walls <NUM>. The front wall 17f is disposed in front of the housing space S3. The rear wall 17r is disposed in rear of the housing space S3. The front wall 17f and the rear wall 17r face each other across an interval in the front-rear direction. The pair of side walls <NUM> are respectively disposed to the right and left of the housing space S3. The pair of side walls <NUM> face each other across an interval in the front-rear direction.

If the fourth connector C4 is disposed in the storage box <NUM>, an insertion hole <NUM> through which the fourth connector C4 and the second electric line <NUM> are insertable is formed in the peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion <NUM> or in the bottom portion <NUM>. It is possible to dispose an optional device <NUM> that is additionally equipped in the storage box <NUM>. If the optional device <NUM> is disposed in the storage box <NUM>, the fourth connector C4 is connected to a connector <NUM> provided in the optional device <NUM>. The fourth connector C4 may be connected from the rear or connected from the front to the optional device <NUM>.

<FIG> is a rear view of the head pipe storage portion <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, at least a portion of the back cover <NUM> overlaps with the head pipe <NUM> in front view. The back cover <NUM> includes a central portion 46a, a left side portion 46b, and a right side portion 46c. The central portion 46a overlaps with the head pipe <NUM> in rear view. The left side portion 46b is positioned at a left side of the central portion 46a. The right side portion 46c is positioned at a right side of the central position 46a. The back cover <NUM> is provided with the main switch <NUM>.

The left side portion 46b includes an upper left portion 46d and a lower left portion 46e. The upper left portion 46d has a shape that is recessed toward the front (the rear of the paper surface in <FIG>) from the lower left portion 46e. The right side portion 46c includes an upper right portion 46f and a lower right portion <NUM>. The upper right portion 46f has a shape that is recessed toward the front (the rear of the paper surface in <FIG>) from the lower right portion <NUM>. The main switch <NUM> is provided at the upper right portion 46f. The main switch <NUM> may be provided at the upper left portion 46d instead.

<FIG> is an outline right side view of the body frame <NUM> and the wire harness <NUM>.

Although not illustrated, at least a portion of the main line MH of the wire harness <NUM> is fixed such as to be laid along the body frame <NUM> by using one or a plurality of cable ties KB and unillustrated grommets. The vehicle controller <NUM> is fixed to the rear frame <NUM> via a stay <NUM> that is fixed to the rear frame <NUM>. A main body of the main switch <NUM> is fixed to the head pipe <NUM> via an unillustrated stay.

The first electric line <NUM> and the second electric line <NUM> (the respective electric lines 60a to 60d to be described below) each include a core wire and an insulating coating that covers the core wire. The core wire is formed of a conductive material such as copper or aluminum, etc. The core wire may be formed of a single element wire or may be formed of a plurality of element wires. Peripheries of the first electric line <NUM> and the second electric line <NUM> may be covered by an outer sheath <NUM> or may be covered by a cladding <NUM> such as a corrugated tube or a spirally-wound adhesive tape, etc..

<FIG> is a wiring diagram showing a circuit arrangement of the wire harness <NUM>. In <FIG>, the first electric line <NUM> and the respective electric lines 60a to 60d of the second electric line <NUM> are shown schematically as core wires.

The first connector C1 connected to the one end <NUM> of the first electric line <NUM> includes a housing H1 with an insulating property and a terminal t with a conductive property that is held by the housing H1. The first connector C1 is connectable to the connector (not shown) provided in the main switch <NUM>. The second connector C2 connected to the other end <NUM> of the first electric line <NUM> includes a housing H2 with an insulating property and a terminal t with a conductive property that is held by the housing H2. If the optional device <NUM> is disposed in the storage box <NUM>, the second connector C2 is arranged to be connectable to a connector <NUM> provided in the optional device <NUM>. In a not claimed example, the second connector C2 may instead be connected to a device other than the optional device.

The second electric line <NUM> is constituted of an electric line bundle that includes the four electric lines 60a, 60b, 60c, and 60d. The third connector C31 includes a housing H31 with an insulating property and two terminals ta and tb with a conductive property that are held by the housing H31. The third connector C32 includes a housing H32 with an insulating property and two terminals tc and td with a conductive property that are held by the housing H32. The third connector C33 includes a housing H33 with an insulating property and two terminals te and tf with a conductive property that are held by the housing H33.

The fourth connector C4 includes a housing H4 with an insulating property and four terminals tg, th, ti, and tj with a conductive property. If the optional device <NUM> is disposed in the storage box <NUM>, the fourth connector C4 is arranged to be connectable to the connector <NUM> provided in the optional device <NUM>. The optional device <NUM> may include, for example, an onboard communication apparatus. If the optional device <NUM> is not provided, the second electric line <NUM> is electrically open. The second electric line <NUM>, the third connector C3, and the fourth connector C4 are preferably designed to satisfy required specifications for additional equipping of the optional device <NUM> in preparation of additional equipping of the optional device <NUM>.

One end of the electric line 60a is connected to one terminal ta of the third connector C31 and another end of the electric line 60a is connected to the terminal tg of the fourth connector C4. One end of the electric line 60b is connected to one terminal to of the third connector C32 and another end of the electric line 60b is connected to the terminal ti of the fourth connector C4. One end of the electric line 60c is connected to one terminal te of the third connector C33 and another end of the electric line 60c is connected to the terminal tj of the fourth connector C4.

One end of the electric line 60d is connected to the other terminal tb of the third connector C31 and is also connected to the other terminal td of the third connector C32 and the other terminal tf of the third connector C33 via a connection line. That is, the one end of the electric line 60d is connected in common to the other terminal tb of the third connector C31, the other terminal td of the third connector C32, and the other terminal tf of the third connector C33. The other end of the electric line 60d is connected to the terminal th of the fourth connector C4. By common connection of the other terminals tb, td, and tf of the third connectors C31, C32, and C33, it is possible to reduce the number of electric lines and simplify the electric line structure.

The third connector C32 is arranged to be connectable to a connector <NUM> provided in the LED <NUM> as an optional device. The third connector C33 is arranged to be connectable to a connector <NUM> provided in the LED <NUM> as an optional device. The third connector C31 is arranged to be connectable to a connector <NUM> provided in a relay <NUM> as an optional device that is substitutable with the main switch <NUM>. Although not illustrated, the relay <NUM> includes a contact portion and a relay coil.

<FIG> is a left side view of the straddled vehicle in a case where the optional devices are provided. The relay <NUM> as an optional device that is connected to the third connector C31 is disposed in the head pipe storage portion <NUM>. The third connector C32 and the third connector C33 are disposed in the head pipe storage portion <NUM>. The third connector C32 and the third connector C33 are connected inside the head pipe storage portion <NUM> to the connectors <NUM> and <NUM> connected to the LEDs <NUM> and <NUM> as optional devices.

The fourth connector C4 is connected to the connector <NUM> provided in the optional device <NUM> that is housed in the storage box <NUM>. In this case, the second connector C2 is also connected inside the storage box <NUM> to a connector provided in the optional device <NUM>.

<FIG> is an outline sectional view of a periphery of the storage box <NUM>. For example, at least a portion of the rear frame <NUM> at the right side is disposed between the side wall <NUM> at the right side of the cylindrical portion <NUM> of the storage box <NUM> and the rear side cover 44a at the right side. The vehicle controller <NUM> is mounted on the rear frame <NUM> at the right side via the stay <NUM>. The vehicle controller <NUM> is disposed between the side wall <NUM> at the right side of the cylindrical portion <NUM> of the storage box <NUM> and the rear side cover 44a at the right side.

According to the present preferred embodiment, the following actions and effects are exhibited. That is, as shown in <FIG>, the wire harness <NUM> includes the main line MH at least a portion of which is laid along the body frame <NUM>. The vehicle controller <NUM> is connected via the branch electric line <NUM> to the first electric line <NUM> that is included in the main line MH. On the other hand, it is possible to use the second electric line <NUM> for connection with a device that is additionally equipped. Since the device that is additionally equipped is connectable to the second electrical line <NUM> by the third connector C3 at the one end <NUM> thereof and the fourth connector C4 at the other end <NUM> thereof, a degree of freedom with respect to additionally equipping a device is high.

Also, the fourth connector C4 is disposed below the occupant seat <NUM> that is disposed above the storage box <NUM>. It is thus possible to protect the fourth connector C4.

Also, the fourth connector C4 is disposed in the storage box <NUM>. It is thus possible to protect the fourth connector C4. Also, even when the fourth connector C4 is disposed adjacent to the storage box <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, it is possible to protect the fourth connector C4.

When the optional device <NUM> is not disposed in the storage box <NUM>, the fourth connector C4 is preferably held directly or indirectly by the main body <NUM> of the storage box <NUM>. For example, when the fourth connector C4 is disposed adjacent to the storage box <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, the fourth connector C4 may be held by a holder <NUM> that is fixed to the main body <NUM> of the storage box <NUM>. Although not illustrated, the same applies even when the fourth connector C4 is disposed in the storage box <NUM>. A holder may be formed by a cover (not shown) that holds the fourth connector C4 in its interior.

Also, as shown in <FIG>, the fourth connector C4 is arranged to be connectable to the connector <NUM> provided in the optional device <NUM> that is capable of being disposed in the storage box <NUM>. According to this arrangement, when the optional device <NUM> is disposed in the storage box <NUM>, it is possible to connect the fourth connector C4 to the connector <NUM> of the optional device <NUM>.

Also, as shown in <FIG>, the second connector C2 is arranged to be connectable to the connector <NUM> provided in the optional device <NUM>. By this arrangement, it is possible to connect the second connector C2 to the connector <NUM> of the optional device <NUM>.

Also, when the optional device <NUM> is not included n the straddled vehicle <NUM>, the second electric line <NUM> is electrically open. According to this arrangement, connection of the optional device <NUM> is facilitated by using the second electric line <NUM> that is electrically open. More preferably, the second electric line <NUM> is designed and disposed such as to satisfy the required specifications when the optional device <NUM> is additionally equipped as mentioned above. It is thereby possible to connect the optional device <NUM> even more easily.

Also, as shown in <FIG>, the footboard 43a that is supported by the body frame <NUM> is included. As seen in a vehicle side view, a portion of the main line MH is disposed lower than the upper surface of the footboard 43a. According to this arrangement, it is possible to protect the portion of the main line MH by the footboard 43a.

Also, the exterior cover <NUM> that is supported by the body frame <NUM> is included. The exterior cover <NUM> includes the head pipe storage portion <NUM>. The head pipe storage portion <NUM> includes the front cover <NUM> at least a portion of which is disposed in front of the head pipe <NUM> and the back cover <NUM> at least a portion of which is disposed in rear of the head pipe <NUM>. The head pipe storage portion <NUM> forms the inner space S1 that houses the head pipe <NUM> between the front cover <NUM> and the back cover <NUM>. The third connector C3 is disposed in the inner space S1 of the head pipe storage portion <NUM>. According to this arrangement, it is possible to dispose the third connector C3 in the inner space S1 of the head pipe storage portion <NUM>. It is thereby possible to protect the third connector C3.

Also, as shown in <FIG>, the first connector C1 is arranged to be connectable to the main switch <NUM> for turning on power. According to this arrangement, it is possible to connect the first connector C1 to the main switch <NUM>. The vehicle controller <NUM> is connected to the first electric line <NUM> via the branch electric line <NUM> and it is therefore possible to notify the vehicle controller <NUM> of conduction/interruption of the main switch <NUM>.

Also, as shown in <FIG>, the third connector C31 includes the terminals ta and tb that are connectable to the relay <NUM> that is disposed in some cases in the head pipe storage portion <NUM>. It is therefore possible to connect the third connector C31 to the relay <NUM> inside the head pipe storage portion <NUM>. Also, if the relay <NUM> is disposed in place of the main switch <NUM>, on/off operation of power supply from the optional device <NUM> that is connected to the fourth connector C4 is enabled.

<FIG> is a wiring diagram showing a circuit arrangement of the wire harness <NUM> in a modification example. The modification example of <FIG> mainly differs from the example of <FIG> as follows. The third connector C3 includes a single housing H3 with an insulating property and six terminals ta, tb, tc, td, te, and tf with a conductive property that are held by the housing H3. Also, the third connector C3 includes a busbar BB with a conductive property that connects the three terminals tb, td, and tf inside the housing H3. By connecting the terminals tb, td, and tf inside the housing H3 of the third connector C3, it is possible to reduce the number of components in comparison to a case where the terminals are connected individually to connection objects outside the connector.

<FIG> is an outline section view of a footboard in a modification example. The footboard 43a includes a pair of right and left footrests 43c and a center tunnel 43d that is provided between the right and left footrests 43c. The center tunnel 43d projects higher than the right and left footrests 43c and extends in the front-rear direction (direction orthogonal to the paper surface). A portion of the main line MH of the wire harness <NUM> is disposed in an interior (inner space S4) of the center tunnel 43d. According to this arrangement, it is possible to dispose and protect the portion of the main line MH in the interior of the center tunnel 43d that is provided in the footboard 43a.

The present invention is not restricted to the preferred embodiment described above and, for example, the wire harness <NUM> may be that which constitutes a portion of a wire harness of a larger unit. While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it is to be understood that variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention defined by the following claims. The scope of the present invention, therefore, is to be determined solely by the following claims.

Claim 1:
A straddled vehicle comprising:
a body frame (<NUM>) that includes a head pipe (<NUM>) supporting a steering device (<NUM>);
a wire harness (<NUM>) that includes a main line (MH) at least a portion of which is laid along the body frame (<NUM>) and a branch line (DH) branched from the main line (MH);
a vehicle controller (<NUM>) that is connected to the wire harness (<NUM>);
a storage box (<NUM>) that is supported by the body frame (<NUM>) and disposed at a position more rearward than the head pipe (<NUM>); and
an occupant seat (<NUM>) that is disposed above the storage box (<NUM>);
the main line (MH) including a first electric line (<NUM>) having one end (<NUM>) connected to a first connector (C1) and another end (<NUM>) connected to a second connector (C2) and a second electric line (<NUM>) having one end (<NUM>) connected to a third connector (C3) and another end (<NUM>) connected to a fourth connector (C4),
the branch line (DH) including a branch electric line (<NUM>) branched from an intermediate portion of the first electric line (<NUM>) and having a terminal (<NUM>) connected to the vehicle controller (<NUM>), and
the fourth connector (C4) being disposed at a position more rearward than the head pipe (<NUM>) and the third connector (C3) being disposed at a position more forward than the fourth connector (C4),
wherein
the fourth connector (C4) is disposed below the occupant seat (<NUM>) and is arranged to be connectable to a connector (<NUM>) provided in an optional device (<NUM>) that is capable of being disposed in the storage box (<NUM>),
characterized in that
the second connector (C2) is arranged to be connectable to a connector (<NUM>) provided in the optional device (<NUM>).