Patent Description:
In a saddle-ride type vehicle of the related art, an inner box capable of storing an article is provided on a rear side (the inside) of a leg shield disposed in front of a driver's leg, and an accessory socket for power supply (a so-called cigarette lighter socket) is provided inside the inner box (refer to <CIT>, for example). The accessory socket has a cylindrical shape, and a plug corresponding thereto can be inserted and detached in an axial direction. An axial direction (an insertion-detachment direction) of the socket is inclined upward, and the socket is disposed such that an axis thereof passes through an opening of the inner box. Accordingly, it is easy to insert and detach the plug into and from the socket through the opening.

<CIT> shows a USB terminal unit structure according to the preamble of claim <NUM>.

Meanwhile, in a case in which a mobile device such as a smartphone is connected to the above-described accessory socket with a USB connector, an adapter corresponding to a USB plug on the device side is attached to the accessory socket, and thus attachment of the device is complicated. Further, it is desirable for the accessory socket to be able to be used for various types of communication in addition to power supply. Therefore, it is desirable for a USB port (a socket) to be installed on the vehicle side. However, particularly in the saddle-ride type vehicle, attachment and detachment of the USB plug are performed with a gloved hand or in a dark place, and thus there is a need for a structure in which the ease of inserting the USB plug is fully considered.

Therefore, the present invention provides a USB terminal unit disposition structure of a saddle-ride type vehicle, which can make insertion of a connection terminal of an external device easier.

As a means for solving the above-described problems, a first aspect of the present invention is directed to a USB terminal unit disposition structure of a saddle-ride type vehicle which includes a USB terminal unit (<NUM>) which has at least one of a power supply function and a communication function and into and from which a connection terminal (<NUM>) of an external device is inserted and detached; and a vehicle body side attachment component (<NUM>) to which the USB terminal unit (<NUM>) is attached, wherein the vehicle body side attachment part (<NUM>) is disposed on a back side of a shielding portion (27b) to shield the USB terminal unit (<NUM>), wherein the shielding portion (27b) includes a vehicle body side opening (<NUM>) that exposes a terminal connection port (<NUM>) of the USB terminal unit (<NUM>) on a front side of the shielding portion (27b), and a recess (<NUM>) obtained by recessing a periphery of the vehicle body side opening (<NUM>) from the front side of the shielding portion (27b), wherein the USB terminal unit (<NUM>) inserts and detaches the connection terminal (<NUM>) in a predetermined insertion-detachment direction (W1), wherein the recess (<NUM>) includes a tapered portion (32a) formed to be widened toward a detachment side in the insertion-detachment direction (W1), the USB terminal unit disposition structure further comprising an article storage box (<NUM>) that allows an article to be put in and taken out through a box opening (27a), wherein the terminal connection port (<NUM>) is disposed in the shielding portion (27b) opposite to the box opening (27a) in the article storage box (<NUM>), wherein an upward portion (32c) formed upward in the tapered portion (32a) is provided with a display portion (<NUM>) showing a presence of the USB terminal unit (<NUM>), and wherein the USB terminal unit (<NUM>) is disposed such that the terminal connection port (<NUM>) faces downward.

According to this configuration, the recess provided at a periphery of the vehicle body side opening (the terminal connection port) makes it possible to visually and tactually recognize the presence and position of the terminal connection port, and thus it is possible to make insertion of the connection terminal easier. When the connection terminal is inserted, if the connection terminal is brought close to the terminal connection opening, the tapered portion guides the connection terminal toward the terminal connection port, and thus it is possible to make insertion of the connection terminal easier. When the user looks down on the shielding portion, the presence and position of the USB terminal unit can be seen due to the display portion provided on the upward portion, and thus it is possible to make insertion of the connection terminal easier.

Further according to this configuration, it is possible to easily secure capacity on the inner side of the article storage box (the box opening side), and to enhance usability of the article storage box.

Further according to this configuration, as compared with the case in which the terminal connection port is disposed to face upward, it is difficult for water or dust to enter the terminal connection port even when it is exposed to water, and a waterproof property and a dustproof property of the USB terminal unit can be enhanced. In addition, when the connection terminal is gripped from below and attached to and detached from the USB terminal unit, it is possible to make attachment and detachment of the connection terminal easier.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the above-described second aspect further includes an article storage box (<NUM>) that allows an article to be put in and taken out, wherein the USB terminal unit (<NUM>) is disposed such that the terminal connection port (<NUM>) faces an inside of the article storage box (<NUM>), and wherein the terminal connection port (<NUM>) is disposed above a central portion (26a) of the article storage box (<NUM>) in a vertical direction.

According to this configuration, when the connection terminal is gripped from below and inserted into the USB terminal unit, it is easy for the hand to enter below the terminal connection port in the article storage box, and it is possible to make insertion of the connection terminal easier.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, any one of the above-described first to third aspects further includes an article storage box (<NUM>) that allows an article to be put in and taken out, wherein the USB terminal unit (<NUM>) is disposed such that the terminal connection port (<NUM>) faces an inside of the article storage box (<NUM>), and wherein a cord holder (<NUM>) capable of holding a connection cord (51a) extending from the terminal connection port (<NUM>) is provided inside the article storage box (<NUM>).

According to this configuration, it is possible to gather the connection cord connected to the USB terminal unit or to store the connection cord to be connected, and therefore it is possible to prevent the connection cord from being entangled in the article storage box or hindering storage of other articles, and to enhance usability of the article storage box and the USB terminal unit.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, any one of the above-described first to fifth aspects further includes a display portion (<NUM>) showing a presence of the USB terminal unit (<NUM>), wherein the display portion (<NUM>) changes a display according to insertion-detachment of the connection terminal (<NUM>) with respect to the USB terminal unit (<NUM>).

According to this configuration, insertion status of the connection terminal can be seen by the change of the display such as the sign, the color, or the like, and convenience of the USB terminal unit can be improved.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, any one of the above-described first to sixth aspects further includes a light emitting portion (33a) that illuminates the terminal connection port (<NUM>).

According to this configuration, the presence and position of the USB terminal unit can be reliably recognized by visual observation, and thus insertion of the connection terminal can be made easier.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a USB terminal unit disposition structure of a saddle-ride type vehicle, which can make insertion of a connection terminal of an external device easier.

Note that front, rear, left, and right directions in the following description are the same as directions in a vehicle described below unless otherwise specified. Further, an arrow FR indicating a forward direction with respect to the vehicle, an arrow LH indicating a leftward direction with respect to the vehicle, an arrow UP indicating an upward direction with respect to the vehicle, and a line CL indicating a lateral center of a vehicle body are shown at appropriate places in the drawings used in the following description.

<FIG> shows a scooter type motorcycle <NUM> as an example of a saddle-ride type vehicle. The motorcycle <NUM> includes a front wheel <NUM> that is a steering wheel and a rear wheel <NUM> that is a driving wheel. The front wheel <NUM> is supported by a front fork 3a and can be steered by a bar handle <NUM>. An accelerator grip is attached to a right grip 2a among left and right grips 2a (see <FIG>) of the bar handle <NUM>. The rear wheel <NUM> is supported by a swing type power unit <NUM> and can be driven by the power unit <NUM>. In the drawing, reference sign 4a denotes a rear wheel axle, and reference sign 4b denotes a rear cushion.

Components of a steering system including the bar handle <NUM>, the front fork 3a, and the front wheels <NUM> are supported by a front end portion of a vehicle body frame (not shown) to be steerable. A front portion of the power unit <NUM> is supported by a lower portion of the vehicle body frame to be vertically swingable.

A step floor <NUM> on which a driver puts his/her feet is provided between the front wheels <NUM> and the rear wheels <NUM>. A leg shield <NUM> is provided in front of the step floor <NUM>. A rear body <NUM> is provided behind the step floor <NUM>.

A seat <NUM> on which an occupant sits is supported on the rear body <NUM>. A space K1 between the bar handle <NUM> and the seat <NUM> (a space above the step floor <NUM>) is a straddling space K1 that is used when the driver straddles the vehicle body. Foldable pillion steps <NUM> on which a rear passenger sitting on a rear portion of the seat <NUM> puts his/her feet are provided on both lower sides of the rear body <NUM>. A foldable side stand <NUM> that can support the vehicle body in a standing state in which the vehicle body is inclined to a left side is provided on a lower left side of the step floor <NUM>.

The power unit <NUM> includes an engine 8a that is an internal combustion engine, and a transmission device (for example, a belt-type continuously variable transmission) 8b that transmits a driving force generated by the engine 8a to the rear wheels <NUM>.

The engine 8a has a crankshaft extending in a vehicle width direction (a left-right direction), and a cylinder <NUM> protrudes substantially horizontally forward (specifically, to be slightly inclined forward and upward) from a front end of a crankcase (not shown). An intake pipe (not shown) is connected to an upper portion (an intake side) of the cylinder <NUM>. An exhaust pipe (not shown) is connected to a lower portion (an exhaust side) of the cylinder <NUM>.

The transmission device 8b includes a transmission case 8c extending rearward from one side (the left side) of the crankcase in the vehicle width direction. An air cleaner case 9a to which an upstream side of the intake pipe is connected is supported above the transmission case 8c.

A periphery of the vehicle body frame of the motorcycle <NUM> is covered with a vehicle body cover <NUM>. The vehicle body cover <NUM> includes a front cover 11a that covers a front portion of the vehicle body frame from a front side, an inner cover <NUM>1b that covers the front portion of the vehicle body frame from a rear side, a floor cover 11c that covers the lower portion of the vehicle body frame from above, and a rear body cover 11d that covers a rear portion of the vehicle body frame from the front side and a lateral side. The front cover 11a and the inner cover 11b constitute a leg shield <NUM> that covers the front of the legs of the driver. The rear body cover 11d forms an outer surface of the rear body <NUM>.

Referring also to <FIG>, a periphery of the bar handle <NUM> is covered with a handle cover <NUM>.

The handle cover <NUM> includes a front handle cover 12a that covers the bar handle <NUM> from the front side, and a rear handle cover 12b that covers the bar handle <NUM> from the rear side. The handle cover <NUM> can pivot together with the bar handle <NUM> with respect to the vehicle body frame and the vehicle body cover <NUM>. A head lamp <NUM> is disposed at a central portion of the front handle cover 12a in the vehicle width direction. A meter unit <NUM> is disposed at a central portion of the rear handle cover 12b in the vehicle width direction.

A pair of left and right switch boxes 12c that can be operated by driver's hands holding the left and right grips 2a of the bar handle <NUM> are provided on both sides of the rear handle cover 12b in the vehicle width direction.

The left and right switch boxes 12c are provided integrally with the handle cover <NUM>, for example. Note that the left and right switch boxes 12c may be provided as a separate body from the handle cover <NUM>. A pair of left and right operation levers (for example, front and rear brake levers) 2b that can be operated by the hands of the driver which hold the left and right grips 2a are disposed in front of the left and right grips 2a. Reference sign 2c in the drawing denotes a pair of left and right rearview mirrors that penetrate through both sides of the handle cover <NUM> in the vehicle width direction and are supported by the bar handle <NUM>.

A container-shaped luggage box <NUM> that opens upward is disposed inside the rear body cover 11d. An upper opening of the luggage box <NUM> can be opened and closed by the seat <NUM> pivoting around a front end. The luggage box <NUM> is long in a front-rear direction like the seat <NUM> having front and rear seating surfaces. A relatively deep front storage compartment 13a is formed at the front of the luggage box <NUM> and can store a helmet. A relatively shallow rear storage compartment 13b is formed at the rear of the luggage box <NUM>. A rear carrier <NUM> including left and right rear grips 18a that can be gripped by a rear passenger is disposed behind the seat <NUM> in an upper rear portion of the rear body <NUM>.

In <FIG>, reference sign <NUM> denotes a rear combination lamp disposed at a rear end of the rear body <NUM>, reference sign <NUM> denotes a rear fender extending rearward and downward from the rear combination lamp <NUM>, and reference sign <NUM> denotes a front fender pivoting together with the steering system.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a pair of inner boxes <NUM> that can store a small article as compared with the luggage box <NUM> are provided on both sides inside the leg shield <NUM> (on the vehicle front side) in the vehicle width direction. The inner box <NUM> includes a box main body <NUM> that allows articles to be put in and taken out through a box opening 27a that opens to the rear side of the vehicle, and a lid <NUM> that opens and closes the box opening 27a of the box main body <NUM>. For convenience of illustration, the inner box <NUM> on the left side of the drawing does not show the lid <NUM>. Reference sign 28a in the drawing denotes an insertion hole for a hinge arm of the lid <NUM>.

In the inside (the rear side) of the leg shield <NUM>, on one side in the vehicle width direction (a right side, the same side as the accelerator grip) and on the inside of the inner box <NUM> on the same side in the vehicle width direction, a main switch <NUM> including an ignition switch 29a and a lock release switch 29b for the seat <NUM> and the like is provided. Note that the inner box <NUM> may be provided only on one side opposite to the main switch <NUM> (a left side, the same side as the side stand <NUM>) in the vehicle width direction.

Referring to <FIG>, the motorcycle <NUM> can be connected to an external device such as a smartphone by a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector <NUM>. The USB connector <NUM> is constituted by a USB plug (a connection terminal) <NUM> on the external device side and a USB port (a USB terminal unit) <NUM> as a socket on the vehicle side. For example, the USB port <NUM> of the present embodiment has a power supply function and a communication function.

As shown in <FIG>, the USB port <NUM> has a port opening <NUM> disposed inside the inner box <NUM> on the left side of the leg shield <NUM>, for example. Accordingly, it is possible to connect the external device to the USB port <NUM> while accommodating the external device in the inner box <NUM>, or to connect the external device to the USB port <NUM> while mounting the external device around the bar handle <NUM>.

As the USB connector <NUM>, a connector that conforms to an existing standard is adopted, and it is particularly preferable to use the later-developed "USB Type-C". This is because if the USB port <NUM> is "USB Type-C", it has a waterproof property suitable for a saddle-ride type vehicle and also improves a power supply capability and a communication capability. Note that the USB connector may be provided with a cap that is attachable to and detachable from the USB port <NUM>. The external device is not limited to the smartphone, and may be a tablet, a navigation terminal, an audio device, an illumination device, a charger, an external memory, or the like, for example.

Referring to <FIG>, the USB port <NUM> includes a mouthpiece portion <NUM> serving as a mechanical joint for inserting and detaching the USB plug <NUM> in a predetermined insertion-detachment direction (indicated by an arrow W1 in the drawings), and a casing <NUM> that supports the mouthpiece portion <NUM> and is fixed to the vehicle body side (the inner box <NUM>).

The mouthpiece portion <NUM> has a flat hollow cross-sectional shape, for example, and extends in the insertion-detachment direction W1.

A port opening <NUM> through which the USB plug <NUM> is inserted and detached is formed at an end portion of the mouthpiece portion <NUM> on one end side (the side from which the USB plug <NUM> is detached, hereinafter, referred to as a detachment side) in the insertion-detachment direction W1. A plurality of terminals (not shown) are arranged inside the mouthpiece portion <NUM> facing the port opening <NUM>.

The casing <NUM> is formed of an insulating resin, for example, and has a rectangular parallelepiped outer shape, for example, that is long in the insertion-detachment direction W1. A mouthpiece holding portion <NUM> that protrudes toward the detachment side in the insertion-detachment direction W1 is formed at an end portion of the casing <NUM> on the detachment side in the insertion-detachment direction W1. A coupler <NUM> capable of connecting a vehicle body side harness arranged on the vehicle body side thereto is provided on the other end side (the side into which the USB plug <NUM> is inserted, hereinafter referred to as an insertion side) of the casing <NUM> in the insertion-detachment direction W1. The mouthpiece portion <NUM> may be omitted from the USB port <NUM>. That is, the mouthpiece portion <NUM> constitutes a mechanical joint for inserting and detaching the USB plug <NUM> in the insertion-detachment direction W1. A resin joint may be formed at a portion of the casing <NUM> corresponding to the mouthpiece holding portion <NUM> with this mouthpiece portion <NUM> omitted.

The mouthpiece holding portion <NUM> is provided to cover an outer periphery of the mouthpiece portion <NUM>. A tip end portion of the mouthpiece holding portion <NUM> is provided with a protrusion <NUM> that protrudes toward the detachment side from a tip end portion (the port opening <NUM>) of the mouthpiece portion <NUM>. The protrusion <NUM> is provided in an annular shape to surround an outer periphery of the port opening <NUM> over the entire periphery. The protrusion <NUM> is provided so that an inner peripheral edge thereof overlaps with a peripheral edge of the port opening <NUM> (in other words, adjacent to the peripheral edge of the port opening <NUM>) when viewed in the insertion-detachment direction W1.

A guide portion 58a is provided on a front end side and an inner peripheral side of the protrusion <NUM>, and is inclined to widen a vehicle body side opening <NUM> toward the detachment side in the insertion-detachment direction W1. The guide portion 58a functions as a guide portion that guides the USB plug <NUM> approaching from the detachment side in the insertion-detachment direction W1 to the port opening <NUM>. A drain hole 58b (see <FIG>) that guides water which has entered the protrusion <NUM> to a lower side of the protrusion <NUM> is provided on a downward side of a base portion (an end portion on the insertion side in the insertion-detachment direction W <NUM>) of the protrusion <NUM> in an on-vehicle state. Note that a drain portion of the water in the protrusion <NUM> is not limited to the drain hole 58b, and may be a drain groove, a cutout, or the like, for example.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the USB port <NUM> is attached to, for example, a back wall 27b located on a side (the front side in a vehicle front-rear direction) opposite to the box opening 27a in the inner box <NUM>. In the USB port <NUM>, the port opening <NUM> and the protrusion <NUM> are exposed inside the inner box <NUM> from the vehicle body side opening <NUM> formed in the back wall 27b. In the USB port <NUM>, the port opening <NUM> and the protrusion <NUM> face an inner space K2 of the inner box <NUM>. The remaining portions of the USB port <NUM> except for the port opening <NUM> and the protrusion <NUM> face a space (an inner space of the leg shield <NUM>) K3 in front of the back wall 27b. That is, the USB port <NUM> is shielded with the back wall 27b except for the port opening <NUM> and the protrusion <NUM> when an inside of the inner box <NUM> is viewed in the completed motorcycle <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the back wall 27b of the inner box <NUM> includes, for example, a first back wall 27b1 having a depth in an outer side of the inner box <NUM> in the vehicle width direction and a second back wall 27b2 displaced toward the box opening 27a side in an inside of the inner box <NUM> in the vehicle width direction. The USB port <NUM> is attached to the second back wall 27b2. The inner box <NUM> has a depth of the inner space K2 by the first back wall 27b1 and attaches the USB port <NUM> to the second back wall 27b2 to bring the port opening <NUM> close to the box opening 27a.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a pair of attachment flanges <NUM> are provided on both sides in a width direction (the left-right direction in an on-vehicle state) intersecting with the insertion-detachment direction W1 on the detachment side of the casing <NUM> in the insertion-detachment direction W1. A pair of fastening bosses 27c are provided on both left and right sides of the vehicle body side opening <NUM> on a front surface side of the back wall 27b (a side facing the inside of the leg shield <NUM>). The pair of attachment flanges <NUM> are fastened and fixed to the pair of fastening bosses 27c by screws 59a screwed from the front of the fastening bosses. Accordingly, the USB port <NUM> is fixedly attached to the front surface side of the back wall 27b (the inner space K3 side of the leg shield <NUM>).

An upper flange <NUM> that extends between upper portions of the pair of attachment flanges <NUM> is provided on an upper surface of the casing <NUM> in an on-vehicle state. The upper flange <NUM> is connected to the pair of attachment flanges <NUM> to be flush with each other and connects the attachment flanges to each other, thereby enhancing attachment strength and rigidity of the USB port <NUM>. The upper flange <NUM> and the pair of attachment flanges <NUM> also function as a water blocking portion 60A that blocks water moving along the casing <NUM> from flowing to the port opening <NUM> side. Note that the water blocking portion 60Athat blocks the water moving along the casing <NUM> is not limited to a water blocking wall, and may have a structure for guiding water such as a groove or an inclined shape.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the USB port <NUM> is disposed so that the port opening <NUM> faces downward in an on-vehicle state. A central axis L1 (see <FIG>) of the port opening <NUM> (and the mouthpiece portion <NUM>) in the insertion-detachment direction W1 is disposed to have an inclination angle with respect to a horizontal plane so that the central axis is located on a downward side toward the detachment side in the insertion-detachment direction W1. That is, the insertion-detachment direction W1 of the USB port <NUM> is inclined to be located on a downward side toward the detachment side with respect to a horizontal direction. The insertion-detachment direction W1 is also a normal direction of an end surface of the mouthpiece portion <NUM>, which forms the port opening <NUM>. Further, since the port opening <NUM> is inclined downward, it is difficult for water or dust to enter and accumulate in the vicinity of the port opening <NUM> in the protrusion <NUM>.

The entire USB port <NUM> including the casing <NUM> is disposed to be inclined rearward and downward. In the leg shield <NUM>, water flung up by the front wheel <NUM> or water that has entered from above the leg shield <NUM> may splash on the components inside the leg shield <NUM>. When this water splashs on the USB port <NUM>, the water moving along the surface of the casing <NUM> may reach the vicinity of the port opening <NUM> through the vehicle body side opening <NUM>. In the USB port <NUM> of the present embodiment, the upper flange <NUM> and the pair of attachment flanges <NUM> are provided on an upper surface and left and right side surfaces of a downward side (the detachment side in the insertion-detachment direction W <NUM>) of the casing <NUM> in an on-vehicle state. Since the upper flange <NUM> and the pair of attachment flanges <NUM> function as a water blocking wall, it is difficult for the water moving along the casing <NUM> to reach the vicinity of the port opening <NUM>.

In an on-vehicle state, the USB port <NUM> shown by the solid line in <FIG> is disposed so that the port opening <NUM> is located below a central portion (shown by line 26a in <FIG>) of the inner box <NUM> in a vertical direction. In this case, when the user looks down on the inner box <NUM>, it is easy to see the port opening <NUM>.

Meanwhile, in an on-vehicle state, the USB port <NUM> shown by a chain line in <FIG> is disposed so that the port opening <NUM> is located above the central portion (shown by line 26a in <FIG>) of the inner box <NUM> in the vertical direction. In a case in which the port opening <NUM> is disposed to face downward, when the USB plug <NUM> is inserted into and detached from the port opening <NUM>, the user performs an operation while gripping the USB plug <NUM> from below. Therefore, the port opening <NUM> is located above the central portion 26a of the inner box <NUM> in the vertical direction, so that a space for the user's hand to enter below the port opening <NUM> is secured, and an attachment and detachment operation of the USB plug <NUM> is easily performed.

Referring to <FIG>, the casing <NUM> is provided with a hood <NUM> protruding to the detachment side in the insertion-detachment direction W1 at a portion spaced from an outer peripheral side of the mouthpiece holding portion <NUM>. A front end portion of the hood <NUM> is close to or in contact with a back surface of the back wall 27b. Accordingly, even if the water inside the leg shield <NUM> approaches the USB port <NUM> along the back surface of the back wall 27b, the hood <NUM> prevents the mouthpiece holding portion <NUM> from being exposed to water and the water does not easily reach the vicinity of the port opening <NUM>. If the hood <NUM> is configured to be in close contact with the back wall 27b via an elastic seal or the like, a waterproof property in the vicinity of the port opening <NUM> is further enhanced. The hood <NUM> is provided to surround an outer periphery of the protrusion <NUM> over the entire periphery, but it may be provided at least above the protrusion <NUM> in an eave shape.

The USB port <NUM> includes a circuit board <NUM>, which is connected to a terminal in the mouthpiece portion <NUM>, inside the casing <NUM>. The circuit board <NUM> includes, for example, a DC-DC converter, is disposed along upper and lower surfaces of the casing <NUM> in an on-vehicle state, and is accommodated in the casing <NUM>. The casing <NUM> opens a lower surface side in an on-vehicle state to form a case opening portion. In the USB port <NUM>, the circuit board <NUM> is sealed in a watertight manner by injecting potting resin <NUM> from the case opening portion to fill the casing <NUM> with the potting resin in a state in which the circuit board <NUM> is accommodated in the casing <NUM>. The USB port <NUM> has the lower surface of the casing <NUM> in an on-vehicle state as a potting surface 63a where the potting resin <NUM> is exposed. That is, the USB port <NUM> is disposed so that the potting surface 63a faces downward in an on-vehicle state. The potting surface 63a is inclined to be located on a downward side toward the port opening <NUM> with respect to the horizontal direction. This disposition prevents water or dust from accumulating on a potting surface 63a and enhances a waterproof property and a dustproof property.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, most of the USB port <NUM> is disposed in front of the back wall 27b (on a back side of the back wall 27b, outside the inner box <NUM>). The USB port <NUM> is shielded with the back wall 27b except for the port opening <NUM> and the protrusion <NUM>. The back wall 27b has a recess <NUM> obtained by recessing a periphery of the vehicle body side opening <NUM> when viewed from a rear side of the back wall 27b (the front side of the back wall 27b, inside the inner box <NUM>). The recess <NUM> is recessed with respect to a flat general surface 27d of the back wall 27b except for a periphery of the vehicle body side opening <NUM> when viewed from the rear side of the back wall 27b. In the recess <NUM>, the protrusion <NUM> of the casing <NUM>, which protrudes rearward from the vehicle body side opening <NUM>, faces the rear side. The protrusion <NUM>, and consequently the USB port <NUM> does not protrude rearward from the general surface 27d of the back wall 27b, and suppresses an influence on an article storage space of the inner box <NUM>.

The mouthpiece portion <NUM> inside the protrusion <NUM> is located on the rear side in the insertion-detachment direction W1 with respect to a tip end of the protrusion <NUM>. Accordingly, even if the USB plug <NUM> is inserted to abut against the USB port <NUM>, the abutting load is not directly transmitted to the mouthpiece portion <NUM>. The casing <NUM> is fixed to the back wall 27b on the vehicle body side. Accordingly, when the abutting load is input to the protrusion <NUM>, the abutting load is supported on the back wall 27b, that is, the vehicle body side. Therefore, the load input to the mouthpiece portion <NUM> of the USB port <NUM> is suppressed, and a protection property in the vicinity of the terminals is enhanced.

The recess <NUM> has a tapered portion 32a extending in the insertion-detachment direction W1. The tapered portion 32a extends to be widened from a peripheral edge of the vehicle body side opening <NUM> toward the general surface 27d of the back wall 27b. The tapered portion 32a extends to be inclined for widening the vehicle body side opening <NUM>. Accordingly, the tapered portion 32a functions as a guide portion that guides the USB plug <NUM> approaching from the detachment side in the insertion-detachment direction W1 to the vehicle body side opening <NUM>, and consequently the port opening <NUM>. The recess <NUM> makes an opening 32b formed on the general surface 27d of the back wall 27b larger than the vehicle body side opening <NUM> by the tapered portion 32a that is widened toward the general surface 27d of the back wall 27b. As a result, a user can easily visually and tactually recognize the presence and position of the USB port <NUM>, and usability of the USB port <NUM> is improved.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the recess <NUM> is provided with a display portion <NUM> for notifying a user of the presence and position of the port opening <NUM>. The display portion <NUM> is provided on an upper surface of a lower wall 32c of the tapered portion 32a, which is inclined upward. A normal direction of the upper surface of the lower wall 32c is inclined to be located on an upward side as a distance from the lower wall 32c increases with respect to the horizontal direction. The display portion <NUM> displays text or a mark indicating the presence of the USB port <NUM> by marking or painting, for example. Since the display portion <NUM> is formed on an upward surface of the tapered portion 32a, it is easy for a user to see when looking down. Since the USB port <NUM> is disposed to be inclined downward, an imaginary surface 31a forming the vehicle body side opening <NUM> is inclined downward, and the lower wall 32c of the tapered portion 32a is widened. Accordingly, the display portion <NUM> becomes larger and a user can easily recognize the display portion. The back wall 27b is inclined so that a lower side thereof is located on an inner side (the rear side) with respect to the vertical direction, and at this point as well, the lower wall 32c of the tapered portion 32a is widened and the display portion <NUM> becomes larger.

Note that the display portion <NUM> is not limited to marking or painting, and may be, for example, a light emitting portion that lights or blinks text or a mark. At this time, the lighting or blinking of the light emitting portion may be performed according to the opening and closing of the lid <NUM>, the energization of the USB plug <NUM>, or the operation of a separate switch. The lighting or blinking of the light emitting portion may be performed for a predetermined time only, and the presence or absence of light emission, the color, or the like may be changed according to the energization of the USB plug <NUM>. The display portion <NUM> itself is not limited to emitting light, and may include a light emitting portion 33a (see <FIG>) that illuminates the display portion <NUM>. A sign may be mechanically or electrically displayed instead of the light emission.

Referring to <FIG>, a cord hook <NUM> is provided in the inner box <NUM>. A connection cord 51a connected to the USB plug <NUM> is hooked on the cord hook <NUM>. The cord hook <NUM> is provided on, for example, one of left and right side walls of the inner box <NUM>. By hooking and gathering the connection cord 51a on the cord hook <NUM>, the connection cord 51a is less likely to be entangled in the inner box <NUM>. By retracting the connection cord 51a from the bottom wall of the inner box <NUM>, it is difficult for the storage article and the connection cord 51a to interfere with each other, and they can be easily put in and taken out. The means for holding the connection cord 51a is not limited to the cord hook <NUM>, and may be a shelf or a pocket. The connection cord 51a is configured as a configuration on the external device side, which is to be attached to and detached from the USB port <NUM> inside the inner box <NUM>, meanwhile, the connection cord 51a may be configured as a configuration on the vehicle side, and the USB plug <NUM> at a tip end of the cord may be pulled outside the inner box <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, for example, the leg shield <NUM> is provided with a cord guide portion <NUM> that guides the connection cord 51a extending from the USB plug <NUM> to bypass below the box opening 27a of the inner box <NUM>. The cord guide portion <NUM> is, for example, a cord clip installed below the box opening 27a of the inner box <NUM>. In the motorcycle <NUM>, an external device may be mounted in the vicinity of the bar handle <NUM> for use. However, in a case in which the external device and the USB port <NUM> are connected by the connection cord 51a, the water moving along the connection cord 51a may reach inside the inner box <NUM>. Since the connection cord 51a is guided to bypass below the box opening 27a by using the cord guide portion <NUM>, the water moving along the connection cord 51a is guided below the box opening 27a of the inner box <NUM>. Therefore, infiltration of water into the inner box <NUM> is suppressed. Note that the cord guide portion <NUM> may be installed above the box opening 27a of the inner box <NUM> as long as the cord guide portion guides the connection cord 51a below the box opening 27a of the inner box <NUM>. The cord guide portion <NUM> is not limited to the cord clip (a locking portion), and may be a passage or groove for guiding a path of the connection cord 51a.

As described above, the USB port structure of a saddle-ride type vehicle according to the present embodiment includes the USB port <NUM> into and from which the USB plug <NUM> of the external device is inserted and detached in the predetermined insertion-detachment direction W1. The USB port <NUM> includes the port opening <NUM> through which the USB plug <NUM> is inserted and detached. The USB port <NUM> is disposed so that the port opening <NUM> faces downward in an on-vehicle state (so that the central axis L1 in the insertion-detachment direction W1 is inclined downward).

According to this configuration, as compared with the case in which the port opening <NUM> is disposed to face upward, it is difficult for water or dust to enter the port opening <NUM> even when it is exposed to water, and a waterproof property and a dustproof property of the USB port <NUM> can be enhanced. In addition, when the USB plug <NUM> is gripped from below and attached to and detached from the USB port <NUM>, it is possible to make attachment and detachment of the USB plug <NUM> easier.

In the above-described USB port structure of a saddle-ride type vehicle, the USB port <NUM> is disposed to be inclined so that the end surface on the port opening <NUM> side is lower than the end surface on a side opposite to the port opening <NUM> in an on-vehicle state. The water blocking portion 60A that guides the water moving along the casing <NUM> to the outside of the port opening <NUM> is provided on the port opening <NUM> side of the casing <NUM> of the USB port <NUM>.

According to this configuration, it is difficult for the water moving along the casing <NUM> of the inclined USB port <NUM> to enter the port opening <NUM>, and a waterproof property of the USB port <NUM> can be enhanced.

In the above-described USB port structure of a saddle-ride type vehicle, the casing <NUM> includes the attachment flange <NUM> with respect to the vehicle body side. The water blocking portion 60A includes the upper flange <NUM> that is continuous with the attachment flange <NUM>.

According to this configuration, the attachment flange <NUM> with respect to the vehicle body side and the upper flange <NUM> are consecutively integrally provided. Accordingly, the configuration is simplified, and the upper flange <NUM> reinforces the attachment flange <NUM>, so that attachment strength and rigidity of the USB port <NUM> can be improved.

In the above-described USB port structure of a saddle-ride type vehicle, the casing <NUM> includes the hood <NUM> adjacent to a vehicle body side attachment component (the inner box <NUM>) to which the USB port <NUM> is attached at least above the port opening <NUM> in an on-vehicle state.

According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent the port opening <NUM> from being exposed to the water moving along the vehicle body side attachment component, and to enhance a waterproof property of the USB port <NUM>.

In the above-described USB port structure of a saddle-ride type vehicle, the hood <NUM> is provided to surround the outer periphery of the port opening <NUM>.

According to this configuration, even when water splashes inside the vehicle body, it is possible to prevent the port opening <NUM> from being exposed to the water, and to enhance a waterproof property of the USB port <NUM>.

In the above-described USB port structure of a saddle-ride type vehicle, the circuit board <NUM> is sealed with the potting resin <NUM> inside the casing <NUM>. The potting surface 63a of the casing <NUM> where the potting resin <NUM> is exposed is disposed to face downward in an on-vehicle state.

According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent water from stagnating on the potting surface 63a and to enhance a waterproof property of the USB port <NUM>.

Further, the USB port disposition structure of a saddle-ride type vehicle according to the present embodiment includes the USB port <NUM> into and from which the USB plug <NUM> of the external device is inserted and detached, and the vehicle body side attachment component (the inner box <NUM>) to which the USB port <NUM> is attached. The vehicle body side attachment component is disposed on the back side of the wall portion (the back wall 27b) to shield the USB port <NUM>. The wall portion has the vehicle body side opening <NUM> that exposes the port opening <NUM> of the USB port <NUM> on the front side of the wall portion, and the recess <NUM> obtained by recessing a periphery of the vehicle body side opening <NUM> from the front side of the wall portion.

According to this configuration, the recess <NUM> provided at a periphery of the vehicle body side opening <NUM> (the port opening <NUM>) makes it possible to visually and tactually recognize the presence and position of the port opening <NUM>. Therefore, it is possible to make insertion of the USB plug <NUM> easier.

In the above-described USB port disposition structure of a saddle-ride type vehicle, the USB port <NUM> allows the USB plug <NUM> to be inserted and detached into and from the USB port in the predetermined insertion-detachment direction W1. The recess <NUM> includes a tapered portion 32a formed to widen toward the detachment side in the insertion-detachment direction W1.

According to this configuration, when the USB plug <NUM> is inserted, if the USB plug <NUM> is brought close to the port opening <NUM>, the tapered portion 32a guides the USB plug <NUM> toward the port opening <NUM>. Therefore, it is possible to make insertion of the USB plug <NUM> easier.

In the above-described USB port disposition structure of a saddle-ride type vehicle, an upward portion (the lower wall 32c) formed upward in the tapered portion 32a is provided with a display portion <NUM> showing the presence of the USB port <NUM>.

According to this configuration, when the user looks down on the wall portion, the presence and position of the USB port <NUM> can be seen due to the display portion <NUM> provided on the upward portion (the lower wall 32c). Therefore, it is possible to make insertion of the USB plug <NUM> easier.

In the above-described USB port disposition structure of a saddle-ride type vehicle, the USB port <NUM> is disposed so that the port opening <NUM> faces downward.

According to this configuration, as compared with the case in which the port opening <NUM> is disposed to face upward, it is difficult for water or dust to enter the port opening <NUM> even when it is exposed to water. Therefore, it is possible to enhance a waterproof property and a dustproof property of the USB port <NUM>. In addition, when the USB plug <NUM> is gripped from below and attached to and detached from the USB port <NUM>, it is possible to make attachment and detachment of the USB plug <NUM> easier.

The above-described USB port disposition structure of a saddle-ride type vehicle may include the inner box <NUM> that allows an article to be put in and taken out through the box opening 27a, the USB port <NUM> may be disposed such that the port opening <NUM> faces the inside of the inner box <NUM>, and the port opening <NUM> may be disposed above the central portion 26a of the inner box <NUM> in the vertical direction.

According to this configuration, when the USB plug <NUM> is gripped from below and inserted into the USB port <NUM>, it is easy for the hand to enter below the port opening <NUM> in the inner box <NUM>, and it is possible to make insertion of the USB plug <NUM> easier.

In the above-described USB port disposition structure of a saddle-ride type vehicle, a cord hook <NUM> capable of holding the connection cord 51a extending from the port opening <NUM> may be provided inside the inner box <NUM>.

According to this configuration, it is possible to gather the connection cord 51a connected to the USB port <NUM> or to store the connection cord 51a to be connected. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the connection cord 51a from being entangled in the inner box <NUM> or hindering storage of other articles, and to enhance usability of the inner box <NUM> and the USB port <NUM>.

In the above-described USB port disposition structure of a saddle-ride type vehicle, the port opening <NUM> is disposed in a back wall 27b opposite to the box opening 27a in the inner box <NUM>.

According to this configuration, it is possible to easily secure capacity on the inner side of the inner box <NUM> (the box opening 27a side), and to enhance usability of the inner box <NUM>.

The above-described USB port disposition structure of a saddle-ride type vehicle may include the display portion <NUM> showing the presence of the USB port <NUM>, and the display portion <NUM> may change a display according to insertion-detachment of the USB plug <NUM> with respect to the USB port <NUM>.

According to this configuration, insertion status of the USB plug <NUM> can be seen by the change of the display such as the sign, the color, or the like, and convenience of the USB port <NUM> can be improved.

The above-described USB port disposition structure of a saddle-ride type vehicle may include the light emitting portion 33a that illuminates the port opening <NUM>.

According to this configuration, the presence and position of the USB port <NUM> can be reliably recognized by visual observation, and thus it is possible to make insertion of the USB plug <NUM> easier.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, the saddle-ride type vehicle may be any vehicle in which a driver straddles the vehicle body, including a motorcycle (including a motorized bicycle or a scooter type vehicle) as well as a three-wheeled vehicle (including a vehicle having one front wheel and two rear wheels as well as a vehicle having two front wheels and one rear wheel) or a four-wheeled vehicle.

Claim 1:
A USB terminal unit disposition structure for a saddle-ride type vehicle, comprising:
a USB terminal unit (<NUM>) which has at least one of a power supply function and a communication function and into and from which a connection terminal (<NUM>) of an external device is inserted and detached; and
a vehicle body side attachment component (<NUM>) to which the USB terminal unit (<NUM>) is attached,
wherein the vehicle body side attachment part (<NUM>) is disposed on a back side of a shielding portion (27b) to shield the USB terminal unit (<NUM>),
wherein the shielding portion (27b) comprises a vehicle body side opening (<NUM>) that exposes a terminal connection port (<NUM>) of the USB terminal unit (<NUM>) on a front side of the shielding portion (27b), and a recess (<NUM>) obtained by recessing a periphery of the vehicle body side opening (<NUM>) from the front side of the shielding portion (27b),
wherein the USB terminal unit (<NUM>) inserts and detaches the connection terminal (<NUM>) in a predetermined insertion-detachment direction (W1),
wherein the recess (<NUM>) comprises a tapered portion (32a) formed to be widened toward a detachment side in the insertion-detachment direction (W1), and
characterized in that
the USB terminal unit disposition structure further comprises:
an article storage box (<NUM>) that allows an article to be put in and taken out through a box opening (27a),
wherein the terminal connection port (<NUM>) is disposed in the shielding portion (27b) opposite to the box opening (27a) in the article storage box (<NUM>),
wherein an upward portion (32c) formed upward in the tapered portion (32a) is provided with a display portion (<NUM>) showing a presence of the USB terminal unit (<NUM>), and
wherein the USB terminal unit (<NUM>) is disposed such that the terminal connection port (<NUM>) faces downward.