Patent Description:
Conventionally, some straddled vehicles are provided with a sensing device for detecting a situation in front of the vehicle. For example, in the straddled vehicle disclosed in <CIT>, an imaging device is arranged behind the opening provided in the front cowl. It is also stated that the opening may be covered with a protective glass.

As in the straddled vehicle described above, the sensing device is protected from stepping stones, insects, dust, or the like by covering the sensing device with a transparent cover such as a protective glass. However, if the transparent cover is damaged by stepping stones, or if dirt adheres to the transparent cover due to insects, dust, or the like, the detection capability of the sensing device may deteriorate. In addition, fogging of the transparent cover may also reduce the detection capability of the sensing device.

In the above case, the dirt or fog can be easily removed by making the transparent cover detachable. Alternatively, the transparent cover can be easily replaced. However, in that case, there is concern about theft of the transparent cover or mischief. An object of the present invention is provide a straddled vehicle having improved maintainability of a transparent cover and to deter theft or mischief of the transparent cover in a straddled vehicle provided with the transparent cover for protecting a sensing device. According to the present invention said object is solved by straddled vehicle having the features of independent claim <NUM>. Preferred embodiments are laid down in the dependent claims.

A straddled vehicle according to one aspect includes a vehicle body, a windscreen, a sensing device, and a transparent cover. The vehicle body includes a front cover. The windscreen is arranged above the front cover. The sensing device is arranged behind the front cover. The sensing device detects a situation in front of the vehicle body. The transparent cover is arranged in front of the sensing device. The transparent cover includes a first mounting portion detachably attached to the front cover. The windscreen overlaps the first mounting portion from above and/or from the front.

In the straddled vehicle according to the present aspect, the transparent cover is detachably attached to the front cover by the first mounting portion. Therefore, the maintainability of the transparent cover is improved. Moreover, the windscreen overlaps with the first mounting portion from above and/or from the front of the first mounting portion. Access to the first mounting portion is therefore restricted by the windscreen. Thereby, theft of the transparent cover or mischief is deterred.

The windscreen may be attached to the vehicle body so as to be movable between a first position and a second position. The second position may be located above the first position. The windscreen may overlap the first mounting portion from above when the windscreen is positioned at the first position. When the windscreen is positioned at the second position, the windscreen may not overlap the first mounting portion from above. In this case, when the windscreen is positioned at the first position, access to the first mounting portion is obstructed by the windscreen. Thereby, theft or mischief to the transparent cover is deterred. When the windscreen is positioned at the second position, access to the first attachment portion is possible.

The windscreen may overlap the first mounting portion from the front when the windscreen is positioned at the first position. When the windscreen is positioned at the second position, the windscreen may not overlap the first mounting portion from the front. In this case, when the windscreen is positioned at the first position, access to the first mounting portion is obstructed by the windscreen. Thereby, theft or mischief to the transparent cover is deterred. When the windscreen is positioned at the second position, access to the first attachment is possible.

The first mounting portion may be arranged on an upper surface of the transparent cover. In this case, ease of access to the first mounting portion improves maintainability.

The transparent cover may include a second mounting portion provided at a bottom of the transparent cover. The second mounting portion may be detachably attached to the front cover by fitting. In this case, the attachment and detachment of the transparent cover becomes easier.

The front cover may include an engaging portion to which the second mounting portion is attached. The engaging portion may support the second mounting portion such that the transparent cover is rotatable about the second mounting portion. In this case, the transparent cover can be easily removed from the front cover by rotating the transparent cover.

The front cover may include an outer cover and an inner cover. At least a portion of the inner cover may be arranged behind the outer cover. The engaging portion may be provided at the inner cover and may be arranged behind the outer cover. In this case, the engaging portion is protected by the outer cover.

A first gap may be provided between the side edge of the transparent cover and the front cover. In this case, fogging of the transparent cover is suppressed by air entering through the first gap.

The front cover may include a guide portion arranged between the transparent cover and the sensing device. The guide portion may cover a periphery of a first space between the transparent cover and the sensing device. In this case, even if water enters through the first gap, the guide portion prevents water from adhering to the sensing device or the rear surface of the transparent cover.

A second gap may be provided between the guide portion and the sensing device. The first space may communicate with a second space inside the front cover through the second gap. In this case, fogging of the transparent cover is suppressed by air entering the first space in the guide portion through the second gap.

A third gap may be provided between the guide portion and the transparent cover. The side edge of the transparent cover may have a bent shape to cover the third gap. In this case, the intrusion of water through the third gap is suppressed by the bent shape of the side edge of the transparent cover.

A wind guide port may be provided between a lower end of the windscreen and the transparent cover. In this case, part of the traveling air flows from the wind guide port to the back side of the windscreen, thereby rectifying the turbulent air in the space above a rider's head.

An upper surface of the transparent cover may have a downwardly recessed shape. In this case, the recessed shape of the transparent cover provides the wind guide port between the lower end of the windscreen and the transparent cover.

A straddled vehicle according to an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. <FIG> is a side view of a straddled vehicle <NUM> according to an embodiment. The straddled vehicle <NUM> according to the embodiment is a motorcycle. As shown in <FIG>, the straddled vehicle <NUM> includes a vehicle body <NUM>, a steering device <NUM>, a front wheel <NUM>, and a rear wheel <NUM>. In the following description, the front, rear, left, and right directions refer to the front, rear, up, down, left, and right directions as seen from a rider sitting on the seat <NUM>. Accordingly, it is referred to a front-rear-direction of the vehicle, an up-down-direction of the vehicle and a left-right-direction of the vehicle. The up-down-direction of the vehicle corresponds with the vertical direction.

The vehicle body <NUM> includes a vehicle body frame <NUM>, a power unit <NUM>, and a seat <NUM>. The vehicle body frame <NUM> includes a head pipe <NUM>. The power unit <NUM> includes, for example, an internal combustion engine. Alternatively, the power unit <NUM> may include an electric motor.

The steering device <NUM> is supported by the head pipe <NUM> so as to be rotatable to the left and right. The steering device <NUM> includes a front fork <NUM> and a handle member <NUM>. The front fork <NUM> rotatably supports the front wheel <NUM>. The handle member <NUM> is connected to the front fork <NUM>. The rear wheel <NUM> is rotatably supported by the vehicle body frame <NUM> via a swing arm <NUM>.

The vehicle body <NUM> includes a front cover <NUM>. The front cover <NUM> is arranged in front of the head pipe <NUM>. The front cover <NUM> covers the head pipe <NUM> from the front. The vehicle body <NUM> includes a windscreen <NUM>. The windscreen <NUM> is arranged above the front cover <NUM>. The windscreen <NUM> is attached to the front cover <NUM>.

<FIG> is a front view of the front cover <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the straddled vehicle <NUM> includes a left light <NUM> and a right light <NUM>. The left light <NUM> and the right light <NUM> are, for example, position lights. Alternatively, the left light <NUM> and the right light <NUM> may be headlights. The front cover <NUM> includes an opening <NUM>. The opening <NUM> is arranged below the windscreen <NUM>.

The straddled vehicle <NUM> includes a sensing device <NUM>. The sensing device <NUM> detects a situation in front of the vehicle body <NUM>. The sensing device <NUM> is, for example, a camera, and photographs the front of the vehicle body <NUM> to generate image data showing the front of the vehicle body <NUM>. The sensing device <NUM> is arranged behind the front cover <NUM>. The sensing device <NUM> is arranged behind the opening <NUM>. The sensing device <NUM> overlaps the opening <NUM> as seen from the vehicle front view. A transparent cover <NUM> for protecting the sensing device <NUM> is arranged in the opening <NUM>. The transparent cover <NUM> is made of transparent resin, for example. Alternatively, the transparent cover <NUM> may be made of transparent glass. The transparent cover <NUM> is arranged in front of the sensing device <NUM>. The opening <NUM> is closed by the transparent cover <NUM>.

The front cover <NUM> includes an outer cover <NUM> and an inner cover <NUM>. The left light <NUM> and the right light <NUM> are arranged on the outer cover <NUM>. The opening <NUM> is provided at the outer cover <NUM>. <FIG> is a front view of the front cover <NUM> with the windscreen <NUM> and the transparent cover <NUM> omitted. As shown in <FIG>, an upper portion of the inner cover <NUM> protrudes upward from the outer cover <NUM>. The inner cover <NUM> includes a screen support portion <NUM>. The screen support portion <NUM> extends upward from the outer cover <NUM>.

The inner cover <NUM> includes a guide portion <NUM>. The guide portion <NUM> is arranged below the screen support portion <NUM>. The guide portion <NUM> is arranged behind the opening <NUM>. The guide portion <NUM> is arranged between the transparent cover <NUM> and the sensing device <NUM>. The guide portion <NUM> will be described later in detail.

As shown in <FIG>, the windscreen <NUM> is supported by the screen support portion <NUM> via a movable member <NUM>. Specifically, the windscreen <NUM> is attached to the movable member <NUM>. The movable member <NUM> is supported by the screen support portion <NUM> via sliders <NUM> and <NUM>. The movable member <NUM> is movably supported in the vertical direction with respect to the screen support portion <NUM>. The windscreen <NUM> is thereby mounted on the vehicle body <NUM> so as to be movable between a first position and a second position. The second position is located above the first position.

<FIG> is a front view of the front cover <NUM> when the windscreen <NUM> is positioned at the first position. <FIG> is a side sectional view of the front cover <NUM> when the windscreen <NUM> is positioned at the first position. <FIG> is a front view of the front cover <NUM> when the windscreen <NUM> is positioned at the second position. <FIG> is a side sectional view of the front cover <NUM> when the windscreen <NUM> is positioned at the second position.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the transparent cover <NUM> includes first mounting portions <NUM> and <NUM> detachably attached to the front cover <NUM>. <FIG> is a perspective view of the transparent cover <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the transparent cover <NUM> includes an upper surface <NUM> and a front surface <NUM>. The transparent cover <NUM> has a bent shape between the upper surface <NUM> and the front surface <NUM>. The upper surface <NUM> has a shape in which the center in the left-right direction is recessed downward.

The first mounting portions <NUM> and <NUM> are arranged on the upper surface <NUM> of the transparent cover <NUM>. The first mounting portions <NUM> and <NUM> include holes <NUM> and <NUM>. The holes <NUM> and <NUM> are open upward. As shown in <FIG>, the inner cover <NUM> includes holes <NUM> and <NUM>. Screws <NUM> and <NUM> for fixing the transparent cover <NUM> to the inner cover <NUM> are passed through the holes <NUM> and <NUM> of the first mounting portions <NUM> and <NUM> and the holes <NUM> and <NUM> of the inner cover <NUM>, respectively. The screws <NUM> and <NUM> are inserted into the holes <NUM> and <NUM> from above the first mounting portions <NUM> and <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the windscreen <NUM> is positioned forward of the first mounting portions <NUM> and <NUM> when the windscreen <NUM> is positioned at the first position. Further, when the windscreen <NUM> is positioned at the first position, the windscreen <NUM> is positioned below the first mounting portions <NUM> and <NUM>. Therefore, when the windscreen <NUM> is positioned at the first position, the windscreen <NUM> overlaps the first mounting portions <NUM> and <NUM> from above the first mounting portions <NUM> and <NUM>. When the windscreen <NUM> is positioned at the first position, the windscreen <NUM> overlaps the first mounting portions <NUM> and <NUM> from the front of the first mounting portions <NUM> and <NUM>. When the windscreen <NUM> is positioned in the first position, the windscreen <NUM> is positioned above the sensing device <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the windscreen <NUM> is positioned rearward of the first mounting portions <NUM> and <NUM> when the windscreen <NUM> is positioned at the second position. Further, when the windscreen <NUM> is positioned at the second position, the windscreen <NUM> is positioned above the first mounting portions <NUM> and <NUM>. Therefore, when the windscreen <NUM> is positioned at the second position, the windscreen <NUM> does not overlap the first mounting portions <NUM> and <NUM> from above the first mounting portions <NUM> and <NUM>. When the windscreen <NUM> is positioned at the second position, the windscreen <NUM> does not overlap the first mounting portions <NUM> and <NUM> from the front of the first mounting portions <NUM> and <NUM>.

<FIG> is an enlarged side sectional view of the front cover <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the transparent cover <NUM> includes a second mounting portion <NUM>. The second mounting portion <NUM> is provided at a bottom of the transparent cover <NUM>. The second mounting portion <NUM> protrudes downward from a lower edge of the front surface <NUM>. The second mounting portion <NUM> is detachably attached to the front cover <NUM> by fitting.

Specifically, the second mounting portion <NUM> is detachably attached to the inner cover <NUM> by fitting. The inner cover <NUM> includes an engaging portion <NUM>. The engaging portion <NUM> is arranged behind the outer cover <NUM>. The outer cover <NUM> covers the engaging portion <NUM> from the front. The second mounting portion <NUM> is detachably attached to the engaging portion <NUM>. The engaging portion <NUM> includes a groove <NUM>. The second mounting portion <NUM> is engaged to the engaging portion <NUM> by being inserted into the groove <NUM> of the engaging portion <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, when the windscreen <NUM> is positioned at the second position, the second mounting portion <NUM> can be attached to and detached from the engaging portion <NUM> in the vertical direction.

As shown in <FIG>, a gap G4 is provided between a lower edge of the opening <NUM> of the outer cover <NUM> and the transparent cover <NUM>. Further, the engaging portion <NUM> supports the second mounting portion <NUM> so that the transparent cover <NUM> is rotatable around the second mounting portion <NUM>. Therefore, as shown in <FIG>, when the windscreen <NUM> is positioned at the second position, the transparent cover <NUM> is rotatable around the second mounting portion <NUM> without being interfered by the outer cover <NUM>. As a result, the degree of freedom of work when attaching and detaching the transparent cover <NUM> is improved.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XII-XII in <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, the transparent cover <NUM> is arranged in front of the guide portion <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the guide portion <NUM> includes a rear surface <NUM>, an upper surface <NUM>, a bottom surface <NUM>, a left side surface <NUM>, and a right side surface <NUM>. The rear surface <NUM> is arranged to face the sensing device <NUM>. The rear surface <NUM> includes an opening <NUM>. The sensing device <NUM> includes a lens <NUM>. The opening <NUM> is arranged to face the lens <NUM>.

The upper surface <NUM>, the bottom surface <NUM>, the left side surface <NUM>, and the right side surface <NUM> extend forward from the rear surface <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the upper surface <NUM> and the bottom surface <NUM> are inclined forward so that a distance between the upper surface <NUM> and the bottom surface <NUM> widens in the vertical direction. The upper surface <NUM> is inclined forward and upward. The bottom surface <NUM> is inclined forward and downward. As shown in <FIG>, the left side surface <NUM> and the right side surface <NUM> are inclined forward so that a distance between the left side surface <NUM> and the right side surface <NUM> widens in the left-right direction. The left side surface <NUM> is inclined forward and leftward. The right side surface <NUM> is inclined forward and rightward.

As shown in <FIG>, a first space S1 and a second space S2 are provided inside the front cover <NUM>. The first space S1 is provided between the transparent cover <NUM> and the sensing device <NUM>. The guide portion <NUM> covers the periphery of the first space S1. The first space S1 is separated from the second space S2 by the guide portion <NUM>. The sensing device <NUM> is arranged in the second space S2.

Between the side edges of the transparent cover <NUM> and the front cover <NUM>, first gaps G1a and G1b are provided. Specifically, the first gap G1a is provided between the left side edge <NUM> of the transparent cover <NUM> and the left side edge <NUM> of the opening <NUM>. The first gap G1b is provided between the right side edge <NUM> of the transparent cover <NUM> and the right side edge <NUM> of the opening <NUM>. Air entering the second space S2 through the first gaps G1a and G1b prevents the transparent cover <NUM> from fogging up. Further, even if water enters from the first gaps G1a and G1b, the guide portion <NUM> prevents the water from adhering to the sensing device <NUM> or the rear surface of the transparent cover <NUM>.

A second gap G2 is provided between the guide portion <NUM> and the sensing device <NUM>. Specifically, the rear surface <NUM> of the guide portion <NUM> is positioned with the second gap G2 from the lens <NUM> of the sensing device <NUM>. The first space S1 communicates with the second space S2 through the second gap G2. Air enters the first space S1 through the second gap G2, thereby suppressing fogging of the transparent cover <NUM>.

<FIG> is an enlarged sectional view of the front cover <NUM> and the transparent cover <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, third gaps G3a and G3b are provided between the guide portion <NUM> and the transparent cover <NUM>. Specifically, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the guide portion <NUM> includes a first edge <NUM> and a second edge <NUM>. The first edge <NUM> is connected to the left side surface <NUM>. The first edge <NUM> extends leftward from the left side surface <NUM>. The first edge <NUM> is arranged to face the inner surface of the transparent cover <NUM> from behind the transparent cover <NUM>. The second edge <NUM> is connected to the right side surface <NUM>. The second edge <NUM> extends rightward from the right side surface <NUM>. The second edge <NUM> is arranged to face the inner surface of the transparent cover <NUM> from behind the transparent cover <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the third gap G3a is provided between the first edge <NUM> and the inner surface of the transparent cover <NUM>. The third gap G3a is narrower than the first gap G1a. The left side edge <NUM> of the transparent cover <NUM> has a bent shape to cover the third gap G3a. Specifically, the transparent cover <NUM> includes a first bent portion <NUM>. The first bent portion <NUM> is bent rearward from the left side edge <NUM> of the transparent cover <NUM>. The first bent portion <NUM> covers the third gap G3a from the left side.

The third gap G3b is provided between the second edge <NUM> and the inner surface of the transparent cover <NUM>. The third gap G3b is narrower than the first gap G1b. The right side edge <NUM> of the transparent cover <NUM> has a bent shape to cover the third gap G3b. Specifically, the transparent cover <NUM> includes a second bent portion <NUM>. The second bent portion <NUM> is bent rearward from the right side edge <NUM> of the transparent cover <NUM>. The second bent portion <NUM> covers the third gap G3b from the right side. Intrusion of water through the third gaps G3a and G3b is suppressed by the bent shape of the left and right side edges <NUM> and 63of the transparent cover <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the lower end <NUM> of the windscreen <NUM> is arranged with a gap from the transparent cover <NUM>. Accordingly, a wind guide port <NUM> is provided between the lower end <NUM> of the windscreen <NUM> and the transparent cover <NUM>. Further, as described above, the upper surface <NUM> of the transparent cover <NUM> has a downward recessed shape. Thereby, the space behind the windscreen <NUM> is expanded. When the straddled vehicle <NUM> is running, part of the running wind flows from the wind guide port <NUM> to the back side of the windscreen <NUM>, thereby rectifying the turbulent flow in the space above a rider's head.

In the straddled vehicle <NUM> according to the present embodiment described above, the transparent cover <NUM> is detachably attached to the front cover <NUM> by the first mounting portions <NUM> and <NUM>. Therefore, the maintainability of the transparent cover <NUM> is improved. Moreover, the windscreen <NUM> overlaps the first mounting portions <NUM> and <NUM> from above and from the front of the first mounting portions <NUM> and <NUM>. Therefore, access to the first mounting portions <NUM> and <NUM> is restricted by the windscreen <NUM>. Thereby, theft of the transparent cover <NUM> or mischief is deterred.

According to a further embodiment, the windscreen <NUM> may overlap the first mounting portions <NUM> and <NUM> only from above the first mounting portions <NUM> and <NUM>. Alternatively, the windscreen <NUM> may overlap the first mounting portions <NUM> and <NUM> only from the front of the first mounting portions <NUM> and <NUM>. The structures of the first mounting portions <NUM> and <NUM> are not limited to those of the above embodiment, and may be modified. For example, the first mounting portions <NUM> and <NUM> may be arranged at a position other than the upper surface <NUM> of the transparent cover <NUM>. The structure of the second mounting portion <NUM> is not limited to that of the above embodiment, and may be modified. For example, the second mounting portion <NUM> may be attached by a fixing means such as a screw.

The shape of the transparent cover <NUM> is not limited to that of the above embodiment, and may be changed. For example, the upper surface <NUM> of transparent cover <NUM> may be flat. The structure of the guide portion <NUM> is not limited to that of the above embodiment, and may be modified. For example, the guide portion <NUM> may be a separate body from the inner cover <NUM>. Alternatively, the guide portion <NUM> may be omitted. The positions of the first gaps G1a and G1b may be changed. The position of the second gap G2 may be changed. The positions of the third gaps G3a and G3b may be changed. Alternatively, one or some of the first to third gaps G1a, G1b, G2, G3a, and G3b may be omitted.

Claim 1:
A straddled vehicle (<NUM>) comprising:
a vehicle body (<NUM>) including a front cover (<NUM>);
a windscreen (<NUM>) arranged above the front cover (<NUM>) with regard to an up-down-direction of the vehicle;
a sensing device (<NUM>) arranged behind the front cover (<NUM>) with regard to a front-rear-direction of the vehicle and configured to detect a situation in front of the vehicle body (<NUM>); and
a transparent cover (<NUM>) arranged in front of the sensing device (<NUM>) with regard to the front-rear-direction of the vehicle, characterized in that the transparent cover (<NUM>) includes a first mounting portion (<NUM>, <NUM>) directly detachably mounted to the front cover (<NUM>), wherein the windscreen (<NUM>) overlaps with the first mounting portion (<NUM>, <NUM>) from above with regard to the up-down-direction of the vehicle and/or from a front of the first mounting portion (<NUM>, <NUM>) with regard to the front-rear-direction of the vehicle.