JP6759297B2 - Front fork of saddle-riding vehicle - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a front fork of a saddle-riding vehicle.

Conventionally, a pair of left and right fork tubes, a bottom bridge and a top bridge that connect the fork tubes to the left and right, a fork cover that covers the fork tube between the top bridge and the bottom bridge, and a tubular shape that supports the lower end of the fork tube. A front fork of a saddle-riding vehicle provided with a cover support member is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
In Patent Document 1, the cover support member is not particularly detented, and a plurality of drain holes for discharging water entering the fork cover are arranged over the entire circumference of the cover support member.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2005-28920

However, in the front fork of the conventional saddle-riding vehicle, water is discharged from the drain holes provided over the entire circumference of the cover support member, which may affect the appearance of the front fork.
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to control the discharge of water with a simple structure in the front fork of a saddle-riding vehicle so that the appearance can be improved. To do.

The front fork of the saddle-riding vehicle includes a pair of left and right fork tubes (44), a bottom bridge (43) that connects the fork tubes (44) to the left and right, and the fork tube (43) above the bottom bridge (43). A top bridge (42) that connects the 44) to the left and right, a fork cover (50) that covers the fork tube (44) between the top bridge (42) and the bottom bridge (43), and the fork cover ( In the front fork of a saddle-riding vehicle having a tubular cover support member (51) for supporting the lower end of the 50) and a drain hole (70) for draining water entering the fork cover (50). The bottom bridge (43) includes a split tightening portion (60) that sandwiches the fork tube (44), and the cover support member (51) has the drain hole (70) and the split tightening portion (70). It is characterized by including a protruding portion (68) that engages with the split groove (60b) of 60).

Further, in the above configuration, the split grooves (60b) provided on the left and right sides of the bottom bridge (43) are provided symmetrically, and the drain hole (70) is defined by the protrusion (68). Therefore, the same number may be provided on the left and right sides of the protruding portion (68).
Further, in the above configuration, the fork tube (44) is arranged so as to be tilted backward when viewed from the side of the vehicle.
The drain hole (70) is a first drain hole (71 a) located at the rear portion of the cover support member (51) in a state where the front fork is not steered in the left-right direction and faces the front . And the drain holes (72a, 71b) located on the left and right sides of the first drain hole (71a) are provided , and the front forks are left and right in the drain holes (72a, 71b) located on the left and right respectively. It may be located at the rear portion of the cover support member (51) in a steered state.

Further, in the above configuration, the blinker support member (57) for supporting the blinker (47) is provided below the top bridge (42), and the blinker support member (57) is fitted into the fork tube (44). It has an annular groove (57d) to which the upper end portion of the fork cover (50) is fitted, and the upper end portion of the fork cover (50) is fitted to the annular groove (57d). As a result, it is covered by the blinker support member (57), and a gap (77) is provided in the axial direction of the fork cover (50) between the upper end portion and the upper end (57e) of the annular groove (57d). It may be provided.

Further, in the above configuration, a tubular fork boot (52) covering the fork tube (44) is provided below the bottom bridge (43), and the fork tube (44) is provided with the bottom bridge (43). The fork boot (52) includes a fixed tube (54) supported by the fork boot (54) and a movable tube (55) that strokes in the axial direction with respect to the fixed tube (54). The boot drain hole (80) for discharging may be provided with a concave portion (52d) that engages with a convex portion (55b) provided on the outer periphery of the movable tube (55).
Further, in the above configuration, the fork tube (44) is arranged so as to be tilted backward in a vehicle side view, and the convex portion (55b) is provided at the rear end portion of the movable tube (55), and the boot. The drain hole (80) may be a gap (80) provided between the convex portion (55b) and the concave portion (52d).

Further, in the above configuration, an air bleeding hole (79) may be provided on the rear surface of the fork boot (52).
Further, in the above configuration, the drain hole (70) has a vertical hole portion (73) extending in the axial direction of the cover support member (51), and the vertical hole portion (73) is formed by the cover support member (51). ) May be provided with a lateral hole portion (74) communicating with the outside in the radial direction.

Further, in the above configuration, the cover support member (51) is fitted to the inner peripheral portion of the lower end portion of the fork cover (50) and covered from the outside by the lower end portion of the fork cover (50). The cover support member (51) includes a step portion (51c) that abuts in the axial direction with respect to the fork cover (50), and the lateral hole portion (74) of the step portion (51c) is exposed to the outside. The fork cover (50) may be positioned in the axial direction as described above.

The front fork of a saddle-mounted vehicle consists of a pair of left and right fork tubes, a bottom bridge that connects the fork tubes to the left and right, a top bridge that connects the fork tubes to the left and right above the bottom bridge, and a top bridge and a bottom bridge. It has a fork cover that covers the fork tube between them, a tubular cover support member that supports the lower end of the fork cover, and a drain hole for draining water that enters the fork cover. The bottom bridge narrows the fork tube. The cover support member includes a drainage hole and a protruding portion that engages with the split groove of the split tightening portion.
According to this configuration, the cover support member can be positioned by engaging the protruding portion of the cover support member with the split groove of the split tightening portion of the bottom bridge, and the drain hole of the cover support member can be arbitrarily formed with a simple structure. Can be positioned in position. As a result, the number of drain holes can be reduced, and the drain holes can be arranged at positions that do not easily affect the appearance. Therefore, the discharge of water can be controlled with a simple structure, and the appearance of the saddle-riding vehicle can be improved.

Further, in the above configuration, the split grooves provided on the left and right sides of the bottom bridge may be provided symmetrically, and the same number of drain holes may be provided on the left and right sides of the protruding portion with the protruding portion as a boundary.
According to this configuration, the cover support member can be used in common on the left and right sides of the bottom bridge, and the types of parts can be reduced.
Further, in the above configuration, the fork tube is arranged so as to be tilted backward when viewed from the side of the vehicle, and the drain hole is the rear end portion of the cover support member in a state where the front fork is not steered in the left-right direction and faces the front. A first drain hole located at the rear end of the cover support member may be provided with the front fork steered to the left and right.
According to this configuration, when the front fork is not steered to the left or right and faces the front, drainage can be efficiently performed from the first drain hole, and when the front fork is steered to the left or right, the second water can be drained. Efficient drainage can be done from the holes. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently drain water with a small number of drain holes while responding to the steering state of the front fork.

Further, in the above configuration, a blinker support member for supporting the blinker is provided below the top bridge, and the blinker support member has a tubular shape to be fitted to the fork tube and an annular shape to which the upper end portion of the fork cover is fitted. A groove is provided, and the upper end of the fork cover is covered with a blinker support member by fitting into the annular groove, and a gap is provided in the axial direction of the fork cover between the upper end and the upper end of the annular groove. You may.
According to this configuration, the upper end of the fork cover can be fitted into the annular groove of the blinker support member to fix the fork cover with a simple structure, and the gap between the blinker support member and the fork cover can be eliminated in appearance. It can be done and has a good appearance. Further, since a gap is provided in the axial direction of the fork cover between the upper end portion of the fork cover and the upper end portion of the annular groove, it becomes easy to control the axial dimension of the fork cover.

Further, in the above configuration, a tubular fork boot covering the fork tube is provided below the bottom bridge, and the fork tube is a fixed tube supported by the bottom bridge and a movable tube that strokes in the axial direction with respect to the fixed tube. The fork boot may be provided with a boot drain hole for draining water from the fork boot and a concave portion engaged with a convex portion provided on the outer periphery of the movable tube.
According to this configuration, the fork boot is positioned by engaging the concave portion with the convex portion on the outer circumference of the movable tube, so that the boot drain hole can be positioned at a position that does not easily affect the appearance with a simple structure.
Further, in the above configuration, the fork tube is arranged so as to be tilted backward in the side view of the vehicle, the convex portion is provided at the rear end portion of the movable tube, and the boot drain hole is provided between the convex portion and the concave portion. It may be a gap provided.
According to this configuration, the boot drain hole can be provided with a simple structure by utilizing the gap between the convex portion of the movable tube and the concave portion of the fork boot. In addition, the rear end of the movable tube does not easily affect the appearance, and the fork boot can efficiently drain water from the lowered portion.

Further, in the above configuration, an air bleeding hole may be provided on the rear surface of the fork boot.
According to this configuration, the air bleeding hole is arranged on the rear surface of the fork boot and is inconspicuous, so that the appearance is good.
Further, in the above configuration, the drain hole may be provided with a vertical hole portion extending in the axial direction of the cover support member and a horizontal hole portion for communicating the vertical hole portion radially outside the cover support member.
According to this configuration, the water flowing in the axial direction of the cover support member through the vertical hole portion can be flowed in the radial direction of the cover support member through the horizontal hole portion, and can be efficiently drained.

Further, in the above configuration, the cover support member is fitted to the inner peripheral portion of the lower end portion of the fork cover and is covered from the outside by the lower end portion of the fork cover, and the cover support member is axially in contact with the fork cover. The step portion may be provided with a contacting step portion, and the step portion may be positioned in the axial direction of the fork cover so that the lateral hole portion is exposed to the outside.
According to this configuration, the fork cover can be positioned in the axial direction with a simple structure by the stepped portion of the cover support member so that the lateral hole portion is exposed to the outside. In addition, the exposure of the cover support member to the outside can be reduced, and the appearance is good.

It is a left side view of the motorcycle which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a front view of a motorcycle seen from the front side. It is a perspective view which looked at the upper part of the front part of a motorcycle from the front side. It is an exploded perspective view with respect to the fork tube of a fork cover, a cover support member, and a blinker support member. It is the figure which looked at the structure of the peripheral part of the bottom bridge from the rear side. It is a figure which looked at the split tightening part on the left side in the direction of arrow Z of FIG. It is a front view of a fork cover. It is a top view which looked at the cover support member in the axial direction of a fork tube from above. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IX-IX of FIG. It is a side view which shows the position of the drainage hole in the upright state of a motorcycle. It is a side view which looked at the peripheral part of the cover support member on the left side from the outside in the upright state of a motorcycle. It is a side view which shows the position of a drainage hole when a motorcycle is steered and is parked in an inclined state by using a side stand. It is the figure which looked at the cover support member from above in the axial direction of a fork tube when a motorcycle was steered and parked in an inclined state by using a side stand. It is sectional drawing of XIII-XIII of FIG. It is a perspective view which looked at the peripheral part of the fork boot on the left side from the rear side. It is the figure which looked at the mounting structure of the lower end part of a fork boot from the rear side. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XVI-XVI of FIG.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the explanation, the directions such as front / rear / left / right and up / down are the same as the directions with respect to the vehicle body unless otherwise specified. Further, the reference numerals FR shown in each figure indicate the front of the vehicle body, the reference numerals UP indicate the upper part of the vehicle body, and the reference numerals LH indicate the left side of the vehicle body. Further, in each figure, the upward and downward directions in the axial direction of the fork tube 44, which will be described later, may be indicated by arrows AU and AD.

FIG. 1 is a left side view of the motorcycle 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
In the motorcycle 1, the body frame 10 supports the engine 11 as a power unit, and the front fork 12 that steerably supports the front wheels 2 is steerably supported by the front end of the body frame 10, and the swing arm supports the rear wheels 3. Reference numeral 13 denotes a vehicle provided on the rear side of the vehicle body frame 10.
The motorcycle 1 is a saddle-riding vehicle in which an occupant sits so as to straddle the seat 14, and the seat 14 is provided above the rear portion of the vehicle body frame 10.

The vehicle body frame 10 includes a head pipe 15 provided at the front end of the vehicle body frame 10, a pair of left and right main frames 16 extending rearward and downward from the head pipe 15, and a down frame extending rearward and downward from below the main frame 16 in the head pipe 15. A pair of left and right pivot frames 18 extending downward from the rear end of the main frame 16 and a seat frame 19 extending rearward from the rear portion of the main frame 16 and the upper portion of the pivot frame 18 are provided.
Further, the vehicle body frame 10 includes a plurality of reinforcing frames 20 for connecting the upper portion of the down frame 17 and the upper portion of the main frame 16.

The swing arm 13 is pivotally supported by a pivot shaft 21 supported by the left and right pivot frames 18. The pivot shaft 21 extends horizontally in the vehicle width direction. The front end of the swing arm 13 is pivotally supported by the pivot shaft 21 and swings up and down about the pivot shaft 21.
The rear wheel 3 is pivotally supported by an axle 3a provided at the rear end of the swing arm 13.
The motorcycle 1 includes a pair of left and right rear suspensions 22 that are hung between the rear end portion of the swing arm 13 and the seat frame 19.

The engine 11 is arranged below the main frame 16 between the down frame 17 and the pivot frame 18 and is fixed to the vehicle body frame 10.
The engine 11 includes a crankcase 26 that supports a crankshaft 25 that extends horizontally in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction), and a cylinder portion 27 that extends upward from the front portion of the crankcase 26. The cylinder axis 27a of the cylinder portion 27 tilts forward with respect to the vertical direction.

The intake device (not shown) of the engine 11 is connected to the intake port on the rear surface of the cylinder portion 27.
The exhaust pipe 28 of the engine 11 extends downward from the exhaust port on the front surface of the cylinder portion 27, passes under the engine 11, and extends rearward. A muffler 29 arranged on the side of the rear wheel 3 is connected to the rear end of the exhaust pipe 28.
The rear portion of the crankcase 26 is a transmission case portion 26b that houses the transmission. The output of the engine is transmitted to the rear wheels 3 by the drive chain 30 that connects the output shaft of the transmission and the rear wheels 3.
The radiator 31 of the engine 11 is supported by the down frame 17.

The fuel tank 32 is arranged above the main frame 16 between the head pipe 15 and the seat 14.
The portion between the seat frame 19 and the main frame 16 is covered by the side cover 33.
The front fender 35 that covers the front wheel 2 from above is supported by the front fork 12.
The rear wheel 3 is covered from above by the rear fender 36.
The tail light 37 and the license plate holder 38 are supported by the rear fender 36.

The step 39 on which the occupant of the seat 14 puts his / her foot is arranged in front of the pivot frame 18.
The side stand 40 that supports the vehicle body by touching the ground when the motorcycle 1 is parked is supported by the lower end portion of the pivot frame 18 on the left side.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the motorcycle 1 as viewed from the front side. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the upper part of the front portion of the motorcycle 1 as viewed from the front side. In FIG. 2, only the left side of the fork cover 50 and the fork boot 52, which will be described later, is shown, and the right side is not shown.
With reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, the front fork 12 includes a steering shaft 41 rotatably supported by a head pipe 15, a top bridge 42 fixed to the upper end of the steering shaft 41, and a lower end of the steering shaft 41. It includes a bottom bridge 43 fixed to the top bridge 42, a pair of left and right fork tubes 44 and 44 supported by the top bridge 42 and the bottom bridge 43, and a steering handle 45 fixed to the top bridge 42.

The top bridge 42 extends above the head pipe 15 from the steering shaft 41 in the vehicle width direction, and connects the upper ends of the left and right fork tubes 44, 44.
The bottom bridge 43 extends below the head pipe 15 from the steering shaft 41 in the vehicle width direction, and connects the left and right fork tubes 44, 44.
The front wheel 2 is pivotally supported by an axle 2a passed between the lower ends of the left and right fork tubes 44, 44.
The head pipe 15 is arranged so as to be tilted backward with respect to the vertical direction when viewed from the side of the vehicle. The steering shaft 41 and the fork tubes 44, 44 supported by the head pipe 15 correspond to the caster angle of the motorcycle 1 and are arranged so as to be tilted backward when viewed from the side of the vehicle.

The headlight 46 is supported by the bottom bridge 43 via the stay 46a. The headlight 46 is located between the top bridge 42 and the bottom bridge 43, and between the left and right fork tubes 44, 44.

The pair of left and right front blinkers 47, 47 are attached to the upper ends of the left and right fork tubes 44, 44.
The front fork 12 includes a pair of left and right fork covers 50, 50 that cover the portion between the top bridge 42 and the bottom bridge 43 in the fork tubes 44, 44, and a pair of left and right covers that support the lower ends of the fork covers 50, 50. The support members 51 and 51 and a pair of left and right fork boots 52 and 52 that cover the fork tubes 44 and 44 below the bottom bridge 43 are provided.

Each fork tube 44 has a tubular shape with a circular cross section. Each fork tube 44 includes a fixed tube 54 supported by the top bridge 42 and the bottom bridge 43, and a movable tube 55 that strokes in the axial direction with respect to the fixed tube 54.
The movable tube 55 is a tube having a diameter larger than that of the fixed tube 54, and slides with respect to the fixed tube 54 in a state where the outer circumference of the fixed tube 54 is fitted to the inner circumference of the movable tube 55.
The axle 2a is provided at the lower end of the movable tube 55.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the fork cover 50, the cover support member 51, and the blinker support member 57 described later with respect to the fork tube 44. Since the fork cover 50, the cover support member 51, and the blinker support member 57 are provided symmetrically, the one on the left side is shown in FIG.
The fork cover 50 is a cylindrical tube, and is provided between the top bridge 42 and the bottom bridge 43 so as to cover the outer periphery of the fixed tube 54 with the fork cover 50.
The cover support member 51 has a cylindrical shape and fits on the outer periphery of the fixing tube 54. The cover support member 51 is arranged between the upper surface of the bottom bridge 43 and the lower end of the fork cover 50.

The front blinker 47 is supported by the fork tube 44 via the blinker support member 57 attached to the fixing tube 54.
The blinker support member 57 includes a tubular split tightening body 57a and an arm portion 57b extending outward in the vehicle width direction from the split tightening body 57a. The front blinker 47 is fixed to the tip of the arm portion 57b. A split tightening bolt 57c that reduces the inner diameter of the split tightening body 57a is fastened to the split tightening body 57a.
In the blinker support member 57, the split tightening body 57a is fitted to the outer circumference of the fixing tube 54, and the split tightening body 57a is fixed by holding the fixing tube 54 by fastening the split tightening bolt 57c.
The blinker support member 57 is arranged between the lower surface of the top bridge 42 and the upper end of the fork cover 50.

FIG. 5 is a view of the structure of the peripheral portion of the bottom bridge 43 as viewed from the rear side.
The bottom bridge 43 has a block shape that is long in the vehicle width direction.
The bottom bridge 43 is provided with shaft holes 59 to which the steering shaft 41 is connected at the center in the vehicle width direction, and the split tightening portions 60 that support the fork tubes 44, 44 at both ends in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction). , 60.

FIG. 6 is a view of the split tightening portion 60 on the left side viewed in the direction of arrow Z in FIG. Since the split tightening portion 60 is provided symmetrically on the left and right sides, the split tightening portion 60 on the left side will be referred to here for description.
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, each split tightening portion 60 includes a fork support hole 60a through which the fixing tube 54 is inserted and a split groove 60b.
The fork support hole 60a is a round hole that penetrates the bottom bridge 43 in the plate thickness direction, and the outer circumference of the fixing tube 54 is fitted to the inner circumference of the fork support hole 60a.
The split groove 60b is a groove that extends radially outward from the fork support hole 60a and opens the fork support hole 60a to the outside of the bottom bridge 43.
A fork split tightening bolt 60c provided so as to be orthogonal to the split groove 60b is fastened to the split tightening portion 60 from the outside in the vehicle width direction. When the fork split tightening bolt 60c is fastened, the width of the split groove 60b is reduced and the diameter of the fork support hole 60a is reduced.

That is, the fixing tube 54 of the fork tube 44 is fixed to the bottom bridge 43 by fastening the fork split tightening bolt 60c so that the fork support hole 60a of the split tightening portion 60 holds the fixing tube 54.
Further, the upper end portion of the fixing tube 54 is fixed to the top bridge 42 by a split tightening portion (not shown) provided on the top bridge 42 as in the split tightening portion 60.

The split groove 60b is provided at the rear of the bottom bridge 43. The split groove 60b extends linearly rearward from the rear portion of the fork support hole 60a, and communicates the fork support hole 60a behind the bottom bridge 43.
Specifically, the split groove 60b extends obliquely so as to be located inward in the vehicle width direction toward the rear side of the vehicle. The inclination angle of the split groove 60b with respect to the vehicle front-rear direction is an angle θ.
Further, the split groove 60b penetrates the bottom bridge 43 in the axial direction of the fork tube 44 (the plate thickness direction of the bottom bridge 43).

FIG. 7 is a front view of the fork cover 50. In FIG. 7, a cross section of approximately half of the fork cover 50 is shown.
The fork cover 50 includes a cylindrical cover main body 63, a diameter-expanded portion 64 whose diameter increases in a taper shape from the cover main body 63 downward, and a large-diameter portion 65 extending downward from the lower end of the diameter-expanded portion 64. To be equipped with.
The cover body 63 extends linearly along the outer circumference of the fixing tube 54. The inner diameter of the cover main body 63 is larger than the outer diameter of the fixed tube 54 so that a space is formed between the outer circumference of the fixed tube 54 and the inner circumference of the cover main body 63.
The large diameter portion 65 is located at the lower end portion of the fork cover 50 and extends linearly. The inner diameter of the large diameter portion 65 is larger than the inner diameter of the cover main body portion 63.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of the cover support member 51 viewed from above in the axial direction of the fork tube 44. FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line IX-IX of FIG. Note that FIG. 8 corresponds to the “upright state” of the motorcycle 1 described later.
With reference to FIGS. 6, 8 and 9, the inner peripheral portion 51a of the cylindrical cover support member 51 is fitted to the outer circumference of the fixing tube 54.
The outer peripheral portion of the cover support member 51 includes a straight portion 51b extending linearly along the fixing tube 54, a step portion 51c whose diameter is tapered upward from the upper end of the straight portion 51b, and an upper end of the step portion 51c. It is provided with an upper end outer peripheral portion 51d extending linearly along the fixing tube 54.

The lower surface 51e and the upper surface 51f of the cover support member 51 are parallel to each other. The cover support member 51 is placed on the upper surface of the bottom bridge 43 via the lower surface 51e.
The cover support member 51 includes a protrusion 68 that projects downward from the lower surface 51e in the axial direction of the fork tube 44, and a drain hole 70.
One protrusion 68 is provided on the lower surface 51e. The protrusion 68 is inserted into the split groove 60b of the bottom bridge 43 from above and engages with the split groove 60b. The cover support member 51 is prevented from rotating around the fork tube 44 by engaging the protrusion 68 with the split groove 60b.

A plurality of drain holes 70 are provided on the left side and the right side of the protrusion 68 with reference to the protrusion 68 in a plan view.
Specifically, the drain holes 70 are a pair of left and right first drain holes 71a and 71b provided apart from the protrusion 68 in the circumferential direction of the cover support member 51, and the first water with respect to the protrusion 68. It is provided with a pair of left and right second drain holes 72a and 72b provided apart from the drain holes 71a and 71b in the circumferential direction.
The drain hole 70 is provided with a first drain hole 71a and a second drain hole 72a on the left side of the protrusion 68, and a first drain hole 71b and a second drain hole 72a on the right side. The hole 72b is provided. That is, the same number of drain holes 70 are provided on the left and right sides of the protruding portion 68 as a boundary.

The first drain holes 71a and 71b are arranged symmetrically with respect to the protruding portion 68.
On the other hand, the first drain hole 71a is separated from the protruding portion 68 by an angle A1 in the circumferential direction of the cover support member 51. The other first drain hole 71b is separated from the protrusion 68 by an angle A1 in the direction opposite to that of the first drain hole 71a. The angle A1 is substantially equal to the angle θ (FIG. 5) of the inclination of the split groove 60b.

The second drain holes 72a and 72b are arranged symmetrically with respect to the protruding portion 68.
On the other hand, the second drain hole 72a is separated from the protruding portion 68 by an angle A2 in the circumferential direction of the cover support member 51. The other second drain hole 72b is separated from the protruding portion 68 by an angle A2 in the direction opposite to that of the second drain hole 72a. The angle A2 is larger than the angle A1.

The first drain holes 71a, 71b and the second drain holes 72a, 72b have a groove-shaped vertical hole 73 extending the inner peripheral portion 51a of the cover support member 51 in the axial direction of the fork tube 44, and a vertical hole. Each includes a lateral hole portion 74 that communicates the portion 73 with the radial outer side of the cover support member 51.
The vertical hole portion 73 extends from the upper end to the lower end of the cover support member 51.
The lateral hole portion 74 is a groove formed on the lower surface 51e of the cover support member 51, extends outward in the radial direction from the lower end of the vertical hole portion 73, and opens the lower end portion of the straight portion 51b to the outside. ..

With reference to FIGS. 6 to 9, the fork cover 50 is supported by the cover support member 51 from below by fitting the inner peripheral portion of the lower end portion of the fork cover 50 to the outer peripheral portion of the cover support member 51.
Specifically, in the fork cover 50, the inner peripheral portion of the tapered enlarged diameter portion 64 is fitted to the outer peripheral portion of the tapered step portion 51c of the cover support member 51, whereby the axial direction and diameter of the fork cover 50 are formed. Positioned in the direction.
When the fork cover 50 is axially positioned by the stepped portion 51c of the cover support member 51, the lower end portion of the cover support member 51 is exposed to the outside between the lower end of the fork cover 50 and the upper surface of the bottom bridge 43. A gap 75 (FIG. 6) is formed. Each lateral hole portion 74 of the drain hole 70 is exposed to the outside of the fork cover 50 through the gap 75.

FIGS. 1, 5 and 8 are views corresponding to a state in which the front fork 12 is not steered to the left or right and faces the front. In the following description, this state is referred to as an "upright state". In the "upright state", the motorcycle 1 advances in an upright posture.
FIG. 10 is a side view showing the position of the drain hole 70 in the “upright state”.
FIG. 11 is a side view of the peripheral portion of the cover support member 51 on the left side as viewed from the outside in the “upright state”. 8, 10 and 11 show an arrow V1 traveling straight from the rear side of the vehicle toward the cover support member 51 for reference in the direction. Since the cover support member 51 is provided symmetrically, the cover support member 51 provided on the left fork tube 44 will be described in detail here.

With reference to FIGS. 5, 8, 10 and 11, in the “upright state”, the cover support member 51 is positioned in the circumferential direction with the protruding portion 68 engaging with the split groove 60b, and the first drainage is performed. The hole 71a is located at the rear end of the cover support member 51.
Since the cover support member 51 is attached to the fork tube 44 that tilts backward when viewed from the side of the vehicle, the rear end portion of the cover support member 51 is at the lowest position in the cover support member 51. That is, in the "upright state", the first drain hole 71a is located at the lowest position of the cover support member 51.

In the "upright state", the second drain hole 72a and the first drain hole 71b are located above the front of the first drain hole 71a and behind the cover support member 51. The second drain hole 72a is located on the outer side surface side in the vehicle width direction, and the first drain hole 71b is located on the inner side surface side in the vehicle width direction.
Further, in the "upright state", the second drain hole 72b is located in front of the cover support member 51 above the front of the first drain hole 71a. The second drain hole 72b is located on the inner side surface side in the vehicle width direction.

The water W (FIG. 5) that enters between the fork cover 50 and the fixing tube 54 flows downward through the vertical hole 73 of the drain hole 70, and is discharged to the outside through the horizontal hole 74.
Specifically, in the "upright state", the water W collects in the first drain hole 71a at the lowest position in the drain hole 70, and mainly outwards from the lateral hole portion 74 of the first drain hole 71a. It is discharged. The water W can also be discharged to the outside from the second drain hole 72a and the first drain hole 71b located at the rear part of the cover support member 51.

FIG. 12 is a side view showing the position of the drain hole 70 when the motorcycle 1 is steered and the side stand 40 is used to park the motorcycle in an inclined state. FIG. 13 is a view of the cover support member 51 viewed from above in the axial direction of the fork tube 44 when the motorcycle 1 is steered and the side stand 40 is used to park the vehicle in an inclined state. 12 and 13 show arrows V2 traveling straight from the rear side of the vehicle toward the cover support member 51 for reference in the direction.
The motorcycle 1 is parked with the front fork 12 steered to the left and the side stand 40 in contact with the ground, and the vehicle body tilts to the left. In the following description, this state is referred to as a "parking state". When the front fork 12 comes into contact with a stopper (not shown) provided on the vehicle body frame 10 or the like, the front fork 12 reaches the limit position for left and right steering.
With reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, in the “parked state”, the cover support member 51 rotates to the left from the state of FIG. 8 as the front fork 12 is steered to the left. In the "parked state", the front fork 12 is steered to the vicinity of the limit position.
As a result, in the "parked state", the second drain hole 72a is located at the rear end of the cover support member 51.
That is, in the "parking state", the second drain hole 72a is located at the lowest position of the cover support member 51.

In the "parked state", the first drain hole 71a is located above the front of the second drain hole 72a and on the inner side surface side in the vehicle width direction and at the rear of the cover support member 51.
Further, in the "parking state", the first drain hole 71b is located above the front of the second drain hole 72a and on the inner side surface side in the vehicle width direction at the front portion of the cover support member 51.
Further, in the "parking state", the second drain hole 72b is located at the front end portion of the cover support member 51.

The water W that enters between the fork cover 50 and the fixing tube 54 flows downward through the vertical hole 73 of the drain hole 70, and is discharged to the outside through the horizontal hole 74.
Specifically, in the "parked state", the water W collects in the second drain hole 72a at the lowest position in the drain hole 70, and mainly outwards from the lateral hole portion 74 of the second drain hole 72a. It is discharged. The water W can also be discharged to the outside from the first drain hole 71a located at the rear of the cover support member 51.

In the present embodiment, since the cover support member 51 provided with the drainage hole 70 is positioned in the circumferential direction by the protrusion 68 and the split groove 60b, the cover support member 51 is narrowed down to a position where the drainage effect is high and the appearance is not easily affected. The drain holes 70 can be arranged, and the number of drain holes 70 can be reduced.
That is, in the "upright state", the drainage can be controlled by the first drainage hole 71a so that the drainage is performed from the rear surface side of the front fork 12. As a result, in the "upright state", the water W drained from the first drain hole 71a becomes less noticeable, and the appearance of the motorcycle 1 is good. In addition, water W can be collected in the first drain hole 71a at a low position, and can be efficiently drained from the first drain hole 71a.
Further, in the "parking state", the drainage can be controlled by the second drain hole 72a so that the drainage is performed from the rear surface side of the front fork 12. As a result, in the "parked state", the water W drained from the second drain hole 72a becomes less noticeable, and the appearance of the motorcycle 1 is good. In addition, water W can be collected in the second drain hole 72a at a low position, and can be efficiently drained from the second drain hole 72a.

Further, the cover support member 51 provided on the right fork tube 44 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 8.
The left and right cover support members 51 and 51 are the same parts commonly used in the left and right fork tubes 44 and 44.
In the "upright state" of the cover support member 51 on the right side, the protruding portion 68 engages with the split groove 60b on the right side in FIG. 5 and is positioned in the circumferential direction, and the first drain hole 71 a is the cover support member 51. Located at the rear end. Therefore, the water can be efficiently drained backward from the first drain hole 71 a .
In the "parked state" of the cover support member 51 on the right side, the first drain hole 71 b is located at the rear end of the cover support member 51. Therefore, the water can be efficiently drained backward from the first drain hole 71 b .

Further, referring to FIGS. 5 and 8, when the front fork 12 is steered to the right in the “parked state”, in the cover support member 51 on the left side, the first drain hole 71b is behind the cover support member 51. In the cover support member 51 on the right side, which is located at the end, the second drain hole 72 a is located at the rear end of the cover support member 51.
Therefore, it efficiently drained to the rear from the first drainage holes 71b and the second drainage holes 72 a.

In the present embodiment, even when the posture of the motorcycle 1 changes depending on the "upright state", the "parking state", and the steering state of the front fork 12, the left and right cover support members 51 and 51 drain water. Any of the holes 70 can be located at the rear end of the cover support member 51. Therefore, regardless of the posture of the motorcycle 1, drainage can be performed efficiently while improving the appearance of the motorcycle 1.
When the first drain holes 71a and 71b and the second drain holes 72a and 72b are located at the rear end of the cover support member 51 for draining water, the rear end and the lowest position of the cover support member 51 However, as long as the water can be efficiently discharged, the cover support member 51 may be displaced to the left or right to some extent from the rear end.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XIII-XIII of FIG.
As shown in FIG. 14, the tubular split tightening body 57a of the blinker support member 57 is provided with an annular groove 57d formed so as to increase the diameter of the lower end portion of the inner peripheral portion of the split tightening body 57a. The blinker support member 57 is positioned in the axial direction of the fork tube 44 when the upper end abuts on the lower surface of the top bridge 42.

The upper end of the fork cover 50 is supported by the blinker support member 57 by fitting into the inner peripheral portion of the annular groove 57d. Since the upper end of the fork cover 50 is covered from the outside by the blinker support member 57 by fitting into the annular groove 57d, the gap between the fork cover 50 and the blinker support member 57 is not visible from the outside, and the appearance is good. ..
A gap 77 is provided in the axial direction of the fork cover 50 between the upper end 50a of the fork cover 50 and the upper end 57e of the annular groove 57d. Therefore, it is not necessary to make the dimensional accuracy of the axial length of the fork cover 50 highly accurate, and dimensional control and assembly are easy.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the peripheral portion of the left fork boot 52 as viewed from the rear side.
As shown in FIG. 15, the fork boot 52 is a tubular member formed in a bellows shape, and the fork tube 44 is inserted into the cylinder of the fork boot 52.
The upper end of the fork boot 52 is fixed to the lower portion of the bottom bridge 43 in the fixing tube 54. The upper end of the fork boot 52 is fixed to the fixing tube 54 by a band 78 wound around the outer circumference of the fork boot 52.
The lower end of the fork boot 52 is fixed to the outer periphery of the upper end of the movable tube 55.

The fork boot 52 expands and contracts in the axial direction with the stroke of the movable tube 55.
A plurality of air vent holes 79 for communicating the inside of the fork boot 52 to the outside are provided on the rear surface of the fork boot 52. As the fork boot 52 expands and contracts, the air inside the fork boot 52 is discharged to the outside through the air vent hole 79.
The bellows of the fork boot 52 has a lower surface portion 52a whose diameter increases as it goes upward and an upper surface portion 52b whose diameter decreases as it goes upward from the upper end of the lower surface portion 52a, and these one element is arranged in the axial direction. Is formed in multiple stages.
A plurality of air bleeding holes 79 are provided on the lower surface portion 52a on the rear surface of the fork boot 52, and a plurality of air bleeding holes 79 are arranged in the axial direction of the fork tube 44. Since the air bleeding hole 79 is provided in the lower surface portion 52a facing downward, it is difficult for water to enter the air bleeding hole 79 from the outside.

FIG. 16 is a view of the mounting structure of the lower end portion of the fork boot 52 as viewed from the rear side. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XVI-XVI of FIG.
With reference to FIGS. 16 and 17, the upper end of the movable tube 55 has a front convex portion 55a projecting forward from the front surface of the outer circumference of the movable tube 55 and a rear surface convex portion projecting rearward from the rear surface of the outer circumference of the movable tube 55. A portion 55b is provided. The rear surface convex portion 55b is provided at the rear end portion of the movable tube 55.
The width W1 of the rear convex portion 55b in the vehicle width direction is larger than the width of the front convex portion 55a in the vehicle width direction.

In the fork boot 52, the inner peripheral portion of the lower end portion of the fork boot 52 fits into the outer peripheral portion of the upper end portion of the movable tube 55.
The lower end of the fork boot 52 is provided with a front recess 52c in which the inner peripheral portion of the front surface portion of the fork boot 52 is recessed, and a rear surface recess 52d in which the inner peripheral portion of the rear surface portion of the fork boot 52 is recessed.
The front concave portion 52c engages with the front convex portion 55a of the movable tube 55.
The rear surface concave portion 52d engages with the rear surface convex portion 55b of the movable tube 55.
The fork boot 52 is positioned in the circumferential direction and prevented from rotating by engaging the front concave portion 52c with the front convex portion 55a and the rear concave portion 52d with the rear convex portion 55b.

The width of the rear surface concave portion 52d of the fork boot 52 in the vehicle width direction is set to a size such that a gap is formed in the circumferential direction of the fork boot 52 between the rear surface concave portion 52d and the rear surface convex portion 55b. This gap is a boot drain hole 80 (gap) for draining water that has entered the fork boot 52 downward.
The boot drain hole 80 is located at the rear end of the lower end of the fork boot 52. Therefore, the water collected at the low position of the fork boot 52 can be efficiently drained from the boot drain hole 80. Further, the drainage from the boot drain hole 80 flows on the rear surface side of the movable tube 55, and is therefore inconspicuous. Therefore, the appearance of the motorcycle 1 is good.
Further, the width W1 of the rear convex portion 55b in the vehicle width direction is larger than the width W2 of the front concave portion 52c in the vehicle width direction. As a result, the front concave portion 52c cannot be engaged with the rear convex portion 55b, so that the fork boot 52 is prevented from being erroneously assembled in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the air bleeding hole 79 can be located on the rear surface of the fork boot 52.

As described above, according to the embodiment to which the present invention is applied, the front fork 12 of the motorcycle 1 has a pair of left and right fork tubes 44, 44 and a bottom bridge 43 connecting the fork tubes 44, 44 to the left and right. The top bridge 42 that connects the fork tubes 44 and 44 to the left and right above the bottom bridge 43, the fork covers 50 and 50 that cover the fork tubes 44 and 44 between the top bridge 42 and the bottom bridge 43, and the fork cover. The bottom bridge 43 includes a tubular cover support member 51, 51 that supports the lower ends of the 50, 50 and a drain hole 70 that discharges water W that enters the fork covers 50, 50. A split tightening portion 60 for holding the 44 is provided, and the cover support members 51 and 51 include a drain hole 70 and a protruding portion 68 that engages with the split groove 60b of the split tightening portion 60.
According to this configuration, the cover support members 51 and 51 can be positioned by engaging the protruding portions 68 of the cover support members 51 and 51 with the split grooves 60b of the split tightening portion 60 of the bottom bridge 43, and the cover support members 51 can be positioned. , 51 drain holes 70 can be positioned at arbitrary positions with a simple structure. As a result, the number of drain holes 70 can be reduced, and the drain holes 70 can be arranged at positions that do not easily affect the appearance. Therefore, the discharge of water W can be controlled with a simple structure, and the appearance of the motorcycle 1 can be improved.

Further, the split grooves 60b provided on the left and right sides of the bottom bridge 43 are provided symmetrically, and the same number of drain holes 70 are provided on the left and right sides of the protruding portion 68 with the protruding portion 68 as a boundary.
According to this configuration, the cover support members 51 and 51 can be used in common on the left and right sides of the bottom bridge 43, and the types of parts can be reduced.
Further, the fork tubes 44 and 44 are arranged so as to be tilted backward when viewed from the side of the vehicle, and the drain holes 70 of the cover support members 51 and 51 in a state where the front fork 12 is not steered in the left-right direction and faces the front. A first drain hole 71 a located at the rear end, and a first drain hole 71 b and a second drain hole 71 b located at the rear end of the cover support members 51, 51 with the front fork 12 steered to the left and right. The drain hole 72 a is provided.
According to this configuration, in the state in which the front fork 12 faces the front has not been steered in the lateral direction, the first drainage holes 71 a or al efficiently be drained, with the front fork 12 is steered to the left and right may well drained first drainage holes 71b and the second drainage holes 72 a or al efficiency. Therefore, drainage can be efficiently performed with a small number of drain holes 70 while corresponding to the steering state of the front fork 12.

Further, a blinker support member 57 that supports the front blinker 47 is provided below the top bridge 42, and the blinker support member 57 has a tubular shape that fits into the fork tube 44, and the upper end portion of the fork cover 50 is fitted. An annular groove 57d is provided, and the upper end of the fork cover 50 is covered by the blinker support member 57 by fitting into the annular groove 57d, and between the upper end of the fork cover 50 and the upper end 57e of the annular groove 57d. Is provided with a gap 77 in the axial direction of the fork cover 50.
According to this configuration, the upper end portion of the fork cover 50 can be fitted into the annular groove 57d of the blinker support member 57 to fix the fork cover 50 with a simple structure, and the appearance of the blinker support member 57 and the fork cover 50. The gap can be eliminated and the appearance is good. Further, since a gap 77 is provided in the axial direction of the fork cover 50 between the upper end portion of the fork cover 50 and the upper end 57e of the annular groove 57d, it becomes easy to manage the axial dimension of the fork cover 50.

Further, a tubular fork boot 52 covering the fork tube 44 is provided below the bottom bridge 43, and the fork tube 44 strokes in the axial direction with respect to the fixing tube 54 supported by the bottom bridge 43 and the fixing tube 54. The fork boot 52 includes a movable tube 55, and includes a boot drain hole 80 for draining water from the fork boot 52, and a rear concave portion 52d that engages with a rear convex portion 55b provided on the outer periphery of the movable tube 55.
According to this configuration, the fork boot 52 is positioned by engaging the rear surface concave portion 52d with the rear surface convex portion 55b on the outer periphery of the movable tube 55, so that the boot drain hole 80 is positioned at a position that does not easily affect the appearance. Positioning is possible with a simple structure.
Further, the boot drain hole 80 can be provided with a simple structure by utilizing the gap between the rear convex portion 55b of the movable tube 55 and the rear concave portion 52d of the fork boot 52. Further, the rear end portion of the movable tube 55 does not easily affect the appearance, and the fork boot 52 can efficiently drain water from the lowered portion.

Further, an air bleeding hole 79 is provided on the rear surface of the fork boot 52.
According to this configuration, the air bleeding hole 79 is arranged on the rear surface of the fork boot 52 and is inconspicuous, so that the appearance is good.
Further, the drain hole 70 includes a vertical hole portion 73 extending in the axial direction of the cover support member 51, and a horizontal hole portion 74 that communicates the vertical hole portion 73 radially outward of the cover support member 51.
According to this configuration, the water W flowing in the axial direction of the cover support member 51 through the vertical hole portion 73 can flow in the radial direction of the cover support member 51 through the horizontal hole portion 74, and can be efficiently drained. ..

Further, the cover support member 51 is fitted to the inner peripheral portion of the lower end portion of the fork cover 50 and is covered from the outside by the lower end portion of the fork cover 50, and the cover support member 51 abuts on the fork cover 50 in the axial direction. The stepped portion 51c is provided with a contacting stepped portion 51c, and the stepped portion 51c positions the fork cover 50 in the axial direction so that the lateral hole portion 74 is exposed to the outside.
According to this configuration, the fork cover 50 can be positioned in the axial direction with a simple structure by the stepped portion 51c of the cover support member 51 so that the lateral hole portion 74 is exposed to the outside. Further, the exposure of the cover support member 51 to the outside can be reduced, and the appearance is good.

It should be noted that the above embodiment shows one aspect to which the present invention is applied, and the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.
In the above embodiment, the motorcycle 1 has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention is a three-wheel saddle-riding vehicle having two front wheels or two rear wheels. It is also applicable to saddle-riding vehicles equipped with four or more wheels.

1 Motorcycle (saddle-riding vehicle)
12 Front fork 42 Top bridge 43 Bottom bridge 44 Fork tube 47 Front turn signal (turn signal)
50 Fork cover 51 Cover support member 51c Step 52 Fork boots 52d Rear recess (recess)
54 Fixed tube 55 Movable tube 55b Rear convex part (convex part)
57 Blinker support member 57d Circular groove 57e Upper end 60 Split tightening part 60b Split groove 68 Protruding part 70 Drainage hole 71a, 71b First drainage hole 72a, 72b Second drainage hole 73 Vertical hole part 74 Horizontal hole part 77 Gap 79 Air vent hole 80 Boot drain hole (gap)

Claims (9)

A pair of left and right fork tubes (44), a bottom bridge (43) that connects the fork tubes (44) to the left and right, and a top bridge that connects the fork tubes (44) to the left and right above the bottom bridge (43). A fork cover (50) that covers the fork tube (44) between the top bridge (42) and the bottom bridge (43), and a cylinder that supports the lower end of the fork cover (50). In the front fork of a saddle-riding vehicle provided with a cover support member (51) having a shape and a drain hole (70) for draining water entering the fork cover (50).
The bottom bridge (43) includes a split tightening portion (60) that sandwiches the fork tube (44).
The cover support member (51) is provided with a drain hole (70) and a protrusion (68) that engages with a split groove (60b) of the split tightening portion (60). Front fork of a model vehicle. The split grooves (60b) provided on the left and right sides of the bottom bridge (43) are provided symmetrically.
The front fork of a saddle-riding vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the same number of drain holes (70) are provided on the left and right sides of the protruding portion (68) with the protruding portion (68) as a boundary. .. The fork tube (44) is arranged so as to be tilted backward when viewed from the side of the vehicle.
The drain hole (70) is a first drain hole (71 a) located at the rear portion of the cover support member (51) in a state where the front fork is not steered in the left-right direction and faces the front . And the drain holes (72a, 71b) located on the left and right sides of the first drain hole (71a) are provided .
The water drain hole (72a, 71b) respectively located left and right, claim 1, wherein the benzalkonium be located at the rear of the cover support member in a state in which the front fork is steered to the left and right (51) or The front fork of the saddle-riding vehicle described in 2. A blinker support member (57) that supports the blinker (47) is provided below the top bridge (42).
The blinker support member (57) has a tubular shape that fits into the fork tube (44), and also includes an annular groove (57d) into which the upper end of the fork cover (50) fits.
The upper end portion of the fork cover (50) is covered by the blinker support member (57) by fitting into the annular groove (57d), and the upper end portion and the upper end portion (57e) of the annular groove (57d). The front fork of a saddle-riding vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a gap (77) is provided in the axial direction of the fork cover (50). A tubular fork boot (52) covering the fork tube (44) is provided below the bottom bridge (43).
The fork tube (44) includes a fixed tube (54) supported by the bottom bridge (43) and a movable tube (55) that strokes in the axial direction with respect to the fixed tube (54).
The fork boot (52) has a recess (55b) that engages with a boot drain hole (80) for draining water from the fork boot (52) and a convex portion (55b) provided on the outer periphery of the movable tube (55). The front fork of the saddle-riding vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising 52d). The fork tube (44) is arranged so as to be tilted backward when viewed from the side of the vehicle.
The convex portion (55b) is provided at the rear end portion of the movable tube (55), and the boot drain hole (80) is provided between the convex portion (55b) and the concave portion (52d). The front fork of a saddle-riding vehicle according to claim 5, wherein the gap (80) is provided. The front fork of a saddle-riding vehicle according to claim 5 or 6, wherein an air bleeding hole (79) is provided on the rear surface of the fork boot (52). The drain hole (70) communicates the vertical hole portion (73) extending in the axial direction of the cover support member (51) with the vertical hole portion (73) radially outward of the cover support member (51). The front fork of a saddle-riding vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a lateral hole portion (74) to be provided. The cover support member (51) is fitted to the inner peripheral portion of the lower end portion of the fork cover (50), and is covered from the outside by the lower end portion of the fork cover (50).
The cover support member (51) includes a step portion (51c) that abuts in the axial direction with respect to the fork cover (50).
The front of the saddle-riding vehicle according to claim 8, wherein the step portion (51c) positions the fork cover (50) in the axial direction so that the lateral hole portion (74) is exposed to the outside. fork.

Images