articulated vehicle

Abstract

A semi-trailer truck with a pendulum arm (13) supporting a wheel (3), a pivot shaft (22) pivotally mounting the pendulum arm (13) on a vehicle body, and a suspension (24) arranged between the vehicle body and the pendulum arm (13), wherein the pendulum arm (13) has a pair of left and right arm sections (13L, 13R) and a transverse section (13a) connecting the left and right arm sections (13L, 13R) in a left-right direction, wherein the front ends of the arm sections (13L, 13R) are mounted on the pivot shaft (22), wherein a space (13s) through which the suspension (24) passes perpendicularly is provided between the pivot shaft (22) and the transverse section (13a), wherein the suspension (24) includes a part which, in a side view of a vehicle, supports the pendulum arm (13). superimposed, and wherein an electronically controlled control valve area (24s) is provided at an upper end section (24a) of the suspension (24), wherein the suspension (24) has a cylindrical section (24e) which extends downwards from the upper end section (24a), wherein the cylinder area (24e) is filled with a working oil for damping, characterized in that that a pressure vessel (24d) is directly connected to the upper end section (24a) of the suspension (24), that the pressure vessel (24d) is filled with a pressurized gas and contains working oil for damping, that the working oil can flow into and out of the pressure vessel (24d) in the cylinder area (24e), that the control valve area (24s) includes a first control valve (24b) and a second control valve (24c), that the first control valve (24b) and the second control valve (24c) are configured such that one of them exerts control on the extension side and the other exerts control on the contraction side, that the control valve area (24s) extends in one direction largely orthogonal to the extension / contraction of the suspension (24), and that the control valve area (24s) is arranged on a transverse side with respect to a vehicle width direction of the upper end section (24a) of the suspension (24) and extends from a side surface of the upper end section (24a) to an outside with respect to the vehicle width direction.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a semi-trailer vehicle.

[0002] Previously, in the field of semi-trailer vehicles, one was known in which a suspension unit is provided between a vehicle body and a pendulum arm. The suspension unit includes a damper unit in which a spring and a damper are integrally provided. The damper unit is provided between the vehicle body and the pendulum arm and is arranged to overlap a pair of right and left arms of the pendulum arm in a side view of the vehicle. Since the pendulum arm swings perpendicular to the vehicle body, the pendulum arm is provided with a space secured to allow movement while preventing interference with the damper unit.

[0003] In addition, an electronically controlled suspension unit, in which the suspension characteristics are electronically controlled, is provided with a reserve tank and an electronically controlled valve as functional areas at an upper portion of the damping unit. Thus, in the pendulum arm employing the electronically controlled suspension unit, a space that allows movement of the functional areas is ensured in addition to the space that allows movement of the damping unit (see, for example, JP 2009 - 132 222 A).

[0004] EP 1 816 063 A2 shows a semi-trailer vehicle with a suspension. The suspension includes a damper. The damper has a cylinder area filled with working oil, within which a piston moves. The movement of the piston is damped by the working oil. In a side view of the vehicle, the damper has a hydraulic tank behind the cylinder area, which contains additional working oil as a reserve. The tank is connected to the cylinder via a valve. Further semi-trailer vehicles with a suspension are shown in JP 2007-223 572 A, US 2018 / 0 304 957 A1, and WO 2008 / 097 183 A1.

[0005] Furthermore, the swing arm is a wheel support member, and it is necessary to ensure the rigidity of the swing arm. However, in order to ensure the rigidity of the swing arm, although a space is provided for the suspension unit as mentioned above, a space for the electronically controlled valve is also provided inside the swing arm. Therefore, the swing arm is enlarged toward the outer sides in the vehicle width direction and the rear. In addition, in order to prevent the external shape of the swing arm from changing, it is necessary to provide reinforcement inside the swing arm, so the internal structure of the swing arm is complex.

[0006] The present invention has been developed in consideration of the above circumstances. An object of the present invention is to ensure that an electronically controlled valve provided in a rear suspension does not tend to affect the shape or weight of a swing arm in a semi-trailer vehicle with an electronically controlled suspension.

[0007] A semi-trailer vehicle comprises a swing arm (13) supporting a wheel (3), a rotary shaft (22) pivotally supporting the swing arm (13) on a vehicle body, and a suspension (24) arranged between the vehicle body and the swing arm (13), the swing arm (13) having a pair of left and right arm portions (13L, 13R) and a transverse portion (13a) connecting the left and right arm portions (13L, 13R) in a left-right direction, front ends of the arm portions (13L, 13R) being supported on the rotary shaft (22), a space (13s) allowing the suspension (24) to pass vertically therethrough being provided between the rotary shaft (22) and the transverse portion (13a), the suspension (24) having a part which, in a side view of the vehicle overlays the pendulum arm (13),and wherein an electronically controlled control valve portion (24s) is provided at an upper portion (hereinafter also referred to as "upper end portion") (24a) of the suspension (24), in which the control valve portion (24s) is arranged on a transverse side with respect to a vehicle width direction of the upper portion (24a) of the suspension (24) and extends to an outer side with respect to the vehicle width direction from a side surface of the upper portion (24a). The suspension (24) has a cylinder portion (24e) extending downward from the upper end portion (24a). The cylinder portion (24e) is filled with a working oil for damping. A pressure vessel (24d) is directly connected to the upper end portion (24a) of the suspension (24). The pressure vessel (24d) is filled with a compressed gas.and stores working oil for damping. The working oil can flow into and out of the pressure vessel (24d) in the cylinder section (24e). The control valve section (24s) includes a first control valve (24b) and a second control valve (24c). The first control valve (24b) and the second control valve (24c) are configured such that one of them performs extension-side control and the other performs contraction-side control. The control valve section (24s) extends in a direction substantially orthogonal to the extension / contraction of the suspension (24).

[0008] In the above embodiment, the control valve portion (24s) may comprise substantially cylindrical control valves (24b, 24c) and centers of the control valves (24b, 24c) may be located at a front side with respect to a center axis (L4) of the suspension (24).

[0009] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the two control valves (24b, 24c) may be aligned on the front and rear sides in a side view of the vehicle, and the second control valve (24c) on the front side may be located below the first control valve (24b) on the rear side.

[0010] In the above embodiment, the suspension (24) includes the pressure vessel (24d), the pressure vessel (24d) may be substantially cylindrical and disposed on the rear side of the upper portion (24a) of the suspension (24), and a central axis (L2) of the pressure vessel (24d) may be provided to be directed rearwardly upward in a side view of the vehicle.

[0011] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the two control valves (24b, 24c) may be arranged in a side view of the vehicle between an extension line (L5) of an upper edge of the pressure vessel (24d) and an extension line (L6) of a lower edge of the pressure vessel (24d).

[0012] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an inclination (L1) of an upper edge of the pendulum arm (13) between the rotary shaft (22) and the transverse portion (13a), an inclination of the central axis (L2) of the pressure vessel (24d) and an inclination of a straight line (L3) passing through the centers of the two control valves (24b, 24c) may be substantially parallel in a side view of the vehicle.

[0013] The semi-trailer vehicle comprises the pendulum arm supporting the wheel, the rotary shaft pivotally supporting the pendulum arm on the vehicle body, and the suspension arranged between the vehicle body and the pendulum arm. The pendulum arm comprises the pair of left and right arm portions and the transverse portion connecting the left and right arm portions in the left-right direction. The front ends of the arm portions are supported on the rotary shaft. The space through which the suspension can pass vertically is provided between the rotary shaft and the transverse portion. The suspension comprises the part overlapping the pendulum arm in a side view of the vehicle. The electronically controlled control valve portion is provided at an upper portion of the suspension.in which the control valve portion is arranged on a transverse side with respect to the vehicle width direction of the upper portion of the suspension and extends to the outside with respect to the vehicle width direction from the side surface of the upper portion.,

[0014] According to this embodiment, a gap can be provided between the control valve portion of the suspension and the pendulum arm, the control valve portion can be arranged in a position to allow swinging of the pendulum arm, and the influence of the control valve portion on the swinging amount of the pendulum arm can be reduced. In addition, the influence of the control valve portion on the size of the space in the pendulum arm through which the suspension is guided can be reduced. Furthermore, due to the arrangement of the control valve portion, an increase in the size of the pendulum arm is easily avoided.

[0015] In the above embodiment, the control valve portion may comprise substantially cylindrical control valves, and the centers of the control valves may be located on the front side with respect to the center axis of the suspension.

[0016] According to this design, the control valve section is located near the front of the suspension, and a space can be easily secured at the rear of the suspension. Since the pendulum arm has a large range of movement at the rear, a space can also be easily secured between the control valve section located near the front of the suspension and an upper surface of the pendulum arm.

[0017] Additionally, in the above embodiment, the control valves may be aligned on the front and rear in a side view of the vehicle, and the second control valve on the front may be located below the first control valve on the rear.

[0018] According to this embodiment, the control valves can be arranged in such positions that they only slightly influence the pivoting direction of the pendulum arm.

[0019] In addition, in the above embodiment, the suspension includes the pressure vessel, the pressure vessel may be substantially cylindrical and arranged at the rear of the upper portion of the suspension, and the central axis of the pressure vessel may be provided to be directed rearwardly upward in a side view of the vehicle.

[0020] According to this embodiment, the pressure vessel of the suspension can be arranged in such a position that it does not tend to influence the movement of the pendulum arm.

[0021] In addition, in the above embodiment, the two control valves may be arranged between the extension line of the upper edge of the pressure vessel and the extension line of the lower edge of the pressure vessel in a side view of the vehicle.

[0022] According to this embodiment, the control valve portion and the pressure vessel protruding from the suspension are arranged to be accommodated within a predetermined width, whereby the suspension including the control valve portion and the pressure vessel can be easily formed into a compact shape, so that a space can be easily secured between the suspension and the vehicle body.

[0023] In addition, in the above embodiment, the inclination of the upper edge of the pendulum arm between the rotary shaft and the transverse area, the inclination of the central axis of the pressure vessel and the inclination of a straight line passing through the centers of the two control valves can be substantially parallel in a side view of the vehicle.

[0024] According to this embodiment, the suspension can be arranged in such a position as to allow pivoting of the pendulum arm, and gaps can be easily ensured between the pendulum arm and the pressure vessel and between the pendulum arm and the two control valves. Fig. 1 shows a left side view of a two-wheeled motor vehicle. Fig. 2 shows a left side view of a body frame, a swing arm and a rear wheel. Fig. 3 shows a top view of the pendulum arm, a rear suspension and the rear wheel. Fig. Figure 4 shows a partially broken right side view of the rear suspension and the pendulum arm. Fig. 5 shows a front view of the rear suspension.

[0025] A semi-trailer vehicle is described below with reference to the drawings. Please note that in the following description, directions such as forward, backward, left, right, up, and down correspond to the directions of a vehicle body, unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, in the drawings, a symbol FR indicates the front of the vehicle body, a symbol UP indicates the top of the vehicle body, and a symbol RH indicates the right side of the vehicle body.

[0026] Fig. 1 shows a left side view of a two-wheeled motor vehicle 1.

[0027] The two-wheeled motor vehicle 1 is a vehicle in which an engine 11 as a drive unit is supported on a body frame 10, a front fork 12 supporting a front wheel 2 is steerably mounted on a front end of the body frame 10, and a pendulum arm 13 supporting a rear wheel 3 is provided at a rear portion of the body frame 10.

[0028] The two-wheeled motor vehicle 1 is a saddle vehicle in which the driver sits in a straddle position on a seat 14, and the seat 14 is provided on an upper surface of a rear portion of the body frame 10.

[0029] Fig. 2 shows a left side view of the body frame 10, the pendulum arm 13 and the rear wheel 3.

[0030] The body frame 10 is mounted with reference to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The body frame 10 includes a head tube 15 provided at a front end of the body frame 10, and a pair of left and right main frames 16 extending rearward and upward from the head tube 15. Furthermore, the body frame 10 includes a pair of left and right swing frames 17 extending downward from rear ends of the main frames 16, and a pair of left and right seat frames 18 extending rearward and upward from upper portions of the swing frames 17.

[0031] The main frames 16 have engine mounting portions 16a extending downward from front portions of the main frames 16 and supporting the engine 11.

[0032] The front fork 12 is shaft-mounted by the steering head tube 15, allowing it to be steered left and right. A steering rod 21 is provided at an upper end portion of the front fork 12. The front wheel 2 is shaft-mounted by an axle 2a provided at a lower end portion of the front fork 12.

[0033] The pendulum arm 13 is supported by a pivot shaft 22 supported by the left and right pivot frames 17. The pivot shaft 22 extends horizontally in the vehicle width direction. The pendulum arm 13 has a front end portion supported by the pivot shaft 22 and pivots upward and downward with the pivot shaft 22 as its center.

[0034] The rear wheel 3 is shaft-mounted by an axle 3a provided at a rear end portion of the pendulum arm 13.

[0035] A rear suspension 24 is arranged between the vehicle body and the swing arm 13. A link system is used as the mounting system for the rear suspension 24, in which a link is connected to a lower portion of the rear suspension 24. Consequently, fluctuation in the position of the rear suspension 24 relative to the vehicle body is reduced.

[0036] An upper end of the rear suspension 24 is connected to the vehicle body. An upper end portion 24a of the rear suspension 24 is connected to the engine 11 as the body via a damper support portion 70 extending rearward from an upper rear end portion of a crankcase 28. Note that, although an upper end of the rear suspension 24 is connected to the engine 11 serving as the body in the present embodiment, this is not limitative. The upper end of the rear suspension 24 may also be connected to the body frame serving as the vehicle body, for example.

[0037] A lower end of the rear wheel suspension 24 is connected to the pendulum arm 13 and lower end sections of the pivot frames 17 via a joint element 26 and joint rods 25.

[0038] The engine 11 is mounted on the front of the swing frame 17 under the main frame 16 and is attached to the body frame 10.

[0039] The engine 11 includes the crankcase 28, which supports a crankshaft 27 extending horizontally in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction), and a cylinder portion 29 extending upwardly from a front portion of the crankcase 28. A piston (not shown) is housed in the cylinder portion 29 and reciprocates within the cylinder portion 29. A cylinder axis 29a of the cylinder portion 29 is inclined forward with respect to the vertical.

[0040] A rear portion of the crankcase 28 is a transmission housing portion that houses a transmission (not shown). Output power of the engine 11 is transmitted to the rear wheel 3 via a drive chain 30 connecting an output shaft of the transmission to the rear wheel 3.

[0041] An air cleaner housing 31 is mounted on a rear upper surface of the cylinder portion 29. The air cleaner housing 31 is connected to an intake passage on a rear surface of the cylinder portion 29 via a throttle body (not shown).

[0042] An exhaust pipe 32 of the engine 11 is extended downward from an exhaust port on a front surface of the cylinder portion 29 and extends rearward by passing through the bottom of the engine 11. A rear end of the exhaust pipe 32 is connected to a muffler 33 disposed on one side of the rear wheel 3.

[0043] A fuel tank 35 is arranged between the seat 14 and the air cleaner housing 31 on an upper side of the main frame 16.

[0044] A radiator 36 of the engine 11 is arranged on the front of the engine 11.

[0045] The two-wheeled motor vehicle 1 includes, as a body cover for covering the vehicle body, such as the body frame 10 and the engine 11, a front cowl 40 covering an upper portion of the front fork 12 and the head pipe 15 from the front, and a front side cover 41 covering a front portion of the body frame from the sides. Furthermore, a lower cover 42 covering the engine 11 from the bottom, a tank cover 43 covering the air cleaner case 31 and a part of the fuel tank 35, and a rear cover 44 covering a rear portion of the vehicle body are provided as the body cover.

[0046] A front fender 45, which covers the front wheel 2 from an upper side, is attached to the front fork 12.

[0047] An inner fender 46, which covers a front portion of the rear wheel 3 from an upper side, is attached to the pendulum arm 13.

[0048] A rear fender 47, which covers a rear portion of the rear wheel 3 from an upper side, extends rearwardly downwardly from rear end portions of the seat frames 18.

[0049] Footrests 48, on which the driver places his feet on the seat 14, are supported by the pivoting frames 17 and are arranged on the rear side of the pivoting frames 17.

[0050] Next, the pendulum arm 13, the rear wheel suspension 24 and the rear wheel 3 are positioned with respect to the Fig. 3 to 5.

[0051] Fig. 3 shows a plan view showing the pendulum arm 13, the rear wheel suspension 24 and the rear wheel 3, Fig. 4 is a partially broken right side view showing the rear suspension 24 and the swing arm 13, and Fig. 5 shows a front view of the rear wheel suspension 24.

[0052] The pendulum arm 13 includes a pivot portion 13b, which constitutes a front end portion of the pendulum arm 13, and a left arm portion 13L and a right arm portion 13R, each connected to a left and right rear portion of the pivot portion 13b and extending toward the rear of the vehicle body. The left arm portion 13L and the right arm portion 13R are connected by a transverse portion 13a on the rear side of the pivot portion 13b. The pivot portion 13b extends in the left-right direction of the vehicle body, and the bearing-equipped pivot shaft 22 is inserted into the pivot portion 13b. Thus, the pendulum arm 13 is supported on the body frame 10 so as to be rotatable in the upward and downward directions.

[0053] The left arm portion 13L and the right arm portion 13R extend in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and front end portions of the left arm portion 13L and the right arm portion 13R are connected to each other by the pivot portion 13b. At the rear of the pivot portion 13b, intermediate portions of the left arm portion 13L and the right arm portion 13R are connected by the transverse portion 13a. Consequently, a space 13s is formed between a front portion of the left arm portion 13L and a front portion of the right arm portion 13R, and between the pivot portion 13b and the transverse portion 13a, in which the rear wheel suspension 24 is to be disposed.

[0054] The left arm portion 13L and the right arm portion 13R each have an upper surface in an upwardly projecting curved shape and a lower surface in a substantially horizontal shape. The transverse portion 13a is connected to the left arm portion 13L and the right arm portion 13R at the portions of the left arm portion 13L and the right arm portion 13R that have a large width in the vertical direction of the vehicle body. The transverse portion 13a is substantially tetragonal in cross-sectional shape in a side view of the vehicle body, and end portions of the transverse portion 13a in the left-right direction of the vehicle body are connected to the left arm portion 13L and the right arm portion 13R.

[0055] The rear wheel 3 as a drive wheel is arranged on the rear side of the transverse section 13a. The distance in the left-right direction of the vehicle body between the left arm section 13L and the right arm section 13R is larger on the rear side of the transverse section 13a than on the front side of the transverse section 13a. The rear wheel 3 is attached to rear end portions of the left arm section 13L and the right arm section 13R via the axle 3a. Besides, a rear surface portion of the transverse section 13a is formed along an outer shape of a tire of the rear wheel 3.

[0056] It should be noted that the inner fender 46 covering the front portion of the rear wheel 3 is attached to an upper surface of the swing arm 13, on the rear side with respect to the transverse portion 13a and the portions of the left arm portion 13L and the right arm portion 13R connected to the transverse portion 13a.

[0057] A downwardly recessed recess 13c is provided in the front portion of an upper surface of the cross section 13a, and the recess 13c is provided in accordance with the position of a pressure tank 24d of the rear suspension 24, which will be described later, in a plan view of the vehicle. A recess 13d recessed downward by one step from the recess 13c is provided on the front side of the recess 13c. A wall portion 13e inclined forward in a side view of the vehicle is connected to a front end of the recess 13d, and the wall portion 13e constitutes a front surface of the cross section 13a. An upwardly recessed recess 13f is connected to a lower end of the wall portion 13e. A linkage mounting portion 13g is provided on a lower surface of the cross section 13a on the rear side of the wall portion 13e.

[0058] The recess 13c, the recess 13d, and the recess 13f are provided at a front portion of the transverse portion 13a, and the wall portion 13e has a short vertical length. The wall portion 13e is formed in a rearwardly projecting curved shape when viewed from above.

[0059] The rear suspension 24 is disposed in the space 13s provided in the swing arm 13 in such a position that the rear suspension 24 is tilted forward. Since the swing arm 13 is configured in the aforementioned shape, a space can be secured between the rear suspension 24 and the swing arm 13, and a large degree of swing of the swing arm 13 can be ensured.

[0060] The rear wheel suspension 24 is tubular, is compressed in its axial direction depending on vertical pendulum movement of the pendulum arm 13 and dampens a shock from the road surface by increasing the stroke in the axial direction.

[0061] The rear wheel suspension 24 is arranged in such a position that a center axis of the stroke of the rear wheel suspension 24 is inclined forward with respect to the vertical.

[0062] The rear wheel suspension 24 includes an upper end portion 24a disposed on an upper side of the pendulum arm 13, a lower end portion 24h disposed on a lower side of the pendulum arm 13, and a spring 72 compressed between the upper end portion 24a and the lower end portion 24h. It should be noted that only at least a portion of the lower end portion 24h needs to be located below the pendulum arm 13, and an upper portion of the lower end portion 24h may overlap the pendulum arm 13 in a side view of the vehicle.

[0063] The rear suspension 24 further includes a cylinder portion 24e extending downward from the upper end portion 24a, a piston rod 24f extending upward from the lower end portion 24h and connected to the cylinder portion 24e, and a piston valve (not shown) provided at one end portion of the piston rod 24f and located within the cylinder portion 24e. Note that an axis of the piston rod 24f is located on a center axis L4 of the rear suspension 24.

[0064] The cylinder section 24e is filled with working oil for damping. When the stroke of the lower end section 24h occurs vertically, the piston valve moves as a single body with the lower end 24h and is pushed into the cylinder section 24e in the direction of the center axis of the cylinder section 24e.

[0065] The spring 72 is a coil spring. The cylinder portion 24e and the piston rod 24f are inserted into and passed through an inner circumference of the coil of the spring 72. In other words, the spring 72 is wound around the circumference of the cylinder portion 24e and the piston rod 24f.

[0066] A spring receiving portion 24k for receiving an upper end of the spring 72 is provided on a lower surface of the upper end portion 24a. The spring receiving portion 24k is an annular portion with a larger diameter than the cylindrical portion 24e.

[0067] A connecting portion of the upper portion 24j, which is connected to the damper support portion 70, is provided at an upper end of the upper end portion 24a. The upper end portion 24a is connected to the damper support portion 70 on the vehicle body side by a connecting shaft 71 inserted into and passing through the connecting portion of the upper portion 24j in the vehicle width direction.

[0068] An annular preload adjuster 24g for receiving a lower end of the spring 72 is provided at an upper portion of the lower end portion 24h.

[0069] The spring 72 is provided in a compressed state between the spring receiving portion 24k of the upper end portion 24a and the preload adjuster 24g of the lower end portion 24h and preloads the lower end portion 24h in an extension direction of the rear suspension 24.

[0070] An initial load on the rear suspension 24 is set by the preload adjuster, which is movable in the axial direction of the rear suspension 24.

[0071] The initial load on the rear wheel suspension 24 is a reaction force of the spring 72 compressed between the spring receiving area 24k and the preload adjuster 24g. The magnitude of the initial load corresponds to the bending (compression degree) of the spring 72 from a free length.

[0072] A lower portion connecting portion 24i, which is connected to the joint part 26, is provided at a lower end of the lower end portion 24h of the rear suspension 24. The lower portion connecting portion 24i is connected to the joint part 26 via a connecting shaft 73, which is inserted into and passed through the lower portion connecting portion 24i in the vehicle width direction.

[0073] The joint part 26 is connected at its rear end portion to the rear wheel suspension 24 and is rotatably supported at its front end portion on mounting portions 17b of the swing frame 17. The joint part 26 has a downwardly projecting triangular shape in a side view of the vehicle, and front end portions of the joint rods 25 are connected to the left and right side surfaces of the lower end portion of the joint part 26. Rear end portions of the joint rods 25 are connected to the linkage mounting portion 13g of the pendulum arm 13.

[0074] The rear suspension 24 is a pressurization type suspension, and the pressure tank 24d is attached to the upper end portion 24a of the rear suspension 24. The pressure tank 24d is filled with a pressurized gas, stores a working oil for damping, and can be called a reserve tank.

[0075] The pressure vessel 24d is cylindrical with a closed rear end and is connected to a rear part of the upper end portion 24a. A central axis L2 of the cylinder of the pressure vessel 24d is directed rearwardly upward with respect to a connecting part for connection to the upper end portion 24a.

[0076] Furthermore, the upper end portion 24a is provided with a control valve portion 24s. The control valve portion 24s includes a first control valve 24b and a second control valve 24c formed integrally with each other. The first control valve 24c and the second control valve 24c are substantially cylindrical, and extension / contraction characteristics of the rear suspension 24 are controlled by the first control valve 24b and the second control valve 24c. The first control valve 24b and the second control valve 24c each include a valve for varying a constriction of an oil passage and an actuator for controlling the valve. The first control valve 24b and the second control valve 24c are configured such that one performs control on the extension side, while the other performs control on the compression side.

[0077] The working oil in the cylinder portion 24e can flow into and out of the pressure tank 24d through an oil passage (not shown) in the upper end portion 24a. The first control valve 24b and the second control valve 24c are connected to the oil passage in the upper end portion 24a. The flow of the working oil is adjusted by the first control valve 24b and the second control valve 24c, thereby controlling the extension / contraction characteristics of the rear suspension 24. Note that since the pressure tank 24d is directly connected to the upper end portion 24a, the oil passage connected from the upper end portion 24a to the pressure tank 24d can be made short, resulting in a configuration in which a response can be easily enhanced.

[0078] In addition, the rear suspension 24 is an electronically controlled suspension in which damping characteristics are electronically controlled, and the first control valve 24b and the second control valve 24c are connected to a controller (not shown) mounted on the two-wheeled motor vehicle 1. The damping characteristics of the rear suspension 24 can be automatically adjusted by the controller.

[0079] The upper end portion 24a has the first control valve 24b arranged on the front side, and the second control valve 24c is arranged on the rear side of the first control valve 24b. The first control valve 24b and the second control valve 24c are provided in the state of expanding to one side or the other side in the vehicle width direction. In the present embodiment, the first control valve 24b and the second control valve 24c are provided so as to expand to the right side compared to a right side part of the upper end portion 24a. In addition, as shown in Fig. 5, a straight line L7 extending in the vehicle width direction while passing through the center of the first control valve 24b and a straight line L8 extending in the vehicle width direction while passing through the center of the second control valve 24c are parallel to each other. The straight line L8 is located below the straight line L7 in a front view of the vehicle.

[0080] The first control valve 24b and the second control valve 24c are provided so as to extend from the upper end portion 24a located substantially in the center of the vehicle width to an outer side in the vehicle width direction and have parts that overlap the right arm portion 13R of the pendulum arm 13 in a plan view of the vehicle. As shown in Fig. 4, the first valve 24b and the second valve 24c are located between an upper edge of the pendulum arm 13 and the crankcase 28.

[0081] As mentioned above, the pressure vessel 24d extends obliquely upward from the upper end portion 24a toward the rear in a side view of the vehicle. The first control valve 24b and the second control valve 24c are provided on one side in the vehicle width direction and are extended outward with respect to the vehicle width direction.

[0082] In the present embodiment, the pressure vessel 24d is provided on a rear surface side of the upper end portion 24a, and the first control valve 24b and the second control valve 24c are provided on the right side of the upper end portion 24a. The pressure vessel 24d, the first control valve 24b, and the second control valve 24c are provided extending in a direction substantially orthogonal to the extension / contraction direction of the rear suspension 24 and are positioned in positions that allow the swing of the pendulum arm 13.

[0083] Furthermore, the center point of the first control valve 24b is located on the front side in a side view of the vehicle compared to the center axis L4 of the rear suspension 24. The center axis L4 of the rear suspension 24 passes through the piston rod 24f and coincides with the displacement direction of the piston rod 24f.

[0084] Specifically, the center of the first control valve 24b in a side view of the vehicle is a center point of a lower surface circle in a cylindrical shape, and the center of the first control valve 24b is located on the front side compared to the center axis L4 of the rear suspension 24.

[0085] The first control valve 24b and the second control valve 24c are aligned on the front and rear sides, and the second control valve 24c on the rear side is located below the first control valve 24b on the front side.

[0086] As in Fig. 4, a straight line L1, which coincides with the inclination of an upper surface of a front portion of the pendulum arm 13, is lowered forward. Here, the straight line L1 is a line along upper surfaces of front portions of the left arm portion 13L and the right arm portion 13R. In addition, in Fig. 4 shows a straight line L3 passing through the center of the first control valve 24b and the center of the second control valve 24c in a side view of the vehicle. The straight line L1, the center axis L2 of the pressure vessel 24c, and the straight line L3 are substantially parallel. Consequently, the pressure vessel 24d, the first control valve 24b, and the second control valve 24c are arranged in positions such that they do not tend to affect the swing of the pendulum arm 13, even when the pendulum arm 13 is pivoted vertically with the rotary shaft as the center.

[0087] In addition, the straight line L3 is inclined such that, in a side view of the vehicle, it is lowered further in the forward direction than the straight line L1. This ensures that even if the pendulum arm 13 is pivoted largely upward, a space can be easily maintained between an upper surface of the pendulum arm 13 and the control valve area 24s.

[0088] In addition, as in Fig.4 illustrates that, in a side view of the vehicle, the first control valve 24b and the second control valve 24c are arranged within the width W1 of the pressure vessel 24d. The first control valve 24b and the second control valve 24c are arranged between an extension line L5 of an upper edge of the pressure vessel 24d and an extension line L6 of a lower edge of the pressure vessel 24d in a side view of the vehicle. Here, the width W1 in a side view of the vehicle is the width between the extension line L5 of the upper edge of the pressure vessel 24d and the extension line L6 of the lower edge of the pressure vessel 24d.

[0089] Thus, it is possible to provide a space between the pressure vessel 24d and the pendulum arm 13 and to establish a large distance between the pendulum arm 13 and the first control valve 24b and the second control valve 24c.

[0090] An operation of the rear wheel suspension 24 is described.

[0091] When a load is applied to the rear wheel 3 of the two-wheeled motor vehicle 1, the pendulum arm 13 swings vertically with the rotary shaft 22 as the center. Through the rear suspension 24, the connecting portion of the upper portion 24j is connected to the damper support portion 70 on the vehicle body side, and the connecting portion of the lower portion 24i is connected to the mounting portions 17b on the vehicle body side via the joint part 26. The position in the vehicle longitudinal direction of the connecting portion of the lower portion 24i of the rear suspension 24 is within a vibration range of a rear end portion of the joint part 26, and a fluctuation in the posture of the rear suspension 24 with respect to the vehicle body is limited. The swinging of the pendulum arm 13 is transmitted to the rear wheel suspension 24 via the joint part 26 as a movement in an extension direction of the rear wheel suspension 24.Then, the spring 72 is compressed and the piston rod 24f is moved upward while being inserted into the cylinder portion 24e.

[0092] When the swing arm 13 is swung upward, the distance between the upper surface of the swing arm 13 and the upper end portion 24a of the rear suspension 24 is reduced. However, the pressure vessel 24d extends obliquely upward toward the rear of the vehicle body, and even when the swing arm 13 is swung upward, a clearance is ensured between the swing arm 13 and the pressure vessel 24d.

[0093] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the two-wheeled motor vehicle 1 as a semi-trailer vehicle includes the swing arm 13 supporting the rear wheel 3 as a wheel, the rotary shaft 22 supporting the swing arm 13 so as to be pivotable with respect to the vehicle body, and the rear wheel suspension 24 as a suspension is arranged between the vehicle body and the swing arm 13. The swing arm 13 includes the left arm portion 13L and the right arm portion 13R as a pair of left and right arm portions, and the cross portion 13a connecting the left arm portion 13L and the right arm portion 13R in the left-right direction. The front ends of the left arm portion 13L and the right arm portion 13R are supported by the rotary shaft 22, and the space 13s through which the rear wheel suspension 24 is vertically passed is provided between the rotary shaft 22 and the transverse portion 13a.The rear suspension 24 includes a portion that overlaps the swing arm 12 in a side view of the vehicle. The electronically controlled control valve portion 24s is provided at the upper end portion 24a, which is an upper portion of the rear suspension 24. The control valve portion 24s is disposed on one side in the vehicle width direction of the upper end portion 24a of the rear suspension 24 and extends outward in the vehicle width direction from a side surface of the upper end portion 24a.

[0094] According to this embodiment, the piston rod 24f and the cylinder portion 24e disposed in the spring 72 of the rear suspension 24 are inserted into the space 13s in the pendulum arm 13, which allows movement of the rear suspension 24. The control valve portion 24s is arranged to bypass the pendulum arm 13, and the shape of the space 13s is not likely to be affected by the arrangement of the control valve portion 24s. Consequently, an increase in the space 13s can be easily avoided. Furthermore, an increase in weight due to the enlargement and reinforcement of the pendulum arm 13 can be avoided.

[0095] The control valve portion 24s includes the first control valve 24b and the second control valve 24c, which are substantially cylindrical. The centers of the first control valve 24b and the second control valve 24c are located at the front side relative to the center axis L4 of the rear suspension 24.

[0096] According to this embodiment, the first control valve 24b and the second control valve 24c are arranged near the front of the rear suspension 24, it is possible to provide a space between the first control valve 24b and the second control valve 24c of the rear suspension 24 and the swing arm 13, and the rear suspension 24 can be arranged in such a position as to allow swinging of the swing arm 13.

[0097] The first control valve 24b and the second control valve 24c are aligned on the front and rear sides in a side view of the vehicle, and the second control valve 24c on the front side is located below the first control valve 24b on the rear side.

[0098] According to this embodiment, the first control valve 24b and the second control valve 24c may be arranged in such positions as to little influence the swing direction of the pendulum arm 13, a space may be provided between the first control valve 24b and the second control valve 24c and the pendulum arm, and the rear wheel suspension 24 may be arranged in such a position as to allow swing of the pendulum arm 13.

[0099] In addition, the rear suspension 24 has the pressure vessel 24d, the pressure vessel 24d is substantially cylindrical and is arranged on the rear side of the upper end portion 24a of the rear suspension 24 and is provided such that the center axis L2 of the pressure vessel 24d is directed rearwardly upward.

[0100] According to this configuration, the pressure vessel 24d can be easily mounted to bypass the pendulum arm 13 which is swung, and a clearance between the pendulum arm 13 and the pressure vessel 24d can be easily secured.

[0101] In addition, the first control valve 24b and the second control valve 24c are arranged between the extension line L5 of the upper edge of the pressure vessel 24d and the extension line L6 of the lower edge of the pressure vessel 24d in a side view of the vehicle.

[0102] According to this embodiment, the first control valve 24b and the second control valve 24c can be arranged together with the pressure vessel 24d in such positions that they allow swinging of the pendulum arm 13.

[0103] Furthermore, the inclination of the straight line L1 passing through the upper edge of the pendulum arm 13 between the rotary shaft 22 and the transverse region 13a, the inclination of the central axis L2 of the pressure vessel 24d and the inclination of the straight line L3 passing through the centers of the first control valve 24b and the second control valve 24c are substantially parallel.

[0104] According to this embodiment, the swing range of the swing arm 13 is not likely to be limited by the rear suspension 24. In addition, a gap is easily provided between the swing arm 13 and the rear suspension 24, and the rear suspension 24 can be arranged in a position to allow the swing arm 13 to swing.

[0105] The above embodiment merely illustrates one mode of operation of the present invention, and any modifications and applications are possible within the ranges in which they do not depart from the subject matter of the present invention as defined in the following claims.

[0106] Although the description in the above embodiment has been made by citing the two-wheeled motor vehicle 1 as an example of the semi-trailer vehicle, this is not limitative of the present invention. The present invention is applicable to three-wheeled semi-trailers with two front wheels or two rear wheels, as well as to semi-trailers with four or more wheels. Description of reference symbols: 1 two-wheeled motor vehicle (semi-trailer) 3 Rear wheel (wheel) 13 Pendulum arm 13L left arm area (arm area) 13R right arm area (arm area) 13a Transverse area 13s room 22 Rotating shaft 24 Rear suspension (suspension) 24a upper end section (upper section) 24b first control valve (control valve) 24c second control valve (control valve) 24d pressure vessel 24s control valve range L1 Straight (slope of the upper edge) L2 central axis L3 Straight L4 central axis L5 extension line L6 extension line

Claims

[1] A semi-trailer vehicle comprising a pendulum arm (13) supporting a wheel (3), a rotary shaft (22) pivotally supporting the pendulum arm (13) on a vehicle body, and a suspension (24) arranged between the vehicle body and the pendulum arm (13), the pendulum arm (13) having a pair of left and right arm portions (13L, 13R) and a transverse portion (13a) connecting the left and right arm portions (13L, 13R) in a left-right direction, front ends of the arm portions (13L, 13R) being supported on the rotary shaft (22), a space (13s) through which the suspension (24) passes vertically being provided between the rotary shaft (22) and the transverse portion (13a), the suspension (24) including a part which, in a side view of a vehicle, pendulum arm (13) superimposed, and wherein an electronically controlled control valve area (24s) is provided at an upper end portion (24a) of the suspension (24), wherein the suspension (24) has a cylinder portion (24e) extending downwards from the upper end portion (24a), wherein the cylinder area (24e) is filled with a working oil for damping, characterized by , that a pressure vessel (24d) is directly connected to the upper end portion (24a) of the suspension (24), that the pressure vessel (24d) is filled with a compressed gas and contains working oil for damping, that the working oil in the cylinder area (24e) can flow into and out of the pressure vessel (24d), that the control valve area (24s) includes a first control valve (24b) and a second control valve (24c), that the first control valve (24b) and the second control valve (24c) are configured such that one of them exercises control on the extension side and the other exercises control on the contraction side, that the control valve area (24s) extends in a direction substantially orthogonal to the extension / contraction of the suspension (24), and that the control valve area (24s) is arranged on a transverse side with respect to a vehicle width direction of the upper end portion (24a) of the suspension (24) and extends from a side surface of the upper end portion (24a) to an outer side with respect to the vehicle width direction. [2] A semi-trailer vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the control valve portion (24s) comprises substantially cylindrical control valves (24b, 24c) and centers of the control valves (24b, 24c) are located on a front side with respect to a center axis (L4) of the suspension (24). [3] Semi-trailer vehicle Semi-trailer vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the first control valve (24b) and the second control valve (24c) are aligned to the front and rear sides in a side view of the vehicle, and the second control valve (24c) is located on the front below the first control valve (24b) on the rear. [4] Semi-trailer vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the pressure vessel (24d) is substantially cylindrical and is arranged on a rear side of the upper end portion (24a) of the suspension (24), and a central axis (L2) of the pressure vessel (24d) is provided so that it is directed upwardly and rearwardly in a side view of the vehicle. [5] A semi-trailer vehicle according to claim 4, wherein the two control valves (24b, 24c) are arranged in a side view of the vehicle between an extension line (L5) of an upper edge of the pressure vessel (24d) and an extension line (L6) of a lower edge of the pressure vessel (24d). [6] A semi-trailer vehicle according to claim 4 or 5, wherein an inclination (L1) of an upper edge of the pendulum arm (13) between the rotary shaft (22) and the transverse portion (13a), an inclination of the central axis (L2) of the pressure vessel (24d) and an inclination of a straight line (L3) passing through the centers of the two control valves (24b, 24c) are substantially parallel in a side view of the vehicle.

Images