Semi-trailer type vehicle

Abstract

Vehicle of articulated type (10), comprising: an internal combustion engine (24) which is supported by a vehicle body (16); a fuel tank (18) which is provided above the internal combustion engine in the vehicle body; and an air filter (20) which is provided in the vehicle body and is connected to the internal combustion engine, where a recess (48) is provided in a central section of the fuel tank in the vehicle width direction, wherein the recess is a cutout extending rearward from a front section of the fuel tank, the air filter is arranged in the recess, and a fuel filling opening (50) of the fuel tank is positioned further forward than a rear end edge (48a) of the recess and is arranged further towards one side in the vehicle width direction than a center (52) of the vehicle body in the vehicle width direction.

Description

Background of the utility model; Field of the utility model

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle of the semi-trailer type. Description of the related prior art

[0002] JP 2023-518445 A describes a semi-trailer-type vehicle equipped with a fuel tank. The tank has a central section and side sections extending forward from both sides of the central section in the vehicle's width direction. The central section and the two side sections form a recess in which a portion of the tank's front section is cut out towards the rear. The rear end of the recess is formed within the central section. An air filter box may be located within the recess. A fuel inlet port for the tank is provided near the rear end of the recess in the central section. Outline of the utility model

[0003] A technique is desired that increases both the volume of an air filter and the volume of a fuel tank.

[0004] The present revelation has the task of solving the aforementioned problem.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure is a vehicle of the semi-trailer type of the present disclosure, comprising an internal combustion engine supported by a vehicle body, a fuel tank provided above the internal combustion engine in the vehicle body, and an air filter provided in the vehicle body, wherein a recess is provided in a central section of the fuel tank in the vehicle's width direction, the recess being a cutout extending rearward from a front section of the fuel tank, the air filter being arranged in the recess, and a fuel filling opening of the fuel tank being positioned further forward than a rear end edge of the recess and further to one side in the vehicle's width direction than the center of the vehicle body in the vehicle's width direction.

[0006] According to the present disclosure, both the volume of the air filter and the volume of the fuel tank can be increased.

[0007] The above and further tasks, features and advantages of the present utility model will become clearer from the following description when viewed together with the accompanying drawings, in which a preferred embodiment of the present utility model is shown by means of an illustrative example. Brief description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 is a right-hand side view of a semi-trailer-type vehicle according to one embodiment; Fig. 2 is a partial side view of the right side of the vehicle of the articulated type. Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a partial side view of the left side of the vehicle of the articulated type. Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is a partial top view of the vehicle of the articulated type. Fig. 1; Fig. 5 is a partial front view of the vehicle of the articulated type. Fig. 1. Fig. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along a line VI-VI from Fig. 4; and Fig. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along a line VII-VII from Fig. 4. Detailed description of the utility model

[0008] In the case of a semi-trailer-type vehicle, an internal combustion engine air filter is positioned in a recess formed in the fuel tank. This recess is created by cutting out a central section of the fuel tank, extending from the front of the tank towards the rear. A rear edge of the recess is formed within this central section. A fuel filler opening is located near this rear edge of the recess.

[0009] Generally, increasing the volume of the air filter improves performance by reducing intake noise and achieving better and more stable intake efficiency, thus optimizing the combustion engine's output. However, increasing the volume of the air filter within the recess reduces the fuel tank capacity. Additionally, if the fuel filler neck is located near the rear edge of the recess in the central section of the fuel tank, sufficient clearance is required directly below the filler neck to accommodate a fuel line that prevents fuel from overflowing during refueling.To prevent obstruction of the air filter, which is located directly below the fuel filler neck, a section of the rear of the air filter must be cut out. A technique that can increase both the volume of the air cooler and the volume of the fuel tank is desired.

[0010] The present disclosure relates to an improved structure of a fuel tank and an air cooler of a semi-trailer-type vehicle and provides a semi-trailer-type vehicle in which the volume of the fuel tank can be ensured without reducing the volume of the air filter.

[0011] A vehicle of type 10, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, is described with reference to Fig. 1-7 are described. In the following description, the directions of the front, rear, left and right sides, and top and bottom sides are described, with the direction referred to as the front being the direction in which the vehicle of type 10 is moving forward. The front-rear, left-right, and top-bottom directions are those seen from the vehicle of type 10, unless otherwise specified.

[0012] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle of type 10 is a two-wheeled off-road or on-road vehicle. The vehicle of type 10 is not limited to a two-wheeled vehicle. The vehicle of type 10 can be any of the various vehicles of the same type, such as a unicycle, a two-wheeled vehicle, a three-wheeled vehicle, a four-wheeled vehicle, and so on.

[0013] The vehicle of type 10 is provided with a steering rod 14 for steering a front wheel 12, which is positioned in front of a vehicle body 16, a first tank (fuel tank) 18 above the vehicle body 16, an internal combustion engine 24 supported by the vehicle body 16, a seat 28 behind the vehicle body 16 and a swing arm 30 for supporting a rear wheel 32 on the vehicle body 16, which is movable in the up-down direction.

[0014] As in Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the vehicle body 16 comprises a head tube 16a, a pair of left and right main frames 16b, a pair of left and right pivot frames 16c, a pair of left and right Ditz rails 16d and a pair of left and right rear struts 16e.

[0015] The head tube 16a forms a front end section of the vehicle body 16. The head tube 16a rotatably supports the steering rod 14, the steering rod post 34, which supports the steering rod 14, and the front wheel 12 on a front part of the vehicle body 16.

[0016] The pair of right and left main frames 16b extend outwards in the width direction of the vehicle and rearwards from the head tube 16a, and then extend rearwards in an essentially parallel manner. The main frames 16b are increasingly inclined downwards as they extend rearwards. The first fuel tank 18 and the air filter 20 are supported by the main frame 16b.

[0017] The pivot frame 16c extends downwards from a rear end section of the first main frame 16b. As shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, in the side view the first tank 18 is positioned further forward than the position of the rear edge of the pivot frame 16c (the position of the straight line L1, which extends in the top-bottom direction in Fig. 2 extends). The second tank 22 is positioned further back than the rear edge of the pivot frame 16c, and the first tank 18 and the second tank 22 do not overlap in a side view. The first tank 18 and the second tank 22 are divided into front and rear sections at the rear edge (straight line L1) of the pivot frame 16c. Therefore, a gap can be provided between a rear end section of the first tank 18 and a front end section of the second tank 22. Additionally, a front section of the seat 28 is arranged to overlap this gap, thereby reducing the width of the front section of the seat 28. Consequently, the semi-trailer type 10 can be prevented from bulging in the vehicle's width direction, while ensuring the capacity of the first tank 18.

[0018] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, a pivot shaft section 36 is connected to a lower section of the pivot frame 16c. The pivot shaft section 36 extends in the vehicle's width direction (left-right direction) and connects the lower sections of the pair of left and right pivot frames 16c. The front end section of the swing arm 30 is pivotably supported by the pivot shaft section 36. The swing arm 30 extends rearward from the pivot shaft section 36. A rear end section of the swing arm 30 supports the rear wheel 32.

[0019] As in Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the seat rails 16d extend upwards from an upper end section of the swivel frame 16c towards the rear. The seat rails 16d support the seat 28 (see Figure 3). Fig. 1) The front end of the seat 28 is coupled to the upper end section of the pivot frame 16c. The rear end of the seat 28 is positioned on rear sections of the seat rails 16d. An occupant (not shown) can sit on the seat 28. In a straddling position on the seat 28, the occupant can perform a knee-grip movement of clamping a section of the semi-trailer-type vehicle 10 with both knees, the section extending from the rear end of the pivot frame 16c to a rear section of the first tank 18. As described above, since the first tank 18 and the second tank 22 are divided into front and rear sections at the rear edge (straight line L1) of the pivot frame 16c, the width of the straddling section (knee-grip section) for the occupant can be reduced.

[0020] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, a cross frame 28 is provided on the front sections of the seat rails 16d in an attachable and detachable manner. The cross frame 38 extends in the width direction of the vehicle and is designed to span the front section of the pair of left and right seat rails 16d astride it. The cross frame 38 projects upwards beyond the pair of right and left seat rails 16d.

[0021] As in Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, a first tank connection section 40 is provided on the rear section of the first tank 18. The first tank connection section 40 is a clamp provided on the rear section of the first tank 18 and is positioned above the cross frame 38. A second tank connection section 42 is provided on a front section of the second frame 22. The second tank connection section 42 is a clamp provided on the front section of the second tank and is positioned below the cross frame 38. The first tank connection section 40 and the second tank connection section 42 are jointly clamped by the screw element 44 in the state in which they enclose the cross frame 38 from above and below.

[0022] The rear strut 16e extends rearward from an intermediate section between the upper and lower sections of the pivot frame 16c. The rear strut 16e extends upward as it extends rearward. The rear end sections of the rear struts 16e are connected to the rear sections of the seat rails 16d.

[0023] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle body 16 and similar components are covered by a cover element. The front end section (head tube 16a) of the vehicle body 16 is covered by an upper side skirt 46a in the vehicle's width direction. A lower section of the front part of the vehicle body 16 is covered by a lower side skirt 46b in the vehicle's width direction. The rear section of the seat rail 16d and the rear section of the rear strut 16e are covered by a rear skirt 46c in the vehicle's width direction. The upper section of the first tank 18 is covered from above by a first tank cover 46d. The second tank 22 is covered by a second tank cover 46e in the vehicle's width direction. An upper section 20a of the air filter is covered from above by an air filter cover 46f. Fig. The cover element is not shown in figures 2 to 5.

[0024] As in Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the first tank 18 is provided in the vehicle body 16 and stores the fuel for the internal combustion engine 24. The first tank 18 is positioned further forward than the seat 28 (see Figure 3). Fig. 1) An upper end section of the first tank 18 is positioned higher than the seat 28.

[0025] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the first tank 18 is provided with a recess 48. The recess 48 is provided in a central section of the first tank 18 in the vehicle's transverse direction. The recess 48 is formed by cutting away a portion of the front section of the first tank 18 towards the rear. The fuel filling opening 50 of the first tank 18 is positioned further forward than a rear end edge 48a of the recess 48 and is positioned further towards one side in the vehicle's transverse direction than the center (a centerline 52) of the vehicle body 16 in the vehicle's transverse direction.

[0026] In particular, the first tank 18 is provided to the main frame 16b to span the pair of left and right main frames 16b. The first tank 18 comprises a rear tank section 54 and a pair of left and right tank side sections 56. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the left and right tank side sections 56 are positioned further outwards in the vehicle's width direction than the left and right main frames 16b. The tank side section 56 projects further forward in the top-bottom direction than the main frame 16b. As shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the tank side section 56 overlaps part of the main frame 16b in the side view. The rear tank section 54 is the rear section of the first tank 18. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the rear tank section 54 extends in the vehicle's width direction in such a way that it spans the center line 52.

[0027] The pair of left and right tank side sections 56 extend forward from the rear tank section 54 to frame the recess 48. Specifically, the pair of left and right tank side sections are provided with a space in the vehicle's width direction across the centerline 52. The pair of left and right tank side sections 56 consist of a left tank side section 56L and a right tank side section 56R. The left tank side section 56L extends forward from the left side of the rear tank section 54, while the right tank side section 56R extends forward from the right side of the rear tank section 54. The upper edge of each of the left tank side section 56L and the right tank side section 56R slopes downward as it extends rearward. The left tank side section 56L and the right tank side section 56R form the front section of the first tank 18.

[0028] The recess 48 is formed by the rear tank section 54, the left tank side section 56L, and the right tank side section 56R. A right side surface (the side surface on the inner side in the vehicle's width direction) of the left tank side section 56L forms the left end edge of the recess 48, and a left side surface (the side surface on the inner side in the vehicle's width direction) of the right tank side section 56R forms the right end edge of the recess 48. A section of the front end of the rear tank section 54 between the left tank side section 56L and the right tank side section 56R forms the rear end edge 48a of the recess 48.

[0029] As described above, the first tank 18 is provided with the pair of left and right tank side sections 56 with the recess 48 between them. The pair of right and left tank side sections 56 extend further forward than the recess 48 on the outer side in the vehicle's width direction. In other words, the pair of left and right tank side sections 56 extend forward from the rear tank section 54 with a space in the vehicle's width direction, thus providing a space to form the recess 48 between the left and right tank side sections 56.

[0030] The fuel filler opening 50 is positioned further forward than the rear end edge 48a of the recess and is offset to the right side of the centerline 52 in the vehicle's width direction. Specifically, the fuel filter opening 50 is provided on an upper surface of the right tank side section 56R. Therefore, the fuel filler opening 50 is further forward than the knee-grip section. Because the fuel filler opening 50 is provided in this way, the air filter 20 and the fuel filler opening 50 do not obstruct each other when the air filter 20 is placed in the recess 48. Therefore, the volume of the air filter 20, which is placed in the recess, can be increased. The fuel filler opening 50 is closed by a fuel filler cap 58.

[0031] As in Fig. 4 and Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the first tank is equipped with a communication line 60. The communication line 60 is located higher than the fuel filling opening 50 (see Figure 5). Fig. 2) The communication line 60 connects the pair of left and right tank side sections 56. In particular, each of the left tank side section 56L and the right tank side section 56R has an opening (not shown) at a location on the inner side surface in the vehicle's transverse direction, with the location being further up than the fuel filler opening 50. The communication line 60 connects the opening of the left tank side section 56L and the opening of the right tank side section 56R. Air can flow between the left tank side section 56L and the right tank side section 56R by means of the communication line 60. Therefore, when fuel is supplied to the first tank 18 by means of the fuel filler opening 50, the air in the left tank side section 56L is drawn through the communication line 60 to the periphery of the fuel filler opening 50 of the right tank side section 56R.Therefore, in the left side section of the tank, 56L of air is replaced by fuel without any remaining, and thus fuel can be delivered to the first tank 18 to the maximum extent.

[0032] In the vehicle's width direction, the second tank 22 is positioned between the pair of left and right seat rails 16d and between the pair of left and right rear struts 16e. As shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the second tank 22 is positioned between the seat rails 16d and the rear struts 16e in the top-bottom direction.

[0033] As in Fig. 2 to Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the second tank 22 is connected to the first tank 18 by means of a fuel hose 62. The second tank 22 does not have a fuel filling opening. The second tank is supplied with fuel from the first tank 18 via the fuel hose 62.

[0034] A vent line 64 extends forward from an upper section of the second tank 22. The vent line 64 is positioned further to the left in the vehicle's width direction than the centerline 52 (opposite the fuel filler opening 50). A forward section of the vent line 64 is inserted into the first tank 18 and extends forward along an upper inner wall (not shown) of the first tank 18.

[0035] The vent line 64 draws air from the second tank 22 to the first tank 18 when fuel is supplied to the second tank 22. Additionally, since the vent line 64 is located on the left side in the vehicle's width direction, when fuel is supplied from the fuel filler opening 50, located on the right side of the vehicle body 16, to the first tank 18, it is possible to prevent the fuel from flowing into the vent line 64 and blocking the airflow. An upper end section of the vent line 64 is positioned higher than the upper end of the second tank 22 in the side view. Therefore, even if refueling is carried out in a condition where the vehicle body 16 is tilted due to a side stand 94 or similar device, it is possible to refuel the second tank 22.

[0036] A fuel pump 66 is provided at a lower section of the second fuel tank 22. The fuel pump 66 supplies the fuel stored in the second tank 22 to the internal combustion engine 24.

[0037] The second tank 22 has an upper half-body and a lower half-body. A flanged section is formed by joining an edge section of the upper half-body and an edge section of the lower half-body. The flanged section of the second tank 22 is arranged such that a rear section of it is raised in the side view. The rear section of the second tank 22 is elastically supported on the inner side of the pair of right and left side rails 16d. An engagement piece 68 is provided on the left side of a lower section of the second tank 22. The engagement piece 68 extends downwards from the lower section of the second tank 22. A cross section 69, which extends in the width direction of the vehicle, is connected to the pair of left and right rear struts 16e.The engagement piece 68 contacts the cross section 69, thereby limiting the movement of the second tank 22 in the front-back direction.

[0038] The air filter 20 is connected to the internal combustion engine 24, which is provided in the vehicle body 16, and is arranged in a recess 48 formed on the first tank 18. As shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the air filter 20 overlaps the tank side section 56 in the side view. The upper section 20a of the air filter 20 is positioned higher than the tank side section 56.

[0039] In particular, the air filter 20 is positioned directly above a cylinder head 84a of the internal combustion engine 24 and is provided on the main frame 16b. At least part of the air filter 20 is provided between the pair of left and right main frames 16b and overlaps the main frames 16b in the side view (see Fig. 2) In particular, a front lower section of the air filter 20 is provided between the pair of left and right side frames 16b and overlaps the main frames 16b in the side view.

[0040] As in Fig. As shown in Figures 4 to 7, the air filter 20 is a hollow housing which is arranged in the recess 48 in order to span the center line 52. As shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the section of the air filter 20, which differs from the upper section 20a, overlaps the tank side section 56 in the side view. The upper end section of the air filter 20 is positioned higher than the upper end section of the first tank 18. In particular, the upper section 20a of the air filter 20 bulges upwards from the tank side section 56 in the side view and is positioned higher than the rear end edge 48a of the recess and higher than the fuel filler opening 50. The upper section 20a of the air filter 20 bulges upwards further than the tank side section 56, thus ensuring the capacity of the air filter 20. Furthermore, since the fuel filler opening 50 is provided with an offset on the right tank side section 56R, the bulge of the air filter 20 does not impede the refueling of the first tank 18.

[0041] As in Fig. 4 and Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the air filter 20 is provided with a communication cable support section 70, which carries the communication cable 60. The communication cable 60 extends in the width of the vehicle such that it crosses the front of the air filter 20. The communication cable support section 70 is provided on a first front side section of the upper section 20a of the air filter 20. The communication cable support section 70 carries the communication cable 60 by engaging with it. Thus, the communication cable 60, which extends between the left tank side section 56L and the right tank side section 56R, is stably supported. The communication cable support section 70 is preferably a hook with which the communication cable 60 engages, but this is not limited to the hook design.

[0042] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the interior of the air filter 20 is divided into two sub-compartments, namely a front sub-compartment and a rear sub-compartment, by the partition 20b. The front sub-compartment is a dirt chamber 20c. The rear sub-compartment is a clean chamber 20d. A filter element 72 is arranged between the dirt chamber 20c and the clean chamber 20d. The filter element 72 can be supported by the partition 20b and arranged inside the air filter 20.

[0043] As in Fig. 4 and Fig. As shown in Figure 5, a pair of right and left inlet lines 74 are connected to a front section of the air filter 20. The pair of right and left inlet lines 74 extend forward from the front section of the air filter 20 with a space in the vehicle's width direction across the center line 52. The inlet line 74 draws in ambient air (air) from an inlet port 74a, which is located at the front end and connects to the dirt chamber 20c by means of an opening 74b (see Figure 5). Fig. 6) of the air filter 20, which is located at the rear end. A resonator 76 is provided between the front and rear ends of the inlet pipe 74. The resonator 76 reduces the intake noise when air is admitted into the inlet pipe 74 via the inlet port 74a.

[0044] The inlet pipe 74, including the resonator 76, is formed by connecting an inner half-body 74i and an outer half-body 74o in the vehicle's width direction. The inner half-body 74i is an inner section in the vehicle's width direction of the inlet pipe 74, which includes the resonator 76. The outer half-body 74o is an outer section in the vehicle's width direction of the inlet pipe 74, which includes the resonator 76.

[0045] As in Fig. 6 and Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the semi-trailer-type vehicle includes a connecting line 78. The connecting line 78 connects the air filter 20 and the internal combustion engine 24. One end section of the connecting line 78 is positioned inside the air filter 20. A funnel 78a, which opens into the air filter 20, is provided at one end section of the connecting line 78. The funnel 78a points towards the upper section 20a of the air filter 20. The connecting line 78 is positioned further inwards in the vehicle's width direction than the pair of left and right tank side sections 56. At least part of the connecting line 78 is positioned further up than the rear end edge 48a of the recess 48 in the side view.

[0046] In particular, the vehicle is of the semi-trailer type 10 and is supplied with a pair of left and right connecting lines 78L, 78R. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the pair of left and right connecting lines 78L, 78R are provided with a space in the vehicle's width direction across the center line 52. The left connecting line 78L and the right connecting line 78R have different overall lengths. A funnel 78al of the left connecting line 78L and a funnel 78ar of the right connecting line 78R have different orientations.

[0047] Fig. Figure 6 shows an axis 80 of the funnel 78a in the orientation direction (extension direction) and an axis 81 of the funnel 78a in the normal direction to the opening section. As described above, illustrated Fig. 6, since the vehicle is of the semi-trailer type 10 with the pair of left and right connecting lines 78L, 78R, an axle 80L in the extension direction and an axle 81L in the normal direction for the left funnel 78al and an axle 80R in the extension direction and an axle 81R in the normal direction for the right funnel 78ar.

[0048] As in Fig. 6 and Fig. As shown in Figure 7, an end section of the connecting line 78 is positioned in the clean chamber 20d of the air filter 20. The funnel 78a points towards the upper section 20a of the air filter 20 by means of the filter element 72, and the upper section 20a of the air filter 20 and the filter element 72 are positioned on the axis 80 in the extension direction of the funnel 78a. Furthermore, in the air filter 20, the funnel 78a, the filter element 72, and the opening 74b of the inlet line 74 are arranged sequentially in the front-to-back direction. Therefore, the distance between the funnel 78a and the upper section 20a of the air filter 20 is increased, and the inlet efficiency of the funnel 78a can be improved.

[0049] The axis 80 of the funnel 78a, in its extensional direction, runs above the upper end of the head tube 16a. Specifically, the axis 80 of the funnel 78a, in its extensional direction, runs above the handle post 34. The angle of the axis 80 of the funnel 78a, in its extensional direction, with respect to the horizontal direction is greater than the angle of the upper edge section of the tank side section 56 with respect to the horizontal direction. This means that the axis 80 of the funnel 78a extends forward and upward in its extensional direction with a steeper slope than the upper edge section of the tank side section 56.

[0050] In particular, with regard to the left funnel 78a1, both the axis 80L in its direction of extension and the axis 81L in its normal direction pass through the filter element 72 and the upper section of the air filter 20. This means that the direction of extension and the normal direction of the left funnel 78al point towards the filter element 72 and the upper section 20a of the air filter 20.

[0051] With respect to the right funnel 78ar, the axis 80R extends through the filter element 72 and the upper section 20a of the air filter 20, while the axis 81R extends only through the filter element 72 in its normal direction. This means that the extension direction of the right funnel 78ar points towards the filter element 72 and the upper section 20a of the air filter 20, while the normal direction of the right funnel 78ar points only towards the filter element 72.

[0052] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the direction of extension of the funnel 78a in plan view is a direction along the center line 52. Therefore, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the funnel 78a does not extend to the left and right tank side sections 56. Accordingly, the axis 80 of the funnel 78a extends in a front-to-back direction of the recess 48, and the funnel 78a and the first tank 18 do not face each other. Therefore, the inlet efficiency of the funnel 78a can be easily improved.

[0053] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, an end section of the funnel 78a is positioned above the rear end edge 48a of the recess 48 in the side view. This means that the opening section of the funnel 78a is further upwards than the upper end (the straight line L2, which extends in the front-to-back direction) of the rear tank section 54. Also, as described above, the funnel 78a points towards the filter element 72. Therefore, in the front view, the funnel 78a, the filter element 72, and the opening 74b of the inlet pipe 74 are positioned such that they partially overlap each other in the top-to-bottom direction. This improves the degree of freedom in the shape of the funnel 78a and thus the output of the combustion engine 24 can be optimized.

[0054] The one from the inlet port 74a (see Fig. 5) Air admitted through inlet line 74 is fed into dirt chamber 20c. The air fed into dirt chamber 20c is guided to clean chamber 20d through filter element 72. Connecting line 78 supplies the air from clean chamber 20d to the combustion engine 24.

[0055] As in Fig. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the internal combustion engine 24 is supported by a vehicle body 16. Within the vehicle body 16, the internal combustion engine 24 is located below the first tank 18. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the internal combustion engine 24 is connected to the air filter 20 by means of the connecting line 78. The internal combustion engine 24 comprises a crankcase 82 and a cylinder 84. The cylinder 84 extends upwards from an upper section of the crankcase 82. The rear end edge 48a of the recess 48 is positioned further rearward than a proximal end section of the cylinder 84 in the side view. Here, the proximal end section of the cylinder 84 refers to a section in which the cylinder 84 begins to rise upwards from an upper surface of the crankcase 82. In the present embodiment, the rear end edge 48a of the recess 48 is positioned further rearward than the proximal end section on the rear surface of the cylinder 84. At least a portion of the tank side section 56 overlaps the cylinder 84 in the side view.

[0056] The internal combustion engine 24 is an L-shaped engine. In the internal combustion engine 24, cylinder 84 extends forward and upward from the crankcase 82. Cylinder 84 is positioned below the air filter 20. The internal combustion engine 24 can also be a V-shaped engine. The internal combustion engine 24 simply needs to have a plurality of cylinders.

[0057] Cylinder 84 has a cylinder head 84a. The cylinder head 84a is provided on an upper section of cylinder 84. The cylinder head 84a is connected to a throttle body 88 by means of an intake manifold 86. The throttle body 88 is connected to the air filter 20 by means of the connecting line 78.

[0058] An air intake system from the air filter 20 to the cylinder head 84a is arranged in a ducted configuration, and the intake manifold 86 extends rearward and upward from a rear section of the cylinder head 84a. The throttle body 88 is positioned below the first tank 18 and the air filter 20, and is located behind and above the cylinder head 84a. The throttle body 88 is connected to the intake manifold 86. The connecting line 78 extends rearward and downward from a rear section of the air filter 20 and is connected to the throttle body 88 at the other end section. Accordingly, the air intake system extends rearward and upward from the cylinder head 84a and bends forward and upward to reach the air filter 20.

[0059] The vehicle of type 10 is configured as follows to provide space for the air intake system. The rear end edge 48a of the recess 48 is positioned behind the cylinder 84 and behind a connecting section between the cylinder 84 and the crankcase 82. In particular, the rear end edge 48a of the recess is positioned further rearward than the proximal end section of the cylinder 84. Therefore, the recess extends to the rear of the cylinder 84 while avoiding obstruction of vehicle components, such as the throttle body 88, thus ensuring space for the air filter 20.

[0060] A crankshaft 90 is housed within the crankcase 82. The crankshaft 90 extends in the vehicle's width direction within the crankcase 82. The rear end edge 48a of the recess 48 is positioned further aft than the crankshaft 90. A transmission 26 is housed within the crankcase 82. The transmission 26 is positioned behind the crankshaft 90 within the crankcase 82. The transmission 26 comprises a main shaft section 92, which transmits power from the crankshaft 90 to an output shaft via a clutch (not shown). The main shaft section 92 extends in the vehicle's width direction. The rear end edge 48a of the recess 48 is positioned behind and directly above the main shaft section 92 of the transmission 26.The connecting line 78 is positioned in front of the rear end edge 48a of the recess 28 and is positioned further forward than the main shaft section 92 and further rearward than the front end of the cylinder head 84a.

[0061] The throttle body 88, the inlet manifold 86 and the air filter 20 are arranged further forward than the rear end edge 48a of the recess 48.

[0062] As in Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, part of the tank side section 56 overlaps part of the cylinder head 84a in the side view. Part of the cylinder (cylinder head 84a) is positioned below the recess 48. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the pair of left and right tank side sections 56 project further outwards in the vehicle's width direction than the pair of left and right main frames 16b. Therefore, they overlap, as shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 shows that, in the side view, the tank side section 56 aligns with the main frame 16b at a position further outwards in the vehicle's width direction than the main frame 16b. Part of the lower edge of the tank side section 56 overlaps the cylinder 84 in the side view. In this way, the tank side section 56 extends downwards, thus ensuring the capacity of the first tank 18.

[0063] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the air supplied to the clean chamber 20d of the air filter 20 is sent to the throttle body 88 via the connecting line 78. The air flowing into the throttle body 88 is sent to the cylinder 84 of the internal combustion engine 24 via the intake manifold 86. The fuel supplied by the fuel pump 66 is injected into an intake port (not shown) in the cylinder 84 by a fuel injection device (not shown).

[0064] The internal combustion engine 24 generates driving force by burning fuel and rotating the crankshaft 90. The transmission 26 changes gears for the driving force generated by the internal combustion engine 24. The driving force, which passes through the transmission 26 via the main shaft section 92, is transferred from an output shaft section, which is provided with a drive gear (not shown), to the rear wheel 32 (see Fig. 1) transmitted by means of a chain (not shown). The rear wheel 32 is rotated by the drive force transmitted by the gearbox 26. The rear wheel 32 rotates to drive the vehicle of the saddle type 10.

[0065] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, in the FR of the semi-trailer type 10, the side stand 94 is provided on the left side (another side) of the centerline 52 in the vehicle's width direction, so that it is positioned on the opposite side from the fuel filler opening 50. The side stand 94 is rotatably connected to a stepped clamp (not shown) which is attached to a lower end section of the left pivot frame 16c (see Figure 4). Fig.3) When the side stand 94 is rotated to touch the ground, the semi-trailer-type vehicle 10 can be stopped in a position where it is tilted to the left in the vehicle's width direction. When the semi-trailer-type vehicle 10 is stopped in a position where it is tilted in the direction of the side stand 94, the fuel filler opening 50 is positioned upwards. Therefore, the first tank 18 can be easily refueled, and the amount of fuel that can be supplied to the first tank 18 can be increased.

[0066] The following additional remarks are further disclosed in relation to the embodiment described above. (Supplementary Note 1)

[0067] A semi-trailer-type vehicle (10) of the present disclosure comprises an internal combustion engine (24) which is supported by a vehicle body (16), a fuel tank (18) which is provided above the internal combustion engine in the vehicle body, and an air filter (20) which is provided in the vehicle body and connected to the internal combustion engine, wherein a recess (48) is provided in a central section of the fuel tank in the vehicle width direction, wherein the recess is a cutout which extends rearward from a front section of the fuel tank, wherein the air filter is arranged in the recess, and a fuel filling opening (50) of the fuel tank is positioned further forward than a rear end edge (48a) of the recess and is arranged further to one side in the vehicle width direction than the center (52) of the vehicle body in the vehicle width direction.

[0068] According to this configuration, the fuel filling opening is positioned further forward than the rear end edge of the recess and offset to one side in the vehicle's width direction, and consequently both the volume of the air filter and the volume of the fuel tank can be increased. (Supplementary Note 2)

[0069] In the semi-trailer-type vehicle described in Supplementary Note 1, the fuel tank may comprise a pair of left and right tank side sections (56) extending forward from a rear section of the fuel tank to enclose the recess, and the fuel filling opening may be provided on one of the pair of left and right tank side sections.

[0070] With this configuration, the air filter volume can be easily increased. Additionally, since the fuel filler neck is located on a side section of the tank, the air filter and the fuel filler neck do not obstruct each other. (Supplementary Note 3)

[0071] In the semi-trailer-type vehicle described in supplementary note 2, the air filter may overlap the tank side section in a side view, and at least part of the air cooler may be positioned higher than the tank side section.

[0072] According to this configuration, at least part of the air filter bulges upwards further than the tank side section (recess), and consequently, the air filter's capacity can be easily ensured. Furthermore, since the fuel filler opening is provided on a tank side section with an offset, even if at least part of the air filter bulges upwards, it does not obstruct the fuel supply to the fuel tank. (Supplementary Note 4)

[0073] The semi-trailer-type vehicle described in supplementary note 3 may further comprise a connecting line (78) which connects the air filter and the internal combustion engine, wherein the connecting line may include a funnel (78a) which opens into the air filter, and the funnel may point to an upper section (20a) of the air filter, wherein the upper section is located beyond the tank side section.

[0074] In this configuration, the funnel points towards the upper section of the air filter, not the side section of the tank. Furthermore, the upper section of the air filter bulges upwards further than the side section of the tank when viewed from the side. This increases the distance between the funnel and the upper section of the air filter, thus improving the intake efficiency of the funnel. (Supplementary Note 5)

[0075] In the semi-trailer-type vehicle described in supplementary note 4, the connecting line may be positioned further inwards in the vehicle's width direction than the tank's side section.

[0076] According to this configuration, the inlet efficiency of the connecting line can be easily improved. (Supplementary Note 6)

[0077] In the vehicle of the articulated type according to supplementary remark 5, at least part of the funnel may be positioned further up than the rear end edge of the recess in the side view.

[0078] According to this configuration, the degree of freedom in the shape of the funnel is improved, and therefore the output of the combustion engine can be optimized. (Supplementary Note 7)

[0079] In the semi-trailer-type vehicle according to one of the supplementary remarks 1 to 6, the internal combustion engine may comprise a crankcase (82) and a cylinder (84) which extends upwards from an upper section of the crankcase, and the rear end edge of the recess may be positioned further rearward than a proximal end section of the cylinder in a side view.

[0080] This configuration allows for an increased air filter volume. Specifically, vehicle components, such as a throttle body, are located behind the cylinder. Therefore, the recess is extended towards the rear of the cylinder while preventing obstruction by vehicle components, thus ensuring sufficient space for the air filter. (Supplementary Note 8)

[0081] In the semi-trailer-type vehicle according to one of the supplementary remarks 2 to 6, the internal combustion engine may comprise a crankcase and a cylinder which extends upwards from an upper section of the crankcase, and at least part of the tank side section may overlap the cylinder in a side view.

[0082] With this configuration, it is possible to ensure the fuel tank capacity by extending the tank side section downwards. (Supplementary Note 9)

[0083] The semi-trailer-type vehicle according to one of the supplementary remarks 2 to 6 and 8 may further include a communication line (60) which is provided higher than the fuel filling opening and connects the pair of left and right tank side sections.

[0084] According to this configuration, even in a condition where the fuel filling port is provided with an offset on one of the tank side sections, the fuel can be delivered to the fuel tank to the maximum extent by using the communication line to remove the air from the pair of left and right tank side sections. (Supplementary Note 10)

[0085] In the semi-trailer-type vehicle described in Supplementary Note 9, the air filter may be provided with a communication line support section (70) which is designed to support the communication line.

[0086] According to this configuration, the communication lines extending between the pair of left and right tank side sections are stably supported. (Supplementary Note 11)

[0087] The vehicle of the articulated type according to one of the supplementary remarks 1 to 10 may further comprise a seat (28) which is arranged behind the fuel tank and on which an occupant sits, and a second tank (22) which is arranged below the seat and connected to the fuel tank, wherein a rear end section of the fuel tank and a front end section of the second tank may be positioned below the seat, and the front end section of the second tank may be positioned further rearward than the rear end section of the fuel tank.

[0088] This configuration provides a gap between the rear end of the fuel tank and the front end of the second tank, allowing the seat width to be reduced at this point. This prevents the semi-trailer-type vehicle from bulging in the width direction while ensuring sufficient fuel tank capacity. (Supplementary Note 12)

[0089] The vehicle of the articulated type according to one of the supplementary remarks 1 to 11 may further comprise a side stand (94) which is arranged on another side in the vehicle width direction from the center of the vehicle body.

[0090] According to this configuration, the fuel filler opening is positioned on the opposite side of the side stand, in the vehicle's width direction. Therefore, when the side stand is in contact with the ground and the vehicle (a saddle-type) is stopped in a position where it is leaning towards the side stand, the fuel filler opening is facing upwards. This allows for easy refueling and increases the amount of fuel that can be added to the tank.

[0091] A semi-trailer-type vehicle (10) is provided with a recess (48) in a central section of a fuel tank (18) in the vehicle's width direction, wherein the recess is a cutout extending rearward from a front section of the fuel tank, and a fuel filling opening (50) of the fuel tank is positioned further forward than a rear end edge (48a) of the recess (48) and is arranged further to one side in the vehicle's width direction than a center (52) of the vehicle body (16) in the vehicle's width direction. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2023-518445 A

[0002]

Claims

[1] Vehicle of the articulated type (10), comprising: an internal combustion engine (24) which is supported by a vehicle body (16); a fuel tank (18) which is provided above the internal combustion engine in the vehicle body; and an air filter (20) which is provided in the vehicle body and is connected to the internal combustion engine, where a recess (48) is provided in a central section of the fuel tank in the vehicle width direction, wherein the recess is a cutout extending rearward from a front section of the fuel tank, the air filter is arranged in the recess, and a fuel filling opening (50) of the fuel tank is positioned further forward than a rear end edge (48a) of the recess and is arranged further towards one side in the vehicle width direction than a center (52) of the vehicle body in the vehicle width direction. [2] Vehicle of the semi-trailer type according to claim 1, wherein the fuel tank comprises a pair of left and right tank side sections (56) which extend forward from a rear section of the fuel tank to frame the recess, and the fuel filling opening is provided on one of the pair of left and right tank side sections. [3] Vehicle of the semi-trailer type according to claim 2, wherein the air filter overlaps the tank side section in a side view, and at least part of the air cooler is positioned higher than the tank side section. [4] Vehicle of the articulated type according to claim 3, further comprising a connecting line (78) which connects the air filter and the combustion engine, where the connecting line includes a funnel (78a) which opens into the air filter, and the funnel points to an upper section (20a) of the air filter, the upper section bulging beyond the tank side section. [5] Vehicle of the semi-trailer type according to claim 4, wherein the connecting line is positioned further inwards in the vehicle width direction than the tank side section. [6] Vehicle of the semi-trailer type according to claim 5, wherein at least part of the funnel is positioned further up than the rear end edge of the recess in the side view. [7] Vehicle of the articulated type according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the internal combustion engine comprises a crankcase (82) and a cylinder (84) which extends upwards from an upper section of the crankcase, and the rear end edge of the recess is positioned further back than a proximal end section of the cylinder in a side view. [8] Vehicle of the articulated type according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein The internal combustion engine comprises a crankcase and a cylinder, which extends upwards from an upper section of the crankcase, and at least part of the tank's side section overlaps the cylinder in a side view. [9] Vehicle of the semi-trailer type according to any one of claims 2 to 6 and 8, further comprising a communication line (60) which is provided higher than the fuel filling opening and connects the pair of left and right tank side sections. [10] Vehicle of the semi-trailer type according to claim 9, wherein the air filter is provided with a communication line support section (70) which is configured to support the communication line. [11] Vehicle of the articulated type according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising: a seat (28) which is located behind the fuel tank and on which an occupant sits, and a second tank (22) which is located below the seat and connected to the fuel tank, where a rear end section of the fuel tank and a front end section of the second tank are positioned below the seat, and The front end section of the second tank is positioned further back than the rear end section of the fuel tank. [12] Vehicle of the semi-trailer type according to one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a side stand (94) which is arranged on another side in the vehicle width direction from the center of the vehicle body.

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