Two-wheeled vehicle

Abstract

To shorten a wheel base and to prevent the ease of riding on / off the two-wheeled vehicle from becoming inferior.SOLUTION: A two-wheeled vehicle 10 includes: an internal combustion engine 40; an air cleaner box 50 that supplies cleaned air to the internal combustion engine; a fuel tank 54 that stores fuel; and a main frame 30 supporting the internal combustion engine, the air cleaner box, and the fuel tank. The internal combustion engine is supported in a posture closer to a vertical posture than a horizontal posture, the air cleaner box is adjacent to the internal combustion engine, and the fuel tank is located on a rear side of the air cleaner box.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to two-wheeled motor vehicles. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose two-wheeled vehicles.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, the cylinders protruding from the front crankcase of the internal combustion engine are tilted down to a nearly horizontal position.

[0004] In Patent Document 2, a four-stroke parallel two-cylinder engine is used in which cylinder portions protrude substantially horizontally from a crankcase toward the front of the vehicle body. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-280951 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-73489 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] If the internal combustion engine is long in the front-to-rear direction, the wheelbase will become long.

[0007] However, if the internal combustion engine is long vertically, it may make it difficult to get in and out of the vehicle.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to shorten the wheelbase while preventing deterioration in ease of getting on and off. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] This two-wheeled vehicle comprises an internal combustion engine, an air cleaner box that supplies purified air to the internal combustion engine, a fuel tank that stores fuel, and a main frame that supports the internal combustion engine, the air cleaner box, and the fuel tank, wherein the internal combustion engine is supported in a position closer to a vertical position than a horizontal position, the air cleaner box is adjacent to the internal combustion engine, and the fuel tank is located to the rear of the air cleaner box. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to this two-wheeled vehicle, the wheelbase can be shortened and the ease of getting on and off can be made less likely to be impaired. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic side view showing a two-wheeled vehicle according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic plan view showing a two-wheeled vehicle according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view showing a two-wheeled vehicle according to a second embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a partial schematic side view showing a two-wheeled vehicle according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] {First embodiment} A two-wheeled vehicle according to a first embodiment will now be described. In this embodiment, the two-wheeled vehicle is a two-wheeled vehicle having a driver's step on which the driver places his or her foot. The step may be rod-shaped, for example. A two-wheeled vehicle having a driver's step may be equipped with a gear change pedal and a clutch lever operated by the foot, and a transmission whose gear ratio is changed by operating the gear change pedal and the clutch lever. A two-wheeled vehicle having a driver's step may be equipped with an automatic transmission mechanism that automatically changes gears without operating the clutch lever. A two-wheeled vehicle having a driver's step may also be a two-wheeled vehicle that does not have a brake pedal operated by the foot.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a two-wheeled vehicle 10, and FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the two-wheeled vehicle 10. As shown in FIG.

[0014] The overall configuration of the two-wheeled vehicle 10 will now be described.

[0015] The two-wheeled vehicle 10 includes a main frame 30, a front wheel 12, a rear wheel 14, and a handle device 20. In the following description, when referring to up / down, front / rear, and left / right, each direction is defined as follows: First, the side on which the front wheel 12 and rear wheel 14 of the two-wheeled vehicle 10 contact the road surface is the bottom, and the opposite side is the top. Furthermore, the traveling direction of the two-wheeled vehicle 10 when traveling is the front, and the opposite side is the rear. Furthermore, when a driver is riding on the two-wheeled vehicle 10 facing forward, the left and right sides of the two-wheeled vehicle 10 are based on the driver. In this embodiment, the left and right directions may be described as the vehicle width direction.

[0016] A front wheel 12 is rotatably supported on the front side of the main frame 30 via a front fork 17. A rear wheel 14 is rotatably supported on the rear side of the main frame 30 via a swing arm 28. A handle device 20 is supported on the front side of the main frame 30.

[0017] The two-wheeled vehicle 10 can travel on the road surface by rotating the front wheel 12 and the rear wheel 14 while the front wheel 12 and the rear wheel 14 are in contact with the road surface. When the handle device 20 is rotated, the front wheel 12 rotates around the steering axis. This allows the two-wheeled vehicle 10 to change its direction of travel.

[0018] The two-wheeled vehicle 10 includes an internal combustion engine 40, an air cleaner box 50, and a fuel tank 54. The internal combustion engine 40, the air cleaner box 50, and the fuel tank 54 are supported by a main frame 30. The phrase "a supported object is supported by the main frame 30" includes a case where the supported object is directly supported by the main frame 30, and a case where the supported object is supported on the main frame 30 via another part or an intervening member such as a bracket.

[0019] The air cleaner box 50 supplies purified air to the internal combustion engine 40. The fuel tank 54 stores fuel to be burned in the internal combustion engine 40. The fuel in the fuel tank 54 and the air purified by the air cleaner box 50 are supplied to the internal combustion engine 40. The internal combustion engine 40 burns the fuel supplied from the fuel tank 54 using the air supplied from the air cleaner box 50 to generate rotational driving force for traveling.

[0020] An automatic transmission mechanism 48 may be integrated with the internal combustion engine 40. The automatic transmission mechanism 48 may be a continuously variable transmission that can continuously change the gear ratio. The continuously variable transmission may be configured to include, for example, two variable diameter pulleys and a circular belt that runs between the two variable diameter pulleys, and to adjust the gear ratio by changing the effective diameters of the two variable diameter pulleys.

[0021] The rotational driving force of the automatic transmission mechanism 48 is transmitted to the rear wheel 14 via a power transmission device 49. The power transmission device 49 may be, for example, a chain wound around a gear provided on the output shaft of the automatic transmission mechanism 48 and a gear provided on the rear wheel 14. As another example, a circular belt such as a toothed belt may be used as the power transmission mechanism.

[0022] The two-wheeled vehicle 10 further includes a driver's seat 26 on which a driver sits. The driver can operate the handle device 20 while seated on the driver's seat 26.

[0023] The two-wheeled vehicle 10 may include a storage section 24. The storage section 24 is a storage case having a storage space 24S for storing items. A storage object 24T may be, for example, a helmet.

[0024] The two-wheeled vehicle 10 may be provided with steps. The steps are parts on which the toes of the rider seated in the rider's seat 26 rest. For example, the steps are located on the outside of both sides of the vehicle body. The rider is in a driving position when he or she sits in the rider's seat 26 and places his or her toes on the steps. In this position, the rider can operate the handle device 20 to drive the two-wheeled vehicle 10. The toes refer to the parts of the feet that are further forward than the ankles.

[0025] The two-wheeled vehicle 10 may be provided with a cover 60 that covers the main frame 30 and the internal combustion engine 40 from the left and right. The cover 60 is supported in a fixed position by the main frame 30. Steps are arranged to protrude outward on both the left and right sides of the cover 60. The steps may be supported directly by the main frame 30, may be supported to the main frame 30 via a bracket, or may be supported to the main frame 30 via the cover 60.

[0026] The configuration of each part will be described in more detail.

[0027] The main frame 30 includes a head pipe 32, a pair of left and right front frames 34, a pair of left and right intermediate frames 36, and a pair of left and right rear frames 38.

[0028] The main frame 30 is a rigid member made of metal, etc. The main frame 30 may be configured, for example, by a frame made by bending and welding a metal pipe, a cast frame, or a combination thereof.

[0029] The head pipe 32 is provided on the front side of the main frame 30. The head pipe 32 is disposed in a position that tilts forward as it extends downward.

[0030] A steering shaft 16 is rotatably inserted through the head pipe 32. An upper bracket 16A and an under bracket 16B are supported on the steering shaft 16. A front fork 17 is supported by the upper bracket 16A and the under bracket 16B so as to extend downward. The front wheel 12 is rotatably supported at the lower end of the front fork 17. The front fork 17 forms a front suspension and can absorb impacts that the vehicle 10 receives from the road surface and suppress vibrations of the vehicle 10.

[0031] A handle device 20 is supported by the upper bracket 16A. The handle device 20 includes a pair of left and right handlebars 22. When the rider steers the pair of handlebars 22, the upper bracket 16A, the under bracket 16B, and the front fork 17 rotate around the central axis of the head pipe 32, and the front wheel 12 also rotates around the central axis of the head pipe 32. As a result, the direction of the front wheel 12 can be changed by steering the handle device 20.

[0032] A brake lever 23 is supported on one or both of the pair of handlebars 22. The brake lever 23 is a lever for braking one or both of the front wheel 12 and the rear wheel 14.

[0033] A meter unit that displays information related to the traveling of the two-wheeled vehicle 10, such as the speed, may be supported on the handle device 20. The meter unit may be supported directly or indirectly on the main frame 30 near the handle device 20.

[0034] The handle device 20 and the meter unit may be provided with interface devices such as switches that accept various instructions for the two-wheeled vehicle 10.

[0035] A pair of left and right front frames 34 extend rearward from the head pipe 32 while branching out into left and right halves.

[0036] The front frame 34 includes an upper frame portion 34a and a lower frame portion 34b.

[0037] The upper frame portion 34a extends rearward from an upper portion of the head pipe 32. The lower frame portion 34b extends rearward from a lower portion of the head pipe 32. The upper frame portion 34a and the lower frame portion 34b face diagonally downward and rearward from the head pipe 32 in a side view. The upper frame portion 34a extends further rearward than the lower frame portion 34b, and further rearward than the internal combustion engine 40. In the portion on the head pipe 32 side, the lower frame portion 34b extends below and parallel to the upper frame portion 34a and faces toward the front of the internal combustion engine 40. The lower frame portion 34b bends at a position in front of the internal combustion engine 40 and faces diagonally downward and forward.

[0038] The upper frame portion 34a and the lower frame portion 34b are connected by a plurality of connecting frames 34c between the head pipe 32 and the internal combustion engine 40. The plurality of connecting frames 34c connect the upper frame portion 34a and the lower frame portion 34b to form a truss structure.

[0039] On each of the left and right sides, the intermediate frame 36 extends downward from the rear end of the upper frame portion 34a.

[0040] The swing arm 28 is supported by the intermediate frame 36 so that it can swing. For example, the swing arm 28 is supported at the longitudinal middle portion of the intermediate frame 36. The swing arm 28 extends diagonally downward from the intermediate frame 36. The rear wheel 14 is rotatably supported at the rear end of the swing arm 28. The swing of the swing arm 28 allows the rear wheel 14 to move up and down. The intermediate frame 36 may also be referred to as a pivot bracket.

[0041] The lower end of the intermediate frame 36 and the lower frame portion 34b may be connected by an additional frame 34d, which increases the rigidity of the main frame 30.

[0042] An internal combustion engine 40 is supported by the front frame 34 and the intermediate frame 36 .

[0043] The internal combustion engine 40 is disposed between the front wheel 12 and the rear wheel 14. The internal combustion engine 40 is disposed forward of the swing arm 28. The internal combustion engine 40 is disposed below the upper frame portion 34a.

[0044] The internal combustion engine 40 includes a cylinder assembly 42 and a crankcase 44 .

[0045] The cylinder assembly 42 includes a cylinder block 42a, a cylinder head 42b, and a head cover 42c. A cylindrical space that forms a combustion chamber 42r is formed within the cylinder block 42a, and a piston is housed within this space so that it can reciprocate. The cylinder head 42b incorporates a spark plug, intake and exhaust valves, etc., and covers the upper side of the cylinder block 42a, forming the combustion chamber 42r together with the cylinder block 42a. The head cover 42c is connected to the cylinder head 42b on the side opposite the cylinder block 42a, and covers the intake and exhaust valves, etc.

[0046] The crankcase 44 is connected to the cylinder block 42a on the side opposite to the cylinder head 42b, and rotatably supports the crankshaft.

[0047] The internal combustion engine 40 may be an in-line engine in which a plurality of combustion chambers 42r are arranged in series. In this embodiment, for example, the internal combustion engine 40 is a two-cylinder in-line engine having two combustion chambers 42r.

[0048] An automatic transmission mechanism 48 may be integrated into the crankcase 44 at the side or rear of either the left or right side.

[0049] Here, a unit in which the internal combustion engine 40 and the automatic transmission mechanism 48 are integrated is referred to as a power unit 47 .

[0050] The power unit 47 including the internal combustion engine 40 is supported by the main frame 30 in the following position.

[0051] That is, the internal combustion engine 40 is in a posture closer to a vertical posture than a horizontal posture. Here, the reference direction Ds for determining the posture of the internal combustion engine 40 is a direction along the central axis of the combustion chamber 42r. As described above, the combustion chamber 42r is a cylindrical space formed between the cylinder head 42b and the cylinder block 42a, and the direction along the central axis of this cylindrical space is the reference direction Ds of the internal combustion engine 40. The reference direction Ds is also the direction in which a piston moves within the combustion chamber 42r.

[0052] When the internal combustion engine 40 is in a position closer to a vertical position than a horizontal position, the angle θ of the reference direction Ds with respect to the vertical direction V along the direction of gravity is less than 45 degrees.

[0053] The internal combustion engine 40 is placed transversely, which means that the direction in which the combustion chambers 42r are arranged is along the vehicle width direction.

[0054] That is, the internal combustion engine 40 is supported by the main frame 30 with the plurality of combustion chambers 42r aligned in the vehicle width direction and with the direction of the central axes of the combustion chambers 42r closer to a vertical position than a horizontal position.

[0055] More specifically, the crankcase 44 and the automatic transmission mechanism 48 integrated with the crankcase 44 are disposed between and forward of the left and right intermediate frames 36. The left and right intermediate frames 36 are connected by screws or the like to the rear end of the integrated portion of the crankcase 44 and the automatic transmission mechanism 48. The integrated portion of the crankcase 44 and the automatic transmission mechanism 48 is supported in a position facing diagonally downward and forward from the left and right intermediate frames 36.

[0056] The crankcase 44 is located at the front of the integrated portion of the crankcase 44 and the automatic transmission mechanism 48. The crankcase 44 is located between the intermediate frame 36 and the lower end of the lower frame portion 34b. The additional frame 34d passes outside the crankcase 44 in the vehicle width direction.

[0057] The cylinder assembly 42 protrudes upward from the top of the crankcase 44. The combustion chamber 42r is formed within the cylinder assembly 42, and the combustion chamber 42r is inclined so as to face diagonally forward. The cylinder assembly 42 itself also protrudes from the upper end of the crankcase 44 while inclining so as to face diagonally forward.

[0058] The cylinder assembly 42 is located below the upper frame portion 34a at a middle portion in the extension direction of the upper frame portion 34a. The rear portion of the cylinder assembly 42 is supported by a middle portion of the upper frame portion 34a.

[0059] The cylinder assembly 42 is located behind the lower frame portion 34b. The front portion of the cylinder assembly 42 is supported by the middle portion of the lower frame portion 34b.

[0060] Since the cylinder assembly 42 is interposed between the middle part of the upper frame part 34a and the middle part of the lower frame part 34b, the cylinder assembly 42 itself can function as a rigid body that keeps the upper frame part 34a and the lower frame part 34b in a fixed positional relationship. Also, since the power unit 47 is interposed between the intermediate frame 36 and the front frame 34, the power unit 47 can function as a rigid body that keeps the intermediate frame 36 and the front frame 34 in a fixed positional relationship.

[0061] The power unit 47 and the main frame 30 may be supported at a location such that the power unit 47 is directly supported on the main frame 30 by screws or the like, or a support piece extending from the power unit 47 or the main frame 30 is supported on the main frame 30 or the power unit 47 by screws or the like. For example, a support piece 34ap may protrude from the upper frame portion 34a, and the support piece 34ap may be screwed to the cylinder assembly 42.

[0062] The power unit 47 is supported from the rear by the intermediate frame 36, and the cylinder assembly 42 of the power unit 47 is connected to the front frame 34. Therefore, the driving force for forward movement generated by contact between the ground and the rear wheels 14 is effectively transmitted from the intermediate frame 36 to the front frame 34 via the power unit 47, and the driving force is effectively received by the entire vehicle 10. In addition, because the power unit 47 is supported so as to be suspended by the upper frame portion 34a, the weight of the power unit 47 can easily be supported by the main frame 30.

[0063] By bringing the internal combustion engine 40 closer to a vertical position, the longitudinal length of the internal combustion engine 40 can be shortened compared to when the internal combustion engine 40 is closer to a horizontal position. This reduces the space required to arrange the internal combustion engine 40 between the front wheels 12 and the rear wheels 14, making it easier to reduce the wheelbase.

[0064] Furthermore, the internal combustion engine 40 may not be in a vertical position, but may be in a position oblique to the vertical direction V. For example, the internal combustion engine 40 may be inclined by 10 degrees or more, preferably 15 degrees or more, with respect to the vertical direction V. This makes it easier to reduce the height of the internal combustion engine 40.

[0065] The air cleaner box 50 is adjacent to the internal combustion engine 40. The air cleaner box 50 being adjacent to the internal combustion engine 40 means that the air cleaner box 50 and the internal combustion engine 40 are in a positional relationship next to each other, and it is not necessary for the air cleaner box 50 to be in contact with the internal combustion engine 40.

[0066] In this embodiment, the air cleaner box 50 is located above the internal combustion engine 40. More specifically, the air cleaner box 50 is located above the cylinder assembly 42. The air cleaner box 50 is supported by the main frame 30, for example, by screwing to the upper frame portion 34a. The air cleaner box 50 may be supported so as to protrude upward from between the pair of left and right upper frame portions 34a, for example. The air cleaner box 50 may be supported by the main frame 30 via the internal combustion engine 40.

[0067] The air cleaner box 50 includes a box made of resin or the like and a filter housed within the box. The filter removes foreign matter contained in air drawn into the internal combustion engine 40 from the outside. The air cleaner box 50 includes an openable and closable lid 50a. The lid 50a is located above the upper frame portion 34a in a side view.

[0068] The fuel tank 54 is located behind the air cleaner box 50. The fuel tank 54 is a tank that stores fuel. A fuel filler opening 54h and a lid 54a for supplying fuel into the fuel tank 54 are provided at any position on the fuel tank 54. For example, the fuel filler opening 54h and the lid 54a are provided at a position closer to the front of the top of the fuel tank 54.

[0069] The fuel tank 54 may be connected to the rear side of the air cleaner box 50 without any other member intervening. The fuel tank 54 and the air cleaner box 50 may be in contact with each other, or there may be a gap between the fuel tank 54 and the air cleaner box 50, or other members may be interposed between them.

[0070] In the vertical direction, the fuel tank 54 may be disposed at the same position as the air cleaner box 50. For example, when viewed from the front, the fuel tank 54 may be disposed so that more than half of the fuel tank 54 in the vertical direction overlaps with the air cleaner box 50.

[0071] In the vertical direction, the fuel tank 54 may be disposed at a position different from that of the air cleaner box 50. For example, half or more of the fuel tank 54 may be disposed so as to be shifted upward or downward relative to the air cleaner box 50 in the vertical direction.

[0072] The shape of the fuel tank 54 is arbitrary. The front portion of the fuel tank 54 may be formed in a concave shape corresponding to the shape of the rear end portion of the air cleaner box 50. The fuel tank 54 may also be formed in a shape that gradually widens toward the rear.

[0073] The fuel tank 54 may be supported by screws or the like on the main frame 30, for example, on the rear frame 38 of the main frame 30. For example, the front half of the fuel tank 54 may be located above the upper frame portion 34a, and the rear half of the fuel tank 54 may be located between the rear frames 38 and supported by the rear frames 38.

[0074] In the front-rear direction, the fuel tank 54 is located rearward of the cylinder assembly 42. In other words, the fuel tank 54 is disposed at a different position from the cylinder assembly 42 in the front-rear direction.

[0075] The fuel tank 54 may be disposed in a position overlapping with the crankcase 44 or the automatic transmission mechanism 48 in the front-rear direction. In the present embodiment, a front portion of the fuel tank 54, which is equal to or less than half of the fuel tank 54 in the front-rear direction, is disposed in a position overlapping with the crankcase 44 or the automatic transmission mechanism 48.

[0076] A throttle body 46 that adjusts the amount of air sent into the internal combustion engine 40 is provided at an upper rear position of the cylinder head 42b. The throttle body 46 is located between the internal combustion engine 40 and the air cleaner box 50. The throttle body 46 is located between the pair of upper frame portions 34a.

[0077] An exhaust pipe 45 that discharges burned gas is connected to the internal combustion engine 40. One end of the exhaust pipe 45 is connected to an exhaust port formed in the cylinder head 42b. The exhaust pipe 45 extends downward from the front of the internal combustion engine 40 and also extends rearward, passing along the side of the lower part of the internal combustion engine 40. The other end of the exhaust pipe 45 passes outside the swing arm 28 and faces diagonally upward. The other end of the exhaust pipe 45 is located below the rear frame 38 of the main frame 30.

[0078] A radiator 18 for cooling the coolant that passes through a water jacket formed on the internal combustion engine 40 is provided on the front side of the pair of lower frame portions 34b. The radiator 18 is supported, for example, by the lower frame portions 34b. In this supported state, the radiator 18 is located between the internal combustion engine 40 and the front wheels 12. Pipes extending from the left and right sides of the radiator 18 are connected to the water jacket formed on the internal combustion engine 40.

[0079] On each of the left and right sides, the rear frame 38 extends obliquely upward and rearward from the rear end of the front frame 34. At the connection points between the rear frame 38 and the front frame 34, the intermediate frame 36 can also be said to extend downward.

[0080] The rear frame 38 may be made up of multiple frames. In this embodiment, the rear frame 38 includes a frame 38a that extends to the rear end of the tandem seat 27 and a lower support frame 38b that extends to the middle of the frame 38a.

[0081] A rear suspension 29 is interposed between the rear frame 38 and the swing arm 28. The rear suspension 29 can absorb shocks that the vehicle 10 receives from the road surface and suppress vibrations of the vehicle 10.

[0082] The storage section 24 is located behind the fuel tank 54. The storage section 24 is also located between the pair of left and right rear frames 38. The storage section 24 may be supported by the pair of rear frames 38 with screws or the like.

[0083] The storage section 24 may include a bottom and a peripheral wall that covers the space above the bottom, and may be open at the top. The storage section 24 may have a storage space 24S that corresponds to the object to be stored. If the object to be stored is a helmet, the storage section 24 is set to be wide. As a result, the portion of the two-wheeled vehicle 10 that is rearward of the handle device 20 and above the step, where the storage section 24 is located, may be formed as the widest portion.

[0084] As described above, the cover 60 covers the left and right sides of the main frame 30 and the internal combustion engine 40. The cover 60 is formed, for example, from resin. The cover 60 may extend to cover the left, right, and upper sides of the air cleaner box 50. The cover 60 may extend to cover at least a portion of the fuel tank 54, for example, the left and right sides of the lower part of the fuel tank 54. The cover 60 may extend to cover the left and right sides of the storage section 24.

[0085] The cover 60 may cover the rear of the rear frame 38. The cover 60 may include a cowl portion that covers the front of the head pipe 32 to reduce air resistance during riding.

[0086] The cover 60 may have an opening facing forward between the cowl portion and the front wheel 12. When the vehicle is running, air taken in through the opening may flow into the radiator 18 and the air cleaner box 50.

[0087] The cover 60 may have any shape, and may be appropriately changed from various viewpoints such as design, air resistance, or rigidity.

[0088] The driver's seat 26 is located behind the air cleaner box 50. In other words, the air cleaner box 50 is located in front of the driver's seat 26.

[0089] Furthermore, the driver's seat 26 is located above the fuel tank 54. In other words, the fuel tank 54 is located below the driver's seat 26. For example, the center of the front and rear ends of the fuel tank 54 is located between the front and rear ends of the driver's seat 26. Furthermore, for example, more than half of the fuel tank 54 overlaps the driver's seat 26 in the front-to-rear direction. In this embodiment, within the range where the fuel filler opening 54h of the fuel tank 54 is located in the width direction, the seat surface of the driver's seat 26 is located rearward of the fuel filler opening 54h. Furthermore, the rear end of the driver's seat 26 extends rearward of the rear end of the fuel tank 54 and reaches above the front end of the storage section 24.

[0090] Preferably, the air cleaner box 50 is lower than the height position La of the seat surface 26f of the driver's seat 26. Here, the height position La of the seat surface 26f may be based on the lowest position of the area of ​​the driver's seat 26 that supports the driver's buttocks. If the air cleaner box 50 is lower than the position La, it is easier to lower the height of the vehicle 10 in front of the driver's seat 26.

[0091] Note that fuel filler opening 54h may be located below driver's seat 26 or to the side of driver's seat 26. Fuel filler opening 54h may be located on the upper surface of fuel tank 54, rearward of the front edge of the seating surface of driver's seat 26, and driver's seat 26 may be partially open to expose the fuel filler opening to the outside.

[0092] In the front-rear direction, the front end of the driver's seat 26 may be located above the rear end of the power unit 47. In the front-rear direction, the rear end of the driver's seat 26 may be located forward of the front ends of the rear wheels 14.

[0093] When the driver sits on the driver's seat 26, the driver's feet extend downward from the driver's seat 26 and reach the step.

[0094] The tandem seat 27 is located behind the driver's seat 26. The seat surface of the tandem seat 27 is higher than the seat surface of the driver's seat 26. The tandem seat 27 is located above the storage section 24. The rear end of the tandem seat 27 extends further rearward than the rear end of the storage section 24.

[0095] The driver's seat 26 and the tandem seat 27 are integrally connected to form the seat unit 25. The portion of the cover 60 where the seat unit 25 is placed is open upward. The seat unit 25 closes this opening from above. When the seat unit 25 closes the opening of the cover 60, the seat unit 25 is preferably supported from below by the main frame 30, directly or indirectly.

[0096] The front end of the driver's seat 26 is supported by the cover 60 so as to be openable and closable. The seat unit 25 opens and closes around a support shaft at the front end of the driver's seat 26. An upper opening of the storage section 24 is located at the rear of the opening. When the seat unit 25 is open, the opening of the storage section 24 opens to the outside, allowing a storage object 24T to be stored from the outside. For example, the storage section 24 has a storage space 24S that can store a helmet as the storage object 24T, and the helmet can be stored in the storage space 24S from above. Closing the seat unit 25 blocks the upper opening of the storage section 24. Note that the seat unit 25 may be opened and closed around the rear end. Only a portion of the seat unit 25 may be openable and closable. For example, the driver's seat 26 portion and the tandem seat 27 portion of the seat unit 25 may be opened and closed separately. In this case, the driver's seat 26 portion may be opened and closed around the front end or a side edge. The tandem seat 27 may be opened and closed around the rear end or a side edge.

[0097] Note that the portion of the cover 60 that covers the air cleaner box 50 may be detachable from the other portions of the cover 60, allowing the air cleaner box 50 to be exposed to the outside. The seat unit 25 may cover the air cleaner box 50, and the air cleaner box 50 may be exposed to the outside by opening the seat unit 25.

[0098] In the two-wheeled vehicle 10 configured in this manner, the internal combustion engine 40 is supported in a position closer to a vertical position than a horizontal position, so the space required for arranging the internal combustion engine 40 in the fore-and-aft direction can be reduced. This allows the wheelbase to be shorter than when the internal combustion engine 40 is in a position closer to a horizontal position. A shorter wheelbase allows the turning radius of the two-wheeled vehicle 10 to be smaller, making the two-wheeled vehicle 10 easier to handle.

[0099] Furthermore, because the fuel tank 54 is located behind the air cleaner box 50, the height of the fuel tank 54 can be lowered compared to when the fuel tank is located on the air cleaner box. This reduces the height required for the rider to straddle the two-wheeled vehicle 10 when getting on or off the two-wheeled vehicle 10, making it less difficult to get on or off. Furthermore, compared to when the fuel tank is located on the air cleaner box, the fuel tank 54, which is a heavy object, can be lowered and located closer to the center of gravity of the vehicle 10, further improving the maneuverability and stability of the two-wheeled vehicle 10. This further improves handling stability. The fuel tank 54 is also heavier than the air cleaner box 50 and the storage section 24. Furthermore, its mass varies depending on the amount of fuel inside. By locating the fuel tank 54 closer to the center of gravity of the vehicle 10 than the air cleaner box 50 and the storage section 24, maneuverability and stability can be improved.

[0100] Furthermore, if the storage section is located directly below or diagonally below and forward of the driver's seat 26, increasing the volume of the storage section may result in an increase in the width of the portion of the vehicle directly below or diagonally below and forward of the driver's seat. In this embodiment, the storage section 24 is located behind the fuel tank 54. Therefore, even if increasing the volume of the storage section 24 increases the width of the portion of the vehicle 10 where the storage section 24 is provided, this is unlikely to affect the width of the portion directly below or diagonally below and forward of the driver's seat 26. Therefore, the driver sitting in the driver's seat 26 can easily lower their legs without having to spread them widely, making it easier for them to sit.

[0101] In particular, when the storage section 24 is used to store a helmet, the storage section 24 becomes wide, and as a result, the portion of the vehicle 10 where the storage section 24 is located tends to become wide. Even in such a case, the driver can easily put the helmet down without spreading their legs widely, regardless of the width of the storage section 24.

[0102] In addition, the air cleaner box 50 is located in front of the driver's seat 26. Therefore, air flowing in from the front while the vehicle is traveling flows easily into the air cleaner box 50 without being obstructed by the driver's seat 26. This makes it easier for the air cleaner box 50 to take in air effectively.

[0103] Furthermore, if the air cleaner box 50 is lower than the seat surface of the driver's seat 26 in a side view, it is easy to lower the height of the vehicle 10 in front of the driver's seat 26. This makes it easy for a driver attempting to sit in the driver's seat 26 to get in and out of the vehicle 10 by straddling it in front of the driver's seat 26.

[0104] Furthermore, because the fuel tank 54 is located below the driver's seat 26, it is easy to bring the fuel tank 54 closer to the center of gravity of the vehicle 10 in the front-to-rear direction. This further improves the stability and maneuverability of the vehicle 10.

[0105] {Second embodiment} A two-wheeled vehicle 110 according to the second embodiment will now be described. Fig. 3 is a schematic side view showing the two-wheeled vehicle 110. In the description of this embodiment, the same components as those described in the first embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0106] The motorcycle 110 includes a main frame 130. Similar to the main frame 30, the main frame 130 includes a head pipe 32, a pair of left and right front frames 134, a pair of left and right intermediate frames 136, and a pair of left and right rear frames 138. Similar to the front frame 34, the front frame 134 includes an upper frame portion 134a corresponding to the upper frame portion 34a and a lower frame portion 134b corresponding to the lower frame portion 34b. The length of the lower frame portion 134b is shorter than the length of the lower frame portion 34b. Furthermore, the additional frame 34d is omitted from the front frame 134. The intermediate frame 136 corresponds to the intermediate frame 36, and the rear frame 138 corresponds to the rear frame 38.

[0107] The main frame 130 supports various components including the front wheel 12, the rear wheel 14 and the handle device 20, similar to the main frame 30.

[0108] The main differences between the motorcycle 110 and the motorcycle 10 are the position of the fuel tank 154 relative to the fuel tank 54 and the position of the air cleaner box 150 relative to the air cleaner box 50.

[0109] That is, the two-wheeled vehicle 110 is provided with a driver's seat 126 corresponding to the driver's seat 26. The driver's seat 126 is located above the rear of the upper frame portion 134a and the front of the rear frame 138 in a side view. The front end of the driver's seat 126 may be located above the rear of the cylinder assembly 42. The driver's seat 126 may face rearward from above the rear end of the power unit 47. The rear end of the driver's seat 126 may be located forward of the rear wheel 14 in the front-to-rear direction.

[0110] A tandem seat 127 is located behind the driver's seat 126. The seat surface of the tandem seat 127 is higher than the seat surface of the driver's seat 126. The tandem seat 127 extends rearward from the rear end of the driver's seat 126 and reaches a position above the center axis of the rear wheel 14.

[0111] As in the first embodiment, a driver's seat 126 and a tandem seat 127 are integrally connected to form a seat unit 125.

[0112] Air cleaner box 150 and fuel tank 154 are located below driver's seat 126. In this embodiment, the range of air cleaner box 150 is included within the range of driver's seat 126 in the front-to-rear direction, and the range of fuel tank 154 is included within the range of driver's seat 126. If more than half of air cleaner box 150 in the front-to-rear direction is located below driver's seat 126, it can be said that air cleaner box 150 is located below driver's seat 126. Furthermore, if more than half of fuel tank 154 in the front-to-rear direction is located below driver's seat 126, it can be said that fuel tank 154 is located below driver's seat 126.

[0113] The air cleaner box 150 is supported, for example, on the rear end of the upper frame portion 134a. The throttle body 46 is disposed between the air cleaner box 150 and the cylinder assembly 42. Air from the air cleaner box 150 is supplied to the combustion chamber 42r in the cylinder assembly 42 via the throttle body 46.

[0114] The air cleaner box 150 may be positioned rearwardly from the top of the internal combustion engine 40. The air cleaner box 150 being rearwardly shifted from the top of the internal combustion engine 40 means that the center of gravity of the air cleaner box 150 is shifted rearwardly from the top of the internal combustion engine 40. If the air cleaner box 150 is shifted rearwardly from the top of the internal combustion engine 40, it is easy to arrange the air cleaner box 150 and the internal combustion engine 40 in an overlapping range in the vertical direction. For example, it is easy to arrange the air cleaner box 150 so that at least a portion of the air cleaner box 150 is hidden by the internal combustion engine 40 in a front view. The air cleaner box 150 may take in air from the rear.

[0115] In this embodiment, the cylinder assembly 42 faces diagonally upward and forward. The front end of the air cleaner box 150 is located above the upper rear end of the cylinder assembly 42. The air cleaner box 150 is inclined diagonally downward from its front end toward the rear. Therefore, the rear end of the air cleaner box 150 is positioned in a range that overlaps with the cylinder assembly 42 in the front-to-rear direction. Therefore, it is easier to set the height of at least a portion of the air cleaner box 150 low compared to when the entire air cleaner box is positioned higher than the cylinder assembly.

[0116] The fuel tank 154 is supported, for example, by the front portion of the rear frame 138. The fuel tank 154 is disposed rearward of the intermediate frame 136 and protrudes upward and downward from the rear frame 138. A fuel filler opening 154h and a lid 154a that closes the fuel filler opening 154h are provided on the top of the fuel tank 154. The rear side of the fuel tank 154 may be curved to fit the outer shape of the storage section 124 that corresponds to the storage section 24.

[0117] The upper end of the air cleaner box 150 and the upper end of the fuel tank 154 protrude upward from the main frame 130 at approximately the same height.

[0118] The driver's seat 126 can cover the air cleaner box 150 and the fuel tank 154 together from above.

[0119] The storage section 124 is located behind the fuel tank 154. In other words, the air cleaner box 150, the fuel tank 154, and the storage section 124 are lined up in this order from front to rear. The storage section 124 is supported, for example, by the rear portion of the rear frame 138.

[0120] Like the cover 60, the cover 160 covers the left and right sides of the main frame 130 and the internal combustion engine 40. The cover 160 may cover the center portion of the upper part of the air cleaner box 150 in the width direction. The cover 160 may also extend to cover the entire left and right sides of the fuel tank 154 and the storage section 124.

[0121] Unlike the first embodiment, there is no air cleaner box 150 in front of the driver's seat 126.

[0122] The cover 160 has openings that expose the air cleaner box 150, the fuel tank 154, and the upper portion of the storage section 124 to the outside. The seat unit 125 closes the openings, thereby covering the air cleaner box 150, the fuel tank 154, and the storage section 124 from above.

[0123] The front of the seat unit 125 is connected to a cover 160 so as to be able to open and close. When the seat unit 125 is opened, the top of the storage section 124 is opened, making it easy to put in and take out the storage object 24T to the storage section 124. Furthermore, when the seat unit 125 is opened, the fuel filler opening 154h and the lid 154a of the fuel tank 154 are exposed to the outside. This makes it easy to fill the fuel tank 154. Furthermore, when the seat unit 125 is opened, the air cleaner box 150 is also exposed to the outside. This makes it easy to perform maintenance on the air cleaner box 150.

[0124] This embodiment provides the same effects as the first embodiment, except for the effects derived from the fact that the air cleaner box 50 is located in front of the driver's seat 26 in the first embodiment.

[0125] In addition, because the air cleaner box 150 and the fuel tank 154 are located below the driver's seat 126, it is easy to lower the height of the portion in front of the driver's seat 126. Therefore, the driver can easily get in and out of the vehicle by straddling it in front of the driver's seat 126.

[0126] Furthermore, since the air cleaner box 150 is positioned rearwardly from the top of the internal combustion engine 40, it is easier to lower the height of the vehicle 10. This further improves the ease of getting in and out of the vehicle.

[0127] {Variation} As shown in FIG. 4, the step 262 may include a support surface 262f on which the feet Pt of the driver seated in the driver's seat 26 are placed. In this case, the support surface 262f may include a flat surface. For example, the support surface 262f may include an inclined surface 262fa whose height gradually increases toward the front, and a horizontal surface 262fb that is closer to a horizontal position than the inclined surface 62fa. The support surface 262f may include a portion located forward of the front end of the driver's seat 26. The support surface 262f may include a portion located forward of the internal combustion engine 40. When the fuel tank 154 is located behind the air cleaner box 150, it is easy to place the feet Pt on the step 262 located toward the front of the vehicle, without having to spread the feet widely.

[0128] The configurations described in the above embodiments and modifications can be combined as appropriate as long as they are not mutually contradictory.

[0129] {Note} The present specification and drawings disclose the following aspects.

[0130] A two-wheeled vehicle according to a first aspect includes an internal combustion engine, an air cleaner box that supplies purified air to the internal combustion engine, a fuel tank that stores fuel, and a main frame that supports the internal combustion engine, the air cleaner box, and the fuel tank, wherein the internal combustion engine is supported in a position closer to a vertical position than a horizontal position, the air cleaner box is adjacent to the internal combustion engine, and the fuel tank is located to the rear of the air cleaner box.

[0131] In this motorcycle, the internal combustion engine is supported in a position closer to vertical than to horizontal, thereby reducing the space required for arranging the internal combustion engine in the fore-and-aft direction. This allows for a shorter wheelbase than when the internal combustion engine is positioned closer to horizontal. Furthermore, the fuel tank is located behind the air cleaner box, so the height of the fuel tank can be lowered compared to when the fuel tank is positioned above the air cleaner box. This makes it less likely to impair ease of getting on and off. Furthermore, compared to when the fuel tank is positioned above the air cleaner box, the fuel tank, which is a heavy object, can be positioned closer to the center of gravity of the vehicle, thereby further improving handling stability.

[0132] A second aspect is the two-wheeled vehicle according to the first aspect, further comprising a storage section located behind the fuel tank and having a storage space for items.

[0133] In this way, by locating the storage area behind the fuel tank, it is easier for occupants to lower their legs without having to spread them out too far.

[0134] A third aspect is the two-wheeled vehicle according to the first or second aspect, further comprising a driver's seat on which a driver sits, and the air cleaner box is located in front of the driver's seat.

[0135] This makes it easier for the air cleaner to take in air well.

[0136] A fourth aspect is the two-wheeled vehicle according to the third aspect, wherein the air cleaner box is lower than a seat surface of the driver's seat in a side view.

[0137] In this way, if the air cleaner box is lower than the seat surface, it is easy to get in and out of the vehicle by straddling it in front of the driver's seat.

[0138] A fifth aspect is the two-wheeled vehicle according to the third or fourth aspect, wherein the fuel tank is located below the driver's seat.

[0139] This makes it easier to position the fuel tank closer to the center of gravity of the vehicle in the front-to-rear direction.

[0140] A sixth aspect is a two-wheeled vehicle according to the first or second aspect, further comprising a driver's seat on which a driver sits, and the air cleaner box and the fuel tank are located below the driver's seat.

[0141] This makes it easier to lower the height of the portion of the vehicle in front of the driver's seat, making it easier for passengers to get in and out of the vehicle by straddling it in front of the driver's seat.

[0142] A seventh aspect is the two-wheeled vehicle according to the sixth aspect, wherein the air cleaner box is positioned rearwardly shifted from the top of the internal combustion engine.

[0143] This makes it easier to lower the height of the vehicle.

[0144] The above description is illustrative in all respects and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It is understood that numerous variations not illustrated can be envisaged without departing from the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0145] 10, 110 Motorcycles 24, 124 storage area 24S Storage Space 24T storage target 26, 126 Driver's seat 30, 130 mainframe 40 Internal combustion engine 50, 150 air cleaner box 54, 154 fuel tank 62f Placement surface

Claims

1. an internal combustion engine; an air cleaner box that supplies purified air to the internal combustion engine; a fuel tank for storing fuel; a main frame supporting the internal combustion engine, the air cleaner box, and the fuel tank; Equipped with the internal combustion engine is supported in a position closer to a vertical position than a horizontal position, the air cleaner box is adjacent to the internal combustion engine, The two-wheeled vehicle, wherein the fuel tank is located behind the air cleaner box.

2. The two-wheeled vehicle according to claim 1, The two-wheeled vehicle further comprises a storage section located behind the fuel tank and having a storage space for items.

3. The two-wheeled vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, Further provided is a driver's seat on which a driver sits, The air cleaner box is located in front of the driver's seat.

4. The two-wheeled vehicle according to claim 3, In a side view of the motorcycle, the air cleaner box is lower than a seat surface of the driver's seat.

5. The two-wheeled vehicle according to claim 3, The two-wheeled vehicle, wherein the fuel tank is located below the driver's seat.

6. The two-wheeled vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, Further provided is a driver's seat on which a driver sits, The two-wheeled vehicle, wherein the air cleaner box and the fuel tank are located below the driver's seat.

7. The two-wheeled vehicle according to claim 6, The air cleaner box is positioned rearwardly of the top of the internal combustion engine.

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