Saddle-riding vehicle

Abstract

To provide a low-center-of-gravity saddle-type vehicle with good hydrogen tank attachment and detachment capabilities. [Solution] In the saddle-type vehicle, a detachable device is positioned below the seat between the front fork and rear suspension of the saddle-type vehicle. The detachable device is capable of mounting a hydrogen tank, and when attaching or detaching the hydrogen tank, it is operable so that at least the attachment / detachment part of the hydrogen tank is located outside the frame of the saddle-type vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification discloses a technology related to saddle-riding vehicles. In particular, it discloses a technology related to saddle-riding vehicles equipped with hydrogen tanks.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a motorcycle (saddle-riding vehicle) equipped with a hydrogen tank. In the saddle-riding vehicle of Patent Document 1, a detacher for mounting the hydrogen tank is arranged above the rear wheel. In Patent Document 1, after the fuel (hydrogen) in the hydrogen tank is consumed, the hydrogen tank is removed from the detacher, and a new hydrogen tank filled with hydrogen is attached. By using a cartridge-type hydrogen tank, Patent Document 1 can shorten the fuel replenishment time.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] As described above, Patent Document 1 arranges a detacher for mounting the hydrogen tank above the rear wheel. When the detacher and the hydrogen tank are located above the rear wheel, the center of gravity of the saddle-riding vehicle becomes high, and the operability of the saddle-riding vehicle may deteriorate. On the other hand, when the detacher and the hydrogen tank are arranged inside the saddle-riding vehicle, the detachability of the hydrogen tank deteriorates, and the replacement work of the hydrogen tank (fuel replenishment time) becomes long. Therefore, there is a need for a technology that improves the detachability of the hydrogen tank while suppressing an increase in the center of gravity of the saddle-riding vehicle. The purpose of this specification is to provide a low-center-of-gravity saddle-riding vehicle with good detachability of the hydrogen tank.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A first aspect disclosed herein relates to a saddle vehicle equipped with a detachable hydrogen tank. In this saddle vehicle, a detachable device is positioned below the seat between the front fork and rear suspension of the saddle vehicle, the detachable device is capable of mounting the hydrogen tank, and may be operable so that when the hydrogen tank is mounted or detached, at least the mounting portion of the hydrogen tank is located outside the frame of the saddle vehicle.

[0006] In the above configuration, the hydrogen tank is positioned below the seat, which lowers the center of gravity of the passenger vehicle. As a result, the maneuverability of the passenger vehicle can be improved. In addition, the attachment / detachment device operates so that the attachment / detachment part of the hydrogen tank is located outside the frame when attaching or detaching the hydrogen tank, making it easy to attach and detach the hydrogen tank. As a result, the hydrogen tank can be replaced in a short amount of time. Furthermore, with the hydrogen tank positioned as described above, the space above the rear wheels can be used effectively. Specifically, this allows for space to be secured for passengers or for loading luggage.

[0007] In a second embodiment, the attachment / detachment device may be located within a center tunnel provided in the frame, as in the first embodiment.

[0008] According to the above configuration, the hydrogen tank is less likely to be exposed to the outside, improving collision safety, and in the event of a rollover, the hydrogen tank is less likely to come into contact with the road surface, thus preventing damage to the hydrogen tank.

[0009] In a third embodiment, the detachable device may be rotatably mounted on the frame in the first or second embodiment described above.

[0010] According to the above configuration, the angle of the attachment / detachment device (hydrogen tank) relative to the frame can be changed when attaching or detaching the hydrogen tank. Since the attachment / detachment part of the hydrogen tank faces the side of the saddle vehicle, the attachment and detachment of the hydrogen tank can be performed smoothly.

[0011] In the fourth embodiment, the attachment / detachment device may be integrated with the seat in any of the first to third embodiments described above.

[0012] According to the above configuration, the attachment device and the seat are integrated, which reduces the number of parts that make up the saddle vehicle. In addition, there is no need to leave a gap between the attachment device and the seat, so the seat height can be lowered. As a result, when riding in the saddle vehicle, the center of gravity of the saddle vehicle, including the rider, can be lowered.

[0013] In a fifth embodiment, the detachable device may be mounted in such a way that it slides relative to the frame, as in the first or second embodiment described above.

[0014] With the above configuration, when attaching or detaching the hydrogen tank, the entire hydrogen tank can be moved to the outside of the frame. This increases the degree of freedom in the structure for removing the hydrogen tank from the attachment / detachment device (or attaching the hydrogen tank to the attachment / detachment device). As a result, the design freedom of the saddle vehicle can be increased. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This shows the exterior (side view) of the saddle-riding vehicle. [Figure 2] This shows the external view (side view) of the frame of the saddle-riding vehicle. [Figure 3] A plan view of the saddle-riding vehicle is shown. [Figure 4] A cross-sectional view of the attachment / detachment device and hydrogen tank is shown. [Figure 5] This diagram illustrates the operation of attaching and detaching the hydrogen tank. [Figure 6] The external view of the detacher and hydrogen tank is shown. [Figure 7] A cross-sectional view of a modified version of the attachment / detachment device and hydrogen tank is shown. [Figure 8] A diagram illustrating the operation of attaching and detaching the hydrogen tank is shown for the modified configuration. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the straddle-type vehicle 10 will be described. The straddle-type vehicle 10 is a motorcycle and a fuel cell vehicle using hydrogen as a fuel source. In this embodiment, an example of a motorcycle will be described, but the technology disclosed in the specification can also be applied to a three-wheeled vehicle. Further, the technology related to this specification can also be applied to a hydrogen engine vehicle using hydrogen as a fuel source.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the straddle-type vehicle 10 includes a seat 20 on which a rider sits, a front wheel 4, and a rear wheel 14. Further, the straddle-type vehicle 10 includes a handle 2 for operating the front wheel 4, a front fork 6 for reducing the vibration of the front wheel 4, and a rear suspension 18 for reducing the vibration of the rear wheel 14. The handle 2, the front fork 6, and the rear suspension 18 are attached to a frame 35 described later.

[0018] Below the seat 20, a detacher 8 having a locking mechanism 12 is provided. The detacher 8 is disposed between the front fork 6 and the rear suspension 18. The detacher 8 can mount a hydrogen tank 60 described later and is attached to the frame 35 described later. Note that the detacher 8 can also be regarded as being disposed between the front wheel 4 and the rear wheel 14 in the longitudinal direction (the direction connecting the front wheel 4 and the rear wheel 14) of the straddle-type vehicle 10.

[0019] FIG. 2 shows a view with the exterior of the straddle-type vehicle 10 removed. Referring to FIG. 2, the structure of the frame 35 of the straddle-type vehicle 10 and the arrangement position of the detacher 8 will be described in detail. The frame 35 includes a head pipe 30, a first down frame 32, a second down frame 34, an upper frame 38, and a lower frame 40. The head pipe 30 is hollow, and a steering shaft (not shown) extending from the handle 2 passes through it. The steering shaft is connected to the front fork 6. Therefore, when the handle 2 is operated, the angle of the front wheel 4 with respect to the frame 35 changes.

[0020] One end of the first down frame 32 and one end of the second down frame 34 are fixed to the head pipe 30. Also, the other end of the first down frame 32 and the other end of the second down frame 34 are fixed to the upper frame 38. The upper frame 38 extends in the front-rear direction of the saddle riding vehicle 10, and the rear suspension 18 is fixed to the rear portion. Further, a support fitting 36 for attaching the seat 20 is attached to the upper frame 38. The front portion of the lower frame 40 is bent upward, and the front end is fixed to the front end of the upper frame 38. Also, the rear portion of the lower frame 40 is bent upward, and the rear end is fixed to the middle portion in the front-rear direction of the upper frame 38.

[0021] The center tunnel 42 is formed in the middle portion in the front-rear direction of the saddle riding vehicle 10 by the upper frame 38 and the lower frame 40. The detacher 8 is disposed in the center tunnel 42. Note that the upper frame 38 and the lower frame 40 are provided in a pair in the left-right direction (a direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction) of the saddle riding vehicle 10, and are connected by connection frames 52 and 54 described later. Therefore, the center tunnel 42 is a three-dimensional space, and the detacher 8 can be regarded as being disposed in a protection space surrounded by the frames 38, 40, 52, and 54.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 3, the detacher 8 rotates about the front end portion, and the rear end portion can be located outside the side surface of the saddle riding vehicle 10 (that is, outside the frame 35). For clarity of the drawing, FIG. 3 shows only the detacher 8 rotating, but actually the detacher 8 and the seat 20 rotate integrally. That is, the detacher 8 and the seat 20 are fixed.

[0023] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6, the detacher 8 will be described in detail. FIGS. 4 and 5 correspond to views of the cross section of the detacher 8 observed from above. Note that FIGS. 4 and 5 show only the frame 35 of the portion constituting the center tunnel 42 (see also FIG. 2).

[0024] As shown in Figure 4, a pair of upper frames 38 (lower frames 40) are connected by connecting frames 52 and 54. Connecting frame 52 connects the front portion of the upper frame 38 (lower frames 40). Connecting frame 54 connects the rear portion of the upper frame 38 (lower frames 40). A rotating shaft 50, which is rotatable relative to the connecting frame 52, is attached to the connecting frame 52.

[0025] The rotating shaft 50 is fixed to the attachment / detachment device 8. Therefore, the attachment / detachment device 8 can rotate relative to the frame 35 (connecting frame 52). In the saddle vehicle 10, since the front part of the attachment / detachment device 8 is fixed to the connecting frame 52, when the attachment / detachment device 8 rotates, the rear part of the attachment / detachment device 8 is located outside the frame 35. The hydrogen tank 60 is located inside the attachment / detachment device 8. The hydrogen tank 60 is inserted into the attachment / detachment device 8 (removed to the outside of the attachment / detachment device 8) from an attachment / detachment section 58 provided at the rear end of the attachment / detachment device 8. The attachment / detachment section 58 is a cylindrical hole that extends from the rear end to the front end of the attachment / detachment device 8.

[0026] A pushrod-type opening / closing mechanism 56 is fixed to the front end of the detachable device 8. The opening / closing mechanism 56 is detachable from the hydrogen tank 60 and can open and close the valve (not shown) of the hydrogen tank 60. When the opening / closing mechanism 56 is connected to the hydrogen tank 60, the valve of the hydrogen tank 60 opens, and when the opening / closing mechanism 56 is detached from the hydrogen tank 60, the valve of the hydrogen tank 60 closes. A flexible pipe 70 is connected to the opening / closing mechanism 56. Hydrogen in the hydrogen tank 60 is supplied to the fuel cell (not shown) through the flexible pipe 70.

[0027] Referring to Figure 5, the method for attaching and detaching the hydrogen tank 60 will be explained. Figure 5 shows the method for removing the hydrogen tank 60 from the attachment / detachment device 8. (a) shows the attachment / detachment device 8 in a predetermined position (inside the center tunnel 42). In this state, the rotation of the attachment / detachment device 8 is prohibited by the locking mechanism 12 (see also Figure 1). After consuming the hydrogen in the hydrogen tank 60, the hydrogen tank 60 is removed from the attachment / detachment device 8 in order to replace the hydrogen tank 60. First, the locking mechanism 12 is released, and the attachment / detachment device 8 is made rotatable.

[0028] Next, as shown in (b), the attachment / detachment device 8 is rotated around the rotating shaft 50 until the attachment / detachment part 58 is positioned outside the frame 35 (frames 38, 40). At this time, the position of the opening / closing mechanism 56 relative to the frame 35 changes, and the distance from the opening / closing mechanism 56 to the fuel cell (not shown) changes. However, since the opening / closing mechanism 56 and the fuel cell are connected by flexible piping 70, even if the attachment / detachment device 8 rotates, it is possible to prevent the flexible piping 70 from becoming detached from the opening / closing mechanism 56 and / or the fuel cell.

[0029] Next, as shown in (c), the hydrogen tank 60 is withdrawn from the attachment / detachment device 8. When the hydrogen tank 60 is withdrawn from the attachment / detachment device 8, the opening / closing mechanism 56 is detached from the hydrogen tank 60, and the valve of the hydrogen tank 60 closes. A gripping portion 62 for gripping the hydrogen tank 60 is provided at the rear end of the hydrogen tank 60. When withdrawing the hydrogen tank 60 from the attachment / detachment device 8, grasp the gripping portion 62 and pull out the hydrogen tank 60. After that, a new hydrogen tank 60 filled with hydrogen is inserted into the attachment / detachment device 8, and the attachment / detachment device 8 is positioned inside the frame 35 (inside the center tunnel 42) in the order of (c), (b), and (a).

[0030] As described above, the saddle vehicle 10 has a detachable device 8 equipped with a hydrogen tank 60 positioned below the seat 20. This lowers the center of gravity of the saddle vehicle 10, improving its maneuverability. Furthermore, since the detachable device 8 and the seat 20 are integrated, the space between the detachable device 8 and the seat 20 can be reduced, further lowering the center of gravity of the saddle vehicle 10. In addition, the rear part of the seat 20 (above the rear wheel 14) can be used as a passenger space or a luggage space. Moreover, since the detachable device 8 (hydrogen tank 60) is positioned between the front fork 6 and the rear suspension 18 (the middle part of the saddle vehicle 10 in the front-to-rear direction), the front-to-rear weight balance of the saddle vehicle 10 can also be improved.

[0031] Since the detachable device 8 (hydrogen tank 60) is located inside the center tunnel 42, collision safety is improved. In addition, contact between the hydrogen tank 60 and the road surface is suppressed in the event of a rollover, thereby reducing damage to the hydrogen tank 60.

[0032] In the above-described saddle vehicle 10, when attaching or detaching the hydrogen tank 60, the attachment / detachment device 8 is rotated to the left of the saddle vehicle 10 (see Figure 5). However, the attachment / detachment device 8 may also be rotated to the right of the saddle vehicle 10. Also, in the saddle vehicle 10, the rotating shaft 50 is fixed to the front connecting frame 52 (see Figure 4). However, the rotating shaft 50 may also be fixed to the rear connecting frame 54. In this case as well, the attachment / detachment device 8 may be rotated to the left of the saddle vehicle 10 or to the right of the saddle vehicle 10.

[0033] Referring to Figure 7, the saddle vehicle 10a will be described. The saddle vehicle 10a is a modified version of the saddle vehicle 10, and the operation of the attachment / detachment device 8 when attaching / detaching the hydrogen tank 60 differs from that of the saddle vehicle 10. Note that for the saddle vehicle 10a, the illustration of the entire vehicle is omitted, and only the frame 35 that constitutes the center tunnel 42 is shown (corresponding to the part of the saddle vehicle 10 shown in Figure 4).

[0034] The saddle-mounted vehicle 10a does not have a rotating shaft 50 on the connecting frame 52, and the pantograph 80 is positioned between the attachment / detachment device 8 and the frames 38 and 40. The pantograph 80 is extendable, with one end fixed to the attachment / detachment device 8 and the other end fixed to the frames 38 and 40. When replacing the hydrogen tank 60, the pantograph 80 is extended, and the attachment / detachment device 8 is positioned outside the frame 35.

[0035] Referring to Figure 8, the method for attaching and detaching the hydrogen tank 60 will be explained. Note that Figure 8 corresponds to Figure 5, which explains the saddle vehicle 10. (a) shows the state in which the attachment / detachment device 8 is in a predetermined position (inside the center tunnel 42). In this state, the operation of the attachment / detachment device 8 is prohibited by the locking mechanism 12. After consuming the hydrogen in the hydrogen tank 60, the hydrogen tank 60 is removed from the attachment / detachment device 8 in order to replace the hydrogen tank 60. First, the locking mechanism 12 is released, and the attachment / detachment device 8 is made operational.

[0036] Next, as shown in (b), the pantograph 80 is extended and the detachable device 8 is slid until the entire detachable section 58 is positioned outside the frame 35 (frames 38, 40). In this case as well, the position of the opening / closing mechanism 56 relative to the frame 35 changes, and the distance from the opening / closing mechanism 56 to the fuel cell (not shown) changes. However, since the opening / closing mechanism 56 and the fuel cell are connected by the flexible piping 70, even if the detachable device 8 moves, it is possible to prevent the flexible piping 70 from becoming detached from the opening / closing mechanism 56 and / or the fuel cell.

[0037] Next, as shown in (c), the hydrogen tank 60 is withdrawn from the attachment / detachment device 8. When the hydrogen tank 60 is withdrawn from the attachment / detachment device 8, the opening / closing mechanism 56 is detached from the hydrogen tank 60, and the valve of the hydrogen tank 60 closes. A gripping portion 62 for gripping the hydrogen tank 60 is provided at the rear end of the hydrogen tank 60. When withdrawing the hydrogen tank 60 from the attachment / detachment device 8, grasp the gripping portion 62 and pull out the hydrogen tank 60. After that, a new hydrogen tank 60 filled with hydrogen is inserted into the attachment / detachment device 8, and the attachment / detachment device 8 is positioned inside the frame 35 (inside the center tunnel 42) in the order of (c), (b), and (a).

[0038] In the above-described saddle vehicle 10a, when attaching or detaching the hydrogen tank 60, the attachment / detachment device 8 is moved to the left of the saddle vehicle 10 (b). However, the attachment / detachment device 8 may also be moved to the right of the saddle vehicle 10. Also, in the saddle vehicle 10a, when removing the hydrogen tank 60 from the attachment / detachment device 8, the hydrogen tank 60 is pulled out to the rear (c). However, the opening / closing mechanism 56 may be provided on the rear side of the attachment / detachment device 8, and the attachment / detachment part 58 may be provided on the front side of the attachment / detachment device 8, so that when removing the hydrogen tank 60 from the attachment / detachment device 8, the hydrogen tank 60 is pulled out to the front. Alternatively, the opening / closing mechanism 56 may be provided on the underside of the attachment / detachment device 8, and the attachment / detachment part 58 may be provided on the upper side of the attachment / detachment device 8, so that when removing the hydrogen tank 60 from the attachment / detachment device 8, the hydrogen tank 60 is pulled out upward. Alternatively, the pantograph 80 may be omitted, and rails may be provided on the frame 35 (connecting frames 52, 54), allowing the attachment / detachment device 8 to slide until the entire attachment / detachment section 58 is located outside the frame 35 (frames 38, 40).

[0039] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, these are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technologies described in the claims include various modifications and changes to the specific examples illustrated above. Furthermore, the technical elements described in this specification or drawings exhibit technical usefulness individually or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. In addition, the technologies illustrated in this specification or drawings achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving even one of these objectives constitutes technical usefulness in itself. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0040] 6: Front fork, 8: Detachable device, 10: Saddle vehicle, 18: Rear suspension, 20: Seat, 35: Frame, 58: Detachable part, 60: Hydrogen tank

Claims

1. A saddle-type vehicle equipped with a detachable hydrogen tank, A detachable device is positioned below the seat between the front fork and rear suspension of the aforementioned passenger vehicle. The attachment / detachment device is capable of mounting the hydrogen tank, and is operable such that when attaching or detaching the hydrogen tank, at least the attachment / detachment portion of the hydrogen tank is located outside the frame of the saddle vehicle.

2. The saddle vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the attachment / detachment device is located within a center tunnel provided in the frame.

3. The saddle vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the attachment / detachment device is rotatably mounted on the frame.

4. The saddle vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the attachment / detachment device is integrated with the seat.

5. The saddle vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the attachment / detachment device is mounted so as to slide relative to the frame.

Images