Saddle-riding vehicles

Abstract

To provide a saddle-riding vehicle capable of suppressing the center of gravity of the whole vehicle from being extremely one-sided to one right / left-directional side by a fuel supply system.SOLUTION: A saddle-riding vehicle comprises: a vehicle body frame; a travel power source which generates power for traveling; a seat which is supported by the vehicle frame and on which a driver straddles and sits; a left tank which has a fuel reserving space for reserving fuel for the travel power source and is arranged on the left side about a center plane dividing the vehicle body frame into the right and left; a right tank which has a fuel reserving space for reserving the fuel for the travel power source and is arranged on the right side about the center plane at an interval in the right / left direction with the left tank; and a communication body which allows the respective fuel reserving spaces of the left tank and right tank to communicate with each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a saddle-type vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a saddle-type vehicle provided with a fuel tank as a driving power source. In this saddle-type vehicle, the fuel tank is disposed on the left side so as to be positioned outward in the left-right direction from the frame.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When a fuel tank is disposed on one side in the left-right direction of a saddle-type vehicle, there is a possibility that the center of gravity of the entire vehicle may be biased toward the side where the fuel tank is disposed in the left-right direction.

[0005] Therefore, an object of this disclosure is to provide a saddle-type vehicle capable of suppressing the center of gravity of the entire vehicle from being extremely biased to one side in the left-right direction due to the fuel tank.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A saddle-type vehicle according to one aspect of this disclosure includes a vehicle body frame, a traveling power source that generates power for traveling, a seat supported by the vehicle body frame and on which a driver straddles and sits, a fuel storage space that stores fuel of the traveling power source, a left tank disposed on the left side with respect to a center plane that divides the vehicle body frame into left and right, a right tank that has a fuel storage space for storing fuel of the traveling power source and is disposed on the right side with respect to the center plane with a gap in the left-right direction from the left tank, and a connecting body that connects the fuel storage spaces of the left tank and the right tank to each other.

[0007] A saddle vehicle according to another aspect of the present disclosure comprises a vehicle frame, a power source for generating power for driving, a seat supported by the vehicle frame on which a driver straddles and sits, a left tank having a fuel storage space for storing fuel for the power source and positioned to the left of a central plane that divides the vehicle frame into left and right halves, and a right tank having a fuel storage space for storing fuel for the power source and positioned to the right of the central plane with a gap in the left-right direction from the left tank, wherein the left tank and the right tank are of different sizes. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a saddle-type vehicle that can suppress the extreme bias of the vehicle's center of gravity to one side in the left-right direction due to the fuel tank. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a left side view of a motorcycle according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a front view of a motorcycle according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a top view of a motorcycle according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a magnified perspective view showing the vicinity of the fuel tank in the motorcycle according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a front view of the fuel supply system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a left side view of the fuel supply system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a left side view of a motorcycle according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a right side view of a motorcycle according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a top view showing the positional relationship between the fuel supply system, vehicle frame, battery pack, and air cleaner box of the second embodiment. [Figure 10]This is a left side view showing an enlarged view of the vicinity of the fuel supply system in the second embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a front view showing the positional relationship between the fuel supply system, vehicle frame, battery pack, and air cleaner box of the second embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a front view of a modified fuel supply system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0011] <First Embodiment> Figure 1 is a left side view of the motorcycle 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 is a front view of the motorcycle 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the motorcycle 1 is an example of a saddle-type vehicle that the driver straddles. In this embodiment, the motorcycle 1 is a hybrid vehicle.

[0012] The motorcycle 1 comprises a driven front wheel 2, a driven rear wheel 3, and a body frame 4. The body frame 4 has a head pipe 4a, a pair of left and right main frames 4b, and a seat support frame 4c. A steering shaft 5 is rotatably inserted through the head pipe 4a. The head pipe 4a supports the steering shaft 5 so that it can be angularly displaced. A front fork 6 extending substantially vertically is connected to the steering shaft 5, and the front wheel 2 is rotatably supported at the lower end of the front fork 6. The pair of left and right main frames 4b extend rearward from the head pipe 4a. The seat support frame 4c extends rearward from the rear end of the main frames 4b.

[0013] At the upper end of the steering shaft 5 inserted into the head pipe 4a, a bar-type handle 7 that the driver holds by hand is connected. Behind the handle 7, a seat 9 is arranged. The seat 9 is supported by a seat support frame 4c. The motorcycle 1 of this embodiment is of a tandem type, and the seat 9 has a driver seat portion 9a on which the driver straddles and sits and a passenger seat portion 9b on which the passenger straddles and sits, and they are arranged side by side front and rear and integrated.

[0014] Between the front wheel 2 and the rear wheel 3, an internal combustion engine 11 and an electric motor 12 are arranged. The internal combustion engine 11 and the electric motor 12 are a running power source that generates power for running. The running driving force generated by one or both of the internal combustion engine 11 and the electric motor 12 is transmitted to the rear wheel 3 via a power transmission mechanism 13. The power transmission mechanism 13 includes a transmission and a mechanism (for example, a chain transmission mechanism or a belt transmission mechanism) that transmits the rotational power output from the transmission to the axle of the rear wheel 3.

[0015] Power is supplied to the electric motor 12 from a battery pack 14. The battery pack 14 is supported by the vehicle body frame 4 via a bracket or the like. The motorcycle 1 may include a battery case fixed to the vehicle body frame 4, and the battery pack 14 may be housed and supported in the battery case.

[0016] The battery pack 14 is arranged above the internal combustion engine 11 and between the front wheel 2 and the rear wheel 3 in the front-rear direction. In this embodiment, between the head pipe 4a and the seat 9 in the front-rear direction, a storage space 15 for storing the battery pack 14 as a storage item is arranged. The storage space 15 is located between a pair of main frames 4b in the left-right direction in a top view.

[0017] An upper cover 16 is positioned in front of the seat 9 and above the storage space 15. The upper cover 16 protrudes diagonally forward and upward from the front end 9c of the center portion of the seat 9 in the left-right direction, and restricts the front end position of the driver's seating area. In other words, the upper cover 16 plays a role in supporting the driver so that when the driver is subjected to an inertial force moving forward during deceleration of the motorcycle 1, the driver does not deviate beyond the seating area of ​​the seat 9.

[0018] A fuel supply system 30 is located in front of the upper cover 16. Details of the fuel supply system 30 will be described later.

[0019] An air cleaner box 17 is positioned above the internal combustion engine 11. The air cleaner box 17 is connected to the internal combustion engine 11. The air cleaner box 17 houses a filter that purifies the outside air supplied to the internal combustion engine 11.

[0020] At least a portion of the air cleaner box 17 is located in the portion that is raised upward by the upper cover 16. That is, at least a portion of the air cleaner box 17 is positioned in front of the front end 9c of the center portion of the seat 9 in the left-right direction, and above the front end 9c of the center portion of the seat 9 in the left-right direction. This allows for effective use of the space in front of the seat 9.

[0021] A radiator 18 is positioned in front of the internal combustion engine 11. Air flows through the radiator 18 in the front-to-back direction. The radiator 18 circulates the coolant that has cooled the internal combustion engine 11, exchanges heat with the airflow, and then supplies the coolant to the internal combustion engine 11.

[0022] An exhaust system 19 is connected to the exhaust port of the internal combustion engine 11 to exhaust the exhaust gas after combustion. The exhaust system 19 includes a catalytic converter 19a and a muffler 19b. The catalytic converter 19a is located inside the exhaust pipe 20 extending from the exhaust port of the internal combustion engine 11, and the muffler 19b is connected to the end of the exhaust pipe 20. The catalytic converter 19a is, for example, substantially cylindrical. The catalytic converter 19a houses a catalyst that comes into contact with the exhaust gas to purify it. The catalyst is, for example, a three-way catalytic converter.

[0023] The exhaust system 19 is positioned to the right of the central plane C that divides the vehicle frame into left and right halves, or in other words, to the right of the central plane C that divides the motorcycle 1 into left and right halves. Specifically, the catalytic converter 19a and muffler 19b are positioned to the right of the central plane C. The catalytic converter 19a and muffler 19b are located to the right of the seat 9 and rear wheel 3 in the vehicle width direction.

[0024] The lower part of the motorcycle 1 is equipped with a pair of left and right footrests 21 for the driver's left and right feet, respectively. Behind the footrests 21 are a pair of left and right footrests 22 for the passenger's left and right feet, respectively. Each of the footrests 21 and 22 extends in the left-right direction.

[0025] A side stand 23 is positioned on the left side of the central plane C that divides the motorcycle 1 into left and right halves, more specifically near the left footrest 21. The side stand 23 is pivotable between a downward-extending support state and a rearward-extending retracted state. When the side stand 23 is in the downward-extending support state, it causes the motorcycle 1 to stand upright with its body tilted to the left.

[0026] The motorcycle 1 includes a front cowl 24 covering the front of the body frame 4, a left side cowl 25 covering the left side of the body frame 4, and a right side cowl 26 covering the right side of the body frame 4. Each cowl 24, 25, and 26 is made of synthetic resin. The range in which each cowl 24, 25, and 26 are positioned and the shape of each cowl 24, 25, and 26 are examples and may differ from this embodiment. Each cowl 24, 25, and 26 may be made of one component or multiple components. Each cowl 24, 25, and 26 may also serve as a shroud for directing air to the radiator 18.

[0027] (Fuel supply system) The configuration of the fuel supply system 30 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 3 to 6. Figure 3 is a top view of the motorcycle 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 4 is an enlarged perspective view showing the vicinity of the fuel supply system 30 in the saddle vehicle 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 5 is a front view of the vicinity of the fuel supply system 30 in the saddle vehicle 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 6 is a left side view of the vicinity of the fuel supply system 30 in the saddle vehicle 1 according to the first embodiment. Note that, in order to make it easier to understand the position of the components of the fuel supply system 30 in the motorcycle 1, the cowls 24, 25, 26 and the upper cover 16 are omitted in Figure 3, and the cowl 24 is omitted in Figure 4.

[0028] The fuel supply system 30 supplies fuel to the internal combustion engine 11. More specifically, the fuel supply system 30 supplies fuel to a fuel injector that injects fuel into the cylinder or intake port of the internal combustion engine 11. The fuel supply system 30 includes a left tank 31, a right tank 32, a connecting body 33, and a fuel pump 34. The fuel supply system 30 is supported by the vehicle frame 4.

[0029] The left tank 31 has a fuel storage space 31a for storing fuel for the internal combustion engine 11. The left tank 31 is located to the left of the central plane C that divides the motorcycle 1 into left and right halves. The left tank 31 is located to the left of the storage space 15. The left tank 31 is positioned so as to overlap with the storage space 15 when viewed in the left-right direction. As shown in Figure 6, the left tank 31 is positioned so as to overlap with the battery pack 14 when it is housed in the storage space 15 when viewed in the left-right direction.

[0030] The right tank 32 has a fuel storage space 32a for storing fuel for the internal combustion engine 11. The right tank 32 is positioned to the right of the central plane C, with a gap between it and the left tank 31 in the left-right direction. The right tank 32 is positioned to the right of the storage space 15. The right tank 32 is positioned so as to overlap with the storage space 15 when viewed in the left-right direction. For example, the right tank 32 is positioned so as to overlap with the battery pack 14 when it is housed in the storage space 15 when viewed in the left-right direction. The left tank 31 and the right tank 32 overlap each other when viewed in the left-right direction, and the storage space 15 is located between the left tank 31 and the right tank 32 in the left-right direction.

[0031] The fuel storage space 31a of the left tank 31 and the fuel storage space 32a of the right tank 32 are connected to each other by a connecting body 33. That is, the connecting body 33 has a connecting space 33a that allows fuel to move from one of the fuel storage spaces 31a of the left tank 31 to the other of the fuel storage space 32a of the right tank 32. The left end of the connecting space 33a of the connecting body 33 is continuous with the fuel storage space 31a of the left tank 31, and the right end of the connecting space 33a of the connecting body 33 is continuous with the fuel storage space 32a of the right tank 32.

[0032] As shown in Figure 5, the connecting body 33 is positioned at a location that intersects with the central plane C that divides the motorcycle 1 into left and right halves. In this embodiment, the connecting body 33 is positioned behind the head pipe 4a and above the housing space 15. The connecting body 33 and the housing space 15 overlap each other when viewed from above. For example, as shown in Figure 3, the connecting body 33 and the battery pack 14 housed in the housing space 15 overlap each other when viewed from above.

[0033] There are gaps between the left tank 31 and the internal combustion engine 11, between the right tank 32 and the internal combustion engine 11, and between the connecting body 33 and the internal combustion engine 11. There are also gaps between the left tank 31 and the battery pack 14, between the right tank 32 and the battery pack 14, and between the connecting body 33 and the battery pack 14 (see Figure 5). As a result, the transfer of heat from the internal combustion engine 11 to the left tank 31, the right tank 32, and the connecting body 33 is suppressed.

[0034] The connecting body 33 includes a substantially flat bottom wall 33b and a convex bulging wall 33c located above the bottom wall 33b and bulging upward. The front end of the bottom wall 33b and the front end of the bulging wall 33c are connected to each other, and the rear end of the bottom wall 33b and the rear end of the bulging wall 33c are connected to each other, so the connecting body 33 as a whole has a cylindrical shape with openings at both the left and right ends. A fuel filler port, which can be closed by a tank cap 35, is located on the bulging wall 33c of the connecting body 33.

[0035] The left tank 31 and the right tank 32 are symmetrical. Specifically, the left tank 31 and the right tank 32 are positioned symmetrically with respect to the central plane C, and the left tank 31 and the right tank 32 have symmetrical shapes.

[0036] As shown in Figure 3, the left tank 31 extends forward from the left end of the connecting body 33, and the right tank 32 extends forward from the right end of the connecting body 33. As shown in Figure 3, the front ends of the left tank 31 and the right tank 32 are located in front of the head pipe 4a. That is, the left tank 31, the right tank 32, and the connecting body 33, when viewed from above, form a U shape as a whole. The space between the left tank 31 and the right tank 32 in the left-right direction is the region in which the front fork 6 rotates.

[0037] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the left tank 31 extends downward from the left end of the connecting body 33, and the right tank 32 extends downward from the right end of the connecting body 33 (see also Figure 6). Therefore, fuel supplied from the fuel filler port located in the connecting body 33 flows down from the connecting space 33a into the fuel storage space 31a or 32a.

[0038] More specifically, when fuel is supplied from the fuel filler port, fuel accumulates in the fuel storage spaces 31a and 32a of the left tank 31 and the right tank 32. When the fuel level in the fuel storage spaces 31a and 32a reaches the bottom wall 33b of the connecting body 33, fuel accumulates not only in the fuel storage spaces 31a and 32a but also in the connecting space 33a. In other words, the connecting space 33a also functions as a space for storing fuel. To put it another way, the left tank 31, the right tank 32, and the connecting body 33 constitute a single fuel tank 30A. The fuel tank 30A, i.e., the left tank 31, the right tank 32, and the connecting body 33, is made of synthetic resin.

[0039] The left tank 31 and the right tank 32 are positioned between the left end of the left footrest 21 and the right end of the right footrest 21 in the left-right direction. Therefore, even if the motorcycle 1 were to overturn, the ends of the footrests 21 would come into contact with the ground. This prevents contact between the left tank 31 or the right tank 32 and the ground, or mitigates the impact if contact does occur between the left tank 31 or the right tank 32 and the ground.

[0040] As shown in Figure 4, the left tank 31 is covered from the left and above by the left side cowl 25, and the right tank 32 is covered from the right and above by the right side cowl 26. The upper surface of the bulging wall 33c of the connecting body 33 is exposed. The rear end of the connecting body 33 is connected to the front end of the upper cover 16. The upper part of the storage space 15 is closed off by the connecting body 33 and the upper cover 16 behind it.

[0041] The fuel pump 34 supplies fuel to the internal combustion engine 11, which is the power source for driving the vehicle. In this embodiment, at least a portion of the fuel pump 34 is located in the fuel storage space 31a of the left tank 31. The fuel pump 34 is located at the lowest end of the fuel storage space 31a. The fuel pump 34 is located behind the head pipe 4a. As shown in Figure 6, the bottom wall 31b of the left tank 31 slopes downward toward the position of the fuel pump 34. Therefore, fuel stored in the fuel storage space 31a of the left tank 31 tends to collect at the fuel pump 34.

[0042] As described above, the motorcycle 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a left tank 31 and a right tank 32, making it easy to position the center of gravity of the entire vehicle near the center in the left-right direction. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the center of gravity of the entire vehicle from being extremely biased to one side in the left-right direction due to the fuel storage tanks.

[0043] Furthermore, in this embodiment, fuel can be moved from one fuel storage space 31a of the left tank 31 to the other between the fuel storage space 32a of the right tank 32 via the connecting body 33. For this reason, the fuel pump 34 is located only in the fuel storage space 31a of the left tank 31. In this way, the number of fuel pumps 34 can be reduced compared to the case where a fuel pump 34 is provided in each of the left and right tanks 31 and 32. For example, by reducing the number of fuel pumps 34, the amount of fuel that can be stored in the fuel storage space by the volume of the fuel pumps 34 can be increased, thereby increasing the fuel storage capacity.

[0044] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the front ends of the left tank 31 and the right tank 32 are located in front of the upper end of the head pipe 4a, the space around the head pipe 4a can be effectively utilized.

[0045] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the left tank 31 and the right tank 32 are positioned in front of the seat 9, and are arranged so that they overlap each other when viewed from left to right. This allows the left tank 31 and the right tank 32 to be positioned in front of the seat 9, and the gap between the left tank 31 and the right tank 32 to be effectively utilized as space for storing contents.

[0046] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a portion of the air cleaner box 17 is positioned in front of the front end 9c of the central part of the seat 9 in the left-right direction, and above the front end 9c of the central part of the seat 9 in the left-right direction, thus allowing for effective use of the space in front of the seat 9.

[0047] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the side stand 23 is located to the left of the central plane C that divides the motorcycle 1 into left and right halves. In other words, the fuel pump 34 is located in the tank on the same side as the side stand 23 in the left-right direction relative to the seat 9, between the left tank 31 and the right tank 32. Therefore, when the motorcycle 1 is upright using the side stand 23, the left tank 31, which is the tank on the side of the fuel pump 34, tends to be positioned lower than the right tank 32, which is the tank on the opposite side. This makes it easier to guide fuel from both the left tank 31 and the right tank 32 to the fuel pump 34.

[0048] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the fuel pump 34 is located in the tank opposite the catalytic converter 19a and muffler 19b in the left-right direction with respect to the central plane C, among the left tank 31 and the right tank 32. This makes it easier to design the vehicle so that its center of gravity is located in the center in the left-right direction.

[0049] <Second Embodiment> Next, the motorcycle 51 according to the second embodiment will be described. Figure 7 is a left side view of the motorcycle 51 according to the second embodiment. Figure 8 is a right side view of the motorcycle 51 according to the second embodiment. Unlike the first embodiment, the motorcycle 51 of this embodiment is a type without a cowl, a so-called naked type. In this embodiment as well, the motorcycle 51 is a hybrid vehicle, similar to the first embodiment.

[0050] The motorcycle 51 comprises a driven front wheel 52, a driven rear wheel 53, and a body frame 54. The body frame 54 has a head pipe 54a, a pair of left and right main frames 54b, and a seat support frame 54c. A steering shaft 55 is rotatably inserted through the head pipe 54a. The head pipe 54a supports the steering shaft 55 so that it can be angularly displaced. A front fork 56 extending substantially vertically is connected to the steering shaft 55, and the front wheel 52 is rotatably supported at the lower end of the front fork 56. The pair of left and right main frames 54b extend rearward from the head pipe 54a. The seat support frame 54c extends rearward from the rear end of the main frames 54b.

[0051] A bar-type handle 57, which the driver grips with their hands, is connected to the upper end of a steering shaft 55 inserted through a head pipe 54a. A seat 59 is positioned behind the handle 57. The seat 59 is supported by a seat support frame 54c. The motorcycle 51 of this embodiment is a tandem type, and the seat 59 is an integrated unit consisting of a driver's seat section 59a, on which the driver straddles and sits, and a passenger's seat section 59b, on which the passenger straddles and sits, arranged front to back.

[0052] An internal combustion engine 61 and an electric motor 62 are positioned between the front wheels 52 and the rear wheels 53. The internal combustion engine 61 and the electric motor 62 are power sources that generate power for driving. The driving force generated by one or both of the internal combustion engine 61 and the electric motor 62 is transmitted to the rear wheels 53 via a power transmission mechanism 63. The power transmission mechanism 63 includes a transmission and a mechanism (for example, a chain drive mechanism or a belt drive mechanism) that transmits the rotational power output from the transmission to the axle of the rear wheels 53.

[0053] The electric motor 62 is powered by a battery pack 64. The battery pack 64 is located above the internal combustion engine 61 and between the front wheel 52 and the rear wheel 53 in the front-rear direction. In this embodiment, a storage space 65 for housing the battery pack 64 is located between the head pipe 54a and the seat 59 in the front-rear direction. The storage space 65 is located between a pair of main frames 54b in the left-right direction when viewed from above.

[0054] An upper cover 66 is positioned in front of the seat 59 and above the storage space 65. The upper cover 66 is molded in a convex shape with an opening at the bottom. The upper cover 66 closes off the area above the storage space 65. The upper cover 66 covers the entire top surface of the battery pack 64 housed in the storage space 65. The upper cover 66 protrudes diagonally forward and upward from the front end 59c of the center portion of the seat 59 in the left-right direction, regulating the front end position of the driver's seating area. In other words, the upper cover 66 plays a role in supporting the driver so that when the driver is subjected to an inertial force moving forward during deceleration of the motorcycle 51, the driver does not deviate beyond the seating area of ​​the seat 59.

[0055] A fuel supply system 80 is located below the upper cover 66. Further details about the fuel supply system 80 will be described later.

[0056] An air cleaner box 67 is positioned above the internal combustion engine 61. The air cleaner box 67 is connected to the internal combustion engine 61. The air cleaner box 67 houses a filter that purifies the outside air supplied to the internal combustion engine 61.

[0057] At least a portion of the air cleaner box 67 is located in the portion that is raised upward by the upper cover 66. That is, at least a portion of the air cleaner box 67 is positioned in front of the front end 59c of the center portion of the seat 59 in the left-right direction, and above the front end 59c of the center portion of the seat 59 in the left-right direction. This allows for effective use of the space in front of the seat 59.

[0058] A radiator 68 is positioned in front of the internal combustion engine 61. Air flows through the radiator 68 in the front-to-back direction. The radiator 68 circulates the coolant that has cooled the internal combustion engine 61 through its interior, exchanging heat with the airflow, before supplying it to the internal combustion engine 61.

[0059] An exhaust system 69 is connected to the exhaust port of the internal combustion engine 61 to exhaust the exhaust gas after combustion. The exhaust system 69 includes a catalytic converter 69a and a muffler 69b. The catalytic converter 69a is located inside the exhaust pipe 70 extending from the exhaust port of the internal combustion engine 61, and the muffler 69b is connected to the end of the exhaust pipe 70. The catalytic converter 69a is, for example, substantially cylindrical. The catalytic converter 69a houses a catalyst that comes into contact with the exhaust gas to purify it. The catalyst is, for example, a three-way catalytic converter.

[0060] The exhaust system 69 is positioned on the right side with respect to the central plane C that divides the motorcycle 51 into left and right halves. Specifically, the catalytic converter 69a and muffler 69b are positioned on the right side with respect to the central plane C. The catalytic converter 69a and muffler 69b are located on the right side in the vehicle width direction of the seat 59 and rear wheel 53.

[0061] At the bottom of the motorcycle 51 are a pair of left and right footrests 71 for the driver's left and right feet, respectively. Behind the footrests 71 are a pair of left and right footrests 72 for the passenger's left and right feet, respectively. Each of the footrests 71 and 72 extends in the left-right direction.

[0062] A side stand 73 is positioned on the left side of the central plane C that divides the motorcycle 51 into left and right halves, more specifically near the left footrest 71. The side stand 73 is pivotable between a downward-extending support state and a rearward-extending retracted state. When the side stand 73 is in the downward-extending support state, it causes the motorcycle 51 to stand upright with its body tilted to the left.

[0063] (Fuel supply system) The configuration of the fuel supply system 80 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 9 to 11. Figure 9 is a top view showing the positional relationship between the fuel supply system 80, the vehicle frame 54, the battery pack 64, and the air cleaner box 67 in the second embodiment. Figure 10 is a left side view showing an enlarged view of the vicinity of the fuel supply system 80 in the second embodiment. Figure 11 is a front view showing the positional relationship between the fuel supply system 80, the vehicle frame 54, the battery pack 64, and the air cleaner box 67 in the second embodiment.

[0064] The fuel supply system 80 supplies fuel to the internal combustion engine 61. More specifically, the fuel supply system 80 supplies fuel to a fuel injector that injects fuel into the cylinder or intake port of the internal combustion engine 61. The fuel supply system 80 includes a left tank 81, a right tank 82, a connecting body 83, and a fuel pump 84.

[0065] The left tank 81 has a fuel storage space 81a for storing fuel for the internal combustion engine 61. The left tank 81 is located to the left of the central plane C that divides the motorcycle 51 into left and right halves. The left tank 81 is located to the left of the storage space 65. The left tank 81 is positioned so as to overlap with the storage space 65 when viewed in the left-right direction. The left tank 81 is positioned so as to overlap with the battery pack 64 when it is housed in the storage space 65 when viewed in the left-right direction (see Figure 7).

[0066] The right tank 82 has a fuel storage space 82a for storing fuel for the internal combustion engine 61. The right tank 82 is positioned to the right of the central plane C, with a gap between it and the left tank 81 in the left-right direction. The right tank 82 is positioned to the right of the storage space 65. The right tank 82 is positioned so as to overlap with the storage space 65 when viewed in the left-right direction. For example, the right tank 82 is positioned so as to overlap with the battery pack 64 when it is housed in the storage space 65 when viewed in the left-right direction (see Figure 8). The left tank 81 and the right tank 82 overlap each other when viewed in the left-right direction, and the storage space 65 is located between the left tank 81 and the right tank 82 in the left-right direction.

[0067] The left tank 81 and the right tank 82 are made of synthetic resin. For example, the left tank 81 and the right tank 82 are manufactured by blow molding.

[0068] As shown in Figure 11, the fuel storage space 81a of the left tank 81 and the fuel storage space 82a of the right tank 82 are connected to each other by a connecting body 83. That is, the connecting body 83 has a connecting space 83a that allows fuel to move from one of the fuel storage spaces 81a of the left tank 81 to the other of the fuel storage space 82a of the right tank 82. The connecting body 83 is positioned at a location that intersects with the central plane C that divides the motorcycle 51 into left and right halves.

[0069] In this embodiment, the connecting body 83 is a pipe or tube. The connecting body 83 is located behind the head pipe 54a. As shown in Figure 9, the connecting body 83 is connected to the battery pack 64It is positioned below the battery pack 64 housed in the housing space 65 when viewed from above. However, the communication body 83 is located below the battery pack 64 It does not have to be below it. The connecting body 83 does not have to overlap with the battery pack 64 housed in the housing space 65 when viewed from above. For example, the connecting body 83 does not have to overlap with the battery pack when viewed from above. 64 Rear air cleaner box 67 It's okay if it overlaps with that.

[0070] The left tank 81 and the right tank 82 are asymmetrical. The left tank 81 and the right tank 82 differ in size and shape from each other. The fuel pump 84 is located in the left tank 81. The left tank 81, which has the fuel pump 84, is larger than the right tank 82, which does not have the fuel pump 84. Also, the height of the bottom surface of the left tank 81 and the height of the bottom surface of the right tank 82 are different. The lowest point of the bottom surface of the right tank 82 is located above the lowest point of the bottom surface of the left tank 81. The lowest point of the fuel storage space 82a of the right tank 82 is located above the lowest point of the fuel storage space 81a of the left tank 81.

[0071] As shown in Figure 9, the left tank 81 is located on the left side of the main frame 5 It is located below 4b. Part of the left tank 81 is visible from above, on the left side of the main frame. 5 It overlaps with 4b. Also, the left end of the left tank 81 is the left main frame. 5 It is located to the left of 4b. In this embodiment, the left tank 81 is located to the left of the main frame when viewed from above. 5 Although it overlaps with 4b, the left tank 81, when viewed from above, is the left main frame 5 It does not need to overlap with 4b. The left tank 81 is on the left main frame 5 It is supported by 4b via brackets or the like.

[0072] In this embodiment, the left tank 81 is the main frame 5 Extends along 4b. Mainframe 54b extends diagonally downwards, becoming lower as it approaches the rear. The left tank 81 also has a similarly elongated shape that extends diagonally downwards. The front end of the left tank 81 is located above the rear end of the left tank 81.

[0073] The fuel pump 84 supplies fuel to the internal combustion engine 61, which is the power source for driving. In this embodiment, at least a portion of the fuel pump 84 is located in the fuel storage space 81a of the left tank 81. As shown in Figure 9, a portion of the fuel pump 84 is located in a pair of main frames in the left-right direction in a top view. 5 It protrudes outside of 4b. However, the entire fuel pump 84 is, in a top view, a pair of main frames in the left-right direction. 5 They may be located outside of 4b, or a pair of mainframes in the left-right direction. 5 It may be located inside 4b.

[0074] The fuel pump 84 is located at the lowest end of the fuel storage space 81a. In other words, the fuel pump 84 is located at the rear end of the left tank 81. Fuel stored in the fuel storage space 81a of the left tank 81 tends to collect at the fuel pump 84.

[0075] Right tank 82 is on the right side of the main frame 5 It is located below 4b. Part of the right tank 82 is visible from above, on the right side of the main frame. 5 It overlaps with 4b. Also, the right end of the right tank 82 is the right main frame. 5 It is located to the right of 4b. In this embodiment, the right tank 82 is located on the right side of the main frame when viewed from above. 5 Although it overlaps with 4b, the right tank 82, when viewed from above, is the main frame on the right side. 5 It does not need to overlap with 4b. The right tank 82 is on the right main frame 5 It is supported by 4b via brackets or the like.

[0076] In this embodiment, the right tank 82 is the main frame 5 Extends along 4b. Mainframe5 4b extends diagonally downwards, becoming lower as it approaches the rear. The right tank 82 also has a similarly elongated shape that extends diagonally downwards. The front end of the right tank 82 is located above the rear end of the right tank 82.

[0077] The connecting body 83 connects the lower part of the right tank 82 to the lower part of the left tank 81, which is located further below the lower part of the right tank 82. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 11, the connecting body 33 is connected to the lower part of the side wall of the right tank 82, but the connecting body 33 may also be connected to the bottom wall of the right tank 82. Fuel from the right tank 82 flows to the left tank 81 by gravity through the connecting body 83. The connecting body 83 extends diagonally downward from the right tank 82 toward the left tank 81. The connection point of the connecting body 83 with the right tank 82 is located above the connection point of the connecting body 83 with the left tank 81.

[0078] A fuel filler opening, which can be closed by a tank cap 85, is located at the front end of the left tank 81. In other words, the fuel filler opening is located on the same side as the fuel pump 84 with respect to the central plane C that divides the motorcycle 51 into left and right halves.

[0079] The fuel filler opening is located diagonally upward to the left. When fuel is supplied from the fuel filler opening, it flows from the front end of the fuel storage space 81a of the left tank 81 to the rear end of the fuel storage space 81a. In this way, fuel accumulates at the rear end of the fuel storage space 81a. Then, fuel moves from the fuel storage space 81a to the fuel storage space 82a of the right tank 82 via the connecting body 83. In this way, fuel accumulates in both the fuel storage space 81a of the left tank 81 and the fuel storage space 82a of the right tank 82.

[0080] Furthermore, a hose is connected to the right tank 82, for example, at its upper end, which leads to a canister containing an adsorbent material that adsorbs evaporated fuel. This prevents the fuel from flowing poorly from the left tank 81 to the right tank 82 through the connecting body 83. In this embodiment, a hose extending from the left tank 81 merges with the hose connecting the right tank 82 and the canister. This allows the evaporated gas from the left tank 81 and the evaporated gas from the right tank 82 to be guided to a single canister.

[0081] In this embodiment, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0082] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the left tank 81 and the right tank 82 are of different sizes. Therefore, by adjusting the sizes of the left tank 81 and the right tank 82, it is easier to design the vehicle so that its center of gravity is located in the center in the left-right direction.

[0083] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the fuel pump 84 is attached to the left tank 81, which is the tank with the bottom facing downwards, of the two tanks 82. Therefore, it is easier to guide the fuel stored in the fuel storage space 82a of the right tank 82, which does not have a fuel pump installed, to the fuel pump 84.

[0084] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the left tank 81 and the right tank 82 are, in a top view, a pair of main frames 5 It overlaps with 4b. Therefore, the left tank 81 and the right tank 82 are a pair of main frames in a top view. 5 Compared to the case where 4b is located further outward in the left-right direction, the left tank 81 and the right tank 82 can be positioned closer to the central plane C in the left-right direction of the motorcycle 1. This makes it possible to avoid or suppress contact between each tank 81 and the ground, and makes it easier to position the center of gravity of the entire vehicle in the left-right direction.

[0085] <Other Embodiments> This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and its configuration may be modified, added to, or deleted.

[0086] While a motorcycle was used as an example of a saddle-type vehicle, other types of vehicles, such as tricycles, are also acceptable as long as the driver straddles the vehicle. Furthermore, saddle-type vehicles do not have to be hybrid vehicles. For example, a saddle-type vehicle may be equipped solely with an internal combustion engine as its power source. In this case, a relatively large storage space can be formed above the internal combustion engine.

[0087] While a battery pack was given as an example of an item to be housed in the storage space, the item could also be the driver's luggage. Other items to be housed in the storage space could include equipment mounted on the saddle-riding vehicle, such as an air cleaner, supercharger or intercooler, motor, or generator.

[0088] The positions of various elements such as the exhaust system, side stand, and fuel pump with respect to the central plane C that divides the motorcycle 1 into left and right halves may be reversed from the positions described in the above embodiment. The fuel pump may be located on the same side as the exhaust system in the left-right direction with respect to the central plane C. The fuel pump may be located on the opposite side of the side stand in the left-right direction with respect to the central plane C. Furthermore, the fuel pump may be located on the outside of the right and left tanks.

[0089] If the side stand is designed to raise the saddled vehicle while it is tilted to the right, it is preferable that the fuel pump be located in the right tank, which is on the same side as the left tank. However, the position of the fuel pump in the left-right direction relative to the central plane that divides the saddled vehicle into left and right halves may differ from the side on which the side stand is located, i.e., the direction in which the side stand tilts the vehicle frame.

[0090] In the first embodiment, the motorcycle 1 may have, in place of or in addition to the connecting body 33, a connecting body that connects the lower part of the left tank 31 and the lower part of the right tank 32. For example, as shown in Figure 12, the lower part of the left tank 31 and the lower part of the right tank 32 in the first embodiment may be connected by a connecting body 36 which is a tube. In this case, the connecting body 36 may be positioned to bypass the battery pack 14.

[0091] In the first and second embodiments described above, the left and right tanks were made of resin, but are not limited to this; the left and right tanks may also be made of metal. The shape and position of the left and right tanks are not limited to those described in the embodiments above and can be changed as appropriate.

[0092] In the first embodiment described above, the left tank 31 and the right tank 32 were covered on the sides by the cowls 25 and 26, respectively, but the left tank 31 and the right tank 32 do not need to be covered by the cowls. The fuel supply system configuration of the first embodiment is also applicable to naked-type motorcycles without cowls. Furthermore, the fuel supply system configuration of the second embodiment is also applicable to motorcycles with cowls.

[0093] Furthermore, the position of the air cleaner box is not limited to that described in the above embodiment; the entire air cleaner box may be located below the seat. The air cleaner box may also be located in front of the storage space.

[0094] The shape and configuration of the vehicle body frame are not limited to those described in the above embodiments.

[0095] [Disclosure items] Each of the following items is a disclosure of a preferred embodiment.

[0096] [Item 1] The vehicle frame and A power source that generates power for movement, A seat supported by the aforementioned vehicle frame, on which the driver straddles and sits, A left tank having a fuel storage space for storing fuel for the aforementioned power source, and positioned to the left of the central plane that divides the vehicle frame into left and right halves, It has a fuel storage space for storing fuel for the aforementioned power source, and a right tank is positioned to the right of the central plane with a gap in the left-right direction from the left tank, A connecting body that connects the fuel storage spaces of the left tank and the right tank to each other, A saddle-type vehicle equipped with a saddle.

[0097] According to the above configuration, since it has a left tank and a right tank, it is easy to position the center of gravity of the entire vehicle near the center in the left-right direction. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the center of gravity of the entire vehicle from being extremely biased to one side in the left-right direction due to the fuel storage tanks.

[0098] [Item 2] The left tank and the right tank are of different sizes, as described in item 1, for the saddle vehicle.

[0099] According to the above configuration, by adjusting the relative sizes of the left and right tanks, it is easier to design the vehicle so that its center of gravity is located in the center in the left-right direction.

[0100] [Item 3] The saddle vehicle according to item 1 or 2, further comprising a fuel pump for supplying fuel to the driving power source, the fuel pump having at least a portion of its location in either the fuel storage space of the left tank or the fuel storage space of the right tank.

[0101] According to the above configuration, fuel is guided to one side via a connecting body, which reduces the number of fuel pumps compared to the case where a fuel pump is provided for each of the left and right tanks. For example, by reducing the number of fuel pumps, the fuel storage space can be filled by the volume of the fuel pumps, thereby increasing the fuel storage capacity.

[0102] [Item 4] The height of the bottom surface of the left tank and the height of the bottom surface of the right tank are different from each other. The saddle vehicle described in item 3 is fitted with the fuel pump attached to the left tank and the right tank whose bottom is located downwards.

[0103] According to the above configuration, it is easier to guide the fuel from the tank on the left or right side of the tank that does not have a fuel pump installed to the fuel pump.

[0104] [Item 5] The vehicle further includes a side stand positioned on one side in the left-right direction relative to the central plane, which causes the vehicle frame to be tilted to one side in the left-right direction when erected. The saddle vehicle according to item 3 or 4, wherein the fuel pump is located in the tank on the same side as the side stand in the left-right direction with respect to the central plane, of the left and right tanks.

[0105] According to the above configuration, when the motorcycle is upright using the side stand, the tank on the pump side is more likely to be positioned lower than the tank on the opposite side, making it easier to guide fuel from both the left and right tanks to the fuel pump.

[0106] [Item 6] The aforementioned power source for driving includes an internal combustion engine, The saddle vehicle further comprises an exhaust device connected to the exhaust port of the internal combustion engine, which is positioned on one side in the left-right direction with respect to the central plane. The saddle vehicle according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the fuel pump is located in the tank opposite to the exhaust device in the left-right direction with respect to the central plane, of the left tank and the right tank.

[0107] According to the above configuration, it is easier to design the vehicle so that its center of gravity is located in the center in the left-right direction.

[0108] [Item 7] The steering wheel, which the driver holds with their hands, It comprises a steering shaft to which the handle is connected at the upper end, The vehicle frame includes a head pipe that supports the steering shaft in a manner that allows for angular displacement, A saddle vehicle according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the front end of the left tank and the front end of the right tank are located in front of the upper end of the head pipe.

[0109] According to the above configuration, the space around the head pipe can be used effectively.

[0110] [Item 8] The saddle vehicle according to any one of items 1 to 7, wherein the left tank and the right tank are located in front of the seat and are arranged so as to overlap each other when viewed in the left-right direction.

[0111] According to the above configuration, the space in front of the seat can be used effectively. For example, the left and right tanks can be positioned in front of the seat, and the gap between the left and right tanks can be used as space for storing contents.

[0112] [Item 9] The aforementioned power source for driving includes an internal combustion engine, The aforementioned saddle vehicle is equipped with an air cleaner box that houses a filter for purifying the air supplied to the internal combustion engine, A saddle vehicle according to any one of items 1 to 8, wherein part or all of the air cleaner box is positioned in front of the front end of the left-right central portion of the seat and above the front end of the left-right central portion of the seat.

[0113] According to the above configuration, the space in front of the seat can be used effectively.

[0114] [Item 10] The vehicle frame and A power source that generates power for movement, A seat supported by the aforementioned vehicle frame, on which the driver straddles and sits, A left tank having a fuel storage space for storing fuel for the aforementioned power source, and positioned to the left of the central plane that divides the vehicle frame into left and right halves, It comprises a fuel storage space for storing fuel for the aforementioned power source, and a right tank positioned to the right of the central plane with a gap in the left-right direction from the left tank, The left tank and the right tank are of different sizes and are mounted on a vehicle.

[0115] According to the above configuration, by adjusting the size and shape of the left and right tanks, it is easier to design the vehicle so that its center of gravity is located in the center in the left-right direction. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 1: Motorcycle 4: Vehicle frame 4a: Head pipe 4b: Mainframe 9: Sheet 11: Internal combustion engine 12: Electric motor 14: Battery pack 15: Containment space 16: Upper cover 17: Air cleaner box 19: Exhaust system 19a: Catalytic device 19b: Muffler 20: Exhaust pipe 21: Footrest 22: Footrest 23: Side stand 30: Fuel supply system 30A: Fuel tank 31: Left tank 31a: Fuel storage space 32: Right tank 32a: Fuel storage space 33 :Communication body 33a: Communication space 34: Fuel pump 35: Tank cap 36 :Communication body 51: Motorcycle 52: Front wheel 53: Rear wheel 54: Battery Pack 54: Vehicle frame 54a: Headpipe 54b: Mainframe 59: Sheet 61: Internal combustion engine 62: Electric motor 64: Battery Pack 65: Containment space 66: Upper cover 67: Air cleaner box 69: Exhaust system 69a: Catalytic converter 69b: Muffler 70: Exhaust pipe 71: Footrest 72: Footrest 73: Side stand 80: Fuel supply system 81: Left tank 81a: Fuel storage space 82: Right tank 82a: Fuel storage space 83 :Communication body 83a: Communication space 84: Fuel pump

Claims

1. A saddle-type vehicle, The vehicle frame includes a pair of left and right main frames, A power source that generates power for movement, A seat supported by the aforementioned vehicle frame, on which the driver straddles and sits, A left tank having a fuel storage space for storing fuel for the aforementioned power source, positioned to the left of the central plane dividing the vehicle frame into left and right halves and forward of the front end of the seat, A right tank having a fuel storage space for storing fuel for the aforementioned power source, with a gap in the left-right direction from the left tank, positioned to the right of the central plane and forward of the front end of the seat, A connecting body is provided that connects the fuel storage spaces of the left tank and the right tank to each other and is positioned in front of the front end of the seat, Equipped with, In a top view of the aforementioned saddle-type vehicle, the left tank overlaps with the left main frame, and the right tank overlaps with the right main frame.

2. The saddle vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the left tank and the right tank are of different sizes.

3. The saddle vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a fuel pump for supplying fuel to the driving power source, the fuel pump having at least a portion of its location in either the fuel storage space of the left tank or the fuel storage space of the right tank.

4. The height of the bottom surface of the left tank and the height of the bottom surface of the right tank are different from each other. The saddle vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the fuel pump is attached to the left tank and the right tank whose bottom surface is located downwards.

5. In a top view of the saddle vehicle, a portion of the left tank is located to the left of the left main frame, The saddle vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, in a top view of the saddle vehicle, a portion of the right tank is located to the right of the right main frame.

6. In a top view of the saddle vehicle, the left tank, the right tank, and the connecting body extend to form a recess that is open to the front, The saddle vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least a portion of the recess is located between the left and right pair of main frames.

7. The steering wheel, which the driver holds with their hands, It comprises a steering shaft to which the handle is connected at the upper end, The vehicle frame includes a head pipe that supports the steering shaft in a manner that allows for angular displacement, The saddle vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the front end of the left tank and the front end of the right tank are located forward of the upper end of the head pipe.

8. The saddle vehicle has a storage space located between the left and right pair of main frames in a top view and which houses the contents, The saddle vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, in a top view of the saddle vehicle, the storage space overlaps with the connecting body.

9. The aforementioned power source for driving includes an internal combustion engine, The aforementioned saddle vehicle is equipped with an air cleaner box that houses a filter for purifying the air supplied to the internal combustion engine, The aforementioned vehicle frame includes a head pipe, The aforementioned pair of left and right main frames extend rearward from the head pipe, The pair of left and right main frames, in a top view of the saddled vehicle, include a first portion extending away from each other from the head pipe toward the rear, and a second portion extending toward each other from the first portion toward the rear. A part or all of the air cleaner box is positioned in front of the front end of the left-right central portion of the seat, and above the front end of the left-right central portion of the seat. The saddle vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the air cleaner box is located in the region between the second portion of the left and right pair of main frames in a top view of the saddle vehicle.

10. A saddle-type vehicle, The vehicle frame includes a pair of left and right main frames, A power source that generates power for movement, A seat supported by the aforementioned vehicle frame, on which the driver straddles and sits, A left tank having a fuel storage space for storing fuel for the aforementioned power source, positioned to the left of the central plane dividing the vehicle frame into left and right halves and forward of the front end of the seat, It comprises a fuel storage space for storing fuel for the aforementioned power source, a right tank positioned to the right of the central plane and forward of the front end of the seat, with a gap in the left-right direction from the left tank, The left tank and the right tank are of different sizes. In a top view of the aforementioned saddle-type vehicle, the left tank overlaps with the left main frame, and the right tank overlaps with the right main frame.

Images