Lean vehicle

Abstract

This invention utilizes the unique configuration of tilting vehicles to miniaturize vehicle parts without increasing the size of the tilting vehicle. The ECU50A is positioned further rearward than the front end of the connecting rod 67 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, further forward than the rear end of the upper arm 41 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, further to the right than the left end of the lower arm 42 in the lateral direction of the vehicle body when the lower arm 42 is in the second left tilt position, further to the left than the right end of the lower arm 42 in the lateral direction of the vehicle body when the lower arm 42 is in the second right tilt position, further above the third axis C3 in the vertical direction of the vehicle body, and further below the first distance A1 away from the first axis C1 in the vertical direction of the vehicle body. It does not contact the areas of the upper arm 41, lower arm 42, and connecting rod 67 when the upper arm 41, lower arm 42, and connecting rod 67 rotate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a tilting vehicle having a left front wheel and a right front wheel, and whose body frame tilts when turning left and right. Prior Technology

[0002] For example, as described in Patent Document 1, a tilting vehicle has been known that has a left front wheel and a right front wheel and tilts its frame when turning left and right. When turning left or right, the rider controls the handlebars to rotate the left and right front wheels to the left or right, and tilts the frame and the left and right front wheels together relative to the ground. [Previous Technical Documents] [Patent Literature]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-51631 Summary of the Invention

[0004] [The problem the invention aims to solve]

[0005] In recent years, the number of vehicle parts, such as electrical components, has been increasing. However, making vehicles larger in order to accommodate these parts is not the best option.

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a tilting vehicle that can miniaturize vehicle parts without increasing the size of the vehicle by utilizing the unique configuration of tilting vehicles. [Technical means to solve the problem]

[0007] The tilting vehicle disclosed herein comprises: a body frame having a head tube; a left front wheel positioned further to the left of the head tube; a right front wheel positioned further to the right of the head tube; a steering axle rotatably supported on the head tube; a connecting mechanism connecting the body frame, the left front wheel, and the right front wheel in a tilting manner relative to the ground, and connecting the steering axle, the left front wheel, and the right front wheel in a manner that allows them to rotate left and right together with the steering axle; and vehicle parts. The connecting mechanism includes an upper arm, a lower arm, and a connecting rod. The upper arm, the lower arm, and the connecting rod are supported on the body frame in a manner rotatable about a first axis, a second axis, and a third axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, respectively, and extend to the left and right. The upper arm is positioned further forward in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body than the head tube. The aforementioned lower arm is positioned further forward of the vehicle body in the longitudinal direction and lower than the aforementioned upper arm in the vertical direction. The aforementioned connecting rod is positioned further forward of the vehicle body in the longitudinal direction and lower than the aforementioned lower arm in the vertical direction. The aforementioned upper arm is rotatable between a first left tilt position and a first right tilt position. The first left tilt position extends upward in the vertical direction and to the left in the horizontal direction of the vehicle body, and the first right tilt position extends upward in the vertical direction and to the right in the horizontal direction of the vehicle body. The aforementioned lower arm is rotatable between a second left tilt position and a second right tilt position. The second left tilt position extends upward in the vertical direction and to the left in the horizontal direction of the vehicle body, and the second right tilt position extends upward in the vertical direction and to the right in the horizontal direction of the vehicle body. The aforementioned connecting rod is rotatable between a third left tilt position and a third right tilt position. The third left tilt position is a position extending upward in the vertical direction of the vehicle body and to the left in the horizontal direction of the vehicle body. The third right tilt position is a position extending upward in the vertical direction of the vehicle body and to the right in the horizontal direction of the vehicle body. When the distance between the left and right ends of the upper arm in the horizontal direction of the vehicle body and the first axis is defined as the first distance, at least a portion of the vehicle part is positioned further rearward than the front end of the connecting rod in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, and further forward than the rear end of the upper arm in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body. At least a portion of the vehicle part is positioned further to the right than the left end of the upper arm in the horizontal direction of the vehicle body when the upper arm is in the first left tilt position, the left end of the lower arm in the horizontal direction of the vehicle body when the lower arm is in the second left tilt position, and the leftmost left end of the connecting rod in the horizontal direction of the vehicle body when the connecting rod is in the third left tilt position.At least a portion of the aforementioned vehicle parts is positioned further to the left of the rightmost end of the upper arm in the left-right direction relative to the vehicle body when the upper arm is in the first rightward tilt position, the rightmost end of the lower arm in the left-right direction relative to the vehicle body when the lower arm is in the second rightward tilt position, and the rightmost end of the connecting rod in the left-right direction relative to the vehicle body when the connecting rod is in the third rightward tilt position. At least a portion of the aforementioned vehicle parts is positioned higher in the vertical direction relative to the vehicle body than the third axis, and lower in the vertical direction relative to the vehicle body than a position a first distance away from the first axis in the vertical direction. At least a portion of the aforementioned vehicle parts is positioned in an area that will not contact the upper arm, lower arm, and connecting rod during rotation.

[0008] According to the aforementioned tilting vehicle, although the vehicle parts are located at the front of the tilting vehicle, they are positioned in areas that will not come into contact with the upper arm, lower arm, and connecting rod when they rotate. Based on this tilting vehicle, the ineffective space unique to tilting vehicles can be effectively utilized as space for installing vehicle parts; therefore, it is possible to miniaturize the vehicle parts without increasing the size of the tilting vehicle.

[0009] The distance between the left and right ends of the aforementioned connecting rod, which is farther from the aforementioned third axis in the left-right direction of the vehicle body, and the aforementioned third axis is defined as the third distance. At least a portion of the aforementioned vehicle parts may also be positioned further rearward than the front end of the aforementioned connecting rod in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body, and further forward than the front end of the aforementioned lower arm in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body. When viewed from the front in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body, the area inside a circle centered on the aforementioned third axis and with a radius equal to the aforementioned third distance, is such that when the aforementioned connecting rod is in the aforementioned third left tilt position, it is further to the right of the aforementioned connecting rod in the left-right direction and above the aforementioned vertical direction of the vehicle body, and when the aforementioned connecting rod is in the aforementioned third right tilt position, it is further to the left of the aforementioned connecting rod in the left-right direction and above the aforementioned vertical direction of the vehicle body.

[0010] At least some of the aforementioned vehicle parts may also be positioned further forward than the rear end of the aforementioned connecting rod in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body.

[0011] At least a portion of the aforementioned vehicle parts may also be positioned further rearward than the rear end of the aforementioned connecting rod in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, and further forward than the front end of the aforementioned lower arm in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body.

[0012] The distance between the left and right ends of the lower arm, which is farther from the second axis in the left-right direction of the vehicle body, and the second axis is defined as the second distance. At least a portion of the vehicle parts can also be positioned further rearward than the front end of the lower arm in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body, and further forward than the front end of the upper arm in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body. When viewed from the front in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body, the lower arm is positioned further to the right of the vehicle body in the left-right direction and above the vehicle body in the vertical direction when it is in the second left tilt position, and further to the left of the vehicle body in the left-right direction and above the vehicle body in the vertical direction when it is in the second right tilt position.

[0013] At least some of the aforementioned vehicle parts may also be positioned further forward than the rear end of the aforementioned lower arm in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body.

[0014] At least a portion of the aforementioned vehicle parts may also be positioned further rearward than the rear end of the lower arm in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, and further forward than the front end of the upper arm in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body.

[0015] At least a portion of the aforementioned vehicle parts may also be configured in the region that is further rearward than the front end of the upper arm in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, further forward than the rear end of the upper arm in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, and within the region inside a circle centered on the first axis and with a radius equal to the first distance when viewed from the front of the vehicle body in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, where the upper arm is located in the first left tilt position and is further to the right of the vehicle body in the left-right direction and above the vehicle body in the vertical direction, and where the upper arm is located in the first right tilt position and is further to the left of the vehicle body in the left-right direction and above the vehicle body in the vertical direction.

[0016] The aforementioned tilting vehicle may also include a brake hose, which is supported by a bracket on the aforementioned connecting rod. At least a portion of the aforementioned vehicle component may also be positioned further rearward than the front end of the connecting rod in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, and further forward than the rear end of the lower arm in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body. When viewed from the front in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, when the connecting rod is in the third left tilt position, it is positioned to the right of the vehicle body in the left-right direction and above the vehicle body in the vertical direction, and when the connecting rod is in the third right tilt position, it is positioned to the left of the vehicle body in the left-right direction and above the vehicle body in the vertical direction. In this way, although the vehicle component is positioned near the brake hose, contact between the vehicle component and the brake hose is suppressed.

[0017] The aforementioned tilting vehicle may also be equipped with a tilt locking device, which locks the rotation of the upper arm, the lower arm, or the connecting rod. At least a portion of the tilt locking device may be positioned further rearward than the lower arm in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, and further forward than the upper arm in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body. When viewed from the front in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, when the upper arm is in the first left tilt position, it is positioned further to the right of the vehicle body in the left-right direction and above the vehicle body in the vertical direction; and when the upper arm is in the first right tilt position, it is positioned further to the left of the vehicle body in the left-right direction and above the vehicle body in the vertical direction. The vehicle parts may also be positioned further below the tilt locking device in the vertical direction of the vehicle body.

[0018] The aforementioned vehicle parts can also be ECUs.

[0019] The aforementioned tilting vehicle may also have a driving power source supported by the aforementioned vehicle body frame. The aforementioned ECU may also be a control device for controlling the aforementioned driving power source.

[0020] The aforementioned ECU can also be a lamp control unit that controls the headlights.

[0021] The aforementioned vehicle parts can also be communication devices.

[0022] The aforementioned vehicle parts can also be charging ports that allow the power supply cable to be connected in a disengaged manner.

[0023] The aforementioned tilting vehicle may also have a support frame that supports the aforementioned tilt locking device to the aforementioned vehicle body frame. The aforementioned vehicle parts may also be supported by the aforementioned support frame.

[0024] The aforementioned support frame may also include: a left frame, which is disposed on the left side of the vehicle body in the left-right direction of the aforementioned tilt locking device, extending downward in the vertical direction of the vehicle body and to the right side in the left-right direction of the vehicle body; and a right frame, which is disposed on the right side of the vehicle body in the left-right direction of the aforementioned tilt locking device, extending downward in the vertical direction of the vehicle body and to the left side in the left-right direction of the vehicle body. The aforementioned vehicle parts may also be installed at the lower end of the aforementioned left frame and the lower end of the aforementioned right frame. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] According to the present invention, by utilizing the unique configuration of tilting vehicles, vehicle parts can be miniaturized without increasing the size of the vehicle. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0026] Figure 1 is a left view of the tilted vehicle. Figure 2 is a front view of the front of the tilted vehicle. Figure 3 is a left view of the front of the tilted vehicle. Figure 4 is a top view of the front of the tilted vehicle. Figure 5 is a top view of the front of the vehicle tilting when turning. Figure 6 shows a front view of the front of the tilted vehicle when it is tilted. Figure 7 is a front view of the front of the vehicle when tilting and turning. Figure 8 is a perspective view of the front part of one embodiment. Figure 9 is a front view of the front part of the above embodiment. Figure 10 is a left view of the front part of the above embodiment. Figure 11 is a front view of the upper arm, lower arm, and connecting rod relative to the vehicle frame when the vehicle is tilted to the far left and not turning. Figure 12 is a front view of the upper arm, lower arm, and connecting rod relative to the vehicle frame when the vehicle is tilted and not turning, with the upper arm, lower arm, and connecting rod tilted to the far right. Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing the rotation of the upper arm. Figure 14 is a schematic diagram showing the areas that the upper arm does not pass through when the upper arm rotates, the areas that the lower arm does not pass through when the lower arm rotates, and the areas that the connecting rod does not pass through when the connecting rod rotates. Figure 15 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship of the upper arm, lower arm, connecting rod, and vehicle parts in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body. Implementation

[0027] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the tilting vehicle will be described with reference to the drawings. Figures 1 to 7 are diagrams showing the basic structure of the tilting vehicle 1. The tilting vehicle 1 of this embodiment is modified from the tilting vehicle 1 shown in Figures 1 to 7 by making changes to the front part of the vehicle (hereinafter referred to as the front part) (see Figure 8), and details will be described below. In the following description, the basic structure of the tilting vehicle 1 will first be described with reference to Figures 1 to 7, and then the details of the front part of the tilting vehicle 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 15.

[0028] Figure 1 is a left view of the tilted vehicle 1. Figure 2 is a front view of the front of the tilted vehicle 1. Figure 3 is a left view of the front of the tilted vehicle 1. Figure 4 is a top view of the front of the tilted vehicle 1. Figure 5 is a top view of the front of the tilted vehicle 1 when turning. Figure 6 is a front view of the front of the tilted vehicle 1 when tilting. Figure 7 is a front view of the front of the tilted vehicle 1 when tilting and turning.

[0029] In the following description, unless otherwise specified, "front," "rear," "left," "right," "up," and "down" refer to the view from the perspective of the hypothetical rider sitting on the seat 2 when the tilted vehicle 1, without a rider and without cargo, is stationary on a horizontal surface and without turning. Furthermore, the state of the tilted vehicle 1 being upright on a horizontal surface refers to the state where the vehicle frame 10 is not tilted relative to the horizontal surface (see Figure 2). The state of the tilted vehicle 1 not turning refers to the state where the steering shaft 31 does not rotate left or right, and when viewed from above, the center lines of the left front wheel 20L and the right front wheel 20R are parallel to the center line of the tilted vehicle 1. In the figure, F, B, L, R, U, and D represent front, rear, left, right, up, and down, respectively.

[0030] As shown in Figure 1, the tilting vehicle 1 includes a body frame 10, a seat 2 supported on the body frame 10, a left front wheel 20L, a right front wheel 20R (see Figure 2), a rear wheel 28, and a power unit 4. As shown in Figure 2, the tilting vehicle 1 includes a handlebar 30 and a linkage mechanism 40.

[0031] As shown in Figure 4, the vehicle frame 10 includes a head tube 12 and a connecting tube 14 positioned further forward of the head tube 12. The head tube 12 supports the steering shaft 31 fixed to the handlebar 30, enabling it to rotate left and right. The connecting tube 14 supports the steering shaft 32, enabling it to rotate left and right.

[0032] As shown in Figure 1, the power unit 4 is supported on the vehicle frame 10. The vehicle frame 10 has a power unit support 16 that supports the power unit 4. Furthermore, the front end of the rear arm 29 is connected to the power unit 4 in a manner that allows it to rotate vertically. A rear wheel 28 is mounted on the rear end of the rear arm 29. The power unit 4 is connected to the rear wheel 28. The power unit 4 has a power source including an internal combustion engine or an electric motor. The power unit 4 drives the rear wheel 28.

[0033] As shown in Figure 4, the left front wheel 20L is positioned further to the left than the head tube 12. The right front wheel 20R is positioned further to the right than the head tube 12. The left front wheel 20L and the right front wheel 20R can rotate left and right together with the steering shaft 31.

[0034] The tilting vehicle 1 is equipped with a left buffer device 22L and a right buffer device 22R. As shown in Figure 3, the left buffer device 22L is a so-called sleeve-type buffer device. The left buffer device 22L has a pair of sleeve elements 24 at the front and rear. Each sleeve element 24 has an outer tube 24A and an inner tube 24B inserted into the outer tube 24A. As shown in Figure 2, the right buffer device 22R is configured symmetrically with the left buffer device 22L. The right buffer device 22R has the same structure as the left buffer device 22L. The right buffer device 22R also has a pair of sleeve elements 24 at the front and rear.

[0035] As shown in Figure 2, the tilting vehicle 1 includes a left bracket 23L, a left bracket 25L, a right bracket 23R, and a right bracket 25R. As shown in Figure 3, the upper end of the sleeve element 24 of the left buffer device 22L is fixed to the left bracket 23L. The lower end of the sleeve element 24 of the left buffer device 22L is fixed to the left bracket 25L. The left front wheel 20L is supported on the left bracket 25L. As shown in Figure 2, the upper end of the sleeve element 24 of the right buffer device 22R is fixed to the right bracket 23R. The lower end of the sleeve element 24 of the right buffer device 22R is fixed to the right bracket 25R. The right front wheel 20R is supported on the right bracket 25R.

[0036] As shown in Figure 4, the tilting vehicle 1 is equipped with a steering force transmission mechanism 6. The steering force transmission mechanism 6 includes a handlebar 30, a steering shaft 31, and a steering shaft 32 positioned further forward than the steering shaft 31. The steering shaft 31 is supported on the head tube 12 in a manner that allows it to rotate left and right. The steering shaft 32 is supported on the connecting tube 14 in a manner that allows it to rotate left and right. The handlebar 30 is fixed to the steering shaft 31. A right grip 33R and a left grip 33L are mounted on the handlebar 30. The right grip 33R is rotatable relative to the handlebar 30, forming an accelerator grip for the rider to operate the power unit 4. The steering shaft 31 and the steering shaft 32 are connected by a connecting member 80. The connecting member 80 connects the steering shaft 31 and the steering shaft 32 in a manner that allows them to rotate together.

[0037] Linkage mechanism 40 is a parallelogram linkage (also known as a parallelogram-shaped linkage). As shown in Figure 2, linkage mechanism 40 has an upper arm 41, a lower arm 42, and a rear arm 45 extending to the left and right respectively (see Figure 3), and a left-side member 43 and a right-side member 44 extending vertically. Linkage mechanism 40 is connected to connecting tube 14 in a manner that allows it to rotate left and right. Linkage mechanism 40 can rotate left and right relative to steering shaft 32 (see Figure 5). Linkage mechanism 40 is configured such that even if steering shaft 32 rotates left and right, it will not rotate with steering shaft 32.

[0038] The upper arm 41 is connected to the connecting tube 14 via a first central connecting shaft 41C, to the left component 43 via a first left connecting shaft 41L, and to the right component 44 via a first right connecting shaft 41R. The upper arm 41 is supported on the connecting tube 14 in a manner that allows it to rotate about the axis C1 of the first central connecting shaft 41C (hereinafter referred to as the first axis). The first axis C1 extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Furthermore, the upper arm 41 is supported on both the left component 43 and the right component 44 in a manner that allows it to rotate about the axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The upper arm 41 extends to the left and right from the first axis C1.

[0039] As shown in Figure 4, the lower arm 42 is positioned in front of the connecting tube 14. The rear arm 45 is positioned behind the connecting tube 14. The lower arm 42 and the rear arm 45 are connected to each other.

[0040] As shown in Figure 2, the lower arm 42 is connected to the connecting tube 14 via a second central connecting shaft 42C, to the left component 43 via a second left connecting shaft 42L, and to the right component 44 via a second right connecting shaft 42R. The lower arm 42 is supported on the connecting tube 14 in a manner that allows it to rotate about the axis C2 of the second central connecting shaft 42C (hereinafter referred to as the second axis). The second axis C2 extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Furthermore, the lower arm 42 is supported on both the left component 43 and the right component 44 in a manner that allows it to rotate about an axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The lower arm 42 extends to the left and right from the second axis C2.

[0041] The lower part of the left component 43 is connected to the left bracket 23L. The left bracket 23L is connected to the left component 43 in a manner that allows it to rotate about an axis extending in the vertical direction. The lower part of the right component 44 is connected to the right bracket 23R. The right bracket 23R is connected to the right component 44 in a manner that allows it to rotate about an axis extending in the vertical direction.

[0042] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the directional force transmission mechanism 6 has an intermediate transmission plate 61, a left transmission plate 62, a right transmission plate 63, an intermediate joint 64, a left joint 65, a right joint 66, and a connecting rod 67.

[0043] The intermediate transfer plate 61 is connected to the lower part of the steering shaft 32. The intermediate transfer plate 61 extends forward from the steering shaft 32 (see Figure 4). The left transfer plate 62 is connected to the left bracket 23L. The right transfer plate 63 is connected to the right bracket 23R.

[0044] As shown in Figure 4, the intermediate connector 64 is connected to the front of the intermediate transfer plate 61. The intermediate connector 64 is connected to the intermediate transfer plate 61 in a manner that allows it to rotate about an axis extending in the vertical direction. The left connector 65 is connected to the front of the left transfer plate 62. The left connector 65 is connected to the left transfer plate 62 in a manner that allows it to rotate about an axis extending in the vertical direction. The right connector 66 is connected to the front of the right transfer plate 63. The right connector 66 is connected to the right transfer plate 63 in a manner that allows it to rotate about an axis extending in the vertical direction.

[0045] As shown in Figure 2, the connecting rod 67 is connected to the intermediate joint 64 via the third central connecting shaft 68C, to the left joint 65 via the third left connecting shaft 68L, and to the right joint 66 via the third right connecting shaft 68R. The connecting rod 67 is supported on the intermediate joint 64 in a manner that allows it to rotate about the axis C3 of the third central connecting shaft 68C (hereinafter referred to as the third axis). The third axis C3 extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Furthermore, the connecting rod 67 is supported on both the left joint 65 and the right joint 66 in a manner that allows it to rotate about an axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The connecting rod 67 extends to the left and right from the third axis C3.

[0046] Thus, the handlebar 30, left front wheel 20L, and right front wheel 20R are connected via the steering force transmission mechanism 6. As shown in Figure 5, if the rider controls the steering of the handlebar 30, the steering shaft 31 rotates left and right. With the rotation of the steering shaft 31, the left front wheel 20L and right front wheel 20R rotate left and right, as indicated by arrows S and T, thus changing the direction of travel of the left front wheel 20L and right front wheel 20R.

[0047] The frame 10, the left front wheel 20L, and the right front wheel 20R are connected by a linkage mechanism 40. As shown in Figure 6, if the rider tilts the frame 10, the left front wheel 20L and the right front wheel 20R will also tilt.

[0048] As shown in Figure 7, if the rider controls the handlebar 30 and tilts the frame 10, the left front wheel 20L and the right front wheel 20R will tilt and the direction of travel will change.

[0049] The directional force transmission mechanism 6 and the linkage mechanism 40 constitute the connection mechanism 49. The connection mechanism 49 connects the vehicle frame 10, the left front wheel 20L, and the right front wheel 20R in a manner that allows them to tilt relative to the ground, and connects the steering shaft 31, the left front wheel 20L, and the right front wheel 20R in a manner that allows the left front wheel 20L and the right front wheel 20R to rotate left and right together with the steering shaft 31.

[0050] The above describes the basic structure of the tilting vehicle 1. As mentioned earlier, the tilting vehicle 1 of this embodiment is modified from the front part of the above basic structure. Next, the front part of the tilting vehicle 1 of this embodiment will be described. Furthermore, in the following description, the same symbols are used for the parts that are the same as those in the aforementioned basic structure, and detailed descriptions of them are omitted.

[0051] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the front part of this embodiment. Figures 9 and 10 are the front view and left view of the front part of this embodiment, respectively. Figures 8 to 10 show the front part of the tilted vehicle 1 when it is upright and not turned. In the following description, the straight line connecting the first axis C1, the second axis C2, and the third axis C3 in the front view of the tilted vehicle 1 when it is not turned (refer to Figure 9) is called the vehicle centerline C10. Here, in the front view of the vehicle, the vehicle centerline C10 coincides with the centerline of the head tube 12. If the vehicle frame 10 is tilted, the vehicle centerline C10 will tilt from the vertical line.

[0052] When the tilting vehicle 1 is tilted, the upper arm 41, lower arm 42, and connecting rod 67 are tilted relative to the vehicle frame 10 (see Figure 6). Figure 11 is a front view of the upper arm 41, lower arm 42, and connecting rod 67 relative to the vehicle frame 10 when the tilting vehicle 1 is not turned, tilted to the leftmost position. Figure 12 is a front view of the upper arm 41, lower arm 42, and connecting rod 67 relative to the vehicle frame 10 when the tilting vehicle 1 is not turned, tilted to the rightmost position.

[0053] When the tilted vehicle 1 makes a left or right turn, the vehicle's centerline C10 is tilted relative to the ground. However, in Figures 11 and 12, the front of the vehicle is depicted as extending the centerline C10 along the vertical direction of the paper. In the following description, when the tilted vehicle 1 is not turning, the area above and below the centerline C10 in the forward view are referred to as the upper and lower parts of the vehicle's vertical direction, respectively. When the tilted vehicle 1 is not turning, the area to the left and right of the perpendicular line relative to the centerline C10 in the forward view are referred to as the left and right parts of the vehicle's horizontal direction, respectively. The symbols U', D', L', and R' in the diagrams represent the upper, lower, left, and right parts of the vehicle's vertical direction, respectively. The symbols F' and B' in the diagrams represent the front and rear parts of the vehicle's longitudinal direction, respectively. Furthermore, the longitudinal direction of the vehicle is the same as the vehicle's longitudinal direction. The front F' and rear B' of the vehicle body in the front-rear direction are the same as the front F and rear B of the vehicle in the front-rear direction, respectively.

[0054] The upper arm 41 is configured to rotate around a first axis C1, and can rotate relative to the vehicle frame 10 between a predetermined first left tilt position and a predetermined first right tilt position. Figure 11 shows the upper arm 41 in the first left tilt position. The first left tilt position is the position where the upper arm 41 extends upward in the vertical direction of the vehicle body and to the left in the horizontal direction of the vehicle body. Figure 12 shows the upper arm 41 in the first right tilt position. The first right tilt position is the position where the upper arm 41 extends upward in the vertical direction of the vehicle body and to the right in the horizontal direction of the vehicle body.

[0055] The lower arm 42 is configured to rotate around the second axis C2, and can rotate relative to the vehicle frame 10 between a predetermined second left tilt position and a predetermined second right tilt position. Figure 11 shows the lower arm 42 in the second left tilt position. The second left tilt position is the position where the lower arm 42 extends upward in the vertical direction of the vehicle body and to the left in the horizontal direction of the vehicle body. Figure 12 shows the lower arm 42 in the second right tilt position. The second right tilt position is the position where the lower arm 42 extends upward in the vertical direction of the vehicle body and to the right in the horizontal direction of the vehicle body.

[0056] The connecting rod 67 is configured to rotate around the third axis C3, and can rotate relative to the vehicle frame 10 between a predetermined third left tilt position and a predetermined third right tilt position. Figure 11 shows the state of the connecting rod 67 when it is in the third left tilt position. The third left tilt position is the position where the connecting rod 67 extends upward in the vertical direction of the vehicle body and to the left in the horizontal direction of the vehicle body. Figure 12 shows the state of the connecting rod 67 when it is in the third right tilt position. The third right tilt position is the position where the connecting rod 67 extends upward in the vertical direction of the vehicle body and to the right in the horizontal direction of the vehicle body.

[0057] The tilting vehicle 1 has a front portion with a connecting mechanism 49. The front portion has an upper arm 41, a lower arm 42, and a connecting rod 67 that rotate during the movement of the tilting vehicle 1. Previously, vehicle parts were not typically placed at the front portion. However, as long as the vehicle parts are placed in positions that do not interfere with the upper arm 41, lower arm 42, and connecting rod 67, the vehicle parts can be placed at the front portion. Therefore, in the tilting vehicle 1 of this embodiment, at least a portion of the vehicle parts is positioned further rearward than the front end of the connecting rod 67 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body and further forward than the rear end of the upper arm 41 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body. Furthermore, the aforementioned at least a portion of the vehicle parts is positioned further to the right of the leftmost left end of the upper arm 41 in the left-right direction of the vehicle body when the upper arm 41 is in the first left tilt position, the left end of the lower arm 42 in the left-right direction of the vehicle body when the lower arm 42 is in the second left tilt position, and the leftmost left end of the connecting rod 67 in the left-right direction of the vehicle body when the connecting rod 67 is in the third left tilt position. Furthermore, at least a portion of the vehicle parts is positioned further to the left than the rightmost right end of the upper arm 41 in the left-right direction when the upper arm 41 is in the first right-tilted position, the rightmost right end of the lower arm 42 in the left-right direction when the lower arm 42 is in the second right-tilted position, and the rightmost right end of the connecting rod 67 in the left-right direction when the connecting rod 67 is in the third right-tilted position. Also, at least a portion of the vehicle parts is positioned above the third axis C3 in the vertical direction, and below the first axis C1 at a distance A1 (which will be described below) in the vertical direction. Moreover, at least a portion of the vehicle parts is positioned in an area where the upper arm 41, lower arm 42, and connecting rod 67 will not contact them during rotation.

[0058] The tilting vehicle 1 includes an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 50A as a vehicle component 50. The ECU 50A, for example, is a control device that controls the power unit 4, which serves as the driving source for propulsion. However, the type or purpose of the ECU 50A is not particularly limited. The tilting vehicle 1 includes a headlight (not shown) positioned further forward than the head tube 12; the ECU 50A can also be a control device for the headlight, i.e., an LCU (Light Control Unit). Furthermore, the ECU 50A can also be a control device for a braking system (not shown), i.e., a BCU (Brake Control Unit). The ECU 50A is an example of an electronic device.

[0059] Furthermore, the tilting vehicle 1 is equipped with a tilt locking device 52, which locks the rotation of the upper arm 41, lower arm 42, or connecting rod 67. The tilt locking device 52 includes: a rotating plate 54 that rotates together with the upper arm 41, lower arm 42, and connecting rod 67; and a caliper 56 that clamps the rotating plate 54 from the front and rear. The rotating plate 54 is configured to rotate about an axis extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. In this embodiment, the rotating plate 54 is mounted on the upper arm 41. The rotating plate 54 rotates about a first axis C1. The caliper 56 is mounted on the vehicle frame 10. If the caliper 56 clamps the rotating plate 54, the rotation of the rotating plate 54 is restricted. As a result, the rotation of the upper arm 41, lower arm 42, and connecting rod 67 relative to the vehicle frame 10 is restricted. If the vehicle frame 10 is upright and the caliper 56 clamps the rotating plate 54, the tilt of the vehicle frame 10 is restricted, and therefore, the vehicle frame 10 remains upright. In this way, the tilt locking device 52 can lock the rotation of the upper arm 41, lower arm 42 and connecting rod 67, so that the rider sitting on the seat 2 can keep the frame 10 from tilting by simply supporting the vehicle body.

[0060] As shown in Figure 9, the tilting vehicle 1 includes a support frame 60 that supports the tilt locking device 52 to the vehicle body frame 10. The support frame 60 includes a left frame 60L, disposed to the left of the tilt locking device 52, and a right frame 60R, disposed to the right of the tilt locking device 52. The left frame 60L extends downward and to the right, and the right frame 60R extends downward and to the left. When viewed from the front in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body, the left frame 60L and the right frame 60R form a V-shape. An ECU 50A is mounted at the lower end of the left frame 60L and the lower end of the right frame 60R. The ECU 50A is supported by the support frame 60.

[0061] A bracket 35 is fixed to the connecting rod 67. A brake hose 36 is supported by the bracket 35. The brake hose 36 is supported on the connecting rod 67 via the bracket 35. Although not shown in the diagram, a left brake device is installed on the left front wheel 20L, and a right brake device is installed on the right front wheel 20R. The brake hose 36 connected to the left brake device is supported by a bracket 35 fixed to the left of the connecting rod 67, further to the left of the third axis C3. The brake hose 36 connected to the right brake device is supported by a bracket 35 fixed to the right of the connecting rod 67, further to the right of the third axis C3. Because the brake hose 36 is supported by the connecting rod 67, it is configured to rotate together with the connecting rod 67.

[0062] As shown in Figure 9, the distance between the left and right ends of the upper arm 41 that is farther from the first axis C1 and the first axis C1 is defined as the first distance A1. Here, the distance from the first axis C1 to the left end of the upper arm 41 is equal to the distance from the first axis C1 to the right end of the upper arm 41, both being the first distance A1. The dashed line 41AL in Figure 9 is a straight line extending along the left-right direction of the vehicle body from the position of the first distance A1 away from the first axis C1. The ECU 50A and the tilt locking device 52 are positioned higher than the third axis C3 and lower than the position of the first distance A1 away from the first axis C1.

[0063] As previously described, the upper arm 41 is capable of rotating around the first axis C1 between the first left tilt position and the first right tilt position. Figure 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating the rotation of the upper arm 41. Circle B1 in Figure 13 is a circle centered on the first axis C1 with a radius of the first distance A1. As the upper arm 41 rotates around the first axis C1, it moves within a portion of circle B1. The imaginary lines in Figure 13 represent the first left tilt position and the first right tilt position of the upper arm 41. The area R1 indicated by the diagonal line is, when viewed from the front in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body, located above the first axis C1 in the vertical direction; when the upper arm 41 is in the first left tilt position, located to the right of the vehicle body in the horizontal direction and above the vehicle body in the vertical direction; and when the upper arm 41 is in the first right tilt position, located to the left of the vehicle body in the horizontal direction and above the vehicle body in the vertical direction. Region R1 is located above the first axis C1, and is the area excluding the movable area of ​​the upper arm 41 from a circle centered on the first axis C1 with a radius of the first distance A1. This region R1 is the area that will not contact the upper arm 41 even if it rotates. If vehicle parts are placed in region R1, they will not contact the upper arm 41 even if it rotates.

[0064] Similarly, when viewed from the front in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body, the area R2 (see Figure 14) that is higher in the vertical direction of the vehicle body than the second axis C2, and when the lower arm 42 is in the second left tilt position, is to the right of the vehicle body in the left-right direction and higher in the vertical direction than the lower arm 42, and when the lower arm 42 is in the second right tilt position, is to the left of the vehicle body in the left-right direction and higher in the vertical direction than the lower arm 42. This area will not contact the lower arm 42 even if the lower arm 42 rotates. If vehicle parts are placed in area R2, the vehicle parts will not contact the lower arm 42 even if the lower arm 42 rotates.

[0065] When viewed from the front in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body, the area R3 (see Figure 14) that is located above the vehicle body in the vertical direction, further above the vehicle body in the left-right direction when the connecting rod 67 is in the third left tilt position, and further to the left of the vehicle body in the left-right direction and above the vehicle body in the vertical direction when the connecting rod 67 is in the third right tilt position is the area that will not contact the connecting rod 67 even if the connecting rod 67 rotates. If vehicle parts are placed in area R3, the vehicle parts will not contact the connecting rod 67 even if the connecting rod 67 rotates.

[0066] In Figure 10, the dashed lines 67FL and 67BL are straight lines extending along the vertical direction of the vehicle body, passing through the front and rear ends of the connecting rod 67, respectively. The dashed lines 42FL and 42BL are straight lines extending along the vertical direction of the vehicle body, passing through the front and rear ends of the lower arm 42, respectively. The dashed lines 41FL and 41BL are straight lines extending along the vertical direction of the vehicle body, passing through the front and rear ends of the upper arm 41, respectively. In the front part, the area further rearward than the rear end of the connecting rod 67 and further forward than the front end of the lower arm 42, and the area further rearward than the rear end of the lower arm 42 and further forward than the front end of the upper arm 41, are areas that will not contact the upper arm 41, lower arm 42, and connecting rod 67 when they rotate. However, in this embodiment, the rear end of the lower arm 42 is located further back than the front end of the upper arm 41. Therefore, there is no area that is further back than the rear end of the lower arm 42 and further forward than the front end of the upper arm 41.

[0067] By positioning the vehicle parts in the front portion in an area where they will not come into contact with the upper arm 41, lower arm 42, and connecting rod 67 during rotation, the vehicle parts can be positioned in the front portion without interfering with the upper arm 41, lower arm 42, and connecting rod 67. In this embodiment, ECU 50A, as an example of vehicle part 50, is positioned in an area where it will not come into contact with the upper arm 41, lower arm 42, and connecting rod 67 during rotation.

[0068] As shown in Figure 10, at least a portion of the ECU 50A is positioned further rearward in the longitudinal direction than the rear end of the connecting rod 67, and further forward in the longitudinal direction than the front end of the upper arm 41. Here, the ECU 50A as a whole is positioned further rearward in the longitudinal direction than the rear end of the connecting rod 67, and further forward in the longitudinal direction than the front end of the upper arm 41.

[0069] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, at least a portion of the ECU 50A is configured such that, when viewed from the front in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body, the lower arm 42 is positioned further to the right of the vehicle body in the left-right direction and above the vehicle body in the vertical direction than the lower arm 42 when in the second left tilt position, and further to the left of the vehicle body in the left-right direction and above the vehicle body in the vertical direction than the lower arm 42 when in the second right tilt position. The ECU 50A as a whole is configured such that, when viewed from the front in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body, it is positioned further above the vehicle body in the vertical direction than the third axis C3; the connecting rod 67 is positioned further to the right of the vehicle body in the left-right direction and above the vehicle body in the vertical direction than the connecting rod 67 when in the third left tilt position, and further to the left of the vehicle body in the left-right direction and above the vehicle body in the vertical direction than the connecting rod 67 when in the third right tilt position.

[0070] As shown in Figure 14, at least a portion of ECU 50A is configured in region R3. Here, ECU 50A is entirely configured in region R3. At least a portion of ECU 50A is configured in region R2.

[0071] As shown in Figure 10, the tilt locking device 52 is positioned further rearward in the vehicle's longitudinal direction than the rear end of the connecting rod 67, and further forward in the vehicle's longitudinal direction than the rear end of the upper arm 41. One portion of the tilt locking device 52 is positioned further rearward than the rear end of the connecting rod 67, and further forward than the front end of the lower arm 42. Another portion of the tilt locking device 52 is positioned further rearward than the front end of the lower arm 42, and further forward than the rear end of the upper arm 41.

[0072] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the tilt locking device 52 is positioned further to the right of the vehicle body in the left-right direction and above the vehicle body in the vertical direction when the lower arm 42 is in the second left tilt position, and further to the left of the vehicle body in the left-right direction and above the vehicle body in the vertical direction when the lower arm 42 is in the second right tilt position. At least a portion of the tilt locking device 52 is positioned further to the right of the vehicle body in the left-right direction and above the vehicle body in the vertical direction when the upper arm 41 is in the first left tilt position, and further to the left of the vehicle body in the left-right direction and above the vehicle body in the vertical direction when the upper arm 41 is in the first right tilt position.

[0073] As described above, in the tilting vehicle 1 according to this embodiment, although the ECU 50A is located at the front, it is positioned in an area where it will not come into contact with the upper arm 41, lower arm 42, and connecting rod 67 when they rotate. According to this embodiment, the unused space unique to the tilting vehicle 1 can be effectively utilized as installation space for the ECU 50A. Therefore, the ECU 50A can be miniaturized without increasing the size of the tilting vehicle 1.

[0074] In this embodiment, at least a portion of the ECU 50A is positioned further rearward than the rear end of the connecting rod 67 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, and further forward than the front end of the lower arm 42 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body (see Figure 15). When viewed from the front in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, at least a portion of the ECU 50A is positioned in region R3 (see Figure 14). However, the above configuration is an example, and the position of the ECU 50A is not limited to the above position. At least a portion of the ECU 50A may also be positioned in region R3, further rearward than the front end of the connecting rod 67 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, and further forward than the rear end of the connecting rod 67 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body.

[0075] As shown in Figure 15, the tilting vehicle 1 includes a vehicle component 50B. At least a portion of the vehicle component 50B can be positioned further rearward than the front end of the lower arm 42 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, and further forward than the front end of the upper arm 41 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body. When viewed from the front in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, at least a portion of the vehicle component 50B can also be positioned in region R2 (see Figure 14). At least a portion of the vehicle component 50B can also be positioned in region R2, further rearward than the front end of the lower arm 42 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, and further forward than the rear end of the lower arm 42 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body.

[0076] As shown in Figure 15, the tilting vehicle 1 has vehicle parts 50C, at least a portion of which can be disposed further rearward than the lower arm 42 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body and further forward than the upper arm 41 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body.

[0077] As shown in Figure 15, the tilting vehicle 1 includes a vehicle part 50D. At least a portion of the vehicle part 50D can be positioned further rearward than the front end of the upper arm 41 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, and further forward than the rear end of the upper arm 41 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body. When viewed from the front in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, at least a portion of the vehicle part 50D can also be positioned in region R1 (see Figure 14).

[0078] As previously described, the brake hose 36 is supported by the connecting rod 67 via the bracket 35 (see Figure 9). The brake hose 36 is rotatable together with the connecting rod 67. At least a portion of the ECU 50A is positioned, when viewed from the front in the frontal direction of the vehicle body, in the area where the connecting rod 67 is in the third left tilt position, further to the right of the vehicle body in the left-right direction and above the vehicle body in the vertical direction (see Figure 11), and in the area where the connecting rod 67 is in the third right tilt position, further to the left of the vehicle body in the left-right direction and above the vehicle body in the vertical direction (see Figure 12). In this way, although the ECU 50A is positioned near the brake hose 36, contact between the ECU 50A and the brake hose 36 is suppressed.

[0079] The vehicle component 50 disposed at the front of the tilting vehicle 1 is not limited to the ECU 50A. The vehicle component 50 may also be a communication device for wireless communication. For example, the vehicle component 50 may also be a V2X antenna. The vehicle component 50 may also be a charging port for connecting a feed cable (not shown) in a disengaged manner. The tilting vehicle 1 has a secondary battery (not shown) supported on the vehicle frame 10, and the aforementioned charging port may also be connected to the secondary battery via a cable. The vehicle component 50 may also be a sensor for Auto Cruise Control (ACC).

[0080] As previously described, the left frame 60L and right frame 60R of the support frame 60 form a V-shape when viewed from the front in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body (see Figure 9). The ECU 50A is mounted on the lower end of the left frame 60L and the lower end of the right frame 60R. In this way, by using the V-shaped frame (i.e., the left frame 60L and right frame 60R) to support the vehicle part 50, the vehicle part 50 can be properly positioned in the V-shaped area, i.e., areas R1, R2, or R3 (see Figure 14).

[0081] 1: Tilting vehicle 2: Seat 4: Power unit (driving source for driving) 6: Directional force transmission mechanism 10: Vehicle body frame 12: Head tube 14: Connecting pipe 16: Power Unit Support Section 20L: Front left wheel 20R: Right front wheel 22L: Left buffer device 22R: Right buffer device 23L: Left bracket 23R: Right bracket 24: Sleeve element 24A: Outer tube 24B: Inner tube 25L: Left bracket 25R: Right bracket 28: Rear wheel 29: Hindarm 30: Handle bar 31: Steering shaft 32: Steering shaft 33L: Left grip 33R: Right grip 35: Bracket 36: Brake hose 40: Linkage Mechanism 41: Upper arm 41AL: Straight line 41C: First Central Connecting Shaft 41BL: Straight Line 41FL: Straight Line 41L: First left connecting shaft 41R: First right connecting axis 42: Lower arm 42C: Second Central Connecting Shaft 42BL: Straight Line 42FL: Straight Line 42L: Second left connecting shaft 42R: Second right connecting axis 43: Left side component 44: Right side component 45: Hindarm 49: Connecting Mechanism 50: Vehicle parts 50A:ECU 50B: Vehicle parts 50C: Vehicle parts 50D: Vehicle parts 52: Tilt locking device 54: Rotating plate 56: Calipers 60: Support Framework 60L: Left frame 60R: Right frame 61: Intermediate transfer plate 62: Left Passing Board 63: Right Passboard 64: Intermediate Joint 65: Left connector 66: Right connector 67: Connecting rod 67BL: Straight Line 67FL: Straight Line 68C: Third Central Connecting Shaft 68L: 3rd left connecting shaft 68R: 3rd right connecting axis 80: Connecting structural components A1: First distance B: Rear (behind the vehicle in the front-rear direction) B1: Circle B': Rear of the vehicle body in the front-rear direction C1: First axis C2: Second Axis C3: Third Axis C10: Centerline of the vehicle body D: Down D': Below the vertical direction of the vehicle body F: Front (in front of the vehicle in the forward / backward direction) F': Front of the vehicle body in the forward / backward direction L: Left L': Left side of the vehicle body (left-right direction) R: Right R1: Region R2: Region R3: Region R': To the right of the vehicle body in the left-right direction S: Arrow T: Arrow U:Up U': Above the vehicle body in the vertical direction

Claims

1. A tilting vehicle comprising: a body frame having a head tube; a left front wheel disposed to the left of the head tube; a right front wheel disposed to the right of the head tube; a steering axle rotatably supported on the head tube; a connecting mechanism connecting the body frame, the left front wheel, and the right front wheel to the ground in a tilting manner, and connecting the steering axle, the left front wheel, and the right front wheel to the steering axle in a manner that allows the left front wheel and the right front wheel to rotate left and right together with the steering axle; and vehicle parts; wherein the connecting mechanism has an upper arm, a lower arm, and a connecting rod, the upper arm, the lower arm, and the connecting rod being supported on the body frame in a manner rotatable about a first axis, a second axis, and a third axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, and extending to the left and right respectively; the upper arm being disposed further forward in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body than the head tube. The lower arm is positioned further forward of the vehicle body in the longitudinal direction and lower than the upper arm in the vertical direction; the connecting rod is positioned further forward of the vehicle body in the longitudinal direction and lower than the lower arm in the vertical direction; the upper arm is rotatable between a first left tilt position and a first right tilt position, wherein the first left tilt position extends upward in the vertical direction and to the left in the horizontal direction, and the first right tilt position extends upward in the vertical direction and to the right in the horizontal direction; the lower arm is rotatable between a second left tilt position and a second right tilt position, wherein the second left tilt position extends upward in the vertical direction and to the left in the horizontal direction, and the second right tilt position extends upward in the vertical direction and to the right in the horizontal direction. The aforementioned connecting rod can rotate between the third left tilt position and the third right tilt position. The third left tilt position is a position that extends upward in the vertical direction of the vehicle body and to the left in the horizontal direction of the vehicle body. The third right tilt position is a position that extends upward in the vertical direction of the vehicle body and to the right in the horizontal direction of the vehicle body.When the distance between the left and right ends of the upper arm in the left-right direction of the vehicle body and the first axis is defined as the first distance, at least a portion of the vehicle parts is positioned further rearward than the front end of the connecting rod in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body, further forward than the rear end of the upper arm in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body, further to the right than the left end of the upper arm in the left-right direction of the vehicle body when the upper arm is in the first left tilt position, the left end of the lower arm in the left-right direction of the vehicle body when the lower arm is in the second left tilt position, and the leftmost left end of the connecting rod in the left-right direction of the vehicle body when the connecting rod is in the third left tilt position, and further to the left than the right end of the upper arm in the left-right direction of the vehicle body when the upper arm is in the first right tilt position, the right end of the lower arm in the left-right direction of the vehicle body when the lower arm is in the second right tilt position, and the rightmost right end of the connecting rod in the left-right direction of the vehicle body when the connecting rod is in the third right tilt position. The part is located further above the vehicle body in the vertical direction than the third axis mentioned above, and further below the vehicle body in the vertical direction than the first distance away from the first axis mentioned above in the vertical direction. It is positioned so that it will not contact the areas of the upper arm, lower arm, and connecting rod when they rotate; and the vehicle component is an ECU; the ECU is a control device that controls the drive source supporting the vehicle body frame, or a lamp control unit that controls the headlights.

2. As in claim 1, for a tilted vehicle, wherein when the distance between the left and right ends of the connecting rod in the left-right direction of the vehicle body and the third axis is defined as the third distance, at least a portion of the vehicle parts are positioned further rearward than the front end of the connecting rod in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body, and further forward than the front end of the lower arm in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body. When viewed from the front in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body, in the region inside a circle centered on the third axis and with a radius equal to the third distance, the connecting rod is positioned further to the right of the vehicle body in the left-right direction and above the vehicle body in the vertical direction when the connecting rod is in the third left tilt position, and further to the left of the vehicle body in the left-right direction and above the vehicle body in the vertical direction when the connecting rod is in the third right tilt position.

3. The tilting vehicle as claimed in claim 2, wherein at least a portion of the aforementioned vehicle parts is positioned further forward than the rear end of the aforementioned connecting rod in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body.

4. The tilting vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the vehicle parts are positioned further rearward than the rear end of the connecting rod in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body and further forward than the front end of the lower arm in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body.

5. In the tilted vehicle of claim 1, wherein when the distance between the left and right ends of the lower arm in the left-right direction of the vehicle body and the second axis is defined as the second distance, at least a portion of the vehicle parts are positioned further rearward than the front end of the lower arm in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body, and further forward than the front end of the upper arm in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body. When viewed from the front in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body, in the region inside a circle centered on the second axis and with a radius equal to the second distance, the lower arm is positioned further to the right of the vehicle body in the left-right direction and above the vehicle body in the vertical direction when the lower arm is in the second left tilt position, and further to the left of the vehicle body in the left-right direction and above the vehicle body in the vertical direction when the lower arm is in the second right tilt position.

6. The tilting vehicle as claimed in claim 5, wherein at least a portion of the aforementioned vehicle parts is positioned further forward than the rear end of the aforementioned lower arm in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body.

7. The tilting vehicle of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the vehicle parts are disposed further rearward than the rear end of the lower arm in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body and further forward than the front end of the upper arm in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body.

8. The tilting vehicle of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the vehicle parts are disposed further rearward than the front end of the upper arm in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, further forward than the rear end of the upper arm in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, and in the region inside a circle centered on the first axis and with a radius equal to the first distance when viewed from the front in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, the region in which the upper arm is located further to the right of the vehicle body in the left-right direction and above the vehicle body in the vertical direction when the upper arm is in the first left tilting position, and the region in which the upper arm is located further to the left of the vehicle body in the left-right direction and above the vehicle body in the vertical direction when the upper arm is in the first right tilting position.

9. The tilting vehicle of claim 1, which has a brake hose supported by a bracket on the connecting rod, and at least a portion of the vehicle component is positioned further rearward than the front end of the connecting rod in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, and further forward than the rear end of the lower arm in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, and when viewed from the front in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, the connecting rod is positioned to the right of the vehicle body in the left-right direction and above the vehicle body in the vertical direction when the third left tilting position is mentioned above, and the connecting rod is positioned to the left of the vehicle body in the left-right direction and above the vehicle body in the vertical direction when the third right tilting position is mentioned above.

10. The tilting vehicle of claim 1, comprising a tilt locking device that locks the rotation of the upper arm, the lower arm, or the connecting rod, wherein at least a portion of the tilt locking device is disposed further rearward than the front end of the lower arm in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, and further forward than the rear end of the upper arm in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, wherein when viewed from the front in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, the upper arm is located to the right of the vehicle body in the left-right direction and above the vehicle body in the vertical direction when the upper arm is in the first left tilt position, and is located to the left of the vehicle body in the left-right direction and above the vehicle body in the vertical direction when the upper arm is in the first right tilt position, and the vehicle parts are disposed further below the vehicle body in the vertical direction than the tilt locking device.

11. The tilting vehicle of claim 10, which has a support frame for supporting the tilting locking device to the vehicle body frame, and the vehicle parts are supported on the support frame.

12. The tilting vehicle of claim 11, wherein the support frame comprises: a left frame disposed to the left of the tilt locking device in the left-right direction of the vehicle body, extending downward in the vertical direction of the vehicle body and to the right in the left-right direction of the vehicle body; and a right frame disposed to the right of the tilt locking device in the left-right direction of the vehicle body, extending downward in the vertical direction of the vehicle body and to the left in the left-right direction of the vehicle body; and the vehicle parts are mounted on the lower end of the left frame and the lower end of the right frame.

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