Straddled vehicle

WO2025095053A1PCT designated stage expired Publication Date: 2025-05-08YAMAHA MOTOR CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/JP2024/038874
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-10-31
Filing Date
2024-10-31
Publication Date
2025-05-08

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The prior art is difficult to effectively direct condensate water generated by the EGR condenser to the exhaust path in small cycling vehicles while keeping the size of the condenser unchanged.

Method used

An EGR condenser configuration is designed to take advantage of the unique characteristics of the rider vehicle to place the condenser above the protruding portion of the engine generator or clutch, and use the metal side and top bottom surface to conduct heat from the exhaust gas, and to improve condensation efficiency through air circulation.

Benefits of technology

It is achieved to ensure that the condensate water is directed to the exhaust path without increasing the size of the rider, while improving the cooling performance of the EGR condenser.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

An EGR cooler 51 of a straddled vehicle 1 is arranged as in (i)-(iii) below. (i) At least a part of the EGR cooler 51 is located to the right of a part of a right surface 10a or to the left of a part of a left surface 10b of an engine 10 in a first cross-section CS. (ii) At least a part of the EGR cooler 51 is located above a protrusion 63 or a protrusion 64 of the engine 10 covering at least a part of a generator 61 or a clutch 62 in the first cross-section CS. (iii) In the first cross-section CS, a clearance 71 or a clearance 73 through which an air flow passes and / or a clearance 72 or a clearance 74 through which an air flow passes is provided between a right surface 51b or a left surface 51a of the EGR cooler 51 and a part of the left surface 10b or the right surface 10a of the engine 10, and / or between a lower surface 51d of the EGR cooler 51 and the protrusion 63 or the protrusion 64. The first cross-section CS is parallel to a center axis Cy of a cylinder hole 15, is parallel or oblique to the vehicle up-down direction, and is parallel to the vehicle left-right direction.
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Description

Straddled Vehicle

[0001] The present invention relates to a straddled vehicle having an EGR cooler.

[0002] Conventionally, an EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) path that recirculates a portion of exhaust gas generated in an engine from the exhaust path to the intake path may be provided with an EGR cooler to cool the exhaust gas. For example, Patent Document 1 (JP-A-2005-102626) describes a motorcycle in which an EGR cooler is integrally provided in a gearbox housing. In the EGR cooler of Patent Document 1, the exhaust-side port through which the exhaust gas flows is located lower than the intake-side port through which the exhaust gas flows out. As a result, it is estimated that condensed water generated in the EGR cooler when the exhaust gas is cooled in the EGR cooler is discharged from the exhaust-side port and flows toward the exhaust path.

[0003] German Patent Application Publication No. 102018120800

[0004] Straddled vehicles, such as motorcycles, are smaller than automobiles and therefore have less free space. Furthermore, unlike automobiles, straddled vehicles are subject to direct airflow generated by the vehicle's movement against at least a portion of the engine's exterior and surrounding components. For straddled vehicles with these characteristics, there is a need for an EGR cooler with a configuration different from that described in Patent Document 1, which directs condensed water generated in the EGR cooler toward the exhaust path.

[0005] Taking into consideration the unique characteristics of straddled vehicles, such as their small size leaving little free space and the engine and its surrounding components being more susceptible to the airflow generated by the vehicle's movement, the present invention aims to provide a straddled vehicle with a configuration different from that of Patent Document 1, in which an EGR cooler is provided so as to direct condensed water generated in the EGR cooler toward the exhaust path while preventing the straddled vehicle from becoming larger.

[0006] (1) A straddled vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention has the following configuration: an engine having a generator and / or a clutch, the engine having a protrusion that covers at least a portion of the generator or the clutch and protrudes to the left or right of the vehicle, and an EGR cooler that is provided in an EGR path that recirculates a portion of exhaust gas generated in the engine from an exhaust path to an intake path, the EGR cooler having an exhaust-side port through which the exhaust gas flows in and an intake-side port through which the exhaust gas flows out, the EGR cooler being configured so that a lower end of the exhaust-side port is located lower than the intake-side port in the vehicle vertical direction, the EGR cooler cooling the exhaust gas, and condensed water produced by the cooling of the exhaust gas is discharged from the exhaust-side port and flows toward the exhaust path, the EGR cooler being separate from the engine, and the longest length of the EGR cooler in three mutually perpendicular directions is the length along the vehicle longitudinal direction or the vehicle vertical direction, The left and right surfaces and / or the upper and lower surfaces of the EGR cooler are formed of metal so that a portion of the heat of the exhaust gas inside the EGR cooler is transferred to the left and right surfaces and / or the upper and lower surfaces of the EGR cooler, and in a first cross section that is parallel to the central axis of at least one cylinder bore of the engine and parallel to the vehicle vertical direction or oblique to the vehicle vertical direction and parallel to the vehicle left-right direction, so that an airflow generated by the running of the straddled vehicle hits the left and right surfaces and / or the upper and lower surfaces of the EGR cooler, (i) at least a portion of the EGR cooler is to the left of a portion of the left surface of the engine or to the right of a portion of the right surface of the engine in the vehicle left-right direction, and (ii) at least a portion of the EGR cooler is located above the protrusion that covers at least a portion of the generator or the clutch of the engine in a direction parallel to the central axis of the at least one cylinder bore and pointing toward the vehicle upper side; and(iii) A gap through which the airflow passes is provided between the right or left metal surface of the EGR cooler and the portion of the left or right surface of the engine, and / or between the metal underside of the EGR cooler and the protrusion that covers at least a portion of the generator or the clutch of the engine.

[0007] According to this configuration, the longest length of the EGR cooler's three mutually orthogonal lengths is the length along the vehicle longitudinal direction or the vehicle vertical direction, so the areas of the left and right sides of the EGR cooler are large. Furthermore, when the longest length is along the vehicle longitudinal direction, the areas of the top and bottom sides of the EGR cooler are also large. Furthermore, in a first cross section parallel to the central axis of at least one cylinder bore of the engine and parallel to the vehicle transverse direction, so that the left and right sides and / or the top and bottom sides of the EGR cooler formed of metal so as to transfer a portion of the heat of the exhaust gas inside the EGR cooler are hit by an airflow generated by the movement of the straddled vehicle, (i) at least a portion of the EGR cooler is located to the right or left of a portion of the left or right side of the engine, and (ii) in a direction parallel to the central axis of the at least one cylinder bore and pointing upward in the vehicle, it is located above a protrusion covering at least a portion of the engine's generator or clutch, and (iii) the metal of the EGR cooler A gap through which airflow passes is provided between the right or left surface of the EGR cooler and a portion of the left or right surface of the engine, and / or between the metal underside of the EGR cooler and a protrusion covering at least a portion of the engine's generator or clutch. Therefore, when the straddled vehicle is traveling, airflow, including airflow passing through the gap between the right or left surface of the EGR cooler and a portion of the left or right surface of the engine, and / or between the underside of the EGR cooler and a protrusion covering at least a portion of the engine's generator or clutch, contacts the large-area metal left and right surfaces of the EGR cooler and / or the metal upper and lower surfaces. This allows a portion of the heat of the exhaust gas inside the EGR cooler to be efficiently dissipated. This prevents the EGR cooler from becoming too large while maintaining its cooling performance, thereby improving design freedom for the EGR cooler's placement.Therefore, by taking advantage of the unique characteristic of straddled vehicles, in which the engine and its peripheral components are more likely to receive the airflow generated by vehicle movement, and by providing an EGR cooler by effectively utilizing the space above the protrusion that protrudes to the left or right of the vehicle and covers the engine's generator or clutch in a straddled vehicle with limited free space, it is possible to easily position the EGR cooler so that condensed water generated in the EGR cooler flows toward the exhaust path while suppressing an increase in the size of the straddled vehicle. Moreover, the EGR cooler can be positioned in a different configuration from that of Patent Document 1. In other words, by taking into account the unique characteristic of straddled vehicles, in which the engine and its peripheral components are more likely to receive the airflow generated by vehicle movement due to their small size and limited free space, the EGR cooler can be positioned in a different configuration from that of Patent Document 1 so that condensed water generated in the EGR cooler flows toward the exhaust path.

[0008] (2) A straddled vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention may have the following configuration in addition to the configuration described in (1) above: two front fork parts respectively disposed on the left and right sides of the straddled vehicle, aligned along the vehicle vertical direction, and rotatably supporting at least one front wheel, and the EGR cooler is positioned so that, when the straddled vehicle is traveling, at least one of the airflow passing through the inside of the two front fork parts and the airflow passing through the outside of the two front fork parts hits the left and right metal surfaces and / or the top and bottom metal surfaces of the EGR cooler.

[0009] With this configuration, when the straddled vehicle is traveling, at least one of the airflows passing through the inside of the two front fork sections and the outside of the two front fork sections can be used to efficiently dissipate a portion of the heat of the exhaust gases inside the EGR cooler from the left and right metal surfaces and / or the top and bottom metal surfaces of the EGR cooler. The outside of the two front fork sections is typically not occupied by other on-vehicle components, leaving a large space for the airflow to pass through. Therefore, when the straddled vehicle is traveling, a large amount of airflow passes through the space outside the two front fork sections, and this airflow can be directed toward the left and right metal surfaces and / or the top and bottom metal surfaces of the EGR cooler. Furthermore, a space is provided inside the two front fork sections to allow the front wheel to stroke vertically relative to the vehicle frame. As a result, when the straddled vehicle is traveling, a large amount of airflow passes through the space inside the two front fork sections, and this large amount of airflow can be directed toward the left and right metallic surfaces and / or the upper and lower metallic surfaces of the EGR cooler. This allows the EGR cooler's cooling performance to be maintained while further minimizing its size, thereby increasing the design freedom for its placement. Therefore, by taking advantage of the unique characteristic of straddled vehicles, in which the engine and its peripheral components are more susceptible to the increased airflow generated by vehicle travel, and by providing the EGR cooler by effectively utilizing the space above at least a portion of the generator or clutch in straddled vehicles, which have limited free space, it is easier to position the EGR cooler so that condensed water generated in the EGR cooler flows toward the exhaust path.

[0010] (3) A straddled vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention may have the following configuration in addition to the configuration described in (2) above: a headlight unit consisting of at least one headlight, and the EGR cooler is arranged in a space above the center of rotation of the at least one front wheel in the vehicle vertical direction and below the lower end of the headlight unit so that, when the straddled vehicle is traveling, at least one of the airflow that has passed inside the two front fork units and the airflow that has passed outside the two front fork units hits the left and right metal surfaces and / or the top and bottom metal surfaces of the EGR cooler.

[0011] With this configuration, because the front wheel is supported by the front fork at its center of rotation, no space is formed between the front wheel and the front fork near the center of rotation. However, above the center of rotation, a clearance (space) is provided between the front wheel and the front fork to accommodate the rotation of the front wheel. This space functions as a passageway for airflow, allowing the airflow passing through the space to impinge on the left and right metal surfaces and / or the upper and lower metal surfaces of the EGR cooler. Furthermore, the lower end of the headlight unit, which includes at least one headlight, is positioned below the headlight unit to ensure sufficient space for the front wheel to move vertically relative to the body frame. Therefore, a relatively large space is formed below the headlight unit, allowing a large amount of airflow to pass through this space and impinge on the left and right metal surfaces and / or the upper and lower metal surfaces of the EGR cooler. In this way, when the straddled vehicle is traveling, the airflow flowing around the front fork in the space above the center of rotation of the front wheel and below the bottom end of the headlight can be used to efficiently dissipate a portion of the heat from the exhaust gases inside the EGR cooler from the metal left and right sides and / or the metal top and bottom sides of the EGR cooler. This allows the EGR cooler's cooling performance to be maintained while further minimizing its size, thereby increasing design freedom for its placement. Therefore, by taking advantage of the unique characteristic of straddled vehicles, in which the engine and its peripheral components are more susceptible to the airflow generated by vehicle travel, and by effectively utilizing the space above at least a portion of the generator or clutch in straddled vehicles where there is limited free space, the EGR cooler can be more easily positioned so that condensed water generated in the EGR cooler flows toward the exhaust path.

[0012] (4) A straddled vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention may have the following configuration in addition to the configuration described in (3) above: the EGR cooler is disposed above the center of rotation of the at least one front wheel and below the lower end of the headlight unit in the vehicle up-down direction so that, during travel of the straddled vehicle, at least one of the airflows that pass through the inside of the two front fork units and the airflows that pass through the outside of the two front fork units hits the left and right metal surfaces and / or the upper and lower metal surfaces of the EGR cooler in a space above the center of rotation of the at least one front wheel and below the lower end of the headlight unit in the vehicle up-down direction.

[0013] This configuration allows for efficient dissipation of a portion of the exhaust gas heat inside the EGR cooler from the metal left and right sides and / or top and bottom surfaces of the EGR cooler by more reliably utilizing the airflow around the front fork in the space above the center of rotation of the front wheel and below the bottom end of the headlight. This configuration ensures the cooling performance of the EGR cooler while further minimizing the size of the EGR cooler, thereby providing greater design flexibility for the EGR cooler's placement. Therefore, by utilizing the limited available space above at least a portion of the generator or clutch in a straddled vehicle, the EGR cooler can be more easily positioned so that condensed water generated inside the EGR cooler flows toward the exhaust path, while taking advantage of the unique characteristic of straddled vehicles, in which the engine and its peripheral components are more susceptible to the increased airflow generated by vehicle movement.

[0014] (5) A straddled vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention may have the following configuration in addition to any one of the configurations (1) to (4) above: The EGR cooler is supported by the engine.

[0015] According to this configuration, in a straddled vehicle, by attaching the EGR cooler to the engine, the design precision of the gap between the right or left surface of the EGR cooler and a portion of the left or right surface of the engine, and / or the gap between the underside of the EGR cooler and a protrusion covering at least a portion of the engine's generator or clutch, can be increased compared to when the EGR cooler is attached to a component other than the engine, such as a vehicle frame. This more reliably ensures a gap through which airflow generated by the straddled vehicle's travel can pass between the right or left surface of the EGR cooler and a portion of the left or right surface of the engine, and / or between the underside of the EGR cooler and a protrusion covering at least a portion of the engine's generator or clutch. This allows for more efficient dissipation of a portion of the heat of the exhaust gases inside the EGR cooler from the metal left and right surfaces and / or the metal top and bottom surfaces of the EGR cooler, making better use of the airflow generated by the straddled vehicle's travel. This allows the EGR cooler to be prevented from becoming larger while still maintaining its cooling performance, thereby improving the design freedom for its placement. Therefore, by taking advantage of the unique characteristic of straddled vehicles in which the engine and its peripheral components are more likely to be exposed to the airflow generated by the vehicle's movement, and by providing an EGR cooler by effectively utilizing the space above at least a portion of the generator or clutch in straddled vehicles where there is little free space, it is easier to position the EGR cooler so that condensed water generated in the EGR cooler flows toward the exhaust path.

[0016] (6) A straddled vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention may have the following configuration in addition to any of the configurations (1) to (5) above: the upper surface of the EGR cooler is formed from the metal, and in the first cross section, so that an airflow generated by travelling of the straddled vehicle hits the metal upper surface of the EGR cooler, (I) at least a portion of the EGR cooler is located below at least one of a frame portion, a cover portion, a tank member formed from a tank alone or a combination of a tank and a tank shroud, and a dummy tank member formed from a dummy tank alone or a combination of a dummy tank and a dummy tank shroud, in a direction parallel to the central axis of the at least one cylinder bore and pointing downwardly towards the vehicle, and (II) a gap through which the airflow passes is provided between the metal upper surface of the EGR cooler and at least one of the frame portion, the cover portion, the tank member, and the dummy tank member.

[0017] This configuration makes it easier to ensure a gap between the top surface of the EGR cooler and the frame, cover, tank member, or dummy tank member through which airflow generated by the straddled vehicle's movement can pass. Therefore, by taking advantage of the airflow generated by the straddled vehicle's movement, a portion of the heat of the exhaust gas inside the EGR cooler can be efficiently dissipated from at least the metal top surface of the EGR cooler. This allows the EGR cooler's cooling performance to be maintained while further minimizing its size, thereby further increasing the design freedom for its placement. Therefore, by taking advantage of the unique characteristic of straddled vehicles, in which the engine and its peripheral components are more susceptible to the airflow generated by the vehicle's movement, and by effectively utilizing the space above at least a portion of the generator or clutch in straddled vehicles with limited free space, the EGR cooler can be more easily positioned so that condensed water generated in the EGR cooler flows toward the exhaust path.

[0018] (7) A straddled vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention may have the following configuration in addition to any of the configurations (1) to (6) above: the left and right surfaces of the EGR cooler are formed from the metal, at least a portion of the left or right surface of the EGR cooler is covered with a cover, and a gap through which the airflow passes is provided between the left or right surface of the EGR cooler made of metal and the cover in the first cross section so that the airflow generated by the movement of the straddled vehicle hits the left or right surface of the EGR cooler made of metal.

[0019] This configuration makes it easier to ensure a gap between the left or right surface of the EGR cooler and the cover portion through which airflow generated by the straddled vehicle's movement can pass. Therefore, by taking advantage of the airflow generated by the straddled vehicle's movement, a portion of the heat of the exhaust gas inside the EGR cooler can be efficiently dissipated from at least the left and right metal surfaces of the EGR cooler. This allows the EGR cooler's cooling performance to be maintained while further minimizing its size, thereby increasing the design freedom for its placement. Therefore, by taking advantage of the unique characteristic of straddled vehicles, in which the engine and its peripheral components are more susceptible to the airflow generated by the vehicle's movement, and by effectively utilizing the space above at least a portion of the generator or clutch in straddled vehicles with limited free space, the EGR cooler can be more easily positioned so that condensed water generated in the EGR cooler flows toward the exhaust path.

[0020] (8) A straddled vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention may have the following configuration in addition to any of the configurations (1) to (6) above: (A) in the first cross section, the EGR cooler is located lower than a left cover part disposed on the left side of the straddled vehicle in a direction parallel to the central axis of the at least one cylinder bore and pointing downward toward the vehicle, and to the right of the left cover part in the left-right direction of the vehicle, or lower than a right cover part disposed on the right side of the straddled vehicle in a direction parallel to the central axis of the at least one cylinder bore and pointing downward toward the vehicle, and to the left of the right cover part in the left-right direction of the vehicle, so that the airflow generated by the straddled vehicle impinges on the left and right metallic surfaces and / or the upper and lower metallic surfaces of the EGR cooler, and (B) a gap through which the airflow passes is provided between an upper left end or an upper right end of the EGR cooler and the left cover part or the right cover part.

[0021] This configuration makes it easy to ensure a gap between the upper left or right end of the EGR cooler and the left or right cover portion, allowing airflow generated by the straddled vehicle's movement to pass through. Furthermore, it is easy to expose the left or right side of the EGR cooler, the side opposite the engine, to the outside, allowing more of the airflow generated by the straddled vehicle's movement to come into contact with this exposed surface. This allows for more efficient dissipation of a portion of the heat from the exhaust gases inside the EGR cooler from the metallic left and right sides and / or the metallic top and bottom surfaces of the EGR cooler, making it possible to prevent the EGR cooler from becoming too large while maintaining its cooling performance, thereby further increasing the design freedom for the EGR cooler's placement. Therefore, by taking advantage of the unique characteristic of straddled vehicles, in which the engine and its surrounding components are more likely to be exposed to the airflow generated by the vehicle's movement, and by effectively utilizing the space above at least a portion of the generator or clutch in straddled vehicles, which have little free space, the EGR cooler can be installed, making it easier to position the EGR cooler so that condensed water generated in the EGR cooler flows toward the exhaust path.

[0022] (9) A straddled vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention may have the following configuration in addition to any of the configurations (1) to (8) above: the left and right surfaces of the EGR cooler are formed from the metal, and in the first cross section, (a) at least a portion of the EGR cooler is located to the right of a left frame section disposed on the left side of the straddled vehicle or to the left of a right frame section disposed on the right side of the straddled vehicle in the vehicle left-right direction so that an airflow generated by the straddled vehicle traveling hits the left or right surface of the EGR cooler made of metal, and (b) a gap through which the airflow passes is provided between the left metal surface of the EGR cooler and the left frame section, or between the right metal surface of the EGR cooler and the right frame section.

[0023] This configuration makes it easy to ensure a gap between the left surface of the EGR cooler and the left frame portion, or between the right surface of the EGR cooler and the right frame portion, through which the airflow generated by the straddled vehicle's movement can pass. It also makes it easy to ensure a space above the EGR cooler through which the airflow generated by the straddled vehicle's movement can pass. Therefore, by making better use of the airflow generated by the straddled vehicle's movement, a portion of the heat of the exhaust gas inside the EGR cooler can be efficiently dissipated from the metallic left and right surfaces and / or metallic top and bottom surfaces of the EGR cooler. This makes it possible to further prevent the EGR cooler from becoming larger while maintaining its cooling performance, thereby further improving the design freedom for the EGR cooler's placement. Therefore, by taking advantage of the unique characteristic of straddled vehicles, in which the engine and its surrounding components are more likely to be exposed to the airflow generated by the vehicle's movement, and by effectively utilizing the space above at least a portion of the generator or clutch in straddled vehicles, which have little free space, the EGR cooler can be installed, making it easier to position the EGR cooler so that condensed water generated in the EGR cooler flows toward the exhaust path.

[0024] (10) A straddled vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention may have the following configuration in addition to any of the configurations (1) to (8) above: in the first cross section, (a) the EGR cooler is located below a space between two frame members arranged on the left and right sides of the straddled vehicle, respectively, in a direction parallel to the central axis of the at least one cylinder bore and pointing downward toward the vehicle, so that an airflow generated by the straddled vehicle's travel impinges on the left and right metal surfaces and / or the top and bottom metal surfaces of the EGR cooler, and (b) a gap through which the airflow passes is provided between the upper left end or the upper right end of the EGR cooler and one of the two frame members.

[0025] This configuration makes it easy to ensure a gap between the upper left or upper right end of the EGR cooler and one of the two frame parts through which the airflow generated by the straddled vehicle's movement can pass. It also makes it easy to ensure a space above the EGR cooler through which the airflow generated by the straddled vehicle's movement can pass. This allows the airflow generated by the straddled vehicle's movement to be more effectively utilized to efficiently dissipate a portion of the heat of the exhaust gas inside the EGR cooler from the metallic left and right surfaces and / or the metallic top and bottom surfaces of the EGR cooler. This allows the EGR cooler's cooling performance to be maintained while further minimizing its size, thereby further increasing the design freedom for the EGR cooler's placement. Therefore, by taking advantage of the unique characteristic of straddled vehicles, in which the engine and its surrounding components are more likely to be exposed to the airflow generated by the vehicle's movement, and by effectively utilizing the space above at least a portion of the generator or clutch in straddled vehicles, which have little free space, the EGR cooler can be installed, making it easier to position the EGR cooler so that condensed water generated in the EGR cooler flows toward the exhaust path.

[0026] In the present invention and embodiments, the term "path" refers to a space through which an object such as gas flows. This definition applies to the EGR path, the intake path, and the exhaust path in the present invention and embodiments.

[0027] In the present invention and its embodiments, the vehicle up-down direction is the direction perpendicular to a horizontal plane when the straddled vehicle is placed upright on the horizontal plane. The vehicle up-down direction includes the vehicle up-down direction and the vehicle down-down direction. In the present invention and its embodiments, the vehicle fore-aft direction is the direction parallel to the direction of travel of the straddled vehicle when the straddled vehicle travels straight. The vehicle fore-aft direction includes the vehicle forward direction and the vehicle rearward direction. In the present invention and its embodiments, the vehicle left-right direction is the direction perpendicular to the vehicle up-down direction and the vehicle fore-aft direction, and is the left-right direction from the perspective of a rider riding the straddled vehicle. The vehicle left-right direction includes the vehicle left-hand direction and the vehicle right-hand direction.

[0028] In the present invention and its embodiments, a straddled vehicle refers to a vehicle on which a rider sits astride a saddle. Straddled vehicles include motorcycles, motor tricycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), snowmobiles, and personal watercraft. Straddled vehicles include scooters, motorized bicycles, and mopeds. Motor tricycles have one or two front wheels. A straddled vehicle in the present invention and its embodiments may have at least one front wheel. A straddled vehicle in the present invention and its embodiments may have a body frame that tilts to the right relative to the vertical direction of the vehicle when turning right and tilts to the left relative to the vertical direction of the vehicle when turning left. In the present invention and its embodiments, the drive source of a straddled vehicle may be an engine alone, or both an engine and an electric motor. The electric motor as a drive source does not include a starter motor that is used only to start the engine.

[0029] In the present invention and embodiments, the left part of the straddled vehicle is the part to the left of the center of the straddled vehicle in the left-right direction of the vehicle, and the right part of the straddled vehicle is the part to the right of the center of the straddled vehicle in the left-right direction of the vehicle.

[0030] In the present invention and embodiments, the straddled vehicle has an engine. In the present invention and embodiments, the engine may be a four-stroke engine. The engine may be a multi-cylinder engine having multiple combustion chambers. The engine may be a parallel multi-cylinder engine having multiple combustion chambers aligned in the left-right direction of the vehicle. The engine may be a V-engine configured in a V-shape when viewed in the left-right direction of the vehicle. The engine may be a single-cylinder engine having a single combustion chamber. In the present invention and embodiments, the engine has a generator and / or a clutch, and a protrusion that covers at least a portion of the generator or clutch and protrudes to the left or right of the vehicle is formed on the engine. In the present invention and embodiments, the phrase "the engine is formed with a protrusion that covers at least a portion of the generator and protrudes to the left or right of the vehicle" does not exclude both "a protrusion that covers at least a portion of the generator and protrudes to the left or right of the vehicle" and "a protrusion that covers at least a portion of the clutch and protrudes to the left or right of the vehicle" being formed on the engine.

[0031] In the present invention and embodiments, the number of at least one cylinder bore of the engine may be one or more. The combustion chamber is formed by the cylinder bore, a piston disposed in the cylinder bore, and a cylinder head. In the present invention and embodiments, a first cross section parallel to the central axis of at least one cylinder bore of the engine and parallel to the vehicle vertical direction or oblique to the vehicle vertical direction and parallel to the vehicle left-right direction may or may not overlap with the central axis of at least one cylinder bore of the engine. In the present invention and embodiments, the central axis of the cylinder bore is not a line segment that exists only in the region where the cylinder bore exists, but is a straight line that extends infinitely. The central axis of the cylinder bore that serves as the basis for the first cross section is parallel to the vehicle vertical direction or oblique to the vehicle vertical direction. The central axis of the cylinder bore that serves as the basis for the first cross section may be inclined with respect to the vehicle vertical direction so that its upper portion is located forward of its lower portion in the vehicle fore-aft direction. In the present invention and its embodiments, the first cross section parallel to the central axis of at least one cylinder bore of the engine and parallel to the vehicle vertical direction or oblique to the vehicle vertical direction and parallel to the vehicle left-right direction is not intended to limit, in a case where the engine has multiple cylinder bores, to a case where all of the cylinder bores have parallel central axes, parallel to the vehicle vertical direction or oblique to the vehicle vertical direction, and aligned on a straight line parallel to the vehicle left-right direction. For example, the engine may be a V-type engine having only two cylinder bores with non-parallel central axes. In this case, the first cross section is set based on the central axis of one of the two cylinder bores. Furthermore, for example, the engine may be a V-type engine having multiple cylinder bores with parallel central axes and aligned on a straight line parallel to the vehicle left-right direction, and multiple cylinder bores with central axes that are not parallel to the central axes of the multiple cylinder bores.

[0032] In the present invention and embodiments, the intake path is directly connected to at least one combustion chamber of the engine. Air supplied to the at least one combustion chamber of the engine flows through the intake path. A portion of the intake path is formed inside the engine. A portion of the intake path is disposed outside the engine and is formed by an intake pipe or the like. A rear portion of the engine may form a portion of the intake path. The intake path has at least one downstream end in the air flow direction. The number of the at least one downstream ends of the intake path may be the same as or greater than the number of combustion chambers.

[0033] In the present invention and embodiments, the exhaust path is directly connected to at least one combustion chamber of the engine. Exhaust gas discharged from the at least one combustion chamber of the engine flows through the exhaust path. A portion of the exhaust path is formed inside the engine. A portion of the exhaust path is disposed outside the engine and formed by an exhaust pipe or the like. The front of the engine may form a portion of the exhaust path. The exhaust path has at least one upstream end in the flow direction of the exhaust gas. The number of the at least one upstream ends of the exhaust path may be the same as or greater than the number of combustion chambers.

[0034] In the present invention and embodiments, the EGR pathway is directly connected to the exhaust pathway and the intake pathway. The EGR pathway may be connected to the exhaust pathway and the intake pathway outside the engine. The EGR pathway may be connected to the exhaust pathway and the intake pathway inside the engine. The EGR pathway may be connected to the exhaust pathway inside the engine and connected to the intake pathway outside the engine. The EGR pathway may be connected to the exhaust pathway outside the engine and connected to the intake pathway inside the engine. In the present invention and embodiments, the EGR pathway may be connected to the exhaust pathway at one or more points. If the engine has multiple combustion chambers, the EGR pathway may be connected to the exhaust pathway such that a portion of exhaust gas discharged from each of the multiple combustion chambers flows into the EGR pathway. If the engine has multiple combustion chambers, the EGR pathway may be connected to the exhaust pathway such that only a portion of exhaust gas discharged from at least one of the multiple combustion chambers flows into the EGR pathway. In the present invention and embodiments, the EGR pathway may be connected to the intake pathway at one or more points. In the present invention and embodiments, the EGR path may be provided with an EGR valve that adjusts the flow rate of exhaust gas flowing through the EGR path. The EGR valve may be disposed in the EGR path between the intake path and the EGR cooler.

[0035] In the present invention and the embodiments, the provision of an EGR cooler midway in the EGR path means that the EGR cooler is not provided at a connection between the exhaust path or the intake path and the EGR path.

[0036] In the present invention and embodiments, the EGR cooler is configured to cool exhaust gases that flow into the EGR cooler from the exhaust-side port. The EGR cooler may be configured to cool the exhaust gases using a coolant (e.g., water) that cools the engine. In this case, the engine may have a coolant path dedicated to the EGR cooler. The EGR cooler may be configured to cool the exhaust gases using airflow generated by the movement of the straddled vehicle, regardless of the engine cooling method. In this case, the EGR cooler includes fins that increase the contact area with the airflow and thereby improve heat exchange efficiency.

[0037] In the present invention and embodiments, "the EGR cooler is configured so that condensed water generated by cooling the exhaust gas is discharged from the exhaust-side port and flows toward the exhaust path" means that the EGR cooler and the EGR path are configured so that condensed water generated in the EGR cooler by cooling the exhaust gas flows toward the exhaust-side port of the EGR cooler and is discharged from the exhaust-side port, and the condensed water discharged from the exhaust-side port flows through the EGR path toward the exhaust path. Condensed water generated by cooling the exhaust gas by the EGR cooler is discharged from the exhaust-side port and flows toward the exhaust path by gravity. In the present invention and embodiments, "condensed water generated by cooling the exhaust gas is discharged from the exhaust-side port and flows toward the exhaust path" includes condensed water generated in the EGR cooler by cooling the exhaust gas by the EGR cooler being discharged from the exhaust-side port and flowing into the exhaust path. The condensed water discharged from the exhaust-side port may evaporate before reaching the exhaust path.

[0038] In the present invention and embodiments, the EGR cooler being separate from the engine means that the EGR cooler and the engine are independent of each other. In the present invention and embodiments, the EGR cooler is disposed to the right or left of the center of the saddle-ride type vehicle in the left-right direction of the vehicle.

[0039] In the present invention and its embodiments, the left side of the EGR cooler refers to the side of the EGR cooler facing the left side of the vehicle, and the right side of the EGR cooler refers to the side of the EGR cooler facing the right side of the vehicle. The left and right sides of the EGR cooler are perpendicular to the direction along the left-right direction of the vehicle. Here, the direction along the left-right direction of the vehicle is not limited to a direction parallel to the left-right direction of the vehicle, but refers to a direction within a range of 45 degrees relative to the left-right direction of the vehicle. The left and right sides of the EGR cooler are generally perpendicular to the left-right direction of the vehicle, but do not necessarily need to be strictly perpendicular. The left and right sides of the EGR cooler may be parallel to each other. In the present invention and its embodiments, a gap through which airflow generated by the movement of the straddled vehicle can pass may or may not be provided between the left or right side of the EGR cooler and the engine. If there is no gap through which airflow passes, the left or right surface of the EGR cooler is in contact with the engine, or there is a gap between the left or right surface of the EGR cooler and the engine that does not allow airflow to pass through.

[0040] In the present invention and its embodiments, the upper surface of the EGR cooler refers to a surface of the EGR cooler that is not provided with either an exhaust-side port or an intake-side port and faces the vehicle upward. The lower surface of the EGR cooler refers to a surface of the EGR cooler that is not provided with either an exhaust-side port or an intake-side port and faces the vehicle downward. The upper and lower surfaces of the EGR cooler may be perpendicular to a direction along the vehicle up-down direction or perpendicular to a direction along the vehicle front-rear direction. Here, the direction along the vehicle up-down direction refers to a direction within a 45° range relative to the vehicle up-down direction, and the direction along the vehicle front-rear direction refers to a direction within a 45° range relative to the vehicle front-rear direction. The upper and lower surfaces of the EGR cooler may be parallel to each other. In the present invention and its embodiments, a gap may or may not be provided between the upper surface of the EGR cooler and the engine, through which airflow generated by the movement of the straddled vehicle passes. If there is no gap through which airflow passes, the top surface of the EGR cooler is in contact with the engine, or there is a gap between the top surface of the EGR cooler and the engine that does not allow airflow to pass through.

[0041] In the present invention and embodiments, the EGR cooler may have at least one surface that is perpendicular to the left and / or right surface. Note that, in an EGR cooler, two surfaces that are perpendicular to each other mean that the two surfaces are generally perpendicular to each other, and each surface may have an uneven surface. The two perpendicular surfaces may be connected via a corner or via another surface. In the present invention and embodiments, the EGR cooler may have a polygonal cross-sectional shape, such as a square, hexagon, or octagon, that is perpendicular to the flow direction of exhaust gas within the EGR cooler. In the present invention and embodiments, the flow direction of exhaust gas within the EGR cooler may be a direction perpendicular to the vehicle's left-right direction. Note that the direction perpendicular to the vehicle's left-right direction here is not limited to a direction parallel to the direction perpendicular to the vehicle's left-right direction, but may also be a direction within a 45° range relative to the direction perpendicular to the vehicle's left-right direction.

[0042] In the present invention and embodiments, the lengths of the EGR cooler in three mutually orthogonal directions may be, for example, a length in a first direction orthogonal to a first surface, which is the left or right surface of the EGR cooler, a length in a second direction orthogonal to a second surface of the EGR cooler that is perpendicular to the first surface, and a length in a third direction orthogonal to both the first and second directions. The third direction may be, for example, the direction of a straight line connecting the exhaust-side port and the intake-side port of the EGR cooler or a direction close to the straight line. The longest length of the EGR cooler in the three mutually orthogonal directions may be the length in the third direction, or the length in the first or second direction. The lengths of the EGR cooler in the three mutually orthogonal directions are the length along the vehicle longitudinal direction, the length along the vehicle vertical direction, and the length along the vehicle lateral direction. In the present invention and embodiments, the expression "the longest length of the EGR cooler in three mutually orthogonal directions is along the vehicle longitudinal direction or the vehicle vertical direction" means that the longest length of the EGR cooler in the three mutually orthogonal directions is within a 45° range from the vehicle longitudinal direction or within a 45° range from the vehicle vertical direction. Note that the term "or" here does not intend to deny the possibility of combining both. In other words, the longest length of the EGR cooler in the three mutually orthogonal directions may be the length in the direction that forms a 45° angle with the vehicle longitudinal direction and also the direction that forms a 45° angle with the vehicle vertical direction.

[0043] In the present invention and embodiments, the phrase "a portion of the heat of the exhaust gas inside the EGR cooler is transferred to the left and right sides and / or the top and bottom sides of the EGR cooler" includes cases where a portion of the heat of the exhaust gas inside the EGR cooler is transferred to the above-mentioned sides of the EGR cooler only via the structures that make up the EGR cooler, and cases where a portion of the heat of the exhaust gas inside the EGR cooler is transferred to the above-mentioned sides of the EGR cooler via the coolant and the structures that make up the EGR cooler.

[0044] In the present invention and embodiments, the phrase "at least a portion of the EGR cooler is to the left of a portion of the left side of the engine's left face or to the right of a portion of the right side of the engine" in the first cross section refers only to the relationship between the EGR cooler in the first cross section and the left or right side of the engine in the first cross section. In the present invention and embodiments, the phrase "at least a portion of the EGR cooler that is to the left of a portion of the left side of the engine's left face or to the right of a portion of the right side of the engine in the first cross section" may be the entire EGR cooler in the first cross section, or a portion of the EGR cooler in the first cross section. In the present invention and embodiments, the phrase "at least a portion of the EGR cooler that is above a protrusion that covers at least a portion of the generator or clutch of the engine in the direction parallel to the central axis of the at least one cylinder bore and pointing upward toward the vehicle" in the first cross section may be the entire EGR cooler in the first cross section, or a portion of the EGR cooler in the first cross section. In the present invention and its embodiments, the direction parallel to the central axis of at least one cylinder bore and pointing upward toward the vehicle in the first cross section is a direction that exists on the first cross section and points upward toward the vehicle. In the present invention and its embodiments, the expression "at least a portion of the EGR cooler is above the protrusion in the first cross section in the direction parallel to the central axis of the cylinder bore and pointing upward toward the vehicle" refers to the following state: When viewed in a direction parallel to the central axis of the cylinder bore, at least a portion of the EGR cooler on the first cross section overlaps with at least a portion of the protrusion on the first cross section, and the lower end of the at least a portion of the EGR cooler on the first cross section faces the upper end of the at least a portion of the protrusion on the first cross section in a direction parallel to the central axis of the cylinder bore. This definition can also be applied by replacing "protrusion" with another term, and by replacing "upper direction," "upper," "upper end," and "lower end" with "downward direction," "lower," "lower end," and "upper end," respectively. In the present invention and embodiments, the protruding portion covering at least a portion of the generator or the clutch of the engine in the first cross section refers to a portion of the engine that protrudes to the left or right of the vehicle in the first cross section. The central axis of the generator may be parallel to the left-right direction of the vehicle.The central axis of the generator may intersect with the central axis of the cylinder bore or may be spaced apart from the central axis of the cylinder bore. Furthermore, the generator may be disposed on the central axis of the crankshaft. The central axis of the clutch may be spaced apart from the central axis of the cylinder bore. The clutch may be disposed on an axis parallel to the central axis of the crankshaft, for example. In the present invention and its embodiments, in the first cross section, at least a portion of the EGR cooler located to the left of a portion of the left face or to the right of a portion of the right face of the engine may be the same as or partially overlap with at least a portion of the EGR cooler located above a protrusion that covers at least a portion of the generator or clutch of the engine in a direction parallel to the central axis of at least one cylinder bore and pointing upward toward the vehicle.

[0045] In the present invention and its embodiments, the front fork portion is made up of one or more front forks. The front fork is a rod-shaped member that extends in the vertical direction of the vehicle, and the front fork is not bifurcated (forked) by itself. The front fork portion is also not bifurcated (forked). If the straddled vehicle has one front wheel, the front fork portion may be made up of one front fork. If the straddled vehicle has two front wheels, the front fork portion may be made up of multiple front forks. Specifically, a pair of right front forks supporting the right front wheel and a pair of left front forks supporting the left front wheel may each constitute one front fork portion.

[0046] In the present invention and its embodiments, the straddled vehicle may have a headlight unit consisting of at least one headlight. The headlight unit may be composed of a single headlight located at the center of the straddled vehicle in the left-right direction, or may be composed of two headlights located on each of the left and right sides of the straddled vehicle. The center of the headlight unit in the left-right direction may be the center of the straddled vehicle in the left-right direction. The headlight unit may be a part that is visible when viewed from the front of the straddled vehicle. The headlight may be located in a hole formed in the front cover. In this case, when viewed from the front of the straddled vehicle, a space is provided below the lower end of the front cover located below the headlight unit to allow the front wheel to stroke in the vertical direction of the vehicle relative to the body frame. In this specification, the space formed below the lower end of the front cover located below the headlight unit may sometimes be referred to as the space below the headlight unit.

[0047] In the present invention and embodiments, the EGR cooler being supported by the engine includes cases where the EGR cooler is indirectly connected to the engine via other parts such as a bracket, and cases where the EGR cooler is directly connected to the engine by a fastening member.

[0048] In the present invention and embodiments, the frame portion is a part of the vehicle body frame. The frame portion appearing in the first cross section may be a frame portion disposed on the left or right side of the straddled vehicle and extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The two frame portions disposed on the left and right sides of the straddled vehicle are a left frame portion disposed on the left side of the straddled vehicle and a right frame portion disposed on the right side of the straddled vehicle.

[0049] In the present invention and its embodiments, the cover portion forms part of the exterior of the straddled vehicle. The cover portion may be an independent member, a part of an independent member, or may be composed of multiple independent members. The cover portion may be a tank shroud that appears to be integrated with the tank alone. The cover portion may also be at least a part of a cover known as a front cowl or a side cowl. Furthermore, when the cover portion is positioned to cover at least a portion of the left or right side of the EGR cooler, the cover portion may be a protector that is provided to protect at least the EGR cooler.

[0050] In the present invention and embodiments, the phrase "the EGR cooler is located lower in the first cross section than the left cover portion located on the left side of the straddled vehicle in a direction parallel to the central axis of at least one cylinder bore and pointing toward the vehicle bottom" means that the entire EGR cooler is located lower in the first cross section than a plane passing through the lowermost end of the left cover portion on the first cross section and perpendicular to the central axis of the cylinder bore. The lowermost end of the EGR cooler on the first cross section may or may not be located on a plane passing through the lowermost end of the left cover portion on the first cross section and perpendicular to the central axis of the cylinder bore. The EGR cooler and the left cover portion may or may not be aligned on a straight line parallel to the central axis of the cylinder bore. Note that the above definition also applies to the phrase "the EGR cooler is located lower in the first cross section than the right cover portion located on the right side of the straddled vehicle in a direction parallel to the central axis of at least one cylinder bore and pointing toward the vehicle bottom," with appropriate terminology replaced.

[0051] In the present invention and its embodiments, the tank member may be formed by a tank alone, or may be formed by a combination of a tank and a tank shroud. The tank is, for example, a fuel tank that stores fuel to be supplied to an engine unit. The tank shroud is a cover portion that is provided so as to appear integrated with the tank from the outside. In the present invention and its embodiments, the dummy tank member may be formed by a dummy tank alone, or may be formed by a combination of a dummy tank and a dummy tank shroud. The dummy tank is, for example, a member that has an appearance that looks like a tank but does not store fuel. The dummy tank may have a storage space therein. The dummy tank may be a cover that does not have a storage space. The dummy tank shroud is a cover portion that is provided so as to appear integrated with the dummy tank from the outside.

[0052] In the present invention and embodiments, the engine cooling system may be air-cooled or liquid-cooled using a coolant other than lubricating oil, and lubricating oil cooling may be combined with an air-cooled or liquid-cooled engine.

[0053] In the present invention and embodiments, the engine may be provided with a fuel supply device that supplies fuel to a combustion chamber of the engine. The fuel supply device may be arranged to supply fuel directly to the combustion chamber of the engine. The fuel supply device may be arranged to supply fuel to an intake path.

[0054] In the present invention and its embodiments, the straddled vehicle may or may not have a forced induction device that pressurizes the air supplied to the combustion chamber of the engine. The forced induction device may be a turbocharger, a mechanical supercharger, or an electric supercharger. The turbocharger may be an electrically assisted turbocharger that can pressurize air using exhaust gas pressure and an electric motor, or a turbocharger that pressurizes air using exhaust gas pressure alone.

[0055] In the present invention and embodiments, the straddled vehicle may have a catalyst in the exhaust path that purifies exhaust gas. For example, the catalyst may be disposed in the exhaust path downstream in the flow direction of the exhaust gas from a position where the EGR path is connected.

[0056] In this specification, "A is to the left of B in the left-right direction" refers to the following state: The entirety of A is to the left of a plane that passes through the leftmost end of B and is perpendicular to the left-right direction. The rightmost end of A may or may not be on a plane that passes through the leftmost end of B and is perpendicular to the left-right direction. A and B may or may not be lined up on a straight line parallel to the left-right direction. The above definition also applies, with appropriate terminology replaced, to the expression "A is to the right of B in the left-right direction." The above definition also applies, with appropriate terminology replaced, to the expression "A is above or below B in the up-down direction." The above definition also applies, with appropriate terminology replaced, to the expression "A is forward or rearward of B in the front-to-back direction."

[0057] In this specification, unless otherwise specified, "A is to the left of B in the left-right direction" includes both the case where A is to the left of only a portion of B in the left-right direction and the case where A is to the left of all of B in the left-right direction. "A is to the left of B in the left-right direction" refers to the following state: when viewed left-right, all of A overlaps with at least a portion of B, and the right end of all of A faces the left end of at least a portion of B in the left-right direction. Note that the above definition also applies, with appropriate terminology replaced, to the expression "A is to the right of B in the left-right direction." Furthermore, the above definition also applies, with appropriate terminology replaced, to the expression "A is above or below B in the up-down direction." Furthermore, the above definition also applies, with appropriate terminology replaced, to the expression "A is in front of or behind B in the front-to-back direction."

[0058] In this specification, "within 45°" includes 45°. In this specification, "a direction along A" in three-dimensional space is a direction in a conical range within 45° of A.

[0059] In the present invention and embodiments, "at least one (one) of a plurality of options" includes all possible combinations of the plurality of options. "At least one (one) of a plurality of options" may be any one of the plurality of options or all of the plurality of options. For example, "at least one of A, B, and C" may be only A, only B, only C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A, B, and C.

[0060] In the present invention and embodiments, A and / or B (A and / or B) means that it may be A, it may be B, or it may be both A and B.

[0061] In the present invention and embodiments, the terms including, comprising, having, and their derivatives are used to encompass additional items in addition to the listed items and their equivalents. In the present invention and embodiments, the terms mounted, connected, coupled, and supported are used broadly to specifically include not only direct mounting, connection, coupling, and support, but also indirect mounting, connection, coupling, and support. Furthermore, connected and coupled are not limited to physical or mechanical connections / couplings; they also include direct or indirect electrical connections / couplings.

[0062] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the present specification and claims have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. Terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted to have a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the relevant technology and this disclosure, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense.

[0063] It should be noted that in this specification, the term "may" is non-exclusive. "may" means "may, but is not limited to." In this specification, "may" implicitly includes the possibility that "may not."

[0064] Before describing the embodiments of the present invention in detail, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the details of construction and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The present invention may be practiced in embodiments other than those described below. The present invention may also be practiced in embodiments incorporating various modifications of the embodiments described below. Furthermore, the present invention may be practiced by appropriately combining the embodiments and modifications described below.

[0065] The straddled vehicle of the present invention takes into consideration the unique characteristics of straddled vehicles, such as their small size leaving little free space and the engine and its surrounding components being more susceptible to the airflow generated by the vehicle's movement, and provides a straddled vehicle with a configuration different from that of Patent Document 1, in which an EGR cooler is provided so as to direct condensed water generated in the EGR cooler toward the exhaust path.

[0066] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing several examples of a straddled vehicle according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing several examples of a straddled vehicle according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a straddled vehicle according to a third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing several examples of a straddled vehicle according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing other examples of a straddled vehicle according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing still other examples of a straddled vehicle according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing several examples of a straddled vehicle according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing several examples of a straddled vehicle according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing several examples of a straddled vehicle according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing several examples of a straddled vehicle according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] The arrows F, Re, U, D, L, and R shown in Figures 1 to 10 represent the front, rear, upper, lower, left, and right directions of the vehicle, respectively. In Figures 1, 2, and 4 to 10, the thick arrows represent airflow.

[0068] [First embodiment] A straddled vehicle 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figure 1. Straddled vehicles 1 according to second to eighth embodiments, which will be described later, have the same configuration as the straddled vehicle 1 according to the first embodiment. Figures 1(a) and 1(b) are schematic diagrams showing the straddled vehicle 1 according to the first embodiment with an EGR cooler 51 and an EGR path 50, which will be described later, removed. However, the straddled vehicle 1 according to the first embodiment is not limited to the examples shown in Figures 1(a) to 1(h).

[0069] The straddled vehicle 1 has an engine 10. The engine 10 has a generator 61 and / or a clutch 62. The engine 10 has a protrusion 63 that covers at least a portion of the generator 61 and protrudes toward the left or right of the vehicle, and / or a protrusion 64 that covers at least a portion of the clutch 62 and protrudes toward the right of the vehicle. The engine 10 has at least one cylinder bore 15 having a central axis Cy that is parallel to or oblique to the vertical direction of the vehicle. Hereinafter, the central axis Cy of the cylinder bore 15 will be referred to as the cylinder axis Cy. The engine 10 has at least one combustion chamber 12. The cylinder bore 15 and a piston head 16 form part of the combustion chamber 12. The at least one combustion chamber 12 is connected to an intake path 20 and an exhaust path 30.

[0070] The straddled vehicle 1 has an EGR cooler 51. The EGR cooler 51 is provided in an EGR path 50 that recirculates a portion of exhaust gas generated in the engine 10 from the exhaust path 30 to the intake path 20. FIGS. 1(d) to 1(h) show several examples of the arrangement of the EGR cooler 51 and the EGR path 50 of the first embodiment. The EGR cooler 51 has an exhaust-side port 53 through which the exhaust gas flows in and an intake-side port 54 through which the exhaust gas flows out. The EGR cooler 51 is configured so that the lower end of the exhaust-side port 53 is located lower than the intake-side port 54 in the vehicle vertical direction. The EGR cooler 51 cools the exhaust gas that flows in through the exhaust-side port 53, and condensed water generated by the cooling of the exhaust gas is discharged from the exhaust-side port 53 and flows toward the exhaust path 30.

[0071] The EGR cooler 51 is separate from the engine 10. The longest length of the EGR cooler 51 in three mutually orthogonal directions is the length along the vehicle longitudinal direction or the vehicle vertical direction. FIGS. 1( d ), 1 ( e ), and 1 ( h ) show examples in which the longest length of the EGR cooler 51 in the three mutually orthogonal directions is the length along the vehicle longitudinal direction. FIGS. 1( f ) and 1 ( g ) show examples in which the longest length of the EGR cooler 51 in the three mutually orthogonal directions is the length along the vehicle vertical direction. The EGR cooler 51 shown in FIG. 1( g ) has a shorter distance between the exhaust-side opening 53 and the intake-side opening 54 than the EGR coolers 51 shown in FIGS. 1( d ) to 1 ( f ), and 1 ( h ).

[0072] The left and right surfaces 51a and 51b and / or the upper and lower surfaces 51c and 51d of the EGR cooler 51 are formed of metal so that part of the heat of the exhaust gas inside the EGR cooler 51 is transferred to the left and right surfaces 51a and 51b and / or the upper and lower surfaces 51c and 51d of the EGR cooler 51. Figure 1(c) is a perspective view of the EGR cooler 51 alone in Figures 1(d) to 1(f) and 1(h).

[0073] The EGR cooler 51 is arranged as shown in (i) to (iii) below on a first cross section CS that is parallel to the cylinder axis Cy and the left-right direction of the vehicle so that the airflow generated by the movement of the straddled vehicle 1 hits the left and right surfaces 51a and 51b and / or the upper and lower surfaces 51c and 51d. Of the two diagrams included in each of Figures 1(d) to 1(h), the lower diagram shows the first cross section CS. The diagram of the first cross section CS shows only what exists on the first cross section CS.

[0074] (i) In the first cross section CS, at least a portion of the EGR cooler 51 is disposed to the left of a portion of the left surface 10b or to the right of a portion of the right surface 10a of the engine 10 in the left-right direction of the vehicle. (ii) In the first cross section CS, at least a portion of the EGR cooler 51 is disposed above the protrusion 63 or the protrusion 64 that covers at least a portion of the generator 61 or the clutch 62 of the engine 10 in the direction parallel to the cylinder axis Cy and pointing upward toward the vehicle. (iii) In the first cross section CS, a gap 71 or 73 through which airflow passes is provided between the metal right surface 51b or left surface 51a of the EGR cooler 51 and a portion of the left surface 10b or right surface 10a of the engine 10, and / or a gap 72 or 74 through which airflow passes is provided between the metal lower surface 51d of the EGR cooler 51 and a protrusion 63 or protrusion 64 that covers at least a portion of the generator 61 or the clutch 62 of the engine 10. Note that the gap 71 is a gap between the right surface 51b of the EGR cooler 51 and a portion of the left surface 10b of the engine 10, and the gap 73 is a gap between the left surface 51a of the EGR cooler 51 and a portion of the right surface 10a of the engine 10. Gap 72 is a gap between the lower surface 51d of the EGR cooler 51 and a protrusion 63 that covers at least a portion of the generator 61 of the engine 10, and gap 74 is a gap between the lower surface 51d of the EGR cooler 51 and a protrusion 64 that covers at least a portion of the clutch 62 of the engine 10.

[0075] 1(d) to 1(g) show an example in which gaps 71 and 72 through which airflow passes are provided at the first cross section CS. FIG. 1(h) shows an example in which gaps 73 and 74 through which airflow passes are provided at the first cross section CS.

[0076] Second Embodiment Next, a straddled vehicle 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 2. Figures 2(a) and 2(b) show two examples of the second embodiment. However, the straddled vehicle 1 according to the second embodiment is not limited to the example shown in Figure 2. Note that the A-A cross-sectional view, which is the lower of the two views included in Figure 2(a), shows what is present on the cross-section as well as what can be seen in the direction of arrow A. The same is true for the B-B cross-sectional view in Figure 2(b).

[0077] The straddled vehicle 1 includes two front forks 7, 8. The front fork 7 is disposed on the left side of the straddled vehicle 1 along the vertical direction of the vehicle. The front fork 8 is disposed on the right side of the straddled vehicle 1 along the vertical direction of the vehicle. The two front forks 7, 8 rotatably support at least one front wheel 3. The EGR cooler 51 is disposed so that, when the straddled vehicle 1 is traveling, at least one of the airflows passing inside the two front forks 7, 8 and the airflows passing outside the two front forks 7, 8 hits the left and right metal surfaces 51 a, 51 b, and / or the upper and lower metal surfaces 51 c, 51 d of the EGR cooler 51.

[0078] Furthermore, the straddled vehicle 1 of the second embodiment may have a headlight unit 9 consisting of at least one headlight. In this case, the EGR cooler 51 may be arranged in a space above the center of rotation 3 a of at least one front wheel 3 in the vehicle vertical direction and below the lower end of the headlight unit 9 so that, when the straddled vehicle 1 is traveling, at least one of the airflows passing inside the two front fork units 7, 8 and the airflows passing outside the two front fork units 7, 8 hits the left and right metal surfaces 51 a and 51 b and / or the upper and lower metal surfaces 51 c and 51 d of the EGR cooler 51. More specifically, the EGR cooler 51 may be arranged above the center of rotation 3 a of at least one front wheel 3 in the vehicle vertical direction and below the lower end of the headlight unit 9.

[0079] [Third embodiment] Next, a straddled vehicle 1 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 3. The straddled vehicle 1 according to the third embodiment may have a configuration similar to that of the straddled vehicle 1 according to the second embodiment. Figure 3 shows an example of the third embodiment. However, the straddled vehicle 1 according to the third embodiment is not limited to the example shown in Figure 3.

[0080] The EGR cooler 51 is supported by the engine 10. Fig. 3 shows an example in which the EGR cooler 51 is indirectly connected to the engine 10 via a bracket 19. However, the shape of the bracket 19, the position at which the bracket 19 is connected to the EGR cooler 51, and the position at which the bracket 19 is connected to the engine 10 are not limited to those shown in Fig. 3. Furthermore, the EGR cooler 51 of the third embodiment may be directly connected to the engine 10 by a fastening member.

[0081] [Fourth embodiment] Next, a straddled vehicle 1 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 6. The straddled vehicle 1 according to the fourth embodiment may have a configuration similar to that of at least one of the straddled vehicles 1 according to the second and third embodiments. Figures 4 to 6 show several examples of the fourth embodiment. However, the straddled vehicle 1 according to the fourth embodiment is not limited to the examples shown in Figures 4 to 6.

[0082] An upper surface 51c of the EGR cooler 51 is made of metal. The EGR cooler 51 is arranged as shown in (I) to (II) below in the first cross section CS so that the airflow generated by the movement of the straddled vehicle 1 hits the upper surface 51c made of metal.

[0083] (I) In the first cross section CS, at least a portion of the EGR cooler 51 is disposed below at least one of the frame portion 2, the cover portion 4, the tank member 5 constituted by the tank 5a alone or a combination of the tank 5a and the tank shroud 5b, and the dummy tank member 6 constituted by the dummy tank 6a alone or a combination of the dummy tank 6a and the dummy tank shroud 6b, in a direction parallel to the cylinder axis Cy and pointing downward toward the vehicle. (II) In the first cross section CS, a gap 75 or a gap 76 through which airflow passes is provided between the upper surface 51c made of metal of the EGR cooler 51 and at least one of the frame portion 2, the cover portion 4, the tank member 5, and the dummy tank member 6. The gap 75 is a gap between the metal upper surface 51 c of the EGR cooler 51 and at least one of the frame portion 2, the cover portion 4, the tank member 5, and the dummy tank member 6 in the first cross section CS when at least a portion of the EGR cooler 51 is disposed to the left of a portion of the left surface 10 b of the engine 10 in the first cross section CS. The gap 76 is a gap between the metal upper surface 51 c of the EGR cooler 51 and at least one of the frame portion 2, the cover portion 4, the tank member 5, and the dummy tank member 6 in the first cross section CS when at least a portion of the EGR cooler 51 is disposed to the right of a portion of the right surface 10 a of the engine 10 in the first cross section CS.

[0084] As described above, in the fourth embodiment, the air flow hits the metal upper surface 51 c of the EGR cooler 51. That is, in the fourth embodiment, the air flow hits the metal left surface 51 a, right surface 51 b, upper surface 51 c, and lower surface 51 d of the EGR cooler 51, the air flow hits the metal left surface 51 a, right surface 51 b, and upper surface 51 c of the EGR cooler 51, or the air flow hits the metal upper surface 51 c and lower surface 51 d of the EGR cooler 51.

[0085] Figure 4(a) shows an example in which, at a first cross section CS, a portion of the EGR cooler 51 is disposed below the left frame portion 2a, which is the frame portion 2 disposed on the left side of the straddled vehicle 1. In Figure 4(a), a gap 75 is provided between an upper surface 51c of the EGR cooler 51 and the left frame portion 2a at the first cross section CS. Figure 4(b) shows an example in which, at the first cross section CS, a portion of the EGR cooler 51 is disposed below the right frame portion 2b, which is the frame portion 2 disposed on the right side of the straddled vehicle 1. In Figure 4(b), a gap 76 is provided between the upper surface 51c of the EGR cooler 51 and the right frame portion 2b at the first cross section CS.

[0086] Figure 5(a) shows an example in which, at a first cross section CS, a portion of the EGR cooler 51 is disposed below the left cover portion 4a, which is the cover portion 4 disposed on the left side of the straddled vehicle 1. In Figure 5(a), a gap 75 is provided between an upper surface 51c of the EGR cooler 51 and the left cover portion 4a at the first cross section CS. Figure 5(b) shows an example in which, at the first cross section CS, a portion of the EGR cooler 51 is disposed below the right cover portion 4b, which is the cover portion 4 disposed on the right side of the straddled vehicle 1. In Figure 5(b), a gap 76 is provided between the upper surface 51c of the EGR cooler 51 and the right cover portion 4b at the first cross section CS.

[0087] 6( a) shows an example in which a portion of the EGR cooler 51 is disposed below a tank member 5 formed by combining a tank 5a and a tank shroud 5b at a first cross section CS. In FIG. 6( a), a gap 75 is provided between an upper surface 51c of the EGR cooler 51 and the tank member 5 at the first cross section CS. In FIG. 6( b), a portion of the EGR cooler 51 is disposed below a dummy tank member 6 formed by combining a dummy tank 6a and a dummy tank shroud 6b at the first cross section CS. In FIG. 6( a), a gap 75 is provided between the upper surface 51c of the EGR cooler 51 and the dummy tank member 6 at the first cross section CS.

[0088] Fifth Embodiment Next, a straddled vehicle 1 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 7. The straddled vehicle 1 according to the fifth embodiment may have a configuration similar to that of at least one of the straddled vehicles 1 according to the second to fourth embodiments. Figures 7(a) and (b) show two examples of the fifth embodiment. However, the straddled vehicle 1 according to the fifth embodiment is not limited to the example shown in Figure 7.

[0089] The left surface 51 a and the right surface 51 b of the EGR cooler 51 are formed of metal. At least a portion of the left surface 51 a or the right surface 51 b of the EGR cooler 51 is covered by a left cover portion 4 a disposed on the left side of the straddled vehicle 1 or a right cover portion 4 b disposed on the right side of the straddled vehicle 1. A gap 77 or a gap 78 through which airflow passes is provided between the left surface 51 a or the right surface 51 b of the EGR cooler 51 and the left cover portion 4 a or the right cover portion 4 b at the first cross section CS so that the airflow generated by the movement of the straddled vehicle 1 hits the metal left surface 51 a or the right surface 51 b of the EGR cooler 51. The gap 77 is the gap between the left surface 51 a of the EGR cooler 51 and the left cover portion 4 a, and the gap 78 is the gap between the right surface 51 b of the EGR cooler 51 and the right cover portion 4 b.

[0090] As described above, in the fifth embodiment, the air flow hits the metallic left surface 51 a or the right surface 51 b of the EGR cooler 51. That is, in the fifth embodiment, the air flow hits the metallic left surface 51 a, right surface 51 b, upper surface 51 c, and lower surface 51 d of the EGR cooler 51, the air flow hits the metallic left surface 51 a and right surface 51 b of the EGR cooler 51, or the air flow hits the metallic left surface 51 a or right surface 51 b of the EGR cooler 51 and the metallic upper surface 51 c and lower surface 51 d of the EGR cooler 51.

[0091] [Sixth embodiment] Next, a straddled vehicle 1 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The straddled vehicle 1 according to the sixth embodiment may have the same configuration as at least one of the straddled vehicles 1 according to the second to fifth embodiments. Figures 8(a) and (b) show two examples of the sixth embodiment. However, the straddled vehicle 1 according to the sixth embodiment is not limited to the example shown in Figure 8.

[0092] The EGR cooler 51 is arranged in the first cross section CS as shown in (A) to (B) below so that the air flow generated by the movement of the straddled vehicle 1 hits the metallic left and right surfaces 51a and 51b of the EGR cooler 51, and / or the metallic upper and lower surfaces 51c and 51d.

[0093] (A) In the first cross section CS, the EGR cooler 51 is located lower than the left cover portion 4a, which is disposed on the left side of the straddled vehicle 1, in a direction parallel to the cylinder axis Cy and pointing downward toward the vehicle, and to the right of the left cover portion 4a in the transverse direction of the vehicle; or lower than the right cover portion 4b, which is disposed on the right side of the straddled vehicle 1, in a direction parallel to the cylinder axis Cy and pointing downward toward the vehicle, and to the left of the right cover portion 4b in the transverse direction of the vehicle. (B) In the first cross section CS, a gap 81 or 82 through which airflow passes is provided between the upper left end portion 51e or the upper right end portion 51f of the EGR cooler 51 and the left cover portion 4a or the right cover portion 4b. Note that the gap 81 is the gap between the upper left end portion 51e of the EGR cooler 51 and the left cover portion 4a, and the gap 82 is the gap between the upper right end portion 51f of the EGR cooler 51 and the right cover portion 4b.

[0094] [Seventh Embodiment] Next, a straddled vehicle 1 according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 9. Figure 9 shows an example of the seventh embodiment. The straddled vehicle 1 according to the seventh embodiment may have the same configuration as at least one of the straddled vehicles 1 according to the second to sixth embodiments. Figure 9 shows four examples of the seventh embodiment. Figure 9(a) combines a side view of the straddled vehicle 1 shown in Figure 9(a-1) and a side view of the straddled vehicle 1 shown in Figure 9(a-2). Figure 9(b) combines a side view of the straddled vehicle 1 shown in Figure 9(b-1) and a side view of the straddled vehicle 1 shown in Figure 9(b-2). First cross sections CS1 to CS4 shown in Figure 9 are examples of the first cross section CS. The straddled vehicle 1 according to the seventh embodiment is not limited to the example shown in Figure 9.

[0095] The left and right surfaces 51a, 51b of the EGR cooler 51 are made of metal. The EGR cooler 51 is arranged in the first cross section CS as shown in (a) and (b) below so that the airflow generated by the movement of the straddled vehicle 1 hits the metal left surface 51a or right surface 51b.

[0096] (a) In the first cross section CS, at least a portion of the EGR cooler 51 is disposed to the right of the left frame portion 2a disposed on the left side of the straddled vehicle 1, or to the left of the right frame portion 2b disposed on the right side of the straddled vehicle 1, in the vehicle left-right direction. (b) In the first cross section CS, a gap 83 or a gap 84 through which airflow passes is provided between the metal left surface 51a of the EGR cooler 51 and the left frame portion 2a, or between the metal right surface 51b of the EGR cooler 51 and the right frame portion 2b. Note that the gap 83 is the gap between the left surface 51a of the EGR cooler 51 and the left frame portion 2a, and the gap 84 is the gap between the right surface 51b of the EGR cooler 51 and the right frame portion 2b.

[0097] As described above, in the seventh embodiment, the air flow hits the metallic left surface 51 a or the right surface 51 b of the EGR cooler 51. That is, in the seventh embodiment, the air flow hits the metallic left surface 51 a, right surface 51 b, upper surface 51 c, and lower surface 51 d of the EGR cooler 51, the air flow hits the metallic left surface 51 a and right surface 51 b of the EGR cooler 51, or the air flow hits the metallic left surface 51 a or right surface 51 b of the EGR cooler 51 and the metallic upper surface 51 c and lower surface 51 d of the EGR cooler 51.

[0098] Eighth Embodiment Next, a straddled vehicle 1 according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 10. The straddled vehicle 1 according to the eighth embodiment may have the same configuration as at least one of the straddled vehicles 1 according to the second to seventh embodiments. Figure 10 shows several examples of the eighth embodiment. However, the straddled vehicle 1 according to the eighth embodiment is not limited to the example shown in Figure 10.

[0099] The EGR cooler 51 is arranged in the first cross section CS as shown in (a) to (b) below so that the air flow generated by the movement of the straddled vehicle 1 hits the metallic left and right surfaces 51a and 51b of the EGR cooler 51, and / or the metallic upper and lower surfaces 51c and 51d.

[0100] (a) In the first cross section CS, the EGR cooler 51 is located below the space between the left frame portion 2a disposed on the left side of the straddled vehicle 1 and the right frame portion 2b disposed on the right side of the straddled vehicle 1, in a direction parallel to the cylinder axis Cy and pointing downward toward the vehicle. (b) In the first cross section CS, a gap 85 or a gap 86 through which airflow passes is provided between the upper left end portion 51e or the upper right end portion 51f of the EGR cooler 51 and the left frame portion 2a or the right frame portion 2b. Note that the gap 85 is the gap between the upper left end portion 51e of the EGR cooler 51 and the left frame portion 2a, and the gap 86 is the gap between the upper right end portion 51f of the EGR cooler 51 and the right frame portion 2b.

[0101] 1: straddled vehicle, 2: frame portion, 2a: left frame portion, 2b: right frame portion, 3: front wheel, 3a: center of rotation of front wheel, 4: cover portion, 4a: left cover portion, 4b: right cover portion, 5a: tank, 5b: tank shroud, 5: tank member, 6a: dummy tank, 6b: dummy tank shroud, 6: dummy tank member, 7, 8: front fork portion, 9: headlight portion, 10: engine, 10a: right surface of engine, 10b: left surface of engine, 15: cylinder hole, 20: intake path, 30: exhaust path, 5 0: EGR path, 51: EGR cooler, 51a: left surface of EGR cooler, 51b: right surface of EGR cooler, 51c: upper surface of EGR cooler, 51d: lower surface of EGR cooler, 51e: upper left end of EGR cooler, 51f: upper right end of EGR cooler, 53: exhaust side port, 54: intake side port, 61: generator, 62: clutch, 63, 64: protrusions, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86: gaps, Cy: cylinder axis (center axis of cylinder bore), CS: first cross section

Claims

1. A straddled vehicle comprising: an engine having a generator and / or a clutch, covering at least a portion of the generator or the clutch, and formed with a protruding portion protruding to the left or right of the vehicle; and an EGR cooler provided in an EGR path that recirculates a portion of exhaust gas generated in the engine from the exhaust path to the intake path, the EGR cooler having an exhaust side port through which the exhaust gas flows in and an intake side port through which the exhaust gas flows out, the lower end of the exhaust side port being positioned lower than the intake side port in the vehicle vertical direction, the EGR cooler cooling the exhaust gas, and arranged so that condensed water generated by cooling the exhaust gas is discharged from the exhaust side port and flows toward the exhaust path, the EGR cooler being separate from the engine, the longest length of the EGR cooler among three mutually perpendicular directions is the length along the vehicle front-rear direction or the vehicle vertical direction, the left and right sides and / or the top and bottom sides of the EGR cooler are formed of metal so that a portion of the heat of the exhaust gas inside the EGR cooler is transferred to the left and right sides and / or the top and bottom sides of the EGR cooler, and in a first cross section that is parallel to a central axis of at least one cylinder hole of the engine and parallel to the vehicle up-down direction or oblique to the vehicle up-down direction and parallel to the vehicle left-right direction, so that an air flow generated by the traveling of the straddled vehicle hits the left and right sides and / or the top and bottom sides of the EGR cooler made of metal, (i) at least a portion of the EGR cooler is located to the left of a portion of the left side or to the right of a portion of the right side of the engine in the vehicle left-right direction, and (ii) at least a portion of the EGR cooler is above the protrusion that covers at least a portion of the generator or the clutch of the engine in a direction parallel to the central axis of the at least one cylinder hole and pointing toward the vehicle upper direction; and(iii) A straddled vehicle, characterized in that a gap through which the air flow passes is provided between the right or left surface of the EGR cooler made of metal and a portion of the left or right surface of the engine, and / or between the bottom surface of the EGR cooler made of metal and the protrusion covering at least a portion of the generator or clutch of the engine.

2. A straddled vehicle as described in claim 1, comprising two front fork parts respectively arranged on the left and right sides of the straddled vehicle, aligned in the vertical direction of the vehicle, and rotatably supporting at least one front wheel, and the EGR cooler is arranged so that, when the straddled vehicle is traveling, at least one of the air flows passing through the inside of the two front fork parts and the air flows passing through the outside of the two front fork parts hits the left and right sides made of metal, and / or the upper and lower sides made of metal, of the EGR cooler.

3. A straddled vehicle as described in claim 2, further comprising a headlight section consisting of at least one headlight, and the EGR cooler is positioned so that, when the straddled vehicle is traveling, within a space above the center of rotation of the at least one front wheel in the vertical direction of the vehicle and below the lower end of the headlight section, at least one of the air flows that pass through the inside of the two front fork sections and the air flows that pass through the outside of the two front fork sections hits the left and right surfaces, and / or the upper and lower surfaces, both made of metal, of the EGR cooler.

4. A straddled vehicle as described in claim 3, characterized in that the EGR cooler is positioned above the center of rotation of the at least one front wheel and below the lower end of the headlight section in the vertical direction of the vehicle so that, during travel of the straddled vehicle, in a space above the center of rotation of the at least one front wheel and below the lower end of the headlight section, at least one of the air flows that pass through the inside of the two front fork sections and the air flows that pass through the outside of the two front fork sections hits the left and right faces made of metal of the EGR cooler, and / or the upper and lower faces made of metal.

5. A straddled vehicle as set forth in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the EGR cooler is supported by the engine.

6. A straddled vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, in the first cross section, the upper surface of the EGR cooler is formed from the metal, and so that an airflow generated by the movement of the straddled vehicle hits the metal upper surface of the EGR cooler, (I) at least a portion of the EGR cooler is located below at least one of the frame portion, cover portion, tank member consisting of a tank alone or a combination of a tank and a tank shroud, and dummy tank member consisting of a dummy tank alone or a combination of a dummy tank and a dummy tank shroud, in a direction parallel to the central axis of the at least one cylinder bore and pointing downwardly towards the vehicle, and (II) a gap through which the airflow passes is provided between the metal upper surface of the EGR cooler and the at least one of the frame portion, cover portion, tank member, and dummy tank member.

7. A straddled vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the left and right faces of the EGR cooler are formed from the metal, at least a portion of the left or right face of the EGR cooler is covered with a cover portion, and a gap through which the air flow passes is provided between the left or right face of the EGR cooler made of the metal and the cover portion in the first cross section so that the air flow generated by the movement of the straddled vehicle hits the left or right face of the EGR cooler made of the metal.

8. A straddled vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, in the first cross section, so that the left and right metal faces and / or the top and bottom metal faces of the EGR cooler are hit by: (A) the EGR cooler is located lower in the direction parallel to the central axis of the at least one cylinder hole and pointing toward the bottom of the vehicle than a left cover part located on the left part of the straddled vehicle, and to the right of the left cover part in the left-right direction of the vehicle, or lower in the direction parallel to the central axis of the at least one cylinder hole and pointing toward the bottom of the vehicle than a right cover part located on the right part of the straddled vehicle, and to the left of the right cover part in the left-right direction of the vehicle; and (B) a gap through which the air flow passes is provided between the upper left end or upper right end of the EGR cooler and the left cover part or the right cover part.

9. A straddled vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, in the first cross section, the left and right faces of the EGR cooler are formed from the metal, and so that an air flow generated by the movement of the straddled vehicle hits the left or right face of the EGR cooler made of metal, (a) at least a part of the EGR cooler is located to the right of a left frame section arranged on the left side of the straddled vehicle or to the left of a right frame section arranged on the right side of the straddled vehicle in the left-right direction of the vehicle, and (b) a gap through which the air flow passes is provided between the left face of the EGR cooler made of metal and the left frame section, or between the right face of the EGR cooler made of metal and the right frame section.

10. A straddled vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, in the first cross-section, (a) the EGR cooler is located below the space between two frame parts respectively located on the left and right sides of the straddled vehicle, in a direction parallel to the central axis of the at least one cylinder hole and pointing downwardly of the vehicle, so that the air flow generated by the movement of the straddled vehicle hits the left and right sides and / or the top and bottom surfaces of the EGR cooler, which are made of metal, and (b) a gap through which the air flow passes is provided between the upper left end or upper right end of the EGR cooler and one of the two frame parts.

Citation Information

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