Saddle-ridden vehicle

Abstract

This saddle-ridden vehicle comprises an internal combustion engine (E), a surge tank (60) that is connected to the internal combustion engine (E), and a supercharger (50) that supplies supercharged intake air to the internal combustion engine (E) via the surge tank (60). The internal combustion engine (E) comprises a crankcase (32) and a left / right pair of cylinders (33) that protrude from the crankcase (32) to the outside in the vehicle left-right direction. The surge tank (60) is positioned above the crankcase (32).

Description

Straddle-type vehicle

[0001] The present invention relates to a straddle-type vehicle. This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-206999 filed in Japan on November 28, 2024, and incorporates its content herein by reference.

[0002] Conventionally, superchargers used for vehicle engines (internal combustion engines) include turbochargers that utilize the exhaust energy of the engine and superchargers that utilize a part of the driving force of the engine. In recent years, electric superchargers that use an electric motor to drive the supercharger are known (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

[0003] German Patent Application Publication No. 102018200437 International Publication No. 2011 / 077898

[0004] In straddle-type vehicles such as motorcycles, since the layout space for components is limited, it is required to efficiently arrange the components related to the supercharger according to the vehicle.

[0005] An aspect of the present invention aims to efficiently arrange components related to a supercharger in a straddle-type vehicle equipped with a supercharger for an internal combustion engine.

[0006] As a means for solving the above problems, an aspect of the present invention has the following configuration. (1) The straddle-type vehicle according to an aspect of the present invention includes an internal combustion engine (E), a surge tank (60) connected to the internal combustion engine (E), and a supercharger (50) that supplies supercharged intake air to the internal combustion engine (E) via the surge tank (60). The internal combustion engine (E) includes a crankcase (32) and a pair of left and right cylinders (33) protruding outward in the vehicle left-right direction from the crankcase (32). The surge tank (60) is disposed above the crankcase (32). According to the straddle-type vehicle described in the above (1) of the present invention, by disposing the surge tank connected to the downstream side of the supercharger above the crankcase of the horizontally opposed internal combustion engine, intake passage components (such as throttle bodies and manifolds) connected to each cylinder and the surge tank are close to each other. Thereby, supercharged intake air can be efficiently introduced from the surge tank to the intake passage components.

[0007] (2) In the saddle-type vehicle described in (1) above, the supercharger (50) may be equipped with an electric motor (55) as a drive source. According to the saddle-type vehicle described in (2) above of the present invention, by electrifying the supercharger, it is no longer necessary to obtain the driving force for the supercharger from the exhaust system or drive shaft of the internal combustion engine, and the degree of freedom in the placement of the supercharger can be improved. In other words, by installing an electric supercharger, the degree of freedom in the layout of intake system components is increased, and it becomes possible to place the surge tank, supercharger and air cleaner device in close proximity. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the pressure loss in the intake system and improve energy efficiency and responsiveness.

[0008] (3) In the saddle-type vehicle described in (1) or (2) above, the supercharger (50) may be positioned on one side of the surge tank (60) in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. According to the saddle-type vehicle described in (3) above of the present invention, by positioning the supercharger in front of or behind the surge tank, the supercharger and the surge tank can be connected by a connecting pipe extending in the longitudinal direction, and supercharged intake air can be efficiently introduced from the supercharger to the surge tank.

[0009] (4) The saddle-type vehicle described in (3) above is equipped with an air cleaner device (40) connected to the upstream side of the supercharger (50) and filtering the intake air to the internal combustion engine (E), and the air cleaner device (40) may be positioned above the surge tank (60). According to the saddle-type vehicle described in (4) above of the present invention, by positioning the relatively lightweight air cleaner device above the relatively heavy surge tank (and supercharger), it is possible to contribute to lowering the center of gravity of the vehicle.

[0010] (5) The saddle-type vehicle described in (1) or (2) above is equipped with an air cleaner device (40) connected to the upstream side of the supercharger (50) and filtering the intake air to the internal combustion engine (E), the supercharger (50) is positioned behind the surge tank (60) in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and the air cleaner device (40) may be positioned on one side above or below the supercharger (50) or on one side to the left or right. According to the saddle-type vehicle described in (5) above of the present invention, by positioning the supercharger behind the surge tank, it is possible to bring the relatively heavy supercharger closer to the center of gravity of the vehicle body and concentrate the mass. The supercharger and the surge tank are connected by a connecting pipe extending in the longitudinal direction, and supercharged intake air can be efficiently introduced from the supercharger to the surge tank. By positioning the air cleaner device around the supercharger (above, below, or to the left and right), the supercharger and the air cleaner device can be brought close together and easily connected, thereby reducing pressure loss in the intake system and improving energy efficiency and responsiveness.

[0011] (6) In the saddle-type vehicle described in (1) or (2) above, the supercharger (50) may be positioned above the surge tank (60) in the vertical direction of the vehicle. According to the saddle-type vehicle described in (6) above of the present invention, by positioning the supercharger above the surge tank, the supercharger and the surge tank are connected by a connecting pipe that extends in the vertical direction, and supercharged intake air can be efficiently introduced from the supercharger to the surge tank.

[0012] (7) The saddle-type vehicle described in (6) above is equipped with an air cleaner device (40) connected to the upstream side of the supercharger (50) and filtering the intake air to the internal combustion engine (E), and the air cleaner device (40) may be arranged on one side of the supercharger (50) in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. According to the saddle-type vehicle described in (7) above of the present invention, by arranging the air cleaner device in front of or behind the supercharger, the supercharger and the air cleaner device can be connected by a connecting pipe extending in the longitudinal direction, and the connecting pipe can be shortened to reduce weight and cost.

[0013] According to an aspect of the present invention, in a saddle-type vehicle equipped with a supercharger for an internal combustion engine, the components related to the supercharger can be efficiently arranged.

[0014] This is a left side view of a motorcycle according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a perspective view of the motorcycle's frame and engine. This is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of the intake system of the motorcycle. This is a left side view showing the first embodiment of the intake system. This is a top view showing the first embodiment of the intake system. This is a front view showing the first embodiment of the intake system. This is a left side view showing the second embodiment of the intake system. This is a top view showing the second embodiment of the intake system. This is a front view showing the second embodiment of the intake system. This is a left side view showing the third embodiment of the intake system. This is a top view showing the third embodiment of the intake system. This is a front view showing the third embodiment of the intake system. This is a left side view showing the fourth embodiment of the intake system. This is a top view showing the fourth embodiment of the intake system. This is a front view showing the fourth embodiment of the intake system. This is a left side view showing the fifth embodiment of the intake system. This is a top view showing the fifth embodiment of the intake system. This is a front view showing the fifth embodiment of the intake system. This is a left side view showing the sixth embodiment of the intake system. This is a top view showing the sixth embodiment of the intake system. This is a front view showing the sixth embodiment of the intake system. This is a left side view showing the seventh embodiment of the intake system. This is a top view showing the seventh embodiment of the intake system. This is a front view showing the seventh embodiment of the intake system.

[0015] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Unless otherwise specified, directions such as front, rear, left, and right in the following description shall be the same as the directions of the vehicle described below. In addition, in the drawings used in the following description, arrows FR indicating the front of the vehicle, LH indicating the left side of the vehicle, UP indicating the top of the vehicle, and CL indicating the left-right center of the vehicle body are shown at appropriate locations. In the following description, it is assumed that the saddle-type vehicle is stationary in an upright state with the vehicle body not tilted to the left or right and the steering angle at 0 degrees, and furthermore, it is in an unloaded state of 1G on a horizontal plane. In this embodiment, "intermediate" means not only the center between the two ends of the object, but also the inner range between the two ends of the object.

[0016] <Overall Vehicle> Figure 1 shows a motorcycle 1 as an example of a saddle-type vehicle. As shown in Figure 1, the motorcycle 1 is equipped with an engine (multi-cylinder internal combustion engine) E as a power source for vehicle movement between the front wheel 2 and the rear wheel 12. The engine E has multiple (three) cylinders arranged front to back in each of the left and right cylinders 33. The engine E is, for example, a horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine E and is supported at the bottom of the vehicle frame 5. By adopting a horizontally opposed engine E, the motorcycle 1 achieves a low center of gravity. The motorcycle 1 employs a link-type front suspension 3, which allows the vertical movement of the front wheel 2 to be set to any desired trajectory, and allows the engine E to be mounted closer to the front of the vehicle. Mounting the engine E closer to the front of the vehicle ensures good front-to-rear weight balance even when carrying a passenger or a lot of luggage at the rear of the vehicle.

[0017] Figure 2 shows the vehicle frame 5 of the motorcycle 1 with the engine E mounted. Each of the left and right cylinders 33 is constructed by stacking the cylinder body, cylinder head, and head cover in the order shown from the crankcase 32 side outwards in the vehicle width direction. Reference numeral 33a in the figure indicates the cylinder heads of the left and right cylinders 33.

[0018] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the vehicle frame 5 comprises a front block 6 that supports the front wheel suspension system 3, a pair of left and right main frames 7 extending rearward from both sides of the front block 6, a pair of left and right lower frames (not shown) that extend downward from the front lower part of the left and right main frames 7, then curve rearward and are positioned below the left and right cylinders 33 of the engine E, a pair of left and right pivot frames 8 extending downward from the rear of the left and right main frames 7, a pair of left and right seat rails 9a extending rearward from the upper part of the left and right pivot frames 8, and a pair of left and right support frames 9b that extend rearward and upward from the lower part of the left and right pivot frames 8 and are connected to the rear of the left and right seat rails 9a.

[0019] The front block 6 comprises a pair of left and right front frames 6a extending in the vertical direction, and an upper frame connecting portion 6b that connects the upper parts of the left and right front frames 6a and has a handle support portion 6c in the center. The left and right front frames 6a, left and right main frames 7, and left and right lower frames are separated in the left and right direction, except for the upper frame connecting portion 6b. The left and right front frames 6a, left and right main frames 7, and left and right lower frames are sometimes collectively referred to as a pair of left and right frame members 7B.

[0020] The left and right pivot frames 8 are connected by multiple cross members 8a. The rear ends of the left and right lower frames are connected to the lower front side of the left and right pivot frames 8. The rear ends of the left and right seat rails 9a are connected by a cross pipe 9c. The engine E is mounted at the front of the left and right main frames 7 and below the front block 6.

[0021] A top cover 24 is positioned above the left and right main frames 7. The top cover 24 extends downward and rearward along the slope of the main frame 7 from around the handle support 6c. A seat 25 where the occupant sits is positioned behind the top cover 24. The seat 25 is supported by left and right seat rails 9a. Auxiliary equipment such as an air cleaner device 40 is positioned inside the top cover 24. A fuel tank (not shown) is positioned below the seat 25. A rear trunk 26 is positioned behind the seat 25. A pair of saddlebags 27 are positioned below both the left and right sides of the rear trunk 26.

[0022] The front end of a swingarm (not shown), which extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, is supported by the left and right pivot frames 8 so as to be able to swing up and down. The rear end of the swingarm supports the rear wheel 12. An exhaust muffler 39, which extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, is positioned below the left and right saddlebags 27 on the left and right outer sides of the rear wheel 12. The front of the vehicle body is covered by a front cowl 22.

[0023] The vehicle frame 5, including the body of the engine E, constitutes an integrated vehicle body 5B. In this embodiment, the vehicle body 5B refers to a part of the entire vehicle body that is substantially integrated and does not include movable parts (such as suspension). The vehicle body 5B may include components other than the vehicle frame 5 (such as the body of the engine E). For example, in this embodiment, the vehicle body 5B includes an integrated vehicle frame 5 (frame body) from the front wheel suspension section (front block 6) to the rear wheel suspension section (pivot frame 8), and further integrates the seat frame 9 (seat rail 9a and support frame 9b) with the vehicle frame 5, but is not limited to this configuration. For example, the vehicle frame 5 may be divisible so that the seat frame 9 can be separated from the frame body, or the frame body may be divisible between the front wheel suspension section and the rear wheel suspension section.

[0024] <Engine E> As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the engine E is supported by left and right frame members 7B. The engine E has a crankshaft (not shown) that runs along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The engine E comprises a crankcase 32 that houses the crankshaft, and a pair of left and right cylinders 33 that protrude outward in the vehicle width direction from the left and right sides of the crankcase 32. The left and right cylinders 33 have a plurality (three) of cylinder bores arranged in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. A transmission M is provided below the crankcase 32. The upper part of the engine E is provided in a flat shape extending from the upper part of the crankcase 32 to the upper part of the left and right cylinders 33. Above the engine E, intake passage components such as the throttle body 35 and manifold 36 are arranged in a flattened area that extends along the upper part of the engine E.

[0025] The downstream side of a single throttle body 35 is connected to a single base end (upstream end) 36a of a manifold 36. The branching ends (downstream ends) of the manifold 36 are connected to the upper part (intake port) of the cylinder heads 33a of the left and right cylinders 33. For example, an injector (fuel injection valve) 35a is provided on the throttle body 35. In this embodiment, there are fewer throttle bodies 35 than the number of cylinders in the engine E (for example, one). The throttle bodies 35 are connected to multiple cylinders via the manifold 36. For example, there may be the same number of throttle bodies 35 as there are multiple cylinders, and each cylinder's throttle body 35 may be directly connected to the left and right cylinders 33. The same number of exhaust pipes 37 as there are cylinders are connected to the lower part (exhaust port) of the cylinder heads 33a of the left and right cylinders 33. Multiple exhaust pipes 37 merge downstream, for example, for every three cylinders of the left and right cylinders 33, to form a manifold. These left and right manifolds are then connected to left and right exhaust mufflers 39 located on the left and right outer sides of the rear wheels 12.

[0026] <Front Wheel Suspension System 3> As shown in Figure 1, the front wheel 2 of the motorcycle 1 is supported by the front wheel suspension system 3. The front wheel suspension system 3 is supported at the front end (front block 6) of the vehicle frame 5. The front wheel suspension system 3 includes a handle post (not shown) rotatably supported by a handle support portion 6c at the upper end of the front block 6, a head pipe 3a separate from the vehicle frame 5, a front fork member 3b rotatably supported by the head pipe 3a, a steering member (not shown) integrally rotatably attached to the upper end of the front fork member 3b that protrudes above the head pipe 3a, a link member (not shown) connecting the steering member and the handle post, a swing arm 3e that supports the head pipe 3a so that it can swing up and down relative to the front block 6, and a cushion unit 3f interposed between the front fork member 3b and the front block 6.

[0027] The front fork member 3b supports the front wheel 2 at the lower ends of the left and right forks. A steering shaft (not shown) is integrally provided at the upper end of the front fork member 3b. The steering shaft is inserted into the head pipe 3a from below and is supported so as to be rotatable around the axis. The steering shaft passes through the head pipe 3a and its upper end protrudes above the head pipe 3a. A steering member is attached to this upper end.

[0028] The steering axis is offset (separated) forward from the handlebar post. The steering axis and the pivot axis of the handlebar post are substantially parallel to each other in the unloaded 1G state. The link member 3d, together with the steering member and the handlebar post 4b, forms a parallel link in plan view. As a result, the steering angle of the handlebar 2a and the steering angle of the front wheels 2 are the same.

[0029] The pivot arm 3e has its front end supported by the head pipe 3a so as to be able to pivot up and down, and its rear end supported by the front block 6 so as to be able to pivot up and down. The pivot arm 3e is equipped with a pair of upper and lower arm members. The pivot arm 3e moves the head pipe 3a, the front fork member 3b, and the rear wheel 12 up and down along a predetermined trajectory. For example, the lower end of the cushion unit 3f is connected to the lower arm member. The upper end of the cushion unit 3f is connected to the upper frame connecting part 6b.

[0030] The front wheel suspension system 3 swings the swing arm 3e upward, moving the head pipe 3a, front fork member 3b, and rear wheel 12 upward. At this time, the lower arm member moves the lower end of the cushion unit 3f upward, compressing the cushion unit 3f. The front wheel suspension system 3 swings the swing arm 3e downward, moving the head pipe 3a, front fork member 3b, and rear wheel 12 downward. At this time, the lower arm member moves the lower end of the cushion unit 3f downward, extending the cushion unit 3f.

[0031] In this embodiment, the front wheel suspension system 3 has a pivot axis for the handle post 4b that supports the handlebar 2a and a steering axis for steering the front wheel 2 on separate axes, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the handlebar pivot axis and the steering axis (steering axis) may be coaxial, and the front wheel suspension system 3 may be rotatably supported on the head pipe 3a at the front end of the vehicle frame 5.

[0032] <Intake System> Now, with reference to Figure 3, an overview of the intake system of the engine E in the motorcycle 1 will be described. The intake system of this embodiment includes an air cleaner device 40, a supercharger 50, and a surge tank 60. The air cleaner device 40 is connected to the supercharger 50 via a suction pipe 45 that forms an intake passage T. The supercharger 50 is connected to the surge tank 60 via a discharge pipe (first intake pipe) 54 that forms a discharge passage (first intake passage) T1. The surge tank 60 is connected to the intake port of the engine E via a throttle body 35. The air cleaner device 40 is connected to the surge tank 60 via a second intake pipe 47 that forms a second intake passage T2. Intake air that does not pass through the supercharger 50 can be supplied to the surge tank 60 via the second intake passage T2.

[0033] <First Embodiment of the Intake System> The first embodiment of the intake system will be described below with reference to Figures 3 and 4 to 6.

[0034] <Air Cleaner Device 40> The air cleaner device 40, located at the uppermost part of the intake system, filters the air taken in to the engine E. The air cleaner device 40 comprises a case body that forms its exterior and an element 42 supported inside the case body. For example, an intake port 41a is provided at the rear end of the case body, which opens towards the rear of the vehicle within the top cover 24, allowing air from inside the top cover 24 to be introduced into the case body.

[0035] The element 42 is supported in the middle of the front-to-rear part of the case body. The internal space of the case body has a dirty side 42a behind the element 42 (towards the intake port 41a) and a clean side 42b in front of the element 42. Air taken in on the dirty side 42a passes through the element 42 and is filtered to reach the clean side 42b, after which it is either drawn into the supercharger 50 from the intake passage T or introduced into the surge tank 60 from the second intake passage T2 without going through the supercharger 50. The front-to-rear orientation of the air cleaner device 40 (arrangement of the dirty side 42a and the clean side 42b) described above is just an example, and the orientation of the air cleaner device 40 is not specified.

[0036] <Supercharger 50> The supercharger 50 compresses the air taken in from the air cleaner device 40 and supplies it to the engine E. The supercharger 50 is a so-called blower fan, and by the rotation of a fan body (impeller) not shown, it draws in air from the axial direction and discharges this air in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction (tangential direction). The supercharger 50 is located in the area inside the front block 6 (between the left and right front frames 6a). In Figure 6, the reference numeral H1 indicates the width between the left and right front frames 6a. The width between the left and right front frames 6a is narrower than the maximum width between the left and right main frames 7. The air cleaner device 40 and surge tank 60 are located in the area that forms the maximum width between the left and right main frames 7. This ensures the capacity of the air cleaner device 40 and surge tank 60 and contributes to improving intake efficiency.

[0037] The supercharger 50 is positioned so that in the vertical direction its entirety overlaps with the front block 6, and in the longitudinal direction at least a portion of it overlaps with the front block 6. In the lateral direction, the supercharger 50 is positioned to the right of the center of the vehicle body. In a plan view, the axial direction of the supercharger 50 is aligned with the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. In a plan view, the axial direction of the supercharger 50 is aligned with the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The supercharger 50 may be positioned with its axial direction inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle in a plan view to facilitate the extension of the suction pipe 45 and discharge pipe (first intake pipe) 54, which are positioned perpendicular to each other, to the rear. The supercharger 50 is positioned offset to one side in the lateral direction to avoid the front cushion unit 3f, but it may also be positioned so as to overlap with the center of the vehicle body, or its axial direction may be aligned with the lateral direction of the vehicle.

[0038] The supercharger 50 comprises the fan body, a blower case housing the fan body, and an electric motor 55 that drives the fan body. The supercharger 50 is an electric device that is driven by the driving force of the electric motor 55, without using the exhaust energy or driving force of the engine E. The supercharger 50 is arranged with its axial direction (the axial direction of the fan body) approximately horizontal, but it may also be arranged with its axial direction approximately vertical.

[0039] The supercharger 50 has an intake port opening on one axial side (rear side in the figure). A cylindrical electric motor 55, coaxial with the fan body, is integrally attached to the other axial side (front side in the figure) of the supercharger 50. The drive circuit section (not shown) of the electric motor 55 is provided separately from the electric motor 55, but for example, the drive circuit section may be integrally provided with the electric motor 55.

[0040] The electric motor 55 is a rotating electric machine coaxial with the fan body, and outputs rotational power to drive the fan body. The drive of the electric motor 55, and consequently the drive of the supercharger 50, is controlled by an electronic control device (not shown). The electronic control device appropriately drives the supercharger 50 according to, for example, the operating conditions of the engine E, the driving conditions of the vehicle, and the driver's acceleration request.

[0041] A suction passage T (suction pipe 45) extends from the intake port of the supercharger 50 toward the rear, and this suction passage T is connected to the clean side 42b of the air cleaner device 40. The supercharger 50 is equipped with a discharge duct that extends to the left along the tangential direction, and a discharge port is formed at the tip of the discharge duct. A discharge passage T1 (discharge pipe 54) extends from the discharge port toward the left, and this discharge passage T1 bends toward the rear and is connected to the surge tank 60.

[0042] <Surge Tank 60> The surge tank 60 is located behind the supercharger 50. The surge tank 60 has a hollow tank body. In addition to ensuring intake capacity, the surge tank 60 has the function of diffusing the intake air introduced into the tank body to stabilize the pressure. The discharge pipe (first intake pipe) 54, which extends from the discharge duct of the supercharger 50 and forms the discharge passage (first intake passage) T1, is connected to the left side of the surge tank 60. The discharge pipe 54 may be positioned along the inside of the part that forms the maximum left-right width of the left and right main frames 7. The supercharger 50 discharges supercharged intake air from the discharge passage T1 into the inside of the surge tank 60. The supercharged intake air introduced into the surge tank 60 is diffused within the surge tank 60 to stabilize the pressure, and then supplied to each cylinder via the throttle body 35 and manifold 36.

[0043] A second intake pipe 47, extending downward from the air cleaner device 40, is connected to the upper part of the surge tank 60. The second intake pipe 47 forms a second intake passage T2 inside. Air taken in by the air cleaner device 40 and reaching the clean side 42b can be introduced into the surge tank 60 through the second intake passage T2. This air, as naturally aspirated air not pressurized by the supercharger 50, diffuses within the surge tank 60 to stabilize its pressure, and is then supplied to each cylinder via the throttle body 35 and manifold 36. A control valve may be provided in the second intake pipe 47 to prevent backflow of the supercharged intake air introduced from the supercharger 50 into the surge tank 60.

[0044] In the motorcycle 1 of the above embodiment, the surge tank 60, the electric supercharger 50, and the air cleaner device 40 are arranged between the left and right main frames 7 in a front view and a plan view. The surge tank 60, the electric supercharger 50, and the air cleaner device 40 are arranged so as to overlap the left and right main frames 7 in a side view. The left and right main frames 7 suppress disturbances to the components related to supercharged intake air, and the components added to and changed from the naturally aspirated system can be arranged compactly. In FIG. 6, reference numeral H1 indicates the left - right width of the crankcase 32 of the engine E (when the cylinder bodies of the left and right cylinders 33 are integrally formed with the crankcase 32, the left and right cylinder bodies may be included in the total left - right width H1). The surge tank 60, the electric supercharger 50, and the air cleaner device 40 are arranged within the left - right width H1 of the crankcase 32 of the engine E in the vehicle left - right direction, and in this respect, the components related to supercharged intake air can also be arranged compactly.

[0045] In the motorcycle 1, the engine E is a horizontally - opposed engine including a crankcase 32 and a pair of left and right cylinders 33 protruding outward in the vehicle left - right direction from the crankcase 32, and the surge tank 60 is arranged above the crankcase 32. According to this configuration, by arranging the surge tank 60 connected to the downstream side of the supercharger 50 above the crankcase 32 of the horizontally - opposed engine E, the intake passage components (throttle body 35, manifold 36, etc.) connected to each cylinder and the surge tank 60 are close to each other. Thereby, supercharged intake air can be efficiently introduced from the surge tank 60 to the intake passage components. "Efficiently introducing supercharged intake air" means shortening the intake passage to achieve weight reduction and cost reduction, and suppressing the loss of supercharging pressure to introduce supercharged intake air. The internal combustion engine of the saddle - riding type vehicle of the present invention is not limited to a six - cylinder engine, and may be a horizontally - opposed engine with various numbers of cylinders such as two cylinders, four cylinders, and eight cylinders.

[0046] In the above motorcycle 1, the supercharger 50 includes an electric motor 55 as a drive source. According to this configuration, by electrifying the supercharger 50, there is no need to obtain the driving force of the supercharger 50 from the exhaust system or the drive shaft of the internal combustion engine, and the degree of freedom in arranging the supercharger 50 can be improved. That is, by mounting the electric supercharger 50, the degree of freedom in laying out the intake system components is increased, and the surge tank 60, the supercharger 50, and the air cleaner device 40 can be arranged close to each other. Therefore, the pressure loss in the intake system can be reduced, and the energy efficiency and responsiveness can be improved. The arrangement of the components related to the supercharger 50 in the embodiment is applicable to vehicles equipped with superchargers other than electric ones.

[0047] In the above motorcycle 1, the supercharger 50 is arranged on one side in the front-rear direction of the vehicle with respect to the front and rear of the surge tank 60. In the first embodiment shown in the figure, the supercharger 50 is arranged in front of the surge tank 60. At least a part of the supercharger 50 is located within the vertical width of the surge tank 60 in the vehicle vertical direction. According to this configuration, by arranging the supercharger 50 behind (or in front of) the surge tank 60, the supercharger 50 and the surge tank 60 can be connected by a connecting pipe (discharge pipe 54) extending in the front-rear direction, and the supercharged intake air can be efficiently introduced from the supercharger 50 to the surge tank 60.

[0048] In the above motorcycle 1, an air cleaner device 40 is provided, which is connected to the upstream side of the supercharger 50 and filters the intake air to the engine E, and the air cleaner device 40 is arranged above the surge tank 60. At least a part of the air cleaner device 40 is located within the front-rear width of the surge tank 60 in the vehicle front-rear direction. According to this configuration, by arranging the relatively lightweight air cleaner device 40 above the relatively heavy surge tank 60 (and the supercharger 50), it is possible to contribute to lowering the center of gravity of the vehicle.

[0049] <Second Embodiment of Intake System> Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 7 to 9. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the supercharger 50 is positioned behind the surge tank 60. Other components identical to those in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0050] In other words, in the motorcycle 1 of the second embodiment, the supercharger 50 is positioned on one side (rear and lower) of the surge tank 60 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. At least a portion of the supercharger 50 is located within the vertical width of the surge tank 60 in the vehicle's vertical direction. By positioning the supercharger 50 rear and lower than the surge tank 60, the surge tank 60 and the supercharger 50 are arranged in a line along the main frame 7, which extends downwards towards the rear in a side view.

[0051] With this configuration, by positioning the supercharger 50 in front of or behind the surge tank 60, the supercharger 50 and the surge tank 60 are connected by a connecting pipe (discharge pipe 54) extending in the front-rear direction, allowing for efficient introduction of supercharged intake air from the supercharger 50 to the surge tank 60. By positioning the supercharger 50 behind the surge tank 60, the relatively heavy supercharger 50 can be brought closer to the center of gravity of the vehicle, thereby concentrating the mass.

[0052] In the above-described motorcycle 1, the air cleaner device 40 is positioned above the surge tank 60 and the supercharger 50. In the figure, the rear of the air cleaner device 40 is located within the front-to-rear width of the supercharger 50 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, and the front of the air cleaner device 40 is located within the front-to-rear width of the surge tank 60. Furthermore, the entire air cleaner device 40 is positioned above the surge tank 60. With this configuration, by positioning the air cleaner device 40 above the surge tank 60 and the supercharger 50, the surge tank 60 and the supercharger 50 and the air cleaner device 40 are connected by connecting pipes (suction pipe 45, second intake pipe 47) extending in the vertical direction, thereby improving the responsiveness of the supercharger intake. In the second embodiment as well, the front-to-rear orientation of the air cleaner device 40 (arrangement of the dirty side 42a and clean side 42b) is just an example, and the orientation of the air cleaner device 40 is not specified (the same applies to the third to seventh embodiments described later). The supercharger 50 is positioned with its axial direction aligned with the left-right direction of the vehicle, but its axial direction may be inclined relative to the left-right direction of the vehicle or it may be positioned along the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

[0053] <Third Embodiment of the Intake System> Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 10 to 12. This embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that the air cleaner device 40 is arranged around the supercharger 50 (above in the figures). Other components identical to those in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0054] In other words, in the motorcycle 1 of the third embodiment, the supercharger 50 is located behind the surge tank 60 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, and the air cleaner device 40 is located on one side above or below the supercharger 50, or on one side to the left or right (above in the figure). At least a portion of the supercharger 50 is located within the vertical width of the surge tank 60 in the vehicle's vertical direction. At least a portion of the air cleaner device 40 is located within the front-to-rear width of the supercharger 50 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction. In the figure, the entire air cleaner device 40 is located behind the surge tank 60. Also, at least a portion of the air cleaner device 40 is located within the vertical width of the surge tank 60 in the vehicle's vertical direction. In the figure, the entire air cleaner device 40 is located within the vertical width of the surge tank 60.

[0055] With this configuration, by positioning the supercharger 50 behind the surge tank 60, the relatively heavy supercharger 50 can be brought closer to the vehicle's center of gravity, thereby concentrating mass. Furthermore, by connecting the supercharger 50 and the surge tank 60 with a connecting pipe (discharge pipe 54) extending in the front-rear direction, supercharger intake air can be efficiently introduced from the supercharger 50 to the surge tank 60. In addition, by positioning the air cleaner device 40 around the supercharger 50 (above and below or left and right), the supercharger 50 and the air cleaner device 40 can be brought close to each other and easily connected. The supercharger 50 is positioned with its axial direction aligned with the vehicle's left-right direction, but its axial direction may be inclined relative to the vehicle's left-right direction or aligned with the vehicle's front-rear direction.

[0056] <Fourth Embodiment of the Intake System> Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 13 to 15. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the supercharger 50 is positioned above the surge tank 60 and the air cleaner device 40 is positioned behind the supercharger. Other components identical to those in the above embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0057] In other words, in the motorcycle 1 of the fourth embodiment, the supercharger 50 is positioned above the surge tank 60 in the vertical direction of the vehicle. At least a portion of the supercharger 50 is located within the front-to-rear width of the surge tank 60 in the rear-to-rear direction of the vehicle. In the figure, the entire supercharger 50 is located within the front-to-rear width of the surge tank 60.

[0058] With this configuration, by positioning the supercharger 50 above the surge tank 60, the supercharger 50 can be brought closer to the driver, emphasizing the supercharger intake sound and creating a sense of acceleration in the vehicle. Furthermore, by connecting the supercharger 50 and the surge tank 60 with a connecting pipe (discharge pipe 54) that extends vertically, supercharger intake air can be efficiently introduced from the supercharger 50 to the surge tank 60. In addition, the supercharger 50 can be efficiently positioned by utilizing empty space such as behind the steering support section 6c of the vehicle frame 5.

[0059] In the above-described motorcycle 1, the air cleaner device 40 is positioned on one side (rear in the figure) of the supercharger 50 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. At least a portion of the air cleaner device 40 is located within the vertical width of the supercharger 50 in the vertical direction of the vehicle. With this configuration, by positioning the air cleaner device 40 in front of or behind the supercharger 50, the supercharger 50 and the air cleaner device 40 can be connected by a connecting pipe (suction pipe 45) extending in the longitudinal direction, and the connecting pipe can be shortened to reduce weight and cost. Positioning the air cleaner device 40 in front of the supercharger 50 makes it easier to introduce airflow into the air cleaner device 40. Positioning the air cleaner device 40 behind the supercharger 50 makes it easier to apply existing air cleaner configurations that utilize the space below the seat, etc. The supercharger 50 is positioned with its axial direction aligned with the left-right direction of the vehicle, but its axial direction may be tilted relative to the left-right direction of the vehicle or positioned along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0060] <Fifth Embodiment of the Intake System> Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 16 to 18. This embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that the throttle body 35 is positioned closer to the front of the vehicle. Other components identical to those in the above embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0061] When the throttle body 35 is connected to multiple cylinders via a manifold 36, it is conceivable to position it in the center of the crankcase 32 from the viewpoint of equalizing the pipe length. However, when a surge tank 60 is placed on the crankcase 32, it becomes difficult to secure space for the throttle body 35 in the center of the crankcase 32 from the front to the rear. Therefore, the shape of the manifold 36 is changed to move the throttle body 35 closer to the front of the vehicle. By positioning the throttle body 35 closer to the front end of the upper part of the crankcase 32, it becomes easier to bring the lower part of the surge tank 60 closer to the upper part of the crankcase 32 compared to when the throttle body 35 is positioned closer to the center of the upper part of the crankcase 32. Therefore, it is possible to position the surge tank 60 compactly or increase its capacity. This increases the design freedom of the intake system components, including the throttle body 35.

[0062] In the fifth embodiment of the motorcycle 1, the supercharger 50 is positioned below and rear of the surge tank 60. At least a portion of the supercharger 50 is located within the vertical width of the surge tank 60 in the vehicle's vertical direction. By positioning the supercharger 50 below and rear of the surge tank 60, the surge tank 60 and the supercharger 50 are arranged in a line along the main frame 7, which extends downwards to the rear in a side view. With this configuration, by positioning the supercharger 50 behind the surge tank 60, it is easier to bring the relatively heavy supercharger 50 closer to the center of gravity of the vehicle, thereby concentrating the mass. In addition, the supercharger 50 and the surge tank 60 are connected by a connecting pipe (discharge pipe 54) that extends in the front-rear direction, allowing for efficient introduction of supercharger intake air from the supercharger 50 to the surge tank 60.

[0063] In the above-described motorcycle 1, the air cleaner device 40 is positioned above the surge tank 60 and the supercharger 50. In the figure, the rear of the air cleaner device 40 is located within the front-to-rear width of the supercharger 50 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction, and the front of the air cleaner device 40 is located within the front-to-rear width of the surge tank 60. Furthermore, the entire air cleaner device 40 is positioned above the surge tank 60. With this configuration, by positioning the air cleaner device 40 above the surge tank 60 and the supercharger 50, the surge tank 60 and the supercharger 50 and the air cleaner device 40 are connected by connecting pipes (suction pipe 45, second intake pipe 47) extending in the vertical direction, thereby improving the responsiveness of the supercharger intake. The supercharger 50 is positioned with its axial direction aligned with the vehicle's left-to-right direction, but its axial direction may be inclined relative to the vehicle's left-to-right direction or aligned with the vehicle's longitudinal direction.

[0064] <Sixth Embodiment of the Intake System> Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 3 and Figures 19 to 21. This embodiment differs from the fifth embodiment in that the air cleaner device 40 is positioned behind the surge tank 60 and above the supercharger 50 (around the supercharger 50). Other components identical to those in the above embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0065] In other words, in the sixth embodiment of the motorcycle 1, the supercharger 50 is positioned below and behind the surge tank 60. This allows the relatively heavy supercharger 50 to be brought closer to the center of gravity of the vehicle, thereby concentrating the mass, and also allows for efficient introduction of supercharged intake air from the supercharger 50 to the surge tank 60. The air cleaner device 40 is positioned above the supercharger 50 (and consequently around the supercharger 50 (up and down or left and right)). This allows the supercharger 50 and the air cleaner device 40 to be brought close to each other and easily connected, similar to the third embodiment. Furthermore, by moving the throttle body 35 closer to the front of the vehicle, the degree of freedom in positioning the intake system components, including the throttle body 35, can be increased. The supercharger 50 is positioned with its axial direction aligned with the left-right direction of the vehicle, but its axial direction may be tilted relative to the left-right direction of the vehicle or aligned with the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

[0066] <Seventh Embodiment of the Intake System> Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 22 to 24. This embodiment differs from the fourth embodiment in that the throttle body 35 is positioned closer to the front of the vehicle. Other components identical to those in the above embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0067] In the seventh embodiment of the motorcycle 1, moving the throttle body 35 towards the front of the vehicle increases the freedom of placement of intake system components, including the throttle body 35. The supercharger 50 is positioned above the surge tank 60 in the vertical direction of the vehicle. This brings the supercharger 50 closer to the driver, emphasizing the supercharger intake sound and creating a sense of acceleration. The supercharger 50 and the surge tank 60 are connected by a connecting pipe that extends vertically, allowing for efficient introduction of supercharger intake air from the supercharger 50 to the surge tank 60. The supercharger 50 can be efficiently positioned by utilizing empty space such as behind the handle support portion 6c of the vehicle frame 5.

[0068] In the above-described motorcycle 1, the air cleaner device 40 is positioned on one side (rear in the figure) of the supercharger 50 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. At least a portion of the air cleaner device 40 is located within the vertical width of the supercharger 50 in the vertical direction of the vehicle. With this configuration, by positioning the air cleaner device 40 in front of or behind the supercharger 50, the supercharger 50 and the air cleaner device 40 can be connected by a connecting pipe extending in the longitudinal direction, and the connecting pipe can be shortened to reduce weight and cost. Positioning the air cleaner device 40 in front of the supercharger 50 makes it easier to introduce airflow into the air cleaner device 40. Positioning the air cleaner device 40 behind the supercharger 50 makes it easier to apply existing air cleaner configurations that utilize the space under the seat, etc., and makes it easier to position the air intake and ensure maintainability. The supercharger 50 is positioned with its axial direction aligned with the left-right direction of the vehicle, but its axial direction may be tilted relative to the left-right direction of the vehicle or positioned along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0069] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, the supercharger vehicle structure of the embodiment may be applied to saddle-type vehicles other than motorcycles. The saddle-type vehicles include all vehicles on which the driver straddles the vehicle body, and include not only motorcycles (including motorized bicycles and scooter-type vehicles) but also three-wheeled vehicles (including vehicles with one front wheel and two rear wheels, as well as vehicles with two front wheels and one rear wheel) or four-wheeled vehicles (such as four-wheeled buggies). Vehicles with a straddling space, such as scooter-type vehicles, are also included. The invention may also be applied to vehicles that include an electric motor as the prime mover. The configuration in the above embodiment is just one example of the present invention, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention, such as replacing the components of the embodiment with well-known components.

[0070] 1. Motorcycle (saddle-type vehicle) 40. Air cleaner system 50. Supercharger 55. Electric motor 60. Surge tank E. Engine (internal combustion engine)

Claims

1. A saddle-type vehicle comprising an internal combustion engine (E), a surge tank (60) connected to the internal combustion engine (E), and a supercharger (50) that supplies supercharged intake air to the internal combustion engine (E) via the surge tank (60), wherein the internal combustion engine (E) comprises a crankcase (32) and a pair of left and right cylinders (33) protruding outward from the crankcase (32) in the left-right direction of the vehicle, and the surge tank (60) is positioned above the crankcase (32).

2. The saddle-type vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the supercharger (50) is equipped with an electric motor (55) as a drive source.

3. The saddle-type vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the supercharger (50) is located on one side of the surge tank (60) in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

4. The saddle-type vehicle according to claim 3, further comprising an air cleaner device (40) connected to the upstream side of the supercharger (50) for filtering the intake air to the internal combustion engine (E), wherein the air cleaner device (40) is positioned above the surge tank (60).

5. A saddle-type vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, comprising an air cleaner device (40) connected to the upstream side of the supercharger (50) for filtering the intake air to the internal combustion engine (E), wherein the supercharger (50) is positioned behind the surge tank (60) in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and the air cleaner device (40) is positioned on one side above or below, or on one side to the left or right, of the supercharger (50).

6. The saddle-type vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the supercharger (50) is positioned above the surge tank (60) in the vertical direction of the vehicle.

7. The saddle-type vehicle according to claim 6, further comprising an air cleaner device (40) connected to the upstream side of the supercharger (50) for filtering the intake air to the internal combustion engine (E), wherein the air cleaner device (40) is positioned on one side of the supercharger (50) in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

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