OA17617A - Vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is a vehicle which is provided with a left front wheel, a right front wheel, and a rear wheel which are tiltable together with a body frame, wherein, while the capacity of a fuel tank is ensured, the variation in the center-of-gravity position of the vehicle while driving is small. The configuration is such that, as viewed in a side view with the body frame in upright position, in the longitudinal direction of the body frame, the fuel tank is disposed between: the center of the area between the center of the area between right and left front wheel ground contact portions and a rear wheel ground contact portion, and the right and left front wheel ground contact portions; and the center of the area between the center of the area between the right and left front wheel ground contact portions and the rear wheel ground contact portion, and the rear wheel ground contact portion. The left end of the fuel tank is disposed on the left side of the center (H2) of the area between the center of an upper cross member and a lower cross member, and the left ends of the upper cross member and the lower cross member, and the right end of the fuel tank is disposed on the right side of the center (HI) of the area between the center of the upper cross member and the lower cross member, and the right ends of the upper cross member and the lower cross member.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Title of Invention

VEHICLE

Technical Field [0001] The présent invention relates to a vehicle including: a body frame that tilts in a left-right direction of the vehicle during left and right turns; a left front wheel and a right front wheel that are capable of tilting (hereinafter, referred to as tiltable) along with the body frame during left and right turns; and a rear wheel that is tiltable along with the body 10 frame.

Background Art [0002] A vehicle including: a body frame that tilts in a left-right direction of the vehicle during left and right turns; and two front wheels disposed side by side in the left-right 15 direction of the body frame is known (for example, see Patent Literature (hereinafter, referred to as PTL) 1 and PTL 2 and Non-Patent Literature (hereinafter, referred to as NPL) 1). This type of vehicle is a vehicle that can turn while the body frame tilts relative to a vertical direction. More specifically, the body frame tilts to the right of the vehicle during the right turn and to the left of the vehicle during the left turn.

[0003] The vehicles described in PTLs 1 and 2 and NPL 1 include link mechanisms.

The link mechanisms each include an upper cross member and a lower cross member. The link mechanism also includes: a right-side rod that supports right end portions of the upper cross member and the lower cross member; and a left-side rod that supports left end portions of the upper cross member and the lower cross member. An intermediate portion of the upper cross member and the lower cross member is supported by the body frame. The upper cross member and the lower cross member are supported by the body frame so as to be capable of turning (hereinafter, referred to as turnable) around an axis extending substantially in the front-rear direction of the body frame. The upper cross member and the lower cross member turn relative to the body frame in conjunction with tilting of the body frame that is tilting, and the relative position of the left front wheel and the right front wheel in the up-down direction of the body frame changes. The upper cross member and the lower cross member are disposed above the left front wheel and the right front wheel in the up-down direction of the body frame, when the body frame is in an upright state.

[0004] In the conventional vehicle disclosed in NPL 1, a fuel tank is disposed in a center tunnel positioned between floor portions on which the rider puis his or her left and right feet (for example, see P76 to P80 of NPL 1 and FIG. 3 of PTL 2).

Citation List

Patent Literature [0005]

PTL1

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-313876

PTL 2

U.S. Design Patent No. D547,242S

Non-Patent Literature [0006]

NPL1

Catalogo parti di ricambio, MP3 300 ie LT Mod. ZAPM64102, Piaggio & C. SpA, pp.

76-80

Summary of Invention

Technical Problem [0007] The weight of the fuel tank including the fuel changes depending on the remaining fuel. The center of gravity of the fuel tank also changes depending on the remaining fuel. Therefore, in a general vehicle, the center of gravity of the vehicle changes depending on the remaining fuel during the operation of vehicle.

[0008] Meanwhile, downsizing the fuel tank to reduce the weight variation of the fuel tank causes a réduction in the capacity of the fuel tank.

[0009] An object of the présent invention is to provide a vehicle including: a left front wheel and a right front wheel that are tiltable along with a body frame; and a rear wheel that is tiltable along with the body frame, in which an amount of change in the center of gravity of the vehicle during the operation of vehicle is small while the capacity of the fuel tank is ensured.

Solution to Problem [0010] A vehicle according to an aspect of the présent invention (hereinafter, referred to as a vehicle according to a first aspect) includes: a body frame; a right front wheel and a left front wheel disposed side by side in a left-right direction of the body frame, the right and the left front wheels being tiltable in a left-right direction of the vehicle along with the body frame; a rear wheel being tiltable in the left-right direction of the vehicle along with the body frame; a right-front-wheel support unit including an upper portion, and a lower portion that supports the right front wheel; a left-front-wheel support unit including an upper portion, and a lower portion that supports the left front wheel; a link mechanism including a right-side rod that supports the upper portion of the right-front-wheel support unit in a manner that makes the upper portion thereof turnable around a right axis extending in an up-down direction of the body frame, a left-side rod that supports the upper portion of the left-front-wheel support unit in a manner that makes the upper portion thereof turnable around a left axis which is parallel to the right axis, an upper cross member including a right end portion that supports an upper part of the right-side rod in a manner that makes the upper part thereof turnable, a left end portion that supports an upper part of the left-side rod in a manner that makes the upper part thereof turnable, and an intermediate portion that is supported by the body frame so as to be turnable around an upper axis extending in a front-rear direction of the body frame, and a lower cross member including a right end portion that supports a lower part of the right-side rod in a manner that makes the lower part thereof turnable, a left end portion that supports a lower part of the left-side rod in a manner that makes the lower part thereof turnable, and an intermediate portion that is supported by the body frame so as to be turnable around a lower axis which is parallel to the upper axis, a power unit that generates driving force of the rear wheel; and a fuel tank that stores fuel supplied to the power unit, in which the fuel tank is disposed between a first center and a second center, the first center being a center between a third center, and right and left front wheel grounding portions, the second center being a center between the third center, and a rear wheel grounding portion, the third center being a center between the right and the left front wheel grounding portions, and the rear wheel grounding portion in the front-rear direction of the body frame in a side view with the body frame in the upright state, the right and the left front, and the rear wheel grounding portions being portions where the right and the left front, and the rear wheels are grounded, respectively, and a left end of the fuel tank is disposed on the left of a center between a center of the upper cross member and the lower cross member, and left ends of the upper cross member and the lower cross member, and a right end of the fuel tank is disposed on the right of a center between the center of the upper cross member and the lower cross member, and right ends of the upper cross member and the lower cross member in the left-right direction of the body frame in a plan view with the body frame in the upright state.

[0011] According to the présent invention, the front part of the vehicle has a width in the left-right direction of the vehicle that allows the left front wheel and the right front wheel to be disposed side by side in the left-right direction. Therefore, it is easy to mount a fuel tank with a large width in the left-right direction of the vehicle on the vehicle. According to the présent invention, the left end of the fuel tank is disposed on the left of the center between the center of the upper cross member and the lower cross member and the left ends of the upper cross member and the lower cross member, and the right end of the fuel tank is disposed on the right of the center between the center of the upper cross member and the lower cross member and the right ends of the upper cross member and the lower cross member. Therefore, the width of the fuel tank in the left-right direction of the vehicle is large. As a resuit, according to the présent invention, the width of the fuel tank in the height direction can be reduced, while the capacity of the fuel tank is ensured. The fuel tank is disposed between the first center and the second center, the first center being a center between the third center, and the right and left front wheel grounding portions, the second center being a center between the third center, and the rear wheel grounding portion, the third center being a center between the right and the left front wheel grounding portions, and the rear wheel grounding portion. As a resuit, the fuel tank can be disposed near the center of gravity of the vehicle with the rider on the vehicle. Therefore, a fuel tank capable of reducing the width of the fuel tank in the height direction while ensuring the capacity of the fuel tank can be disposed near the center of gravity of the vehicle, and a vehicle with a small amount of change in the center of gravity of the vehicle based on the remaining fuel during the operation can be provided. As a resuit, a vehicle with a small amount. of change in the center of gravity of the vehicle based on the remaining fuel during the operation can be provided, while the capacity of the fuel tank is ensured.

[0012] The following aspects may also be adopted in the présent invention.

[0013] A vehicle according to a second aspect is the vehicle according to the first aspect, in which a rear end of the fuel tank is disposed forward of the third center being a center between the left and the right front wheel grounding portions, and the rear wheel grounding

portion in the front-rear direction of the body frame with the body frame in the upright state.

[0014] In the vehicle of the second aspect, the front part of the vehicle has a width in the left-right direction of the vehicle that allows for disposition of the left front wheel, the right 5 front wheel, and the link mechanism. Therefore, the width of the vehicle of the second aspect in the left-right direction of the vehicle is likely to be large in an area forward of the center between the right and left front wheel grounding portions and the rear wheel grounding portion in the front-rear direction of the body frame. According to the vehicle of the second aspect, the rear end of the fuel tank is disposed forward of the center between 10 the right and left front wheel grounding portions and the rear wheel grounding portion, so that it is easy to dispose a fuel tank with a large width in the left-right direction of the vehicle. Therefore, a vehicle with a small amount of change in the center of gravity of the vehicle during the operation can be provided, while the capacity of the fuel tank is ensured.

[0015] A vehicle according to a third aspect is the vehicle according to the first aspect, in 15 which the fuel tank is disposed to overlap with the third center being a center between the left and the right front wheel grounding portions, and the rear wheel grounding portion in the front-rear direction of the body frame with the body frame in the upright state.

[0016] In the vehicle of the third aspect, the fuel tank can be large in the front-rear direction of the body frame. Therefore, the width of the fuel tank in the up-down 20 direction of the vehicle can be reduced, while the capacity of the fuel tank is ensured.

[0017] As a resuit, a vehicle with a small amount of change in the center of gravity of the vehicle during the operation can be provided, while the capacity of the fuel tank is ensured.

[0018] A vehicle according to a fourth aspect is the vehicle according to the first aspect, in which a front end of the fuel tank is disposed behind the third center being a center 25 between the left and the right front wheel grounding portions, and the rear wheel grounding portion in the front-rear direction of the body frame with the body frame in the upright

[0019] The link mechanism supports a left-front-wheel support unit and a right-front-wheel support unit in a manner that makes the left and right front-wheel support units turnable, the left and right front-wheel support units including upper parts, and lower 5 parts that support the left and right front wheels, respectively. Therefore, the front end of the fuel tank is disposed behind the center between the right and left front wheel grounding portions and the rear wheel grounding portion in the front-rear direction of the body frame. As a resuit, the movable range of the link mechanism associated with tilting of the body frame in the left-right direction of the vehicle and the movable range of the left and right 10 front wheels associated with tilting of the body frame in the left-right direction of the vehicle are ensured, and the degree of freedom in the disposition of the fuel tank is high. Therefore, a vehicle with a small amount of change in the center of gravity of the vehicle during the operation can be provided, while the capacity of the fuel tank is ensured.

[0020] A vehicle according to a fifth aspect is the vehicle according to the first aspect 15 further including a seat including a seating surface on which a rider sits, in which the fuel tank is disposed below the seating surface in the up-down direction of the body frame.

[0021] According to the vehicle of the fifth aspect, the fuel tank can be close to the center of gravity of the vehicle with the rider on the vehicle. Therefore, a vehicle with a small amount of change in the center of gravity of the vehicle based on the remaining fuel can be 20 provided. The seating surface of the seat has a width in the left-right direction of the vehicle. Therefore, disposing the fuel tank below the seating surface of the seat in the up-down direction of the body frame can easily increase the width of the fuel tank in the left-right direction of the vehicle. As a resuit, a vehicle with a small amount of change in the center of gravity of the vehicle during the operation can be provided, while the capacity 25 of the fuel tank is ensured.

[0022] A vehicle according to a sixth aspect is the vehicle according to the fifth aspect, in

which the body frame includes a right frame portion and a left frame portion that are disposed below the seat in the up-down direction of the body frame, in which the fuel tank is disposed above the right and the left frame portions in the up-down direction of the body frame.

[0023] According to the vehicle of the sixth aspect, the width of the fuel tank in the left-right direction of the vehicle is greater than the width of the right frame portion and the left frame portion in the left-right direction of the vehicle. The fuel tank with a large width in the left-right direction of the vehicle can be fixed to the right frame portion and the left frame portion. Therefore, a vehicle with a small amount of change in the center of 10 gravity of the vehicle during the operation can be provided, while the capacity of the fuel tank is ensured.

[0024] A vehicle according to a seventh aspect is the vehicle according to the first aspect further including: a seat including a seating surface on which a rider sits; and a floor portion positioned forward of the seat in the front-rear direction of the body frame, the 15 floor portion including a floor surface on which the rider sitting on the seat puis his or her feet, in which the fuel tank is disposed below the floor surface in the up-down direction of the body frame.

[0025] In the vehicle of the seventh aspect, the front part of the vehicle has a width in the left-right direction of the vehicle that allows the left front wheel and the right front wheel 20 to be disposed side by side in the left-right direction of the vehicle. Therefore, it is easy to increase the width of the floor portion positioned forward of the seat in the left-right direction of the vehicle. As a resuit, according to the vehicle of the seventh aspect, the width of the fuel tank in the up-down direction of the vehicle can be small even when the capacity of the fuel tank is ensured, so that the fuel tank can be disposed below the floor 25 surface in the up-down direction of the body frame. The fuel tank is disposed below the floor surface in the up-down direction of the body frame, so that a vehicle with a small

change in the center of gravity of the vehicle during the operation can be provided.

Therefore, a vehicle with a small amount of change in the center of gravity of the vehicle during the operation can be provided, while the capacity of the fuel tank is ensured.

[0026] A vehicle according to an eighth aspect is the vehicle according to the seventh aspect, in which the body frame includes a left frame portion and a right frame portion below the floor surface in the up-down direction of the body frame, the left and the right frame portions extending in the front-rear direction of the body frame, in which the fuel tank is disposed between the left frame portion and the right frame portion.

[0027] According to the vehicle of the eighth aspect, the fuel tank is disposed between the left frame portion and the right frame portion even when the fuel tank with a large width in the left-right direction of the vehicle is disposed at a low position below the floor portion in the up-down direction of the body frame. Therefore, the fuel tank can be protected when the body frame tilts in the left-right direction of the vehicle. As a resuit, a vehicle with a small amount of change in the center of gravity of the vehicle during the operation can be provided, while the capacity of the fuel tank is ensured.

Advantageous Effects of Invention [0028] The présent invention can provide the vehicle including: a left front wheel and a right front wheel that are tiltable along with a body frame; and a rear wheel that is tiltable 20 along with the body frame, in which the amount of change in the center of gravity during the operation of the vehicle is small, while the capacity of a fuel tank is ensured.

Brief Description of Drawings [0029]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a vehicle of Embodiment 1 of the présent invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a state in which an exterior is removed in the vehicle of Embodiment 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view showing the state in which the exterior is removed in the vehicle of Embodiment 1 ;

FIG. 4 is a front view showing a left front wheel, a right front wheel, a link mechanism, and their surroundings;

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the left front wheel, the right front wheel, the link mechanism, and their surroundings;

FIG. 6 is a front view showing a state of the link mechanism and the surroundings of the link mechanism when the vehicle tilts;

FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a state of the link mechanism and the surroundings of the link mechanism when the direction of a handlebar is changed;

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing Variation 1 of a disposition of a fuel tank in the vehicle of Embodiment 1 ;

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing Variation 2 of the disposition of the fuel tank in the vehicle of Embodiment 1 ;

FIG. 10 is a side view showing the center of gravity of the vehicle with a rider on the vehicle of Embodiment 1 ;

FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a vehicle of Embodiment 2 of the présent invention;

FIG. 12 is a side view showing the vehicle of Embodiment 2 of the présent invention;

FIG. 13 is a plan view showing Variation 1 of a disposition of a fuel tank in the vehicle of Embodiment 2; and

FIG. 14 is a plan view showing Variation 2 of the disposition of the fuel tank in the vehicle of Embodiment 2.

Description of Embodiments [0030] Embodiments of the présent invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031 ] <Definition of Directions>

In the accompanying drawings, arrow F dénotés a front direction of vehicle 100, and arrow B dénotés a rear (or back) direction of vehicle 100. Arrow U dénotés an upward direction of vehicle 100, and arrow D dénotés a downward direction of vehicle 100. Arrow R dénotés a right direction of vehicle 100, and arrow L dénotés a left direction of vehicle 100. Body frame 110 tilts in a left-right direction of vehicle 100 relative to a vertical line to turn vehicle 100. Therefore, in addition to the directions of vehicle 100, directions based on body frame 110 are defined. Arrow FF in the accompanying drawings dénotés a front direction based on body frame 110, and arrow FB dénotés a rear direction based on body frame 110. Arrow FU dénotés an upward direction based on body frame 110, and arrow FD dénotés a downward direction based on body frame 110. Arrow FR dénotés a right direction based on body frame 110, and arrow FL dénotés a left direction based on body frame 110. In the description, a front-rear direction of vehicle 100, an up-down direction of vehicle 100, and the left-right direction of vehicle 100 dénoté front-rear, up-down, and left-right directions as viewed from a rider driving vehicle 100 and are directions based on vehicle 100. In this description, a front-rear direction of body frame 110, an up-down direction of body frame 110, and a left-right direction of body frame 110 are front-rear, up-down, and left-right directions as viewed from the rider driving vehicle 100 and are directions based on body frame 110. A center in a vehicle width direction dénotés a center of the vehicle width in the left-right direction of vehicle 100. In other words, the center in the vehicle width direction dénotés a center in the left-right direction of vehicle 100. In this description, an upright state dénotés a state in which the up-down direction of body frame 110 coincides with the vertical line, and

handlebar 160 is not steered. The state in which handlebar 160 is not steered dénotés a state in which rotation axes of left front wheel 13 IL and right front wheel 13 IR are orthogonal to the front-rear direction of body frame 110 in a plan view. In other words, the state in which handlebar 160 is not steered is a state in which steering shaft 161 is not turned or a state in which handlebar 160 is not turned as shown in FIG. 8. In the upright state, the direction of vehicle 100 coïncides with the direction of body frame 110. When body frame 110 tilts in the left-right direction relative to the vertical direction to turn vehicle 100, the left-right direction of vehicle 100 does not coïncide with the left-right direction of body frame 110. The up-down direction of vehicle 100 does not coïncide 10 with the up-down direction of body frame 110, either. However, the front-rear direction of vehicle 100 coïncides with the front-rear direction of body frame 110.

[0032] In the présent description, an axis extending in the front-rear direction dénotés not only an axis parallel to the front-rear direction of body frame 110, but also includes an axis tilted in a range of ±45 degrees relative to the front-rear direction of body frame 110. An 15 axis extending in a direction closer to the front-rear direction than to the left-right direction and the up-down direction is included in the axis extending in the front-rear direction.

Similarly, an axis extending in the up-down direction includes an axis tilted in a range of ±45 degrees relative to the up-down direction of body frame 110. An axis extending in a direction closer to the up-down direction than to the front-rear direction and the left-right 20 direction is included in the axis extending in the up-down direction. An axis extending in the left-right direction includes an axis tilted in a range of ±45 degrees relative to the left-right direction of body frame 110. An axis extending in a direction closer to the left-right direction than to the front-rear direction and the up-down direction is included in the axis extending in the left-right direction.

[0033] In the présent description, when it is mentioned that a part of body frame 110 extends in the front-rear direction, it is only necessary that the extending direction includes a component of body frame 110 in the front-rear direction, and this includes a mode m which the part extends in an oblique front-rear direction inclined up, down, left, or right.

[0034] (Embodiment 1)

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a vehicle of Embodiment 1 of the présent invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a state in which an exterior is removed in the vehicle of Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a side view showing a state in which the exterior is removed in the vehicle of Embodiment 1. Broken Unes indicate the exterior of vehicle 100 in FIGS. 2 and 3. In FIG. 3, alternate long and two short dashes lines indicate left front wheel 13 IL and right front wheel 13 IR when vehicle 100 tilts in the left-right direction.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 1, vehicle 100 of the embodiment includes left front wheel 13 IL, right front wheel 13 IR, rear wheel 134, handlebar 160, seat 180, and body covers (201a, 201b, 201c, 201d, and 201e). As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, vehicle 100 also includes link mechanism 140, body frame 110 (see FIG. 2), power unit 170 (see FIG. 3), fuel tank 210, storage case 250 [0036] Body frame 110 holds the components of vehicle 100. Body frame 110 includes link support 111, down frame 112, underframes 113, and rear frames 114. (see FIGS. 2 and

3).

[0037] Link support 111 is disposed on a front part of vehicle 100. Link support 111 supports link mechanism 140. Although not particularly limited, link support 111 also serves as a head tube in this embodiment. Link support 111 as a head tube is tilted relative to the vertical direction so that the upper part is positioned behind the lower part in a side view of the vehicle 100. Link support 111 as a head tube supports handlebar 160 and steering shaft 161. Steering shaft 161 is inserted to link support 111 as a head tube so as to be turnable.

[0038] Down frame 112 extends below from link support 111 and is connected to underframe 113. Underframe 113 is disposed on the bottom of vehicle 100 and forward of seat 180 in a plan view. Underframe 113 supports floor portion 201d that is a body cover described later.

[0039] Rear frame 114 extends toward the rear part of vehicle 100 from the rear end of underframe 113 and supports seat 180, fuel tank 210, storage case 250, and power unit 170.

Rear frames 114 are disposed on the left and right of vehicle 100. Power unit 170 may be supported by rear frame 114 through a swing arm.

[0040] Power unit 170 generates driving force of rear wheel 134. Power unit 170 includes an engine, crankcase 171 housing a crankshaft, and a transmission case housing a transmission.

[0041] Power unit 170 is disposed behind left front wheel 13IL, right front wheel 13IR, and link mechanism 140 in the front-rear direction of body frame 110. Although not particularly limited, power unit 170 is disposed behind the rear end of floor portion 201d in 15 the front-rear direction of body frame 110 in Embodiment 1.

[0042] The body cover includes front cover 201a, front fenders 201b provided on the left and right, leg shield 201c, floor portion 201d, and rear cover 201e.

[0043] Front cover 201a covers at least part of the front of link mechanism 140.

[0044] Leg shield 201c is positioned behind link mechanism 140 and behind at least part of left front wheel 13IL and right front wheel 13IR. Leg shield 201c covers the front part and the rear part of down frame 112. Leg shield 201c is connected to floor portion 20ld.

[0045] Floor portion 20ld includes a floor surface for the rider seated on seat 180 to put his/her feet on. The floor surface is disposed forward of seat 180 and behind leg shield 201c in a plan view and is disposed at a position lower than upper ends of left front wheel 25 13IL and right front wheel 13 IR in a side view. Although not particularly limited, the width of floor portion 20ld is substantially the same as the length from the left end of left front wheel 13 IL to the right end of right front wheel 13 IR in Embodiment 1.

[0046] Rear cover 201e covers the surroundings of rear frames 114.

[0047] Seat 180 includes seating surface 181 on which the rider sits. At least part of seating surface 181 is disposed at a position overlapping with at least part of power unit 170 in the front-rear direction of body frame 110.

[0048] Storage case 250 is disposed below the rear part of seat 180. The upper part of storage case 250 is covered by seat 180. Commodities can be taken in and out of storage case 250 when seat 180 is open. Although not particularly limited, helmet 501 can be housed in storage case 250 in Embodiment 1.

[0049] Fuel tank 210 stores fuel of power unit 170. A fuel hose is connected to fuel tank 210. The fuel is supplied from fuel tank 210 to power unit 170 through the fuel hose. The vertical width of fuel tank 210 is smaller than the width of fuel tank 210 in the Ieft-right direction of the vehicle and the width of fuel tank 210 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

[0050] Left front wheel 13 IL and right front wheel 131R are disposed side by side in the Ieft-right direction of body frame 110. Left front wheel 13IL and right front wheel 131R tilt in the Ieft-right direction along with body frame 110.

[0051] Rear wheel 134 is supported by a swing arm supported by body frame 110 or power unit 170 in a manner that makes the swing arm turnable. The swing arm is connected to rear frame 114 through a suspension. The suspension restricts the movement of the swing arm in the turning direction. Rear wheel 134 inclines in the Ieft-right direction along with body frame 110.

[0052] <Link Mechanism>

FIG. 4 is a front view showing the left front wheel, the right front wheel, the link mechanism, and their surroundings. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the left front wheel, the right front wheel, the link mechanism, and their surroundings. FIG. 6 is a front view showing a state of the link mechanism and the surroundings of the link mechanism when the vehicle tilts. FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a state of the link mechanism and the surroundings of the link mechanism when the direction of the handlebar is changed.

[0053] Link mechanism 140 has a configuration of parallel four-bar linkage (also called parallelogram link).

[0054] Link mechanism 140 is supported by link support 111 of body frame 110. Link mechanism 140 includes upper cross member 141, lower cross member 142, left-side rod 143, and right-side rod 144 as components for performing a tilting action of vehicle 100.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 4, upper cross member 141 and lower cross member 142 of link mechanism 140 are disposed below handlebar 160 and above the upper ends of left front wheel 13 IL and right front wheel 13 IR in a side view with body frame 110 in the upright state. As shown in FIG. 5, upper cross member 141 and lower cross member 142 of link mechanism 140 are disposed at positions overlapping with left front wheel 13 IL and right front wheel 13 IR in the front-rear direction of body frame 110. More specifically, upper cross member 141 and lower cross member 142 of link mechanism 140 are disposed between a vertical line passing through the front end of right front wheel 13IR and a vertical line passing through the rear end of right front wheel 13 IR and between a vertical line passing through the front end of left front wheel 13 IL and a vertical line passing through the rear end of left front wheel 13 IL in a side view. Upper cross member 141 and lower cross member 142 of link mechanism 140 are disposed behind the grounding portions of left front wheel 13 IL and right front wheel 13 IR in the front-rear direction of body frame 110.

[0056] An intermediate portion of upper cross member 141 is supported by link support 111. Upper cross member 141 is supported so as to be turnable around upper axis A (see FIG. 3) extending in the front-rear direction of body frame 110. Specifically, upper axis A is parallel to plane FF-FU and is tilted 45 degrees or less in the direction of arrow FU from arrow FF.

[0057] A left end portion of upper cross member 141 is supported by left-side rod 143. Upper cross member 141 is turnable relative to left-side rod 143, around upper left axis AL parallel to upper axis A. A right end portion of upper cross member 141 is supported by right-side rod 144. Upper cross member 141 is turnable relative to right-side rod 144, around upper right axis AR parallel to upper axis A.

[0058] An intermediate portion of lower cross member 142 is supported by link support 111. Lower cross member 142 is supported so as to be turnable around lower axis C (see FIG. 3) parallel to upper axis A. Lower cross member 142 is disposed below upper cross member 141. Lower cross member 142 has a length substantially the same as the upper cross member 141 in the left-right direction of the vehicle and is disposed parallel to upper cross member 141.

[0059] A left end of lower cross member 142 is supported by left-side rod 143. Lower cross member 142 is turnable relative to left-side rod 143, around lower left axis CL parallel to lower axis C. A right end portion of lower cross member 142 is supported by right-side rod 144. Lower cross member 142 is turnable relative to right-side rod 144, around lower right axis CR parallel to lower axis C.

[0060] Although not particularly limited, lower cross member 142 of link mechanism 140 includes: front lower cross member 142a including a part positioned forward of link support 111, left-side rod 143, and right-side rod 144; and rear lower cross member 142b including a part positioned behind link support 111, left-side rod 143, and right-side rod 144 (see FIGS. 3 and 5) in the embodiment.

[0061] Left-side rod 143 is disposed on the left of link support 111 and extends parallel to the direction of the extension of link support 111. Left-side rod 143 is disposed above left front wheel 13 IL. Left-side rod 143 supports left shock absorber 150L described later in a manner that makes left shock absorber 150L turnable around left axis Yl. Left shock

absorber 150L is équivalent to an example of a left-front-wheel support unit of the présent invention.

[0062] Right-side rod 144 is disposed on the right of link support 111 and extends parallel to the direction of the extension of link support 111. Right-side rod 144 is 5 disposed above right front wheel 13IR. Right-side rod 144 supports right shock absorber

150R described later in a manner that makes right shock absorber 150R turnable around right axis Y2. Right shock absorber 150R is équivalent to an example of a right-front-wheel support unit of the présent invention.

[0063] In this way, upper cross member 141, lower cross member 142, left-side rod 143, and right-side rod 144 are supported so that upper cross member 141 and lower cross member 142 maintain positions parallel to each other, and left-side rod 143 and right-side rod 144 maintain positions parallel to each other.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 6, link mechanism 140 tilts left front wheel 13 IL and right front wheel 13 IR when vehicle 100 tilts in the left-right direction (R-L direction). Link mechanism 140 relatively changes the levels of left front wheel 13 IL and right front wheel

IR in the up-down direction of body frame 110 (direction of arrows FU and FD) in response to body frame 110 that is tilting in the left-right direction.

[0065] <Steering Mechanism>

A steering mechanism is disposed between handlebar 160 and left and right front wheels 13 IL and 13 IR. The steering mechanism includes steering shaft 161, center steering arm 162 (see FIG. 7), tie rod 165, left steering arm 163, right steering arm 164, left shock absorber 150L, and right shock absorber 150R.

[0066] Left shock absorber 150L includes left dumper 151, left bracket 146, and left turn prévention mechanism 152. Left shock absorber 150L is supported by left-side rod 143 25 and tilts along with left-side rod 143.

[0067] Left damper 151 atténuâtes vibration from a road by, for example, a telescopic structure. An upper end of left damper 151 is fixed to left bracket 146. A lower end of the left damper supports left front wheel 13 IL. In this way, left damper 151 absorbs displacement of left front wheel 13 IL relative to an upper part of left damper 151 in the up-down direction of body frame 110. The expansion and contraction direction of left damper 151 may be tilted from the up-down direction of body frame 110. In this case, left front wheel 13 IL is also displaced relative to the upper part of left damper 151 in the front-rear direction or the left-right direction of body frame 110. In this case, left damper 151 also absorbs the displacement of left front wheel 13 IL in the front-rear direction or the left-right direction.

[0068] Left turn prévention mechanism 152 is disposed parallel to left damper 151. Left turn prévention mechanism 152 has a telescopic structure. An upper end of left turn prévention mechanism 152 is fixed to left bracket 146. A lower end of left turn prévention mechanism 152 supports left front wheel 131L.

[0069] Left damper 151 and left turn prévention mechanism 152 support left front wheel 131L to associate left bracket 146 with left front wheel 131L to prevent a relative change in the direction of left bracket 146 and the direction of left front wheel 13 IL.

[0070] Right shock absorber 150R includes right damper 153, right bracket 147, and right turn prévention mechanism 154. Right shock absorber 150R is supported by right-side rod 144 and tilts along with right-side rod 144.

[0071] Right damper 153 atténuâtes vibration from a road by, for example, a telescopic structure. An upper end of right damper 153 is fixed to right bracket 147. A lower end of right damper 153 supports right front wheel 13 IR. In this way, right damper 153 absorbs displacement of right front wheel 13 IR relative to an upper part of right damper 153 in the up-down direction of body frame 110. The expansion and contraction direction of right damper 153 may be tilted from the up-down direction of body frame 110. In this case, right front wheel 131R is also displaced relative to the upper part of right damper 153 in the front-rear direction or the left-right direction of body frame 110. In this case, right damper 153 also absorbs the displacement m the front-rear direction or the left-right direction of right front wheel 13 IR.

[0072] Right turn prévention mechanism 154 is disposed parallel to right damper 153. Right turn prévention mechanism 154 has a telescopic structure. An upper end of right turn prévention mechanism 154 is fixed to right bracket 147. A lower end of right turn prévention mechanism 154 supports right front wheel 13 IR.

[0073] Right damper 153 and right turn prévention mechanism 154 support right front wheel 13IR to associate right bracket 147 with right front wheel 13 IR to prevent a relative change in the direction of right bracket 147 and the direction of right front wheel 13IR.

[0074] Center steering arm 162 and tie rod 165 are disposed above left front wheel 13 IL and right front wheel 13 IR. One end portion of center steering arm 162 is fixed to steering shaft 161, and center steering arm 162 turns along with steering shaft 161. The other end portion of center steering arm 162 is supported by tie rod 165. Center steering arm 162 transmits the turning of steering shaft 161 to tie rod 165.

[0075] Left steering arm 163 is fixed to left bracket 146.

[0076] Right steering arm 164 is fixed to right bracket 147.

[0077] Tie rod 165 supports center steering arm 162, left steering arm 163, and right steering arm 164 and transmits the turning of center steering arm 162 to left steering arm 163 and right steering arm 164.

[0078] According to the configurations, when handlebar 160 is operated to turn steering shaft 161 and center steering arm 162, left bracket 146 and right bracket 147 turn at the same angle as shown in FIG. 7. As a resuit, left front wheel 13 IL and right front wheel 13 IR are steered in same direction T.

[0079] <Disposition 1 of Fuel Tank 210>

In the présent description, the upper end of fuel tank 210 dénotés the upper end of a

fuel filler neck. The front end, the rear end, the lower end, the left end, and the right end of fuel tank 210 mean the front end, the rear end, the lower end, the left end, and the right end of the space housing the fuel.

[0080] The liquid level of the fuel stored in fuel tank 210 changes according to the orientation change of vehicle 100 or the road condition. Examples of the orientation change include an orientation of vehicle 100 tilting in the left-right direction during comering and an orientation of vehicle 100 tilting in the front-rear direction during accélération or décélération. Examples of the road condition include an inclination, such as a slope, and unevenness of the road, such as a stone pavement.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 3, fuel tank 210 is disposed between virtual line Fl and virtual line F2 in the front-rear direction of body frame 110. The front end of fuel tank 210 is disposed between virtual line Fl and virtual line F2, and the rear end of fuel tank 210 is disposed behind virtual line F2 in a side view of vehicle 100.

[0082] Virtual line Fl indicates the center between center position El of a right front wheel grounding portion and a left front wheel grounding portion and center line E2 in a side view with body frame 110 in the upright state. Center line E2 indicates the center between center position El of the right front wheel grounding portion and the left front wheel grounding portion and center position E3 of a rear wheel grounding portion.

Virtual line F2 indicates the center between center line E2 and center position E3 of the rear wheel grounding portion in a side view with body frame 110 in the upright state. The left front wheel grounding portion dénotés a grounding portion of left front wheel 13 IL. The right front wheel grounding portion dénotés a grounding portion of right front wheel 131R. The rear wheel grounding portion dénotés a grounding portion of rear wheel 134.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 2, the right end of fuel tank 210 is disposed on the right of virtual line Hl, and the left end of fuel tank 210 is disposed on the left of virtual line H2 in a plan view with body frame 110 in the upright state.

[0084] In vehicle 100 of Embodiment 1, fuel tank 210 may be disposed in a way that the right end of fuel tank 210 is disposed slightly to the right of virtual line H1 while the left end of fuel tank 210 is disposed slightly to the left of virtual line H2.

[0085] Virtual line H1 indicates the center between right end position Gl of upper cross member 141 and lower cross member 142 and center position G2 of upper cross member 141 and lower cross member 142, in a front view with body frame 110 in the upright state. Virtual line H2 dénotés the center between left end position G3 of upper cross member 141 and lower cross member 142 and center position G2 of upper cross member 141 and lower cross member 142 in a front view with body frame 110 in the upright state. Center position G2 dénotés the center of upper cross member 141 and lower cross member 142 in the left-right direction. Center position G2 coincides with a plane including upper axis A and lower axis C. Left end position G3 is an end portion positioned at the left-most of the left end of upper cross member 141 and the left end of lower cross member 142.

[0086] FIG. 8 is a plan view showing Variation 1 of the disposition of the fuel tank in the vehicle of Embodiment 1. In FIG. 8, a broken line indicates the exterior of vehicle 100.

[0087] Fuel tank 210 may be disposed as follows in the left-right direction of body frame 110. As shown in FIG. 8, the right end of fuel tank 210 may be disposed on the right of virtual line H3, and the left end of fuel tank 210 may be disposed on the left of virtual line H4, in a plan view with body frame 110 in the upright state. Fuel tank 210 may be disposed in a way that the right end of fuel tank 210 is disposed slightly to the right of virtual line H3 while the left end of fuel tank 210 is disposed slightly to the left of virtual line H4.

[0088] Virtual line H3 indicates the center between right upper axis AR (see FIGS. 3 and 4) and center axis G0 in a front view with body frame 110 in the upright state. Virtual line H4 indicates the center between left upper axis AL (see FIGS. 3 and 4) and center axis G0 in a front view with body frame 110 in the upright state. Center axis G0 indicates the center between right upper axis AR and left upper axis AL.

[0089] FIG. 9 is a plan view showing Variation 2 of the disposition of the fuel tank in the vehicle of Embodiment 1. In FIG. 9, a broken line indicates the exterior of vehicle 100.

[0090] Fuel tank 210 may be disposed in the following way in the left-right direction of body frame 110. As shown in FIG. 9, the right end of fuel tank 210 may be disposed on the right of virtual line H5, and the left end of fuel tank 210 may be disposed on the left of virtual line H6 in a plan view with body frame 110 in the upright state. Fuel tank 210 may be disposed in a way that the right end of fuel tank 210 is disposed slightly to the right of virtual line H5 while the left end of fuel tank 210 is disposed slightly to the left of virtual line H6.

[0091] Virtual line H5 indicates the center between right end position G4 of right front wheel 13 IR and center position G2 in a front view with body frame 110 in the upright state. Virtual line H6 indicates the center between left end position G5 of left front wheel 13 IL and center position G2 in a front view with body frame 110 in the upright state. Center position G2 indicates the center between the left end of left front wheel 13 IL and the right end of right front wheel 13 IR.

[0092] <Disposition 2 of Fuel Tank 210>

In fuel tank 210 of Embodiment 1, the following spécifie disposition is further adopted based on the disposition described above.

[0093] The front end of fuel tank 210 is disposed behind center line E2 (see FIG. 3) in the front-rear direction of body frame 110.

[0094] Fuel tank 210 is disposed below seating surface 181 of seat 180. In the disposition, part of fuel tank 210 may be below seating surface 181, or the entirety of fuel tank 210 may be below seating surface 181.

[0095] Fuel tank 210 is disposed above left and right rear frames 114. Fuel tank 210 is fixed to left and right rear frames 114 through brackets. As shown in FIG. 2, fuel tank

210 is disposed at a position where part of fuel tank 210 overlaps with left and right rear frames 114 m a plan view.

[0096] <Advantageous Effects of Embodiment 1>

As described, according to vehicle 100 of Embodiment 1, the front part of vehicle 100 has a width in the left-right direction of the vehicle that allows left front wheel 13 IL and right front wheel 13 IR to be disposed side by side in the left-right direction. Therefore, fuel tank 210 with a large width in the left-right direction of the vehicle can be easily mounted on vehicle 100. According to vehicle 100 of Embodiment 1, the left end of fuel tank 210 is disposed on the left of virtual line H2 of FIG. 2, and the right end of fuel tank 210 is disposed on the right of virtual line H1 of FIG. 2. Therefore, the width of fuel tank 210 in the left-right direction of the vehicle increases. This can reduce the width of fuel tank 210 in the height direction while ensuring the capacity of fuel tank 210. Therefore, vehicle 100 with a small amount of change in the position of center of gravity Q1 (see FIG. 10) based on the remaining fuel during the operation can be provided, while the capacity of fuel tank 210 can be ensured.

[0097] Similarly, the left end of fuel tank 210 may be disposed on the left of virtual line H4 of FIG. 8, and the right end of fuel tank 210 may be disposed on the right of virtual line H3 of FIG. 8, as in Variation 1 of vehicle 100 of Embodiment 1. As a resuit, the width of fuel tank 210 in the left-right direction of the vehicle increases, and vehicle 100 with a small amount of change in the position of center of gravity Q1 (see FIG. 10) based on the remaining fuel during the operation can be provided.

[0098] As in Variation 2 of vehicle 100 of Embodiment 1, the left end of fuel tank 210 may be disposed on the left of virtual line H6 of FIG. 9, and the right end of fuel tank 210 may be disposed on the right of virtual line H5 of FIG. 9. As a resuit, the width of fuel tank 210 in the left-right direction of the vehicle increases, and vehicle 100 with a small amount of change in the position of center of gravity Q1 (see FIG. 10) based on the remaining fuel during the operation can be provided.

[0099] FIG. 10 is a side view showing the center of gravity of the vehicle with the rider on the vehicle of Embodiment 1. In FIG. 10, alternate long and two short dashes lines indicate left front wheel 13 IL and right front wheel 13 IR when vehicle 100 tilts in the left-right direction.

[0100] According to vehicle 100 of Embodiment 1, the front part of vehicle 100 has a width in the left-right direction of the vehicle that allows for disposition of left front wheel 13 IL, right front wheel 13 IR, and link mechanism 140. Therefore, the width of vehicle 100 in the left-right direction of the vehicle forward of center line E2 in the front-rear direction of body frame 110 is likely to be large. According to vehicle 100, the rear end of fuel tank 210 is disposed forward of center line E2, so that it is easy to dispose fuel tank 210 with a large width in the left-right direction of the vehicle. Therefore, vehicle 100 with a small amount of change in the center of gravity during the operation can be provided, while the capacity of fuel tank 210 is ensured.

[0101] According to vehicle 100 of Embodiment 1, fuel tank 210 can be large in the front-rear direction of body frame 110. Therefore, the width of fuel tank 210 in the up-down direction of the vehicle can be reduced, while the capacity of fuel tank 210 can be ensured.

[0102] As a resuit, vehicle 100 with a small amount of change in the center of gravity during the operation can be provided, while the capacity of fuel tank 210 can be ensured.

[0103] According to vehicle 100 of Embodiment 1, link mechanism 140 supports a left-front-wheel support unit and a right-front-wheel support unit in a manner that makes the left and right-front-wheel support units turnable, the left and right-front-wheel support units including upper parts and lower parts that support left and right front wheels 13 IL and 13 IR, respectively. Therefore, the disposition of the front end of fuel tank 210 behind center line E2 in the front-rear direction of body frame 110 prevents, from being hindered, the movable range of link mechanism 140 associated with tilting of body frame

110 in the left-right direction of vehicle 100 and the movement of the left and right front wheels that tilt along with tilting of body frame 110 in the left-right direction of vehicle 100, and makes the degree of freedom in the disposition of fuel tank 210 high. Therefore, vehicle 100 with a small amount of change in the center of gravity during the operation can be provided, while the capacity of fuel tank 210 can be ensured.

[0104] According to vehicle 100 of Embodiment 1, the width of fuel tank 210 in the left-right direction of the vehicle is greater than the width of right underframe 113Ab and left underframe 113Aa in the left-right direction of the vehicle. Furthermore, fuel tank 210 with a large width in the left-right direction of the vehicle can be fixed to left and right body frames 110. Therefore, vehicle 100 with a small amount of change in the center of gravity during the operation can be provided, while the capacity of fuel tank 210 can be ensured.

[0105] According to vehicle 100 of Embodiment 1, fuel tank 210 is disposed between virtual lines Fl and F2 of FIG. 3 in the front-rear direction of body frame 110. As a resuit of the disposition, fuel tank 210 can be close to center of gravity Q1 of vehicle 100. Therefore, vehicle 100 with a smaller amount of change in the position of center of gravity Q1 during the drive based on the remaining fuel can be provided, while the capacity of fuel tank 210 can be ensured.

[0106] Vehicle 100 of Embodiment 1 has a width in the left-right direction of the vehicle that allows for disposition of left front wheel 13 IL, right front wheel 13 IR, and link mechanism 140. Therefore, it is easy to increase the width in the left-right direction of the vehicle behind center line E2 (see FIG. 3) in the front-rear direction of body frame 110. As a resuit, fuel tank 210 with a large width in the left-right direction of the vehicle can be easily disposed even if the front end of fuel tank 210 is disposed behind center line E2.

[0107] According to vehicle 100 of Embodiment 1, fuel tank 210 is disposed below seating surface 181. Therefore, fuel tank 210 can be closer to center of gravity Q1 of vehicle 100 with the rider on the vehicle. As a resuit, vehicle 100 with a smaller amount of change in the position of center of gravity Q1 of vehicle 100 based on the remaining fuel can be provided.

[0108] According to vehicle 100 of Embodiment 1, fuel tank 210 is disposed above body frame 110 (specifically, left and right rear frames 114). Therefore, it is possible to increase the width of fuel tank 210 in the left-right direction of the vehicle without being restricted by body frame 110. Fuel tank 210 with a large width in the left-right direction of the vehicle can be easily fixed without complicating the configuration of body frame 110.

[0109] (Embodiment 2)

FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a vehicle of Embodiment 2 of the présent invention. FIG. 12 is a side view showing the vehicle of Embodiment 2 of the présent invention. FIG. 11 shows a state of vehicle 100A in which handlebar 160 has been removed. In FIGS. 11 and 12, broken lines indicate the exterior of vehicle 100A. In FIG. 12, altemate long and two short dashes lines indicate left front wheel 13 IL and right front wheel 131R when vehicle 100 tilts in the left-right direction.

[0110] Vehicle 100A of Embodiment 2 is different from the vehicle of Embodiment 1 mainly in the configuration of body frame 110A and the disposition of fuel tank 210A. The same components as those of Embodiment 1 are designated with the same reference signs, and the detailed description of the same components will not be repeated.

[0111] Body frame 110A includes link support 111, down frame 112, left underframe 113Aa, right underframe 113Ab, side underframe 113Ac, left and right rear frames 114, and intermediate frame 115.

[0112] Left underframe 113Aa, right underframe 113Ab, and side underframe 113Ac support floor portion 201d. Right underframe 113Ab and left underframe 113Aa are disposed below seat 180.

[0113] One end of left underframe 113Aa is connected to the lower part of down frame 112 and extends in the front-rear direction while the other end is linked to left rear frame 114. Left underframe 113Aa is disposed on the left of the center of floor portion 201d in the left-right direction of body frame 110A.

[0114] One end of right underframe 113Ab is connected to the lower part of down frame 112 and extends in the front-rear direction while the other end is linked to right rear frame 114. Right underframe 113Ab is disposed on the right of the center of floor portion 201d in the left-right direction of body frame 110A.

[0115] Side underframe 113Ac extends in the left-right direction and is placed between left underframe 113Aa and right underframe 113 Ab.

[0116] Intermediate frame 115 is placed between left and right rear frames 114. Intermediate frame 115 is disposed below seat 180 to support seat 180.

[0117] Fuel tank 210A stores the fuel of power unit 170. A fuel hose is connected to fuel tank 210A. The fuel is supplied from fuel tank 210A to power unit 170 through the fuel hose. The vertical width of fuel tank 210A is smaller than the width of fuel tank 210A in the left-right direction of the vehicle and the width of fuel tank 210A in the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

[0118] <Disposition of Fuel Tank 210A>

As shown in FIG. 12, fuel tank 210A is disposed between virtual line Fl and virtual line F2 in the front-rear direction of body frame 110A. Virtual lines Fl and F2 are the same as those described in Embodiment 1 (see FIG. 3).

[0119] As shown in FIG. 11, the right end of fuel tank 210A is disposed on the right of virtual line Hl, and the left end of fuel tank 210A is disposed on the left of virtual line H2, in a plan view with body frame 110A in the upright state. Virtual lines Hl and H2 are the same as those described in Embodiment 1 (see FIG. 2).

[0120] Fuel tank 21 OA may be disposed in a way that the right end of fuel tank 21 OA is disposed slightly to the right of virtual line H1 while the left end of fuel tank 21 OA is disposed slightly to the left of virtual line H2.

[0121] FIG. 13 is a plan view showing Variation 1 of the disposition of the fuel tank in the vehicle of Embodiment 2.

[0122] As shown in Variation 1 of FIG. 13, the right end of fuel tank 210A may be disposed on the right of virtual line H3, and the left end of fuel tank 210A may be disposed on the left of virtual line H4 in a plan view with body frame 110A in the upright state. Fuel tank 210A may be disposed in a way that the right end of fuel tank 210A is disposed slightly to the right of virtual line H3 while the left end of fuel tank 210A is disposed slightly to the left of virtual line H4. Virtual lines H3 and H4 are the same as those described in Embodiment 1 (see FIG. 8).

[0123] FIG. 14 is a plan view showing Variation 2 of the disposition of the fuel tank in the vehicle of Embodiment 2.

[0124] As shown in Variation 2 of FIG. 14, the right end of fuel tank 210A may be disposed on the right of virtual line H5, and the left end of fuel tank 210A may be disposed on the left of virtual line H6, in a plan view with body frame 110A in the upright state. Fuel tank 210A may be disposed in a way that the right end of fuel tank 210A is disposed slightly to the right of virtual line H5 while the left end of fuel tank 210A is disposed slightly to the left of virtual line H6. Virtual lines H5 and H6 are the same as those described in Embodiment 1 (see FIG. 9).

[0125] In fuel tank 210A of Embodiment 2, the following spécifie disposition is further adopted based on the disposition described above.

[0126] The rear end of fuel tank 210A is disposed in front of center line E2 (see FIG. 12) in the front-rear direction of body frame 110A.

[0127] Fuel tank 210A is disposed below the floor surface of floor portion 20 ld. More specifically, fuel tank 210A is disposed between the floor surface of floor portion 20ld and the bottom surface of vehicle 100A. Part of fuel tank 210A may be disposed in this way, or the entirety of fuel tank 210A may be disposed in this way.

[0128] Fuel tank 210A is disposed between left underframe 113Aa that is a left frame portion and right underframe 113 Ab that is a right frame portion. More specifically, fuel tank 210A is disposed within a range surrounded by left underframe 113Aa, right underframe 113Ab, and side underframe 113Ac in a plan view. Side underframe 113Ac may be omitted.

[0129] Fuel tank 210A is fixed to left underframe 113Aa, right underframe 113Ab, and side underframe 113Ac through brackets. Side underframe 113Ac may be omitted.

[0130] <Advantageous Effects of Embodiment 2>

As described, according to vehicle 100A of Embodiment 2, the front part of vehicle 100A has a width in the left-right direction of the vehicle that allows left front wheel 13IL and right front wheel 13 IR to be disposed side by side in the left-right direction. Therefore, particularly, the width in the left-right direction of the vehicle forward of center line E2 (see FIG. 12) can be easily increased in the front-rear direction of body frame 110A. According to vehicle 100A of Embodiment 2, the rear end of fuel tank 210A is disposed forward of center line E2. Therefore, fuel tank 210A with a large width in the left-right direction of the vehicle can be easily mounted on vehicle 100A. As a resuit, the width of fuel tank 210A in the height direction can be reduced, while the capacity of fuel tank 210A can be ensured. Therefore, vehicle 100A with a small amount of change in the position of the center of gravity based on the remaining fuel during the operation can be provided, while the capacity of fuel tank 210A can be ensured.

[0131] In vehicle 100A of Embodiment 2, the left end of fuel tank 210A is disposed on the left of virtual line H2 of FIG. 11. The right end of fuel tank 210A is disposed on the right of virtual line H1 of FIG. 11. Therefore, the width of fuel tank 210A in the left-right direction of the vehicle is large. As a resuit, the width of fuel tank 210A in the height direction can be reduced, while the capacity of fuel tank 210A can be ensured.

[0132] In vehicle 100A of Embodiment 2, fuel tank 210A is disposed between virtual lines Fl and F2 of FIG. 12 in the front-rear direction of body frame 11 OA. As a resuit of the disposition, fuel tank 21 OA can be close to the center of gravity of the vehicle. Therefore, a vehicle with a smaller amount of change in the position of the center of gravity during the drive based on the remaining fuel can be provided, while the capacity of fuel tank 210A can be ensured.

[0133] In vehicle 100A of Embodiment 2, fuel tank 210A is disposed below the floor surface of floor portion 20 ld. There is a certain limitation for the level of the bottom surface (lower end of the body) of vehicle 100A to avoid a curbstone or the like. There is a certain limitation for the level of the floor surface of floor portion 20ld to allow the driver to easily put the feet on. Under these conditions, fuel tank 210A is disposed below the floor surface of floor portion 20ld to effectively utilize the space below floor portion 201d, so that fuel tank 210A with a low height and a large capacity can be disposed. Therefore, a vehicle with a smaller amount of change in the position of the center of gravity based on the remaining fuel during the operation can be provided, while the capacity of fuel tank 210Acan be ensured.

[0134] According to vehicle 100A of Embodiment 2, fuel tank 210A is disposed between left underframe 113Aa and right underframe 113Ab. Therefore, fuel tank 210A can be easily fixed below the floor surface of floor portion 20ld without complicating the configuration of the frames that support floor portion 20ld.

[0135] Each embodiment of the présent invention has been described thus far.

[0136] The dispositions of fuel tanks 210 and 210A are specifically described in each embodiment. However, the dispositions of the fuel tanks 210 and 210A are not limited to the dispositions described in the embodiments.

[0137] For example, the disposition of the fuel tank in the front-rear direction may be changed as follows. The front end of fuel tank 210 is disposed behind center line E2 in the front-rear direction of body frame 110 in the spécifie example illustrated in Embodiment 1 (see FIG. 3). The rear end of fuel tank 210A is disposed forward of center line E2 in the front-rear direction of body frame 110A in the spécifie example illustrated in Embodiment 2 (see FIG. 12). However, fuel tanks 210 and 210A may be disposed at positions overlapping with center line E2 in the front-rear direction of body frames 110 and 110A in the présent invention.

[0138] Fuel tank 210 is disposed below seating surface 181 of seat 180 in the up-down direction of body frame 110 in the description of Embodiment 1. In this disposition, part of fuel tank 210 may be disposed below seating surface 181 in the up-down direction of body frame 110, or the entirety of fuel tank 210 may be disposed below seating surface 181 in the up-down direction of body frame 110.

[0139] Fuel tank 210A is disposed below the floor surface of floor portion 20 ld in the up-down direction of body frame 110 in the description of Embodiment 2. In this disposition, part of fuel tank 210A may be disposed below the floor surface of floor portion 20ld in the up-down direction of body frame 110, or the entirety of fuel tank 210A may be disposed below the floor surface of floor portion 20ld in the up-down direction of body frame 110.

[0140] The front end of fuel tank 210 is disposed between virtual line Fl and virtual line F2, and the rear end of fuel tank 210 is disposed behind virtual line F2 in a side view of vehicle 100 in the description of the embodiment. However, fuel tank 210 of the présent invention may be disposed anywhere between virtual line Fl and virtual line F2 in the front-rear direction of body frame 110. Fuel tank 210 of the présent invention may be disposed anywhere as long as at least part of fuel tank 210 is disposed between virtual line Fl and virtual line F2 in the front-rear direction of body frame 110. Therefore, the dispositions of fuel tank 210 of the présent invention include the following dispositions.

The front and rear ends of fuel tank 210 may be positioned between virtual lines Fl and F2 in a side view of vehicle 100. The front end of fuel tank 210 may be positioned forward of virtual line Fl, while the rear end of fuel tank 210 is positioned between virtual lines Fl and F2 in a side view of vehicle 100. The front end of fuel tank 210 may be positioned forward of virtual line Fl, while the rear end of fuel tank 210 is positioned behind virtual line F2 in a side view of vehicle 100.

[0141] The disposition of the fuel tank in the left-right direction may be changed as follows.

[0142] The right end of fuel tank 210 is disposed on the right of virtual line Hl, and the left end of fuel tank 210 is disposed on the left of virtual line H2 in Embodiment 1 described with reference to FIG. 2. However, the disposition of fuel tank 210 is not limited to the spécifie disposition illustrated in FIG. 2. The right end of fuel tank 210 may be disposed slightly to the right of virtual line Hl, and the left end of fuel tank 210 may be disposed slightly to the left of virtual line H2.

[0143] The right end of fuel tank 210 is disposed on the right of virtual line H3, and the left end of fuel tank 210 is disposed on the left of virtual line H4 in Variation 1 of Embodiment 1 described with reference to FIG. 8. However, the disposition of fuel tank 210 is not limited to the spécifie disposition illustrated in FIG. 8. The right end of fuel tank 210 may be disposed slightly to the right of virtual line H3, and the left end of fuel tank 210 may be disposed slightly to the left of virtual line H4.

[0144] The right end of fuel tank 210 is disposed on the right of virtual line H5, and the left end of fuel tank 210 is disposed on the left of virtual line H6 in Variation 2 of Embodiment 1 described with reference to FIG. 9. However, the disposition of fuel tank 210 is not limited to the spécifie disposition illustrated in FIG. 9. The right end of fuel tank 210 may be disposed slightly to the right of virtual line H5, and the left end of fuel tank 210 may be disposed slightly to the left of virtual line H6.

[0145] The right end of fuel tank 210A is disposed on the right of virtual line Hl, and the left end of fuel tank 21 OA is disposed on the left of virtual line H2 in Embodiment 2 described with reference to FIG. 11. However, the disposition of fuel tank 21 OA is not limited to the spécifie disposition illustrated in FIG. 11. The right end of fuel tank 21 OA may be disposed slightly to the right of virtual line Hl, and the left end of fuel tank 210A may be disposed slightly to the left of virtual line H2.

[0146] The right end of fuel tank 210A is disposed on the right of virtual line H3, and the left end of fuel tank 210A is disposed on the left of virtual line H4 in Variation 1 of Embodiment 2 described with reference to FIG. 13. However, the disposition of fuel tank 210A is not limited to the spécifie disposition illustrated in FIG. 13. The right end of fuel tank 210A may be disposed slightly to the right of virtual line H3, and the left end of fuel tank 210A may be disposed slightly to the left of virtual line H4.

[0147] The right end of fuel tank 210A is disposed on the right of virtual line H5, and the left end of fuel tank 210A is disposed on the left of virtual line H6 in Variation 2 of Embodiment 2 described with reference to FIG. 14. However, the disposition of fuel tank 210A is not limited to the spécifie disposition illustrated in FIG. 14. The right end of fuel tank 210A may be disposed slightly to the right of virtual line H5, and the left end of fuel tank 210A may be disposed slightly to the left of virtual line H6.

[0148] Fuel tank 210A is disposed between left underframe 113Aa and right underframe 113Ab in the description of Embodiment 2. In this disposition, part of fuel tank 210A may be positioned between left underframe 113Aa and right underframe 113Ab, or the entirety of fuel tank 210A may be positioned between left underframe 113Aa and right underframe 113Ab.

[0149] The disposition of the fuel tank in the up-down direction may be changed as follows. Fuel tank 210 is disposed below seating surface 181 of seat 180 in the example of the disposition of the fuel tank in the height direction described in Embodiment 1. Fuel tank 21 OA is disposed below the floor surface of floor portion 20ld in the up-down direction of body frame 110 in the example of the disposition of the fuel tank in the height direction described in Embodiment 2. However, the fuel tank in the présent invention may be disposed above the upper ends of the left and right front wheels in the up-down direction of body frame 110 in a front view with the body frame in the upright state. The fuel tank may be disposed below the upper ends of the left and right front wheels in the up-down direction of body frame 110. The fuel tank may be disposed at a level overlapping with the upper ends of the left and right front wheels in the up-down direction of body frame 110.

[0150] The configurations of vehicles 100 and 100A and the structures of the components are specifically illustrated in the accompanying drawings in the description of the embodiments. However, any structures of the vehicle and the components of the vehicle are employable as long as they are included in the appended claims.

[0151] For example, vehicle 100 includes floor portion 201d forward of seat 180 in a plan view in the example described in the embodiments. However, the vehicle of the présent invention may be a type in which floor portion 20ld is not included, and the rider straddles the seat.

[0152] Link support 111 also serves as a head tube in the example described in the embodiments. However, the vehicle according to the présent invention may include a head tube separate from link support 111.

[0153] In the link mechanism according to the présent invention, the upper cross member may include a front upper cross member with a part disposed in front of link support 111 and a rear upper cross member with a part disposed behind link support 111. The lower cross member may include only a front lower cross member or may include only a rear lower cross member. The link mechanism according to the présent invention may include

the upper cross member and the lower cross member, and the link mechanism may include one or a plurality of cross members disposed between the upper cross member and the lower cross member in the up-down direction of the body frame.

[0154] The left and right frame portions according to the présent invention are not limited to left underframe 113Aa and right underframe 113Ab. The vehicle according to the présent invention may include other left and right frames below floor portion 20ld in the up-down direction of body frame 110 and above the underframes in the up-down direction of body frame 110.

[0155] The seat according to the présent invention may include a seating surface of a 10 tandem rider (fellow passenger) in addition to the seating surface of the rider. The position of the seating surface of the tandem rider is not particularly limited.

[0156] The présent invention can be embodied by a large number of different modes. This disclosure should be construed as providing embodiments of the principle of the présent invention. A large number of illustrative embodiments are described here with the 15 understanding that the embodiments are not intended to limit the présent invention to the preferred embodiments described and/or illustrated here.

[0157] Some illustrative embodiments of the présent invention are described here. The présent invention is not limited to various preferred embodiments described here. The présent invention includes any embodiments including équivalent éléments, corrections, 20 délétions, combinations (for example, combinations with features across various embodiments), improvements, and/or changes that can be recognized by those skilled in the art based on this disclosure. The limitations of the appended claims should be broadly interpreted based on the terms used in the appended claims, and the limitations should not be limited by the embodiments described in the présent description or in the prosecution of 25 the présent application. The embodiments should be construed as non-exclusive. For example, the terms preferably and may are non-exclusive in this disclosure, meaning préférable, but not limited to this and may be, but not limited to this.

[0158] The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-017273, filled on January 31, 2014, including the spécification, drawings, and abstract is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Industrial Applicability [0159] The présent invention is useful for a vehicle including a left front wheel, a right front wheel, and a rear wheel that tilt in the left-right direction along with a body frame.

Reference Signs List [0160]

100, 100A vehicles

110, 110A body frame

111 link support

113Aa left underframe

113Ab right underframe

114 rear frame

IL left front wheel

IR right front wheel

134 rear wheel

140 link mechanism

141 upper cross member

142 lower cross member

143 left side rod

144 right side rod

146 left bracket

147 right bracket

150L left shock absorber

150R right shock absorber

151 left damper

152 left turn prévention mechanism

153 right damper

154 right turn prévention mechanism

160 handlebar

161 steering shaft

162 center steering arm

165 tie rod

170 power unit

180 seat

181 seating surface

201d floor portion

210, 210A fuel tanks

A upper axis

AL left upper axis

AR right upper axis

C lower axis

CL left lower axis

CR right lower axis

El center position of right front wheel grounding portion or left front wheel grounding portion

E2 center line

E3 center position of rear wheel grounding portion

Fl, F2 virtual lines

Gl, G4 right end positions

G2 center position

G3, G5 left end positions

H1, H2 virtual lines

Q1 center of gravity

Y1 left axis

Y2 right axis

Claims (5)

1. Claim 1 A vehicle comprising:

   a body frame;

   a right front wheel and a left front wheel disposed side by side in a left-right direction of the body frame, the right and the left front wheels being tiltable in a left-right direction of the vehicle along with the body frame;

   a rear wheel being tiltable in the left-right direction of the vehicle along with the body frame;

   a right-front-wheel support unit including an upper portion, and a lower portion that supports the right front wheel;

   a left-front-wheel support unit including an upper portion, and a lower portion that supports the left front wheel;

   a link mechanism including a right-side rod that supports the upper portion of the right-front-wheel support unit in a manner that makes the upper portion thereof turnable around a right axis extending in an up-down direction of the body frame, a left-side rod that supports the upper portion of the left-front-wheel support unit in a manner that makes the upper portion thereof turnable around a left axis which is parallel to the right axis, an upper cross member including a right end portion that supports an upper part of the right-side rod in a manner that makes the upper part thereof turnable, a left end portion that supports an upper part of the left-side rod in a manner that makes the upper part thereof turnable, and an intermediate portion that is supported by the body frame so as to be turnable around an upper axis extending in a front-rear direction of the body frame, and a lower cross member including a right end portion that supports a lower part of the right-side rod in a manner that makes the lower part thereof turnable, a left end portion that supports a lower part of the left-side rod in a manner that makes the lower part thereof turnable, and an intermediate portion that is supported by the body frame so as to be turnable around a lower axis which is parallel to the upper axis, a power unit that generates driving force of the rear wheel; and a fuel tank that stores fuel supplied to the power unit, wherein the fuel tank is disposed between a first center and a second center, the first center being a center between a third center, and right and left front wheel grounding portions, the second center being a center between the third center, and a rear wheel grounding portion, the third center being a center between the right and the left front wheel grounding portions, and the rear wheel grounding portion in the front-rear direction of the body frame in a side view with the body frame in the upright state, the right and the left front, and the rear wheel grounding portions being portions where the right and the left front, and the rear wheels are grounded, respectively, and a left end of the fuel tank is disposed on the left of a center between a center of the upper cross member and the lower cross member, and left ends of the upper cross member and the lower cross member, and a right end of the fuel tank is disposed on the right of a center between the center of the upper cross member and the lower cross member, and right ends of the upper cross member and the lower cross member in the left-right direction of the body frame in a plan view with the body frame in the upright state.

   Claim
2. 2 The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein a rear end of the fuel tank is disposed forward of the third center being a center between the left and the right front wheel grounding portions, and the rear wheel grounding portion in the front-rear direction of the body frame with the body frame in the upright state.

   Claim
3. 3 The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the fuel tank is disposed to overlap with the third center being a center between the left and the right front wheel grounding portions, and the rear wheel grounding portion in 5 the front-rear direction of the body frame with the body frame in the upright state.

   Claim
4. 4 The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein a front end of the fuel tank is disposed behind the third center being a center between the left and the right front wheel grounding portions, and the rear wheel grounding portion 10 in the front-rear direction of the body frame with the body frame in the upright state.

   Claim 5 The vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising a seat including a seating surface on which a rider sits, wherein the fuel tank is disposed below the seating surface in the up-down direction of the 15 body frame.

   Claim 6 The vehicle according to claim 5, wherein the body frame includes a right frame portion and a left frame portion that are disposed below the seat in the up-down direction of the body frame, wherein

   20 the fuel tank is disposed above the right and the left frame portions in the up-down direction of the body frame.

   Claim 7 The vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising:

   a seat including a seating surface on which a rider sits; and

   25 a floor portion positioned forward of the seat in the front-rear direction of the body frame, the floor portion including a floor surface on which the rider sitting on the seat puis his or her feet, wherein the fuel tank is disposed below the floor surface in the up-down direction of the body frame.
5. 5 Claim 8 The vehicle according to claim 7, wherein the body frame includes a left frame portion and a right frame portion below the floor surface in the up-down direction of the body frame, the left and the right frame portions extending in the front-rear direction of the body frame, wherein the fuel tank is disposed between the left frame portion and the right frame portion.