BR102018072827B1 - ASSEMBLED TRAVELING VEHICLE - Google Patents

Abstract

ASSEMBLED TRAVELING VEHICLE The present invention relates to an assembled traveling vehicle (1) which includes a body (3), a steering device (4), a front wheel (6), a swinging arm (13), a rear wheel (15), a brake caliper (44), a hydraulic unit (45) and a seat (10). The hydraulic unit (45) is connected to at least one of the brake calipers (44) that brakes the front wheel (6) and a brake caliper that brakes the rear wheel (15). The hydraulic unit (45) is located further rearward than a center of oscillation (M) in a side view of the vehicle. The hydraulic unit (45) is located further forward than a rotation center (N) in the side view of the vehicle. The body (3) has a seat frame (27) to support the seat (10). The hydraulic unit (45) has an upper part (46a) located above an upper edge (27c) of the seat frame (27) in the side view of the vehicle.

Description

[001] This invention refers to an assembled traveling vehicle having a hydraulic unit.

[002] Unexamined Japanese Patent Publications No. 201371598 and No. 2009-90887 each describe a two-wheeled motor vehicle having a hydraulic unit, brake calipers and brake lines. The hydraulic unit is connected to the brake calipers via the brake lines. The hydraulic unit regulates the hydraulic pressure of the brake fluid supplied to the brake calipers. The hydraulic unit, brake calipers and brake lines are elements of an anti-lock braking system (ABS).

[003] In Unexamined Japanese Patent Publication No. 2013-71598, the hydraulic unit is arranged further rearward than a rear axle. Brake calipers include a brake caliper for a front wheel. Brake lines connect the hydraulic unit and brake calipers.

[004] In Unexamined Japanese Patent Publication No. 2009-90887, the hydraulic unit is located further forward than a pivot shaft of a swing arm.

[005] However, conventional examples with such constructions have the following problems.

[006] In Unexamined Japanese Patent Publication No. 2013-71598, there is a possibility that the hydraulic unit influences elements other than the hydraulic unit (hereinafter referred to as “other elements”). Specifically, because the hydraulic unit is located further back than the rear axle, the distance between the hydraulic unit and the front wheel brake caliper is excessively long. Consequently, the brake line is excessively long. The hydraulic unit therefore influences the shapes and arrangements of other elements (for example, brake lines and elements arranged adjacent to them).

[007] Also in Unexamined Japanese Patent Publication No. 2009-90887, there is a possibility that the hydraulic unit influences other elements. Specifically, many other elements (for example, an engine) are arranged further forward than the pivot axle. Consequently, in order to install the hydraulic unit, it may be necessary to make design changes to the arrangements and shapes of other elements located further forward than the pivot shaft.

[008] Furthermore, in Unexamined Japanese Patent Publication No. 2009-90887, it may be difficult to locate the hydraulic unit appropriately. Specifically, in order to locate the hydraulic unit further forward than the pivot axle, there is the possibility of requiring design changes in the position and shape of the hydraulic unit itself.

[009] In recent years, it has been desired to install a hydraulic unit not only in a large vehicle, but also in a medium-sized vehicle and a small vehicle. Compared to the large vehicle, the medium-sized vehicle and the small vehicle have high degrees of density of the other elements arranged further forward than the pivot axle. Consequently, with the medium-sized vehicle and the small vehicle, the other elements are easily subject to significant influences. Furthermore, it tends to be difficult to locate the hydraulic unit further forward than the pivot axle properly.

[010] As noted above, in Unexamined Japanese Patent Publications No. 2013-71598 and No. 2009-90887, there is a possibility that the hydraulic unit influences the shapes and arrangements of the other elements. Furthermore, in Unexamined Japanese Patent Publication No. 2009-90887, it may be difficult to locate the hydraulic unit appropriately.

[011] This invention was made taking into account the state of the art noted above and its objective is to provide a traveling vehicle assembled in such a way as to allow a hydraulic unit to be located appropriately, while inhibiting the influence of the hydraulic unit on other elements.

[012] The inventors here studied locating the hydraulic unit further forward than the rear axle and further back than the pivot axle in a side view of the vehicle. As the hydraulic unit is located further forward than the rear axle in the side view of the vehicle, the distance between the hydraulic unit and the brake caliper for the front wheel can be prevented from becoming too long. Consequently, even when the hydraulic unit is connected to the brake caliper for the front wheel, the brake line can be prevented from becoming too long. The hydraulic unit can therefore be inhibited from influencing other elements. As the hydraulic unit is located further back than the pivot axle in the side view of the vehicle, the hydraulic unit may be inhibited from influencing other elements. Furthermore, it is easy to locate the hydraulic unit appropriately.

[013] However, the inventors have encountered a new problem that arises when the hydraulic unit is located further forward than the rear axle and further back than the pivot axle in the side view of the vehicle. The new problem is that there is a possibility of the hydraulic unit interfering with the rear wheel. So, the inventors here made an additional study on the location of the hydraulic unit.

[014] Based on the above conclusions, this invention provides the following construction.

[015] An assembled traveling vehicle, according to this invention, comprises: a body; a body-supported steering device; a front wheel supported by the steering device; a front brake mechanism for braking the front wheel; a swinging arm supported by the body to be pivotable about a center of oscillation with respect to the body; a rear wheel supported by the swing arm so as to be rotatable about a center of rotation relative to the swing arm; a rear brake mechanism for braking the rear wheel; a hydraulic unit connected to at least one of the front brake mechanism and the rear brake mechanism; and a seat supported by the body; where the hydraulic unit is located further rearward than the center of oscillation in a side view of the vehicle; the hydraulic unit is located further forward than the center of rotation in the side view of the vehicle; the body includes a seat frame to support the seat; and at least part of the hydraulic unit is located above an upper edge of the seat frame in the side view of the vehicle.

[016] The hydraulic unit is located further back than the center of oscillation of the swingarm in the side view of the vehicle. This may conveniently inhibit the hydraulic unit from influencing the shapes and arrangements of other elements. Furthermore, it is easy to locate the hydraulic unit properly.

[017] The hydraulic unit is located further forward than the center of rotation of the rear wheel in the side view of the vehicle. Consequently, even when the hydraulic unit is connected to the front brake mechanism, the brake line can be prevented from becoming too long. The hydraulic unit can therefore be inhibited from influencing the other elements.

[018] At least part of the hydraulic unit is located above the upper edge of the seat frame in the side view of the vehicle. Consequently, although the hydraulic unit is, in the side view of the vehicle, located further rearward than the center of oscillation of the swingarm and further forward than the center of rotation of the rear wheel, the hydraulic unit can be conveniently prevented from interfering with the rear wheel.

[019] According to the mounted traveling vehicle, as discussed above, the hydraulic unit can be located appropriately while inhibiting the hydraulic unit from influencing the other elements.

[020] In the traveling vehicle mounted above, it is preferred that the hydraulic unit is located further back than a front end of the rear wheel in a plan view of the vehicle. With this arrangement, the hydraulic unit can be located more appropriately, while further inhibiting the hydraulic unit from influencing other elements.

[021] In the above-mounted traveling vehicle, it is preferred that the mounted traveling vehicle comprises tandem steps to receive the feet of a passenger; where the hydraulic unit is located further back than the serial steps in the side view of the vehicle. With this arrangement, the hydraulic unit can be located more appropriately, while further inhibiting the hydraulic unit from influencing other elements.

[022] In the above-mounted traveling vehicle, it is preferred that the assembled traveling vehicle comprises grab bars for another passenger to grasp; where the hydraulic unit is located further back than the front ends of the grab bars in the side view of the vehicle. With this arrangement, the hydraulic unit can be located more appropriately, while further inhibiting the hydraulic unit from influencing other elements.

[023] In the traveling vehicle assembled above, it is preferred that the hydraulic unit overlaps the seat in the plan view of the vehicle. The seat is located in a central part of the traveling vehicle mounted in the transverse direction of the mounted traveling vehicle (hereinafter referred to simply as “the transverse direction”). As the hydraulic unit overlaps the seat in the plan view of the vehicle, the hydraulic unit is also located in the central part in the transverse direction of the assembled traveling vehicle. The hydraulic unit can therefore be conveniently inhibited from oscillation in the transverse direction. That is, the hydraulic unit can be located more conveniently.

[024] In the traveling vehicle assembled above, it is preferred that the seat includes a seat part; and the hydraulic unit is located below a rear surface of the seating part. With this arrangement, the hydraulic unit can be conveniently protected by the seating part.

[025] In the traveling vehicle assembled above, it is preferred that the seat part includes a front seat part to come into contact with the driver's buttocks; and a rear seat portion located further back than the front seat portion in the side view of the vehicle to come into contact with the buttocks of another passenger; and the hydraulic unit has a rear end located further back, in plan view of the vehicle, than a boundary between the front seating portion and the rear seating portion. With this arrangement, an installation space for the hydraulic unit can be easily protected.

[026] In the traveling vehicle assembled above, it is preferred that the hydraulic unit has a front end located further back, in the plan view of the vehicle, than the boundary between the front seat part and the rear seat part. With this arrangement, an installation space for the hydraulic unit can be secured more easily.

[027] In the above-mounted traveling vehicle, it is preferred that the hydraulic unit has an upper end located at a higher position than a lower point on the rear surface of the seating part in a section perpendicular to the transverse direction of the assembled traveling vehicle. With this arrangement, the hydraulic unit is located in a relatively high position. The hydraulic unit can therefore be more conveniently prevented from interfering with the rear wheel.

[028] In the above-mounted traveling vehicle, it is preferred that the seat includes a right wall portion extending downwardly from a right edge of the seat portion; and a left wall portion extending downwardly from a left edge of the seating portion; the hydraulic unit is located more to the left than the right wall part; the hydraulic unit is located more to the right than the left wall part; and the upper end of the hydraulic unit is, in the side view of the vehicle, located above at least one of a lower edge of the right wall part and a lower edge of the left wall part. This arrangement uses the space demarcated by the seat part, right wall part and left wall part as installation space for the hydraulic unit. The hydraulic unit can therefore be located appropriately, while inhibiting the hydraulic unit from influencing the other elements. The upper end of the hydraulic unit is, in the side view of the vehicle, located above at least one of the lower edge of the right wall part and the lower edge of the left wall part. Thus, the hydraulic unit is located in a relatively high position. This can more conveniently prevent the hydraulic unit from interfering with the rear wheel. Furthermore, the hydraulic unit can be conveniently protected by at least one of the right wall part and the left wall part.

[029] In the traveling vehicle mounted above, it is preferred that the hydraulic unit is located above a lower edge of the seat frame in the side view of the vehicle. With this arrangement, the hydraulic unit is located in a relatively high position. The hydraulic unit can therefore be more conveniently prevented from interfering with the rear wheel.

[030] In the traveling vehicle assembled above, it is preferred that part of the hydraulic unit overlaps the seat frame in the side view of the vehicle. With this arrangement, the hydraulic unit can be conveniently protected by the seat frame.

[031] In the traveling vehicle assembled above, it is preferred that the seat frame includes a right seat frame; and a left seat frame located further to the left than the right seat frame; the hydraulic unit is located to the left of the right seat frame in the plan view of the vehicle; and the hydraulic unit is located to the right of the left seat frame in the plan view of the vehicle. With this arrangement, the hydraulic unit can be conveniently protected by the right seat frame and the left seat frame.

[032] In the above-assembled traveling vehicle, it is preferred that the assembled traveling vehicle comprises an air filter; where the rear end of the hydraulic unit is located further back than the rear end of the air filter in a plan view of the vehicle. With this arrangement, the hydraulic unit can be conveniently inhibited from influencing the air filter.

[033] In the traveling vehicle assembled above, it is preferred that the bodywork includes a rear support located beneath the seat frame in the side view of the vehicle; and by oscillating the swinging arm in relation to the body, part of the rear wheel can be moved above an upper edge of the rear support in the side view of the vehicle. That is, a movable region of the rear wheel preferably extends to an area above the upper edge of the rear support in the side view of the vehicle. The rear wheel can be moved to a relatively high position in relation to the body. The movable region of the rear wheel is relatively large. Even in such a case, depending on the traveling vehicle mounted, the hydraulic unit can be conveniently prevented from interfering with the rear wheel. In other words, the larger movable region of the rear wheel provides the greatest utility of this assembled traveling vehicle.

[034] This specification also describes the following invention related to the assembled traveling vehicle.

[035] (1) The assembled traveling vehicle described above, in which the hydraulic unit overlaps the rear wheel in the plan view of the vehicle.

[036] According to (1) above, the rear wheel is located in a central part in the transverse direction of the assembled traveling vehicle. As the hydraulic unit overlaps the rear wheel in the plan view of the vehicle, the hydraulic unit is also located in the central part in the transverse direction of the assembled traveling vehicle. The hydraulic unit can therefore be conveniently inhibited from swinging in the transverse direction. That is, the hydraulic unit can be located more conveniently.

[037] (2) The assembled traveling vehicle described above, in which the hydraulic unit is located below a rear surface of the rear seating part.

[038] According to (2) above, the hydraulic unit can be conveniently protected by the rear seat part.

[039] (3) The assembled traveling vehicle described above, in which the hydraulic unit is, in the section perpendicular to the transverse direction of the assembled traveling vehicle, situated further forward than a midpoint between the front end of the rear seating part and the rear end of the rear seating part.

[040] According to (3) above, the reduction in seating comfort of the rear seat part can be conveniently inhibited.

[041] (4) The assembled traveling vehicle described above, in which the hydraulic unit is, in the section perpendicular to the transverse direction of the assembled traveling vehicle, situated further forward than a lower point of an upper surface of the rear seating part.

[042] According to (4) above, a reduction in the seating comfort of the rear seat part can be effectively inhibited.

[043] (5) The assembled traveling vehicle described above, in which the upper end of the hydraulic unit is, in the section perpendicular to the transverse direction of the assembled traveling vehicle, situated at a higher position than a lower point of an upper surface of the seating part.

[044] According to (5) above, the hydraulic unit is located in a relatively high position. The hydraulic unit can therefore be more conveniently prevented from interfering with the rear wheel.

[045] (6) The assembled traveling vehicle described above, wherein the rear surface of the seating part includes a first part further rearward than the front end of the hydraulic unit and further forward than the rear end of the hydraulic unit; and the first part is substantially horizontal in the section perpendicular to the transverse direction of the assembled traveling vehicle.

[046] According to (6) above, the hydraulic unit is located below the first part. The first part is substantially horizontal in the section perpendicular to the transverse direction. Consequently, a space having an easy-to-use shape as installation space for the hydraulic unit can be formed below the first part. The hydraulic unit can therefore be located more appropriately.

[047] (7) The assembled traveling vehicle described above, wherein the first part is, in the section perpendicular to the transverse direction of the assembled traveling vehicle, located at a higher position than the lowest point of the upper surface of the seating part.

[048] According to (7) above, the space below the first part is relatively high (large). The hydraulic unit can therefore be located more appropriately.

[049] (8) The assembled traveling vehicle described above, wherein the first part is located further back than the front end of the rear seat part.

[050] According to (8) above, the hydraulic unit is located further back than the front end of the rear seat part. With this arrangement, an installation space for the hydraulic unit can be easily secured.

[051] (9) The assembled traveling vehicle described above, wherein the rear surface of the seating part includes a second part located further forward than the first part, and the second part includes a lower part located at a lower position than the first part in the section perpendicular to the transverse direction of the assembled traveling vehicle.

[052] According to (9) above, in comparison with the space formed below the first part, the space formed below the lower part is low (small). Therefore, compared with the space below the first part, the space below the second part is difficult to use as installation space for the hydraulic unit. Even in such a case, since the hydraulic unit is located in the space below the first part, the hydraulic unit can be located appropriately. This arrangement provides the greatest utility, the most difficult thing is to use the space below the second part as installation space for the hydraulic unit.

[053] (10) The assembled traveling vehicle described above, wherein the rear surface of the front seating part extends downwardly and forwardly from the rear end of the front seating part in the section perpendicular to the transverse direction of the assembled traveling vehicle, and the rear end of the hydraulic unit is located further back than the rear end of the front of the seat in the section perpendicular to the transverse direction of the assembled traveling vehicle.

[054] According to (10) above, the rear surface of the front seat part extends downward and forward from the rear end of the front seat part in the section perpendicular to the transverse direction. Consequently, the space formed below the rear surface of the front seating part becomes low (becomes small) as it extends forward from the rear end of the front seating part. The space below the front seat part is therefore difficult to use as installation space for the hydraulic unit. On the other hand, the rear end of the hydraulic unit is located further back than the rear end of the front seating part in the section perpendicular to the transverse direction. That is, at least part of the hydraulic unit is located further back than the front seating part. Therefore, although the space below the front seat part is difficult to use as an installation space for the hydraulic unit, an installation space for the hydraulic unit can be easily secured. The more difficult it is to use the space below the front seat portion as installation space for the hydraulic unit, the greater the utility offered by this arrangement.

[055] (11) The assembled traveling vehicle described above, wherein the front end of the hydraulic unit is located further back than the rear end of the front seating part in the section perpendicular to the transverse direction of the assembled traveling vehicle.

[056] According to (11) above, the entire hydraulic unit is located further back than the front part of the seat. Therefore, even when the space below the front seat part is difficult to use as an installation space for the hydraulic unit, an installation space for the hydraulic unit can be easily secured.

[057] For the purpose of illustrating the invention, various forms that are presently preferred are shown in the drawings, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangement and instrumentalities shown.

[058] Figure 1 is a left side view of a traveling vehicle assembled in accordance with an embodiment.

[059] Figure 2 is a left side view of the assembled traveling vehicle.

[060] Figure 3 is a plan view of the assembled traveling vehicle.

[061] Figure 4 is a front view of the assembled traveling vehicle.

[062] Figure 5 is a schematic view of a brake system.

[063] Figure 6 is a left side view of a part of the assembled traveling vehicle.

[064] Figure 7 is a plan view of part of the assembled traveling vehicle.

[065] Figure 8 is a plan view of part of the assembled traveling vehicle.

[066] Figure 9 is a section taken on line IX-IX of Figure 8.

[067] Figure 10 is a section taken on line X-X of Figure 8.

[068] Figure 11 is a left side view of a part of the assembled traveling vehicle.

[069] A traveling vehicle assembled in accordance with this invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

1. Basic construction of the assembled traveling vehicle

[070] Figure 1 is a left side view of a traveling vehicle assembled in accordance with an embodiment.

[071] Figure 1 shows a longitudinal direction driver mounted on the traveling vehiclemounted 1. The driver is a person who is mounted on the traveling vehiclemounted 1 and controls the traveling vehiclemounted 1. The longitudinal direction X, the transverse direction Y, and the top-down direction Z are perpendicular to each other.

[072] The terms “forward”, “backwards”, “up”, “down”, to the right” and “to the left” mean, respectively, “forward”, “backward”, “towards up”, “down”, right” and “left” as seen from the driver mounted on the traveling vehicle mounted 1. In this specification, unless otherwise specified, “forward” and “backward” include not only directions parallel to the longitudinal direction X, but also directions close to the longitudinal direction X. Directions close to the longitudinal direction “to the right” and “to the left” include not only directions parallel to the Y transverse direction, but also directions close to the Y transverse direction. Unless otherwise specified, “up” and “down” include not only directions parallel to the up to down Z, but also directions close to the up-down Z direction. Figure 1 shows, for reference, forward, backward, up, down, right, and left, as appropriate.

[073] It is understood that, in this specification, various expressions describing arrangements have the following meanings, respectively. The following description will be made taking the transverse direction Y for example, and the same applies to the longitudinal direction X and the top-down direction Z.

[074] The expression “element A is located more to the right/left than element B” provides a position of element A with respect to element B in the transverse Y direction, and does not provide a position of element A with respect to element B in the longitudinal direction X or the top-down direction Z. With In this expression, element A may or may not overlap element B in a side view of the vehicle.

[075] The expression “element A is located to the right / left of element B” without reference to a direction of observation provides a position of element A in relation to element B in the transverse Y direction, a position of element A in relation to element B in the longitudinal direction X, and a position of element A in relation to element B in the top-down Z direction. This expression means that element A is located more to the right/left than element B, with at least part of element A overlapping at least part of element B in a side view of the vehicle.

[076] The expression “element A is located to the right / left of element B in a plan view of the vehicle” provides a position of element A in relation to element B in the transverse direction Y, and a position of element A in relation to element B in the longitudinal direction X and does not provide a position of element A relative to element B in the top-down Z direction. This expression means that element A is located further to the right/left than element B, with the front end of element A located further forward than the rear end of element B and with the rear end of element A located further behind than the front end of element B.

[077] The expression “element A is located to the right/left of element B in a frontal view of the vehicle” provides a position of element A in relation to element B in the transverse Y direction, and a position of element A in relation to element B in the top to bottom Z direction and does not provide a position of the element A in relation to element B in the longitudinal direction than the upper end of element B.

[078] The assembled traveling vehicle 1 is a dual-purpose vehicle, for example. The mounted traveling vehicle 1 is also called a mixed-use motorcycle.

[079] The assembled traveling vehicle 1 has a body 3, a steering device 4 and a front wheel 6. The steering device 4 is supported by the body 3. The steering device 4 can rotate relative to the body 3. The front wheel 6 is supported by the steering device 4. With a rotation of the steering device 4 relative to the body 3, the direction of the front wheel 6 changes relative to the body 3 to change the course of the mounted traveling vehicle 1.

[080] In Figure 1, the steering device 4 is in the neutral position in relation to the body 3. When the steering device 4 is in the neutral position, the mounted traveling vehicle 1 moves forward parallel to the longitudinal direction X.

[081] The assembled traveling vehicle 1 has a front fender 7. The front fender 7 is located above the front wheel 6. Although not shown, at least part of the front fender 7 overlaps the front wheel 6 in a plan view of the assembled traveling vehicle 1 (referred to here as “vehicle plan view” when appropriate). The front fender 7 is supported by the steering device 4.

[082] The assembled traveling vehicle 1 has an engine 8, a fuel tank 9, and a seat 10. The engine 8 is located in a lower position than the fuel tank 9 and the seat 10. The fuel tank 9 is located further in front of the seat 10 in a side view of the assembled traveling vehicle 1 (hereinafter referred to as “in the side view of the vehicle” when appropriate). At least part of the fuel tank 9 is located in a higher position than the seat 10. The engine 8, the fuel tank 9 and the seat 10 are supported by the body 3, respectively.

[083] Seat 10 includes a front seat 10a for the driver to sit on and a rear seat 10b for another passenger to sit on. The other passenger is a person who travels with the driver in the mounted traveling vehicle 1, but who does not control the mounted traveling vehicle 1. The front seat 10a is located further forward than the rear seat 10b in the side view of the vehicle. The front seat 10a and the rear seat 10b are integrally formed. Figure 1 schematically shows a boundary K between the front seat 10a and the rear seat 10b. The front seat 10a and the rear seat 10b join at the boundary K. The boundary K corresponds to a rear end of the front seat 10a and corresponds to a front end of the rear seat 10b.

[084] The front seat 10a extends forward and downward from the limit K in the side view of the vehicle. The rear seat 10b extends rearwardly and substantially horizontally from the limit K in the side view of the vehicle. Thus, the rear seat 10b is located in a position one stage higher than the front seat 10a in the side view of the vehicle. The limit K and the neighborhood have a ribbed shape in the side view of the vehicle.

[085] The assembled traveling vehicle 1 has a pivot axle 12 and a swing arm 13. The pivot axle 12 is located further back than the fuel tank 9 in the side view of the vehicle. The pivot axle 12 is located further rearward than a front end 10c of the seat 10 and further forward than a rear end 10d of the seat 10 in the side view of the vehicle. The pivot axle 12 is located in a lower position than the fuel tank 9 and the seat 10. The pivot axle 12 is supported by the body 3. The swing arm 13 is supported by the pivot axle 12. Consequently, the swing arm 13 is supported by the body 3. The swing arm 13 is pivotable around the pivot axle 12 in relation to the body 3. The swinging arm 13 extends rearwardly from the pivot axle 12.

[086] Here, the center around which the swinging arm 13 oscillates in relation to the body 3 is called the “oscillation center M”. The center of oscillation M is an imaginary line. The center of oscillation M corresponds to the axis of pivot axis 12. The center of oscillation M is parallel to the transverse direction Y, for example. The swing arm 13 is rotatable around the center of oscillation M in relation to the body 3.

[087] The assembled traveling vehicle 1 has a rear axle 14 and a rear wheel 15. The rear axle 14 is supported by a rear part of the swing arm 13. The rear wheel 15 is supported by the rear axle 14. Consequently, the rear wheel 15 is supported by the swing arm 13. With oscillation of the swing arm 13 relative to the body 3, the rear axle 14 and the rear wheel 15 move up and down relative to the body 3, respectively. Furthermore, the rear wheel 15 may rotate around the rear axle 14 relative to the swing arm 13.

[088] Here, the center around which the rear wheel 15 rotates in relation to the swing arm 13 is called the “center of rotation N”. The center of rotation N is an imaginary line. The center of rotation N corresponds to the axis of the rear axle 14. The center of rotation N is parallel to the transverse direction Y, for example. The rear wheel 15 is rotatable about the center of rotation N with respect to the swing arm 13.

[089] The assembled traveling vehicle 1 has a transmission mechanism not shown. The transmission mechanism transmits the energy generated by the engine 8 to the rear wheel 15 to rotate the rear wheel 15 about the rear axle 14.

[090] The assembled traveling vehicle 1 has grab bars 16 to be grabbed by the other passenger, and tandem steps 17 to support the feet of the other passenger. At least part of the grab bars 16 overlaps the seat 10 (specifically, the rear seat 10b) in the side view of the vehicle. The tandem steps 17 are located at lower positions than the seat 10 and grab bars 16. The tandem steps 17 are located further back than the pivot axle 12 and further forward than the rear axle 14 in the side view of the vehicle. Tandem steps 17 are also called rear footrests.

[091] The driver of the mounted traveling vehicle 1 sits on the seat 10 (specifically, the front seat 10a). The driver places his knee on a support. The knee support is a restraint part of the traveling vehicle mounted 1 between the driver's legs. For example, the driver keeps at least the body 3 or the fuel tank 9 between his legs. The other passenger in the assembled traveling vehicle 1 sits in the seat 10 (specifically the rear seat 10b) behind the driver. The other passenger grabs the grab bars 16. The other passenger puts his feet on the tandem steps 17.

2. Body

[092] Figure 2 is a left side view of the assembled traveling vehicle. Figure 3 is a plan view of the assembled traveling vehicle. Figures 2 and 3 omit illustration of certain elements included in the vehicle, respectively. Figure 2 shows an outline of the rear wheel 15 in a dashed line. Figure 3 schematically shows a centerline of vehicle C in relation to the transverse direction Y. The centerline of vehicle C is an imaginary line in a plane passing through the center of the assembled traveling vehicle 1 and extending perpendicular to the transverse direction Y. Figure 4 described below also shows the centerline of vehicle C, as appropriate.

[093] Body 3 has a front frame 20 and a rear frame 26. The front frame 20 is located in a front part of the body 3. The rear frame 26 is located in a rear part of the body 3. The rear frame 26 is connected to a rear part of the front frame 20.

[094] The front frame 20 has a main tube 21. The main tube 21 is located at a front end of the front frame 20. The main tube 21 has a through hole centered on a central axis L thereof. The central axis L is an imaginary line extending forward and downward in the side view of the vehicle. The center axis L overlaps the vehicle center line C in the plan view of the vehicle.

[095] The front frame 20 has a main frame 22. The main frame 22 has a right main frame 22R and a left main frame 22L. The left main frame 22L is connected to the main tube 21. The left main frame 22L extends rearward and downward from the main tube 21 in the side view of the vehicle. The right main frame 22R is located further to the right than the left main frame 22L. The right main frame 22R has the same construction and shape as the left main frame 22L, except that it is symmetrical. The right main frame 22R overlaps the left main frame 22L in the side view of the vehicle.

[096] The front frame 20 has a lower frame 23. The lower frame 23 is connected to the main tube 21. The lower frame 23 extends back and down from the main tube 21. The lower frame 23 is located below the main frame 22 in the side view of the vehicle.

[097] The front frame 20 has a lower frame 24. The lower frame 24 has a lower right frame 24R and a lower left frame 24L. The lower left frame 24L is connected to a lower portion of the lower frame 23. The lower left frame 24L extends rearwardly from the lower portion of the lower frame 23. The lower left frame 24L is connected to a rear portion of the left main frame 22L. The 24R lower right frame is located further to the right than the 24L lower left frame. The lower right frame 24R has the same construction and shape as the lower left frame 24L, except it is symmetrical. The lower right frame 24R overlaps the lower left frame 24L in the side view of the vehicle.

[098] The rear frame 26 has a seat frame 27. The seat frame 27 has a right seat frame 27R and a left seat frame 27L. The 27L left seat frame is connected to the 22L left main frame. The left seat frame 27L extends rearward from the left main frame 22L. The 27R right seat frame is located further to the right than the 27L left seat frame. The 27R right seat frame has the same construction and shape as the 27L left seat frame, except it is symmetrical. The right seat frame 27R overlaps the left seat frame 27L in the side view of the vehicle.

[099] The rear frame 26 has a rear support 28. The rear support 28 has a right rear support 28R and a left rear support 28L. The left rear support 28L is located below the seat frame 27 in the side view of the vehicle. The 28L left rear support has a front part connected to the 22L left main frame. The left rear support 28L extends rearward and upward from the left main frame 22L. The 28L left rear support has a rear part connected to the 27L left seat frame. The 28R right rear support is located further to the right than the 28L left rear support. The 28R right rear support has the same construction and shape as the 28L left rear support, except it is symmetrical. The right rear support 28R overlaps the left rear support 28L in the side view of the vehicle.

[0100] The engine 8, the fuel tank 9, the seat 10 and the pivot axle 12 are arranged further back than the main tube 21 in the side view of the vehicle, respectively. The front frame 20 supports the engine 8, the fuel tank 9, and the pivot shaft 12. Specifically, the main frame 22, the lower frame 23, and the lower frame 24 respectively support the engine 8. The main frame 22 supports the fuel tank. fuel 9 and the pivot shaft 12. The rear frame 26 (specifically, the seat frame 27) supports the seat 10.

[0101] The assembled traveling vehicle 1 has an air filter 18. The air filter 18 is located further back than the engine 8 and the fuel tank 9 in the side view of the vehicle. The air filter 18 is located in a lower position than the fuel tank 9 and the seat 10. At least part of the air filter 18 is located, in the side view of the vehicle, in a region demarcated by the main frame 22, the seat frame 27 and the rear support 28. The air filter 18 is supported by at least one of the main frame 22, the seat frame 27 and the back support 28.

[0102] Reference is made to Figure 3. The assembled traveling vehicle 1 has a rear fender 19. The rear fender 19 overlaps the seat frame 27 in the plan view of the vehicle. The rear fender 19 is supported by the body 3. The rear fender 19 is supported by the seat frame 27. Additionally, the rear fender 19 may be supported by the rear support 28. Although not shown, the rear fender 19 is located above the rear wheel 15 in the side view of the vehicle. At least part of the rear fender 19 overlaps the rear wheel 15 in the plan view of the vehicle.

3. Steering device

[0103] Figure 4 is a front view of the assembled traveling vehicle. Figure 4 omits an illustration of certain elements included in the assembled traveling vehicle. Figure 4 shows the steering device 4 in neutral position.

[0104] The steering device 4 has a steering shaft 30, an upper support 31 and a lower support 32. The steering shaft 30 is located in the through hole of the main tube 21. The steering shaft 30 is supported by the main tube 21 for rotation around of the central axis L of the main tube 21. The central axis L extends in the top-down direction Z in the front view of the assembled traveling vehicle (hereinafter referred to as “in the front view of the vehicle” where appropriate). The center axis L overlaps the vehicle center line C in the front view of the vehicle. The upper bracket 31 is supported by the steering shaft 30. The upper bracket 31 is connected to an upper part of the steering shaft 30. The upper bracket 31 is located adjacent to an upper end of the main tube 21. The lower bracket 32 is supported by the steering shaft 30. lower bracket 32 is connected to a lower part of the steering shaft 30. The lower bracket 32 is located adjacent to a lower end of the main tube 21. The lower bracket 32 is located in a lower position than the upper bracket 31. The lower bracket 32 is located in a higher position than the front wheel 6 and the front fender 7 (see Figure 1).

[0105] The steering device 4 has a right front fork 33R and a left front fork 33L. The right front fork 33R and the left front fork 33L extend in directions substantially parallel to the central axis L of the main tube 21, respectively. The right front fork 33R and the left front fork 33L are supported by the upper bracket 31 and the lower bracket 32, respectively. Each of the 33R right front fork and 33L left front fork is extensible and contractible.

[0106] When the steering device 4 is in neutral position, the right front fork 33R is located further to the right than the left front fork 33L in the front view of the vehicle. When the steering device 4 is also not in neutral position, the right front fork 33R may be located further to the right than the left front fork 33L in the front view of the vehicle. That is, the above positional relationship is maintained at least when the steering device 4 is in neutral position. This is also the same in the following description. When the steering device 4 is in neutral position, the right front fork 33R is located further to the right than the main tube 21 in the front view of the vehicle. When the steering device 4 is in neutral position, the left front fork 33L is located further to the left than the main tube 21 in the front view of the vehicle.

[0107] Reference is made to Figure 2. When the steering device 4 is in neutral position, the left front fork 33L overlaps the right front fork 33R in the side view of the vehicle. When the steering device 4 is in neutral position, the left front fork 33L and the right front fork 33R overlap part of the main tube 21 in the side view of the vehicle, respectively.

[0108] Reference is made to Figure 4. The 33R right front fork has a 34R right upper tube and a 35R right lower tube. The 33L left front fork has a 34L left upper tube and a 35L left lower tube. The right upper tube 34R and the left upper tube 34L are supported by the upper bracket 31 and lower bracket 32, respectively. The right lower tube 35R and the left lower tube 35L are arranged in lower positions than the lower bracket 32, respectively. The right lower tube 35R is connected to the upper right tube 34R. The 35R right down tube extends downward and forward from the 34R right top tube. The lower right tube 35R is movable in relation to the upper right tube 34R. The movements of the right lower tube 35R in relation to the upper right tube 34R correspond to the extension and contraction of the right front fork 33R. The 35L lower left tube is connected to the 34L upper left tube. The left lower tube 35L extends downward and forward from the left upper tube 34L. The lower left tube 35L is movable in relation to the upper left tube 34L. The movements of the left lower tube 35L in relation to the upper left tube 34L correspond to the extension and contraction of the left front fork 33L.

[0109] The steering device 4 has a front axle 36. The front axle 36 is supported by the right front fork 33R and the left front fork 33L. The front axle 36 is supported by the right lower tube 35R and the left lower tube 35L. The front axle 36 is located in a lower position than the bottom bracket 32, the right upper tube 34R and the left upper tube 34L. When the steering device 4 is in the neutral position, the front axle 36 extends in a direction parallel to the transverse Y direction. The front axle 36 supports the front wheel 6. The front wheel 6 can rotate about the front axle 36 in relation to the right lower tube 35R and the left lower tube 35L.

[0110] The steering device 4 has a handlebar 37, a right grip 38R and a left grip 38L. The handlebar 37 is supported by the upper bracket 31. The handlebar 37 is located in a higher position than the upper bracket 31. The right handle 38R is coupled to a first end of the handlebar 37. The left handle 38L is coupled to a second end of the handlebar 37. The driver of the mounted traveling vehicle 1 holds the right handle 38R and the left handle 38L for operating the handlebar 37. In response to the operation of the handlebar 37, the steering device 4 rotates about the central axis L in relation to the body 3.

[0111] The steering shaft 30, the upper support 31, the lower support 32, the right upper tube 34R, the left upper tube 34L and the handlebar 37 are connected together in a fixed manner. There is no change in the relative positions of the steering shaft 30, upper bracket 31, lower bracket 32, right upper tube 34R, left upper tube 34L and handlebars 37. The steering shaft 30, the upper bracket 31, the lower bracket 32, the upper tube right 34R, left top tube 34L and handlebar 37 will be collectively referred to hereinafter as “top device 4a” where appropriate. The right lower tube 35R, the left lower tube 35L and the front axle 36 will be collectively referred to hereinafter as “lower device 4b” where appropriate.

[0112] When the right front fork 33R and the left front fork 33L are extended and contracted, the lower device 4b moves relative to the upper device 4a. The extension and contraction of the right front fork 33R and the left front fork 33L do not result in the movement of the upper device 4a in relation to the body 3.

4. Basic construction of the brake system

[0113] Reference is made to Figure 4. The assembled traveling vehicle 1 has a brake system 40. The brake system 40 has a brake lever 41 and a master cylinder 42. The brake lever 41 and master cylinder 42 are supported by the steering device 4, respectively. The brake lever 41 and the master cylinder 42 are supported by the handlebar 37, respectively. The brake lever 41 and the master cylinder 42 are disposed adjacent to the right handle 38R, respectively. The master cylinder 42 is immobile with respect to the upper device 4a. The driver in the mounted traveling vehicle 1 operates the brake lever 41. In response to the operation of the brake lever 41, the master cylinder 42 generates a hydraulic pressure of brake fluid.

[0114] Reference is made to Figures 1, 2 and 4. The brake system 40 has a brake disc 43 and a brake caliper 44. The brake disc 43 is fixedly connected to the front wheel 6. The brake disc 43 can rotate with the front wheel 6 around the front axle 36. The brake caliper 44 is supported by the steering device 4. The brake caliper 44 is supported by the left lower tube 35L. The brake caliper 44 is immobile with respect to the lower device 4b. Brake caliper 44 is hydraulically operable. The brake caliper 44, with the hydraulic pressure of brake fluid, brakes the rotation of the front wheel 6 about the front axle 36. More particularly, the brake caliper 44 applies resistance (specifically, frictional force) to the brake disc 43 (i.e., the wheel 6) to brake the rotation of the front wheel 6. In other words, the brake caliper 44 brakes the front wheel 6.

[0115] Reference is made to Figure 2. The brake system 40 has a hydraulic unit 45, primary piping 47 and secondary piping 49. The hydraulic unit 45 is supported by the body 3. The hydraulic unit 45 is supported by the rear frame 26 (specifically, the seat frame 27). The hydraulic unit 45 is immobile with respect to the body 3. The primary piping 47 and the secondary piping 49 are brake lines, respectively. Primary piping 47 connects hydraulic unit 45 and master cylinder 42 to provide communication between them. The primary piping 47 supplies the hydraulic unit 45 with the hydraulic pressure of the brake fluid generated by the master cylinder 42. The hydraulic unit 45 regulates the hydraulic pressure of the brake fluid. Specifically, the hydraulic unit 45 regulates the hydraulic pressure of the brake fluid generated by the master cylinder 42. For example, the hydraulic unit 45 regulates the hydraulic pressure of the brake fluid to prevent a tendency to lock the front wheel 6. The secondary piping 49 connects the hydraulic unit 45 and the brake caliper 44 to provide communication between them. The secondary piping 49 delivers the brake fluid hydraulic pressure regulated by the hydraulic unit 45 to the brake caliper 44. Consequently, the brake caliper 44 brakes the front wheel 6 in response to the brake fluid hydraulic pressure regulated by the hydraulic unit 45.

[0116] The brake system 40 has a bracket 50 to support the hydraulic unit 45. The hydraulic unit 45 is connected to the bracket 50. The bracket 50 is connected to the rear fender 19. The rear fender 19 is supported by the seat frame 27. Thus the hydraulic unit 45 is indirectly supported by the seat frame 27.

[0117] Reference is made to Figures 2 and 3. Primary piping 47 includes tubes 51, 52 and 53. Tubes 51, 52 and 53 are connected in this serial order. Tube 51 is connected to hydraulic unit 45. Tube 53 is connected to master cylinder 42. Tubes 51 and 53 have flexibility, respectively. Tubes 51 and 53 are rubber tubes, for example. Tube 52 has no flexibility. Tube 52 is a metal tube, for example.

[0118] The brake system 40 includes a joint 55 and a joint 56. The joint 55 connects the tube 51 and the tube 52. The joint 56 connects the tube 52 and the tube 53. Consequently, the joint 55 and the joint 56 hold the primary pipeline 47, respectively. Joint 55 and joint 56 are supported by body 3, respectively. The joint 55 is supported by the upper frame 26 (specifically, the left seat frame 27L). The joint 56 is supported by the front frame 20 (specifically, the left main frame 22L). Joint 55 and joint 56 are immobile with respect to body 3, respectively.

[0119] Joint 55 has a box shape. Although not shown, joint 55 has a first port, a second port, and a flow path. The first port connects to tube 51. The second port connects to tube 52. The flow path is formed within the joint 55. The flow path provides communication between the first port and the second port.

[0120] Joint 56 is tube-shaped. Joint 56 has a first end and a second end. The first end of the joint 56 connects to the pipe 52. The second end of the joint 56 connects to the pipe 53.

[0121] The brake system 40 has a clamp 57. The clamp 57 retains the primary piping 47. The clamp 57 is supported by the body 3. The clamp 57 is supported by the front frame 20 (specifically, the left main frame 22L). Clamp 57 is immobile in relation to body 3.

[0122] Clamp 57 has a hollow part slightly larger than an outer diameter of tube 53. Clamp 57 is ring-shaped, for example. The tube 53 is located in the hollow part of the clamp 57. The clamp 57 is in impermeable contact with an outer circumferential surface of the tube 53. Consequently, the clamp 57 holds the tube 53.

[0123] Secondary piping 49 includes tubes 71, 72, 73 and 74. Tubes 71, 72, 73 and 74 are connected in this series order. Tube 71 is connected to hydraulic unit 45. Tube 74 is connected to brake caliper 44. Tubes 71 and 74 have flexibility, respectively. Tubes 71 and 74 are rubber tubes, for example. Tubes 72 and 73 are not flexible. Tubes 72 and 73 are metal tubes, for example.

[0124] Brake system 40 includes joints 75, 76 and 77. Joint 75 connects tube 71 and tube 72. Joint 76 connects tube 72 and tube 73. Joint 77 connects tube 73 and pipe 74. Consequently, joints 75-77 hold the secondary piping 49, respectively. Joints 75-77 are supported by body 3 respectively. The joint 75 is supported by the rear frame 26 (specifically, the left seat frame 27L). The joint 76 is supported by the front frame 20 (specifically, the left main frame 22L). The joint 77 is supported by the front frame 20 (specifically, the right main frame 22R). Joints 75, 76 and 77 are immobile in relation to body 3, respectively. Joints 75, 76 and 77 have substantially the same construction as joint 55.

[0125] Reference is made to Figure 2. The brake system 40 has clamps 78 and 79. Clamps 78 and 79 hold the secondary piping 49 (specifically, the tube 74), respectively. Clamps 78 and 79 are supported by steering device 4, respectively. Clamps 78 and 79 are immobile with respect to the steering device 4, respectively. More particularly, the clamp 78 is supported by the lower support 32. The clamp 78 is immovable with respect to the upper device 4a. Clamp 79 is supported by the lower left tube 35L. The clamp 79 is immobile with respect to the lower device 4b. Clamps 78 and 79 have substantially the same construction as clamp 57.

[0126] The brake system 40 has a guide 80. The guide 80 guides the secondary piping 49. The guide 80 is supported by the steering device 4. The guide 80 is supported by the lower left tube 35L.

[0127] The guide 80 has a hollow part sufficiently larger than an external diameter of the tube 74. The guide 80 is shaped like a ring, for example. The tube 74 is located in the hollow part of the guide 80. The guide 80 guides the tube 74 so that the tube 74 passes through the hollow part of the guide 80. In other words, the guide 80 prevents the tube 74 from exiting the hollow part of the guide 80. Provided that The tube 74 passes through the hollow part of the guide 80, the tube 74 is movable with respect to the steering device 4.

[0128] Reference is made to Figures 2 and 3. The hydraulic unit 45, the joints 55 and 56 and the clamp 57 are arranged further back than the main tube 21 in the side view of the vehicle, respectively. Primary piping 47 extends forward from hydraulic unit 45. Main piping 47 is held by joints 55 and 56 and clamp 57. Each of the sites of primary piping 47 held by joints 55 and 56 and clamp 57 is immovable with respect to the body 3. One end of the primary piping 47 connected to the hydraulic unit 45 is also immobile with respect to the body 3.

[0129] Each of the joints 75-77 is located further back than the main tube 21 in the side view of the vehicle. Secondary piping 49 extends forward from hydraulic unit 45. Secondary piping 49 is held by joints 75-77. Each site of the secondary piping 49 held by the joints 7577 is immobile with respect to the body 3. One end of the secondary piping 49 connected to the hydraulic unit 45 is also immovable with respect to the body 3.

[0130] Reference is made to Figure 4. Clamp 57 is located further to the left than the centerline of vehicle C in the front view of the vehicle. Joint 77 is located further to the right than the centerline of vehicle C in the front view of the vehicle. When the steering device 4 is in the neutral position, the master cylinder 42 is located further to the right than the centerline of the vehicle C in the front view of the vehicle. When the steering device 4 is in the neutral position, the clamps 78 and 79, the guide 80, the brake caliper 44 and the brake disc 43 are located further to the left than the vehicle center line C, respectively.

[0131] The above arrangement can also be described as follows. A right area AR and a left area AL are defined as follows. The right area AR is an area further to the right than the vehicle centerline C in the front view of the vehicle. The left area AL is an area further to the left than the vehicle centerline C in the front view of the vehicle. Staple 57 is located in the left area AL. Joint 77 is located in the right area AR. When the steering device 4 is in the neutral position, the master cylinder 42 is located in the right area AR. When the steering device 4 is in the neutral position, the clamps 78 and 79, the guide 80, the brake caliper 44 and the brake disc 43 are located in the left area AL, respectively.

[0132] A right opening BR and a left opening BL are defined as follows. The right opening BR is an opening demarcated by the main tube 21, the right front fork 33R, the upper bracket 31 and the lower bracket 32. The left opening BL is an opening demarcated by the main tube 21, the left front fork 33L, the upper bracket 31 and the lower bracket 32. More strictly, the right opening BR, in the front view of the vehicle, is an area further to the right than a right edge of the main tube 21, further to the left than a left edge of the right front fork 33R, lower than a lower edge of the upper bracket 31, and lower than the upper edge of the lower bracket 32. The left opening BL, in the front view of the vehicle, is an area further to the left than the left edge of the main tube 21, further to the right than the right edge of the left front fork 33L, lower than the lower edge of the upper support 31, and higher than the upper edge of the lower support 32. The right opening BR corresponds to an opening in the right area AR. The left opening BL corresponds to an opening in the right area AL.

[0133] Primary tubing 47 extends forward from clamp 57. Primary tubing 47 passes through the left opening BL. When passing through the left opening BL, the primary pipe 47 extends from an area further rearward than the main pipe 21 to an area further forward than the main pipe 21. After passing through the left opening BL, the primary pipe 47 extends upward. and to the right and the primary piping 47 reaches the master cylinder 42. The other end of the primary piping 47 connected to the master cylinder 42 is immovable with respect to the upper device 4a.

[0134] Secondary piping 49 extends forward from joint 77. Secondary piping 49 passes through right opening BR. When passing through the right opening BR, the secondary pipe 49 extends from the area further back than the main pipe 21 to the area further forward than the main pipe 21. After passing through the right opening BR, the secondary pipe 49 extends to the left and reaches a position further to the left than the main pipe 21. Furthermore, the secondary pipe 49 extends rearward and passes through the left opening BL. When passing through the left opening BL, the secondary pipe 49 extends from the area further forward than the main pipe 21 to the area further back than the main pipe 21 (strictly, the left front fork 33L). After passing through the left opening BL, the secondary pipeline 49 is held by the clamp 78. The place where the secondary pipeline 49 is retained by the clamp 78 is immovable with respect to the upper device 4a.

[0135] Secondary tubing 49 extends downwardly from clamp 78. Secondary tubing 49 passes through guide 80 and is held by clamp 79. The location where secondary tubing 49 is held by clamp 79 is immovable in relation to the lower device 4b. The secondary piping 49 extends further downward from the clamp 79. And the secondary piping 49 reaches the brake caliper 44. The other end of the secondary piping 49 connected to the brake caliper 44 is also immovable with respect to the lower device 4b.

[0136] Here, the part of the primary piping 47 that goes from the clamp 57 to the master cylinder 42 is called the “first flexible part”. The part of secondary piping 49 that runs from joint 77 to clamp 78 is called the “second flexible part”. The portion of secondary piping 49 that runs from clamp 78 to brake caliper 44 is called “the most downstream portion.” The part of secondary piping 49 that runs from clamp 78 to clamp 79 is called the “third flexible part”. The third flexible part is a part of the most downstream part. The second flexible part and the third flexible part do not substantially overlap each other. That is, the second flexible part and the third flexible part are substantially different from each other.

[0137] The first flexible part is located in the right area AR and in the left area AL. The second flexible part is located in the right area AR and in the left area AL. The most downstream part is located only in the left area AL. The most downstream part is located further back than the 33L left front fork in the side view of the vehicle.

[0138] When the steering device 4 rotates relative to the body 3, the first flexible part and the second flexible part bend, respectively. Rotation of the steering device 4 with respect to the body 3 does not result in bending of the primary piping part 47, except in the first flexible part 47 or in the secondary piping 49, except in the second flexible part.

[0139] When the right front fork 33R and the left front fork 33L extend and contract, the third flexible part bends. The extension and contraction of the right front fork 33R and the left front fork 33L do not result in bending of the entire primary piping 47 or part of the secondary piping 49, except for the third flexible portion.

[0140] Figure 5 is a schematic view of the brake system 40. The brake system 40 brakes the rear wheel 15.

[0141] Specifically, the brake system 40 has an input device 61, a master cylinder 62, and primary piping 63. The driver in the mounted traveling vehicle 1 operates the input device 61. The input device 61 is a brake lever or a brake pedal for example. In response to the operation of input device 61, master cylinder 62 generates brake fluid hydraulic pressure. The primary piping 63 connects the master cylinder 62 and the hydraulic unit 45. The primary piping 63 inputs into the hydraulic unit 45 the hydraulic pressure of the brake fluid generated by the master cylinder 62. The hydraulic unit 45 regulates the hydraulic pressure of the brake fluid. Specifically, the hydraulic unit 45 regulates the hydraulic pressure of the brake fluid generated by the master cylinder 62. For example, the hydraulic unit 45 regulates the hydraulic pressure of the brake fluid to prevent the tendency of the rear wheel 15 to lock.

[0142] The brake system 40 has a brake disc 65, a brake caliper 66 and secondary piping 67. The brake disc 65 is fixedly connected to the rear wheel 15. The brake disc 65 can rotate with the rear wheel 15 around the rear axle 14 (center of rotation N). The brake caliper 66 is supported by the swing arm 13. The brake caliper 66 is immovable with respect to the swing arm 13. The brake caliper 66 is hydraulically operable. The brake caliper 66, with the hydraulic pressure of the brake fluid, brakes the rotation of the rear wheel 15 around the rear axle 14 (center of rotation N). More particularly, the brake caliper 66 applies resistance (specifically, frictional force) to the brake disc 65 (i.e., the rear wheel 15) to brake the rotation of the rear wheel 15. That is, the brake caliper 66 brakes the rear wheel 15. The secondary piping 67 connects the hydraulic unit 45 and the brake caliper 66 to provide communication between them. Secondary piping 67 delivers the brake fluid hydraulic pressure regulated by the hydraulic unit 45 to the brake caliper 66. The brake caliper 66 brakes the rear wheel 15 in response to the brake fluid hydraulic pressure regulated by the hydraulic unit 45.

[0143] Brake caliper 44 is an example of the front brake mechanism in this invention. Brake caliper 66 is an example of the rear brake mechanism in this invention.

5. Location of the hydraulic unit

[0144] The location of the hydraulic unit 45 will be described in detail. Reference is made to Figure 1. The hydraulic unit 45 is located further rearward than the center of oscillation M in the side view of the vehicle. The hydraulic unit 45 is located further rearward than the pivot axle 12 in the side view of the vehicle. The hydraulic unit 45 is located further back than the tandem steps 17 in the side view of the vehicle. The hydraulic unit 45 is located further rearward than the front ends 16a of the support bars 16 in the side view of the vehicle. The hydraulic unit 45 is located further rearward than the front end 10c of the seat 10 and further forward than the rear end 10d of the seat 10 in the side view of the vehicle. The hydraulic unit 45 is located further back than the front seat 10a in the side view of the vehicle. The hydraulic unit 45 is located further back than the limit K in the side view of the vehicle.

[0145] The hydraulic unit 45 is located further forward than the center of rotation N in the side view of the vehicle. The hydraulic unit 45 is located further forward than the rear axle 14 in the side view of the vehicle.

[0146] Part of the hydraulic unit 45 overlaps the seat 10 in the side view of the vehicle. Part of the hydraulic unit 45 overlaps the rear seat 10b in the side view of the vehicle. The hydraulic unit 45 does not overlap the front seat 10a in the side view of the vehicle. Part of the hydraulic unit 45 overlaps the support bars 16 in the side view of the vehicle. The hydraulic unit 45 is located above the rear wheel 15 in the side view of the vehicle. The hydraulic unit 45 does not overlap the rear wheel 15 in the side view of the vehicle.

[0147] Reference is made to Figures 2 and 3. The hydraulic unit 45 is located further rearward than the air filter 18 in the side view of the vehicle. The hydraulic unit 45 is located in a higher position than the air filter 18 in the side view of the vehicle.

[0148] The hydraulic unit 45 is located further rearward than a front end 27Ra of the right seat frame 27R and a front end 27La of the left seat frame 27L. The hydraulic unit 45 is located further forward than a rear end 27Rb of the right seat frame 27R and a rear end 27Lb of the left seat frame 27L. In the following description, the front ends 27Ra and 27La, when not distinguished, will be called “front end 27a of the seat frame 27”. The rear ends 27Rb and 27Lb, when not distinguished, will be called “rear end 27b of the seat frame 27”.

[0149] Reference is made to Figure 3. The hydraulic unit 45 is located to the left of the right seat frame 27R and to the right of the left seat frame 27L in the plan view of the vehicle. The hydraulic unit 45 overlaps the rear fender 19 in the plan view of the vehicle.

[0150] Reference is made to Figure 2. At least part of the hydraulic unit 45 is located above an upper edge 27Lc of the left seat frame 27L in the side view of the vehicle. The hydraulic unit 45 intersects the upper edge 27Lc of the left seat frame 27L in the side view of the vehicle. The hydraulic unit 45 includes an upper part 46a and a lower part 46b. The upper part 46a is located above the upper edge 27Lc of the left seat frame 27L in the side view of the vehicle. The lower part 46b is located flush with or lower than the upper edge 27Lc of the left seat frame 27L in the side view of the vehicle. The lower part 46b overlaps the left seat frame 27L in the side view of the vehicle. Figure 2 schematically shows the lower part 46b in hatching.

[0151] Figure 6 is a left side view of a portion of the assembled traveling vehicle. Figure 6 omits the illustration of the rear fender 19. The lower part 46b is located above a lower edge 27Ld of the left seat frame 27L in the side view of the vehicle. The entire hydraulic unit 45 is located above the lower edge 27Ld of the left seat frame 27L in the side view of the vehicle. The hydraulic unit 45 does not intersect the lower end 27Ld of the left seat frame 27L in the side view of the vehicle.

[0152] Although not shown, part of the hydraulic unit 45 is located above an upper edge of the right seat frame 27R in the side view of the vehicle. The other parts of the hydraulic unit 45 overlap the right seat frame 27R in the side view of the vehicle. The hydraulic unit 45 is located above a lower end of the right seat frame 27R in the side view of the vehicle.

[0153] Figure 7 is a plan view of part of the assembled traveling vehicle. The hydraulic unit 45 is located further back than the center of oscillation M of the swing arm 13 in the plan view of the vehicle. The hydraulic unit 45 is located further forward than the center of rotation N of the rear wheel 15 in the plan view of the vehicle.

[0154] The hydraulic unit 45 is located further rearward than a front end 15a of the rear wheel 15 in the plan view of the vehicle. The hydraulic unit 45 has a front end 45a and a rear end 45b. The front end 45a and the rear end 45b of the hydraulic unit 45 are located further rearward than the front end 15a of the rear wheel 15, respectively. The hydraulic unit 45 overlaps the rear wheel 15 in the plan view of the vehicle. The hydraulic unit 45 and the rear wheel 15 are arranged on the centerline of the vehicle C in the plan view of the vehicle, respectively. That is, the hydraulic unit 45 and the rear wheel 15 intersect the center line of the vehicle C in the plan view of the vehicle, respectively.

[0155] The hydraulic unit 45 is located further back than the air filter 18 in the plan view of the vehicle. The front end 45a and the rear end 45b of the hydraulic unit 45 are located further rearward than the rear end 18a of the air filter 18 in the plan view of the vehicle, respectively. The hydraulic unit 45 does not overlap the air filter 18 in the plan view of the vehicle. The air filter 18 is located on the centerline of vehicle C in the plan view of the vehicle.

[0156] Figure 8 is a plan view of part of the assembled traveling vehicle. The hydraulic unit 45 overlaps the seat 10 in the plan view of the vehicle. Seat 10 is located on the centerline of vehicle C in the plan view of the vehicle.

[0157] The limit K extends substantially parallel to the transverse direction Y in the plan view of the vehicle. More particularly, the boundary K is curved to slope backwards in the plan view of the vehicle. The boundary K intersects the vehicle centerline C in the plan view of the vehicle. The hydraulic unit 45 is located further back than the limit K in the plan view of the vehicle. The front end 45a and the rear end 45b of the hydraulic unit 45 are located further back than the limit K in the plan view of the vehicle, respectively. The hydraulic unit 45 overlaps the rear seat 10b in the plan view of the vehicle. The hydraulic unit 45 does not overlap the front seat 10a in the plan view of the vehicle.

[0158] The seat 10 has a seat part 81. The seat part 81 extends in the longitudinal direction X from the front seat 10a to the rear seat 10b.

[0159] Figure 9 is a section taken on line IX-IX of Figure 8. The section shown in Figure 9 intersects perpendicular to the X longitudinal direction. More particularly, the section shown in Figure 9 passes through the hydraulic unit 45 and extends perpendicular to the X longitudinal direction.

[0160] The seat part 81 has a flat shape. The seat part 81 includes a right edge 86 and a left edge 87. The seat part 81 extends in the Y transverse direction between the right edge 86 and the left edge 87. The length of the seat part 81 in the Y transverse direction is greater than the length of the seat part 81 in the top-down Z direction.

[0161] The seating part 81 includes an upper surface 81a and a rear surface 81b. The upper surface 81a comes into contact with the buttocks of the driver and the other passenger. The back surface 81b is located below the top surface 81a.

[0162] The seat 10 includes a right wall part 88 and a left wall part 89. The right wall part 88 is connected to the right edge 86 of the seat part 81. The right wall part 88 extends downwardly from the right edge 86 of the seat part 81 The right wall portion 88 has a lower edge 88a. The left wall part 89 is connected to the left edge 87 of the seat part 81. The left wall part 89 extends downwardly from the left edge 87 of the seat part 81. The left wall part 89 is located to the left of the right wall part 88. The left wall portion 89 has a lower edge 89a.

[0163] The seat portion 81 is located on the centerline of vehicle C. The right edge 86 and the right wall portion 88 are located further to the right than the centerline of vehicle C, respectively. The lower edge 88a of the right wall portion 88 is located further to the right than the right seat frame 27R. The left edge 87 and the left wall part 89 are located further to the left than the vehicle center line C, respectively. The lower edge 89a of the left wall portion 89 is located further to the left than the left seat frame 27L. The lower edge 88a of the right wall part 88 and the lower edge 89a of the left wall part 89 are, respectively, in the section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 27L. In the following description, the upper edges 27Rc and 27Lc, when not distinguished, will be called “upper edge 27c of the seat frame 27”.

[0164] The seat part 81, the right wall part 88 and the left wall part 89 demarcate a space E recessed upwards. Space E is an area under the rear surface 81b of the seating part 81. Furthermore, space E is an area to the left of the right wall part 88 and to the right of the left wall part 89. Space E is open downwards. Space E is located on the centerline of vehicle C.

[0165] Part of the hydraulic unit 45 is located in space E. More particularly, the hydraulic unit 45 is located below the rear surface 81b of the seating part 81. The hydraulic unit 45 is located to the left of the right wall part 88 and to the right of the left wall part 89.

[0166] The hydraulic unit 45 has an upper end 45c. The upper end 45c of the hydraulic unit 45 is, in the section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction lower edge 88a of the right wall part 88 and the lower edge 89a of the left wall part 89. The upper edge 45c of the hydraulic unit 45 is, in the section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X, located in a higher position than the upper edge 27c of the seat frame 27.

[0167] The hydraulic unit 45 has a lower end 45d. The lower end 45d of the hydraulic unit 45 is, in the section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction longitudinal direction 27L of the left seat frame 27L. In the following description, the lower edges 27Rd and 27Ld, when not distinguished, will be called “lower edge 27d of the seat frame 27”.

[0168] The hydraulic unit 45 is located above the rear fender 19 in the section perpendicular to the X longitudinal direction. The rear fender 19 is located below the seating portion 81 in the section perpendicular to the X longitudinal direction. perpendicular to the longitudinal direction

[0169] The rear fender 19 includes a bottom portion 91, a right wall portion 92, and a left wall portion 93. The bottom portion 91 is substantially horizontal in section perpendicular to the X longitudinal direction. The bottom portion 91 includes a right edge 91a and a left edge 91b. The right wall portion 92 is connected to the right edge 91a of the bottom portion 91. The right wall portion 92 extends upwardly from the right edge 91a of the bottom portion 91. The right wall portion 92 has a top edge 92a. The left wall part 93 is connected to the left edge 91b of the bottom part 91. The left wall part 93 extends upwardly from the left edge 91b of the bottom part 91. The left wall part 93 is disposed to the left of the right wall part 92. The left wall portion 93 has an upper edge 93a.

[0170] The bottom part 91 is located on the centerline of vehicle C. The right wall part 92 is located further to the right than the centerline of vehicle C. The left wall part is located further to the left than the centerline of the vehicle. The right wall part 92 and the left wall part 93 are located further to the left than the right seat frame 27R, and further to the right than the left seat frame 27L.

[0171] The bottom part 91 is, in the section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction are, in the section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction , located at lower positions than the lower edge 88a of the right wall part 88 and the lower edge 89a of the left wall part 89.

[0172] The bottom part 91, the right wall part 92 and the left wall part 93 demarcate a space F recessed downwards. Space F is an area above the bottom part 91. Furthermore, space F is an area to the left of the right wall part 92 and to the right of the left wall part 93. Space F is open upwards. Space F is located on the centerline of vehicle C. Space F is located below space E.

[0173] Part of the hydraulic unit 45 is located in space F. More particularly, the hydraulic unit 45 is located above the bottom part 91. The hydraulic unit 45 is located to the left of the right wall part 92 and to the right of the left wall part 93. The hydraulic unit 45 overlaps look at the bottom part 91 in the plan view of the vehicle (see Figure 3).

[0174] The upper end 45c of the hydraulic unit 45 is, in the section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction , in the section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction

[0175] The rear fender 19 includes a right flange portion 94, a right outer wall portion 95, a left flange portion 96, and a left outer wall portion 97. The right flange portion 94 is connected to the upper edge 92a of the right wall portion 92 The right flange portion 94 extends to the right from the upper edge 92a of the right wall portion 92. The right outer wall portion 95 is connected to a right edge of the right flange portion 94. The right outer wall portion 95 extends upwardly from the right edge of the right flange portion 94. The right outer wall portion 95 has an upper edge 95a. The left flange portion 96 is connected to the upper edge 93a of the left wall portion 93. The left flange portion 96 extends to the left from the upper edge 93a of the left wall portion 93. The left outer wall portion 97 is connected to the left edge of the left flange portion 96. The left outer wall portion 97 extends upwardly from the left edge of the left flange portion 96. The left outer wall portion 97 has a top edge 97a.

[0176] The right flange part 94 is, in the section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X, located at a higher position than the upper edge 27Rc of the right seat frame 27R. The right outer wall part 95 is, in the section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 95 is, in the section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 45c of the hydraulic unit 45. The left flange part 96 is, in the section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X, located at a higher position than the upper edge 27Lc of the left seat frame 27L. The left outer wall part 97 is, in the section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 97 is, in the section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 45c of hydraulic unit 45.

[0177] Reference is made to Figure 8. The seat part 81 includes a front seat part 82 and a rear seat part 83. The front seat part 82 is an element of the front seat 10a. The front seat portion 82 comes into contact with the driver's buttocks. The rear seat part 83 is an element of the rear seat 10b. The rear seat part 83 comes into contact with the buttocks of the other passenger. The rear seat portion 83 is located further back than the front seat portion 82 in the plan view of the vehicle. The limit K is located between the front seat part 82 and the rear seat part 83. That is, the limit K corresponds to a limit between the front seat part 82 and the rear seat part 83. The front seat part 82 and the rear seat part 83 they join at the limit K. The limit K corresponds to a rear end of the front seat part 82 and corresponds to a front end of the rear seat part 83.

[0178] The front end 45a and the rear end 45b of the hydraulic unit 45 are, in the plan view of the vehicle, located further back than the limit K between the front seat part 82 and the rear seat part 83, respectively. The hydraulic unit 45 is located further back than the front seat portion 82 in the plan view of the vehicle. The hydraulic unit 45 does not overlap the front seat portion 82 in the plan view of the vehicle. The hydraulic unit 45 overlaps the rear seat portion 83 in the plan view of the vehicle.

[0179] Figure 10 is a section taken on line Figure 10 shows, for convenience, the hydraulic unit 45 and other parts viewed from one side.

[0180] The hydraulic unit 45 is located below the rear surface 81b of the seating part 81.

[0181] The front seating part 82 has an upper surface 82a and a rear surface 82b. The rear seat part 83 has an upper surface 83a and a rear surface 83b. The upper surfaces 82a and 83a are elements of the upper surface 81a of the seating part 81, respectively. The rear surfaces 82b and 83b are elements of the rear surface 81b of the seating part 81, respectively. The above can also be stated as follows. That is, the upper surface 81a of the seating part 81 includes the upper surface 82a of the front seating part 82, and the upper surface 83a of the rear seating part 83. The rear surface 81b of the seating part 81 includes the rear surface 82b of the front seat 82, and the rear surface 83b of the rear seat part 83.

[0182] The seating part 81 has a front end 81c and a rear end 81d. The front seating part 82 has a front end 82c and a rear end 82d. The rear seat portion 83 has a front end 83c and a rear end 83d. The front end 81c is in the same position as the front end 82c. The rear end 81d is in the same position as the rear end 83d. The rear end 82d is in the same position as the front end 83c. Figure 10 shows the X x1 coordinate of the front end 81c (front end 82c) in the section perpendicular to the Y transverse direction. Figure 10 shows the X x10 of rear end 81d (rear end 83d) in the section perpendicular to the Y transverse direction.

[0183] The upper surface 82a of the front seating portion 82 is curved to bulge downward in the section perpendicular to the Y transverse direction. The upper surface 82a of the front seating portion 82 includes a lower point P1 in the section perpendicular to the Y transverse direction. The upper surface 83a of the rear seating portion 83 is substantially horizontal in the section perpendicular to the Y transverse direction. Strictly, the upper surface 83a of the rear seating portion 83 is also curved so as to bulge downwardly in the section perpendicular to the Y transverse direction. The upper surface 83a of the seating portion 83 includes a lowest point P2 in the section perpendicular to the Y transverse direction. Figure 10 shows the Z z3 coordinate of the lowest point P1 in the section perpendicular to the Y transverse direction and the Z z5 coordinate of the lowest point P2 in the section perpendicular to the Y transverse direction. top-down direction Z. The lowest point P1 is lower than the lowest point P2. The lowest point P1 corresponds to the lowest point of the entire upper surface 81a of the seating part 81. In the following description, the lowest point P1 will be appropriately called "the lowest point P1 of the upper surface 81a of the seating part 81".

[0184] The rear surface 82b of the front seating portion 82 is curved to bulge downwardly in the section perpendicular to the transverse Y direction. The rear surface 82a of the front seating portion 82 extends forwardly and downwardly from the rear end 82d of the portion. The rear surface 82b of the front seating portion 82 includes a lower point P3 in the section perpendicular to the Y transverse direction. Figure 10 shows the Z z1 coordinate of the lower point P3 in the section perpendicular to the Y transverse direction. rear surface 83b of the rear seating portion 83 extends rearwardly and substantially horizontally from the front end 83c of the rear seating portion 83 in the section perpendicular to the Y transverse direction. The rear surface 83b of the rear seating portion 83 is, in the section perpendicular to the Y transverse direction, located in a position higher than the lowest point P3. Thus, the rear surface 83b of the rear seat part 83 is, in the section perpendicular to the transverse direction Y, located at a position one stage higher than the rear surface 82a of the front seat part 82. The lowest point P3 corresponds to the lowest point of the entire rear surface 81b of the seat part 81 In the following description, the lowest point P3 will be called, as appropriate, “the lowest point P3 of the rear surface 81b of the seating part 81”.

[0185] The hydraulic unit 45 is located below the rear surface 83b of the rear seat part 83. The front end 45a and the rear end 45b of the hydraulic unit 45 are, in the section perpendicular to the transverse direction Y, located further rearward than the front end 83c of the rear seat part 83 and further forward than the rear end 83d of the rear seat portion 83, respectively. Figure 10 shows the X x6 coordinate of the front end 45a in the section perpendicular to the Y transverse direction and the X x7 coordinate of the rear end 45b in the section perpendicular to the Y transverse direction.

[0186] The hydraulic unit 45 is located in a position away from under the rear surface 82b of the front seating part 82. The front end 45a and the rear end 45b of the hydraulic unit 45 are located further rearward than the rear end 82d of the front seating part 82, respectively, in the section perpendicular to the transverse Y direction.

[0187] The hydraulic unit 45 is, in the section perpendicular to the transverse direction Y, located further back than the lowest point P1 of the upper surface 81a of the seat part 81. The hydraulic unit 45 is, in the section perpendicular to the transverse direction Y, located further back than the lowest point P3 of the rear surface 81b of the seat part 81. Figure 10 shows the X x3 coordinate of the lowest point P3 in the section perpendicular to the Y transverse direction and the X x4 coordinate of the lowest point P1 in the section perpendicular to the Y transverse direction.

[0188] The hydraulic unit 45 is, in the section perpendicular to the transverse direction transverse Y, located on the centerline in the longitudinal direction between the X coordinate x9 and the X coordinate x10.

[0189] The hydraulic unit 45 is, in the section perpendicular to the transverse direction Y, located further forward than the lowest point P2 of the upper surface 83a of the rear seat part 83. Figure 10 shows the coordinate X x8 of the lowest point P2 in the section perpendicular to the transverse direction Y .

[0190] The hydraulic unit 45 is, in the section perpendicular to the transverse direction Y, located in a position close to the front end 83c of the rear seat part 83. The hydraulic unit 45 is, in the section perpendicular to the transverse direction Y, located in a position close to the limit K between the front seat part 82 and the rear seat part 83. A distance D2 in the longitudinal direction X between the front end 83c of the rear seat part 83 and the front end 45a of the hydraulic unit 45 is sufficiently small. Distance D2 is a difference between the X x5 coordinate and the X x6 coordinate. For example, the distance D2 is less than a length D3 in the longitudinal direction X of the hydraulic unit 45. The length D3 is a difference between the X coordinate x6 and the X coordinate x7.

[0191] The upper end 45c and the lower end 45d of the hydraulic unit 45 are, in the section perpendicular to the transverse direction Y, located at positions higher than the lowest point P3 of the rear surface 81b of the seating part 81, respectively. Figure 10 shows the Z z4 coordinate of the upper end 45c in the section perpendicular to the Y transverse direction and the Z z2 coordinate of the lower end 45d in the section perpendicular to the Y transverse direction.

[0192] The upper end 45c of the hydraulic unit 45 is, in the section perpendicular to the transverse direction Y, located at a higher position than the lowest point P1 of the upper surface 81a of the seat part 81. Y, located at a lower position than the lowest point P1 of the upper surface 81a of the seating part 81.

[0193] The upper end 45c and the lower end 45d of the hydraulic unit 45 are, in the section perpendicular to the transverse direction Y, located at lower positions than the lowest point P2 of the upper surface 83a of the rear seat part 83b, respectively.

[0194] The positional relationship between the hydraulic unit 45 and the rear surface 81b of the seating part 81 will be described from a different point of view.

[0195] The rear surface 81b of the seating portion 81 includes a first portion 84 located further rearward than the front end 45a of the hydraulic unit 45 and further forward than the rear end 45b of the hydraulic unit 45. The first portion 84 is located further rearward than the X coordinate x6 and further forward than the X coordinate x7. The X coordinate x6 corresponds to the X coordinate of the front end of the first part 84. The X coordinate x7 corresponds to the X coordinate of the rear end of the first part 84.

[0196] The first part 84 is located further back than the front end 83c of the rear seating part 83. The first entire part 84 is included in the rear surface 83b of the rear seating part 83.

[0197] The first part 84 is substantially horizontal in the section perpendicular to the Y transverse direction. The first part 84 is, in the section perpendicular to the Y transverse direction, located at a higher position than the lowest point P3 of the rear surface 81b of the seat part 81. The first part 84 is, in the section perpendicular to the transverse direction Y, located at a higher position than the lowest point P1 of the upper surface 81a of the seating part 81.

[0198] The rear surface 81b of the seat part 81 includes a second part 85 located further forward than the first part 84. The second part 85 is, in the section perpendicular to the transverse direction Y, located further back than the front end 81c of the seat part 81 and more towards the forward than the front end 45a of the hydraulic unit 45. The second part 85 is located further back than the X coordinate x1 and further forward than the X coordinate x6. The X coordinate x6 corresponds to the X coordinate of the rear end of the second part 85.

[0199] The second part 85 includes a low part 85a located in a lower position than the first part 84 in the section perpendicular to the Y transverse direction. In Figure 10, the low part 85a is located, for example, further back than the X x2 coordinate and further forward than the X coordinate x6. The lower part 85a includes the rear end of the second part 85. The lower part 85a extends forward and downward from the rear end of the second part 85.

[0200] The previously observed space E includes a space Ea located below the first part 84 and a space Eb located below the second part 85. The space Ea is located further back than the X coordinate x6 and further forward than the X coordinate x7. Eb space is located further back than the X coordinate x1 and further forward than the X coordinate x6. Hydraulic unit 45 is located in space Ea. Hydraulic unit 45 is not located in space Eb. Strictly, the space E shown in Figure 9 corresponds to the space Ea.

[0201] As the second part 85 includes the lower part 85a, the space Ea is higher than the space Eb. That is, the space Ea is larger than the space Eb.

[0202] Figure 11 is a left side view of a portion of the assembled traveling vehicle. The left wall portion 89 extends in the longitudinal direction X from the front seat 10a to the rear seat 10b. That is, the left wall part 89 is connected to the front seat part 82 and the rear seat part 83. The right wall part 88 has the same construction and shape as the left wall part 89, except that it is symmetrical.

[0203] The hydraulic unit 45 crosses the lower edge 89a of the left wall part 89 in the side view of the vehicle. The upper end 45c of the hydraulic unit 45 is located above the lower edge 89a of the left wall part 89 in the side view of the vehicle. The upper end 45c of the hydraulic unit 45 overlaps the left wall portion 89 in the side view of the vehicle. The lower end 45d of the hydraulic unit 45 is located below the lower edge 89a of the left wall part 89 in the side view of the vehicle. Although not shown, the hydraulic unit 45 intersects the lower edge 88a of the right wall portion 88 in the side view of the vehicle. The upper end 45c of the hydraulic unit 45 is located above the lower end 88a of the right wall portion 88 in the side view of the vehicle. The upper end 45c of the hydraulic unit 45 overlaps the part of the right wall 88 in the side view of the vehicle. The lower end 45d of the hydraulic unit 45 is located below the lower edge 88a of the right wall part 88 in the side view of the vehicle.

[0204] Figure 11 schematically shows the rear wheel 15 located in an intermediate position PM on a solid line. Figure 11 schematically shows the rear wheel 15 located in a high PH position in a dashed line. The high position PH is located above the intermediate position PM. The intermediate position PM is substantially the same as the position of the rear wheel 15 shown in Figure 1.

[0205] With oscillation of the swing arm 13 in relation to the body 3, the rear wheel 15 is movable to the intermediate position PM and to the high position PH. More particularly, the center of rotation N of the rear wheel 15 may rotate along an imaginary arc G centered on the center of oscillation M in the side view of the vehicle.

[0206] A region where the rear wheel 15 is movable relative to the body 3 is called “the movable region of the rear wheel 15”. The PH high position is the highest position in the movable region of the rear wheel 15.

[0207] When the rear wheel 15 is in the high position PH, part of the rear wheel 15 is located above an upper edge 28La of the left rear support 28L in the side view of the vehicle. When the rear wheel 15 is in the high position PH, the rear wheel 15 crosses the upper edge 28La of the left rear support 28L in the side view of the vehicle.

[0208] Although not shown, when the rear wheel 15 is in the high PH position, part of the rear wheel 15 is located above an upper edge of the right rear support 28R in the side view of the vehicle. When the rear wheel 15 is in the high PH position, the rear wheel 15 crosses the upper edge of the right rear support 28R in the side view of the vehicle. When the upper edge 28La of the left rear support 28L and the upper edge of the right rear support 28R are not distinguished in the following, the term “upper edge 28a of the rear support 28” will be used. The movable region of the rear wheel 15 reaches an area above the upper edge 28a of the rear support 28 in the side view of the vehicle.

[0209] When the rear wheel 15 is in the intermediate PM position, the rear wheel 15 is located below the upper edge 28a of the rear support 28 in the side view of the vehicle. When the rear wheel 15 is in the intermediate PM position, the rear wheel 15 does not cross the upper edge 28a of the rear support 28 in the side view of the vehicle.

[0210] When the rear wheel 15 is in the high position PH and the intermediate position PM, the rear wheel 15 is located below the lower edge 27d of the seat frame 27 in the side view of the vehicle. When the rear wheel 15 is in the high position PH and the intermediate position PM, the rear wheel 15 does not intersect the lower edge 27d of the seat frame 27 in the side view of the vehicle. The entire rear wheel 15 is always located below the lower edge 27d of the seat frame 27 in the side view of the vehicle. The movable region of the rear wheel 15 is located below the lower edge 27d of the seat frame 27 in the side view of the vehicle.

[0211] The hydraulic unit 45 is located in a position away from the movable region of the rear wheel 15 in the side view of the vehicle. When the rear wheel 15 is in both the high PH position and the intermediate PM position, the hydraulic unit 45 does not overlap the rear wheel 15 in the side view of the vehicle.

[0212] When the rear wheel 15 is in the high PH position and the intermediate PM position, the hydraulic unit 45 is located further back than the front end 15a of the rear wheel 15 in the side view of the vehicle. When the rear wheel 15 is in the high position PH and in the intermediate position PM, the hydraulic unit 45 is located further forward than the center of rotation N in the side view of the vehicle. When the rear wheel 15 is in both the high PH position and the intermediate PM position, the hydraulic unit 45 is located further forward than the upper end 15b of the rear wheel 15 in the side view of the vehicle.

[0213] When the rear wheel 15 is in the high PH position, the upper end 15b of the rear wheel 15 is located at substantially the same height position as the lower end 45d of the hydraulic unit 45.

6. Advantageous Effects

[0214] The traveling vehicle assembled 1 in accordance with this embodiment provides the following effects.

[0215] The hydraulic unit 45 is located further back than the center of oscillation M in the side view and plan view of the vehicle. The hydraulic unit 45 can therefore be conveniently inhibited from influencing the shapes and arrangements of the elements other than the hydraulic unit 45 (hereinafter referred to as “the other elements”). In particular, its influence is conveniently inhibited from being exerted on other elements (for example, the engine 8 and the fuel tank 9) located further forward than the center of oscillation M in the side view of the vehicle. For example, design changes in the shapes, arrangements, or positions of other elements can be inhibited. Furthermore, it is easy to properly locate the hydraulic unit 45. For example, design changes in the shape, location or posture of the hydraulic unit 45 itself can be inhibited.

[0216] The hydraulic unit 45 is located further forward than the center of rotation N in the side view of the vehicle. The primary pipeline 47 and the secondary pipeline 49 can therefore be prevented from becoming too long. This may inhibit the influence of the hydraulic unit 45 on other elements. Particularly, its influence is conveniently inhibited from being exerted on the primary pipe 47, on the secondary pipe 49 and on the elements arranged adjacent to the same.

[0217] The upper part 46a of the hydraulic unit 45 is located above the upper edge 27c of the seat frame 27 in the side view of the vehicle. The hydraulic unit 45 can therefore be conveniently prevented from interfering with the rear wheel 15, although the hydraulic unit 45 is located further rearward than the center of swing M of the swing arm 13 and further forward than the center of rotation N of the rear wheel 15 in the side view of the vehicle.

[0218] According to the assembled traveling vehicle 1, as noted above, the hydraulic unit 45 can be located appropriately while inhibiting the hydraulic unit 45 from influencing the other elements.

[0219] The hydraulic unit 45 is located further back than the front end 15a of the rear wheel 15 in the side view and plan view of the vehicle. The hydraulic unit 45 can therefore be located more appropriately, while further inhibiting the influence of the hydraulic unit 45 on other elements.

[0220] The hydraulic unit 45 is located further back than the tandem steps 17 in the side view of the vehicle. The hydraulic unit 45 can therefore be located in a more appropriate way, while further inhibiting the influence of the hydraulic unit 45 on the other elements.

[0221] The hydraulic unit 45 is located further rearward than the front ends 16a of the support bars 16 in the side view of the vehicle. The hydraulic unit 45 can therefore be located more appropriately, while further inhibiting the influence of the hydraulic unit 45 on other elements.

[0222] The hydraulic unit 45 overlaps the seat 10 in the plan view of the vehicle. Here, the seat 10 is located in a central part of the traveling vehicle mounted 1 in the transverse direction Y. Specifically, the seat 10 is located in the centerline of the vehicle C in the plan view of the vehicle. Consequently, the hydraulic unit 45 is also located in the central part of the traveling vehicle mounted 1 in the Y transverse direction. The hydraulic unit 45 can therefore be conveniently inhibited from oscillating in the Y transverse direction. That is, the hydraulic unit 45 can be located more conveniently.

[0223] The hydraulic unit 45 overlaps the rear wheel 15 in the plan view of the vehicle. Here, the rear wheel 15 is located in a central part of the mounted traveling vehicle 1 in the transverse direction Y. Specifically, the rear wheel 15 is located in the centerline of the vehicle C in the plan view of the vehicle. Consequently, the hydraulic unit 45 is also located in the central part of the traveling vehicle mounted 1 in the Y transverse direction. The hydraulic unit 45 can therefore be conveniently inhibited from oscillating in the Y transverse direction. That is, the hydraulic unit 45 can be located more conveniently.

[0224] The hydraulic unit 45 is located below the rear surface 81b of the seating portion 81. The hydraulic unit 45 overlaps the seating portion 81 in the plan view of the vehicle. The hydraulic unit 45 can therefore be conveniently protected by the seating part 81.

[0225] The hydraulic unit 45 is located below the rear surface 83b of the rear seat portion 83. The hydraulic unit 45 overlaps the rear seat portion 83 in the plan view of the vehicle. The hydraulic unit 45 can therefore be conveniently protected by the rear seat part 83.

[0226] The hydraulic unit 45 is located in a spaced position beneath the rear surface 82b of the front seating portion 82. The hydraulic unit 45 does not overlap the front seating portion 82 in the plan view of the vehicle. This can conveniently avoid impairing the seating comfort of the front seat part 82.

[0227] The rear end 45b of the hydraulic unit 45 is, in the plan view of the vehicle, located further back than the limit K between the front seat part 82 and the rear seat part 83. This can easily ensure an installation space for the hydraulic unit 45. Furthermore, can conveniently prevent impairing the seating comfort of the front seat part 82.

[0228] The front end 45a of the hydraulic unit 45 is, in the plan view of the vehicle, located further rearward than the limit K between the front seat portion 82 and the rear seat portion 83. That is, the entire hydraulic unit 45 is located further rearward than the limit K in the plan view of the vehicle. This can more easily secure an installation space for the hydraulic unit 45. Furthermore, it can more conveniently avoid impairing the seating comfort of the front seat part 82.

[0229] The hydraulic unit 45 is, in the section perpendicular to the transverse direction Y, located further forward than the midpoint P4 between the front end 83c and the rear end 83d of the rear seat part 83. This may conveniently prevent a reduction in the seating comfort of the rear seat part 83.

[0230] The hydraulic unit 45 is, in the section perpendicular to the transverse direction Y, located further forward than the lowest point P2 of the upper surface 83a of the rear seat part 83. This can effectively prevent a reduction in the seating comfort of the rear seat part 83.

[0231] The hydraulic unit 45 is, in the section perpendicular to the transverse direction Y, located near the front end 83c of the rear seat part 83. This can conveniently prevent a reduction in the seating comfort of the rear seat part 83.

[0232] The hydraulic unit 45 is, in the section perpendicular to the transverse direction Y, located near the limit K between the front seat part 82 and the rear seat part 83. This can effectively prevent a reduction in the seating comfort of the rear seat part 83.

[0233] The hydraulic unit 45 is, in the section perpendicular to the transverse direction Y, located further back than the lowest point P1 of the upper surface 81a of the seating part 81. This can more easily ensure an installation space for the hydraulic unit 45.

[0234] The hydraulic unit 45 is, in the section perpendicular to the transverse direction Y, located further back than the lowest point P3 of the rear surface 81b of the seating part 81. This can more easily ensure an installation space for the hydraulic unit 45.

[0235] The upper end 45c of the hydraulic unit 45 is, in the section perpendicular to the transverse direction Y, located at a higher position than the lowest point P3 of the rear surface 81b of the seating part 81. According to this arrangement, the hydraulic unit 45 is located at a relatively high position. The hydraulic unit 45 can therefore be more conveniently prevented from interfering with the rear wheel 15.

[0236] The upper end 45c of the hydraulic unit 45 is, in the section perpendicular to the transverse direction Y, located at a higher position than the lowest point P1 of the upper surface 81a of the seating part 81. According to this arrangement, the hydraulic unit 45 is located at a relatively high position. The hydraulic unit 45 can therefore be more conveniently prevented from interfering with the rear wheel 15.

[0237] The lower end 45d of the hydraulic unit 45 is, in the section perpendicular to the transverse direction Y, located at a higher position than the lowest point P3 of the rear surface 81b of the seating part 81. According to this arrangement, the hydraulic unit 45 is located at a relatively high position. The hydraulic unit 45 can therefore be more conveniently prevented from interfering with the rear wheel 15.

[0238] The hydraulic unit 45 is located below the rear surface 81b of the seat part 81. Furthermore, the hydraulic unit 45 is located more to the left than the right wall part 88 and more to the right than the left wall part 89. That is, the space E is used as the installation space for the hydraulic unit 45. The hydraulic unit 45 can therefore be located appropriately, while inhibiting the influence of the hydraulic unit 45 on other elements. Furthermore, the hydraulic unit 45 can be conveniently protected by the right wall part 88 and the left wall part 89.

[0239] The upper end 45c of the hydraulic unit 45 is, in the section perpendicular to the transverse direction Y, located in a higher position than the lower edge 88a of the right wall part 88 and the lower edge 89a of the left wall part 89. According to this arrangement, the hydraulic unit 45 is located in a relatively high position. The hydraulic unit 45 can therefore be more conveniently prevented from interfering with the rear wheel 15.

[0240] The upper end 45c of the hydraulic unit 45 is, in the section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction The hydraulic unit 45 can therefore be more conveniently prevented from interfering with the rear wheel 15.

[0241] The lower end 45d of the hydraulic unit 45 is, in the section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction The hydraulic unit 45 can therefore be more conveniently prevented from interfering with the rear wheel 15.

[0242] The lower end 45d of the hydraulic unit 45 is, in the section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction , the lower end 45d of the hydraulic unit 45 can be conveniently protected by the seat frame 27.

[0243] The rear surface 82b of the front seat part 82, in the section perpendicular to the Y transverse direction, extends downwardly and forwardly from the rear end 82d of the front seat part 82. Consequently, the space formed below the rear surface 82b of the The front seat part 82 becomes lower (or smaller) as it extends from the rear end 82d of the front seat part 82. The space below the front seat part 82 is therefore difficult to use as installation space for the hydraulic unit 45. The rear end 45b of the hydraulic unit 45 is, in the section perpendicular to the transverse direction Y, located further rearward than the rear end 82d of the front seating portion 82. That is, at least part of the hydraulic unit 45 is located further rearward than the front seating portion 82. The hydraulic unit 45 may , therefore, it is located appropriately, although the space below the front seat part 82 is difficult to use as installation space for the hydraulic unit. 45. The more difficult it is to utilize the space below the front seating portion 82 as installation space for the hydraulic unit 45, the greater utility is provided by locating at least part of the hydraulic unit 45 further rearward than the front seating portion 82.

[0244] The front end 45a of the hydraulic unit 45 is, in the section perpendicular to the transverse direction Y, located further rearward than the rear end 82d of the front seating part 82. Consequently, the entire hydraulic unit 45 is located further back than the front seating part 82. Hydraulic unit 45 can therefore be located more appropriately, although the space below the front seating part 82 is difficult to use as installation space for the hydraulic unit 45.

[0245] The hydraulic unit 45 is located in the space Ea below the first part 84. The first part 84 is substantially horizontal in the section perpendicular to the Y transverse direction. Consequently, the space Ea below the first part 84 is easily used as an installation space for the hydraulic unit 45. hydraulic unit 45 can therefore be located more appropriately.

[0246] The first part 84 is, in the section perpendicular to the transverse direction Y, located at a higher position than the lowest point P3 of the rear surface 81b of the seat part 81. Thus, the space Ea is relatively high (large). The hydraulic unit 45 can therefore be located more appropriately.

[0247] The first part 84 is, in the section perpendicular to the transverse direction Y, located at a higher position than the lowest point P1 of the upper surface 81a of the seat part 81. Thus, the space Ea is relatively high (large). The hydraulic unit 45 can therefore be located more appropriately.

[0248] The first part 84 is located further back than the front end 83c of the rear seat part 83. That is, the hydraulic unit 45 is located further back than the front end 83c of the rear seat part 83. The hydraulic unit 45 can therefore be located appropriately without compromising comfort. seating position on the front seat part 82.

[0249] The second part 85 includes the lower part 85a located in a lower position than the first part 84 in the section perpendicular to the Y transverse direction. Consequently, the space below the low part 85a is lower (smaller) than the space Ea below the first part 84. Comparing with the space Ea, therefore, the space Eb below the second part 85 is difficult to use as an installation space for the hydraulic unit 45. The hydraulic unit 45 is not located in the space Eb. The hydraulic unit 45 can therefore be located appropriately. The more difficult it is to use space Eb as installation space for the hydraulic unit 45, the greater the utility provided by using space Ea as installation space for the hydraulic unit 45.

[0250] The lower part 85a includes the rear end of the second part 85. This makes it difficult to use the space Eb below the second part 85 as installation space for the hydraulic unit 45. Even in such a case, the hydraulic unit 45 can be located suitably.

[0251] The lower part 85a extends downwardly and forwardly from the rear end of the second part 85. Consequently, the space Eb below the second part 85 is difficult to use as installation space for the hydraulic unit 45. Even in such a case, the hydraulic unit 45 can be located appropriately.

[0252] The upper end 45c of the hydraulic unit 45 is, in the side view of the vehicle, located above the lower edge 88a of the right wall part 88 and the lower edge 89a of the left wall part 89. According to this arrangement, the hydraulic unit 45 is located in a relatively high position . The hydraulic unit 45 is therefore more conveniently prevented from interfering with the rear wheel 15. Furthermore, the hydraulic unit 45 can be conveniently protected by the right wall portion 88 and the left wall portion 89.

[0253] The lower end 45d of the hydraulic unit 45 is located above the lower edge 27d of the seat frame 27 in the side view of the vehicle. According to this arrangement, the hydraulic unit 45 is located in a relatively high position. The hydraulic unit 45 is therefore more conveniently prevented from interfering with the rear wheel 15.

[0254] The hydraulic unit 45 is located above the lower edge 27d of the seat frame 27 in the side view of the vehicle. According to this arrangement, the hydraulic unit 45 is located in a relatively high position. The hydraulic unit 45 can therefore be more conveniently prevented from interfering with the rear wheel 15.

[0255] The lower part 46b of the hydraulic unit 45 overlaps the seat frame 27 in the side view of the vehicle. According to this arrangement, the hydraulic unit 45 can be conveniently protected by the seat frame 27.

[0256] The hydraulic unit 45 is located to the left of the right seat frame 27R in the plan view of the vehicle. Hydraulic unit 45 is located to the right of the left seat frame 27L in the plan view of the vehicle. The hydraulic unit 45 can therefore be conveniently protected by the right seat frame 27R and the left seat frame 27L.

[0257] The rear end 45b of the hydraulic unit 45 is located further back than the rear end 18a of the air filter 18 in the plan view of the vehicle. According to this arrangement, the influence of the hydraulic unit 45 on the air filter 18 can be conveniently inhibited. For example, the hydraulic unit 45 can be installed without requiring a change in shape and a reduction in volume of the air filter 18.

[0258] The front end 45a of the hydraulic unit 45 is located further back than the rear end 18a of the air filter 18 in the plan view of the vehicle. According to this arrangement, the influence of the hydraulic unit 45 on the air filter 18 can be more conveniently inhibited.

[0259] The hydraulic unit 45 is located in a higher position than the air filter 18 in the side view of the vehicle. According to this arrangement, the influence of the hydraulic unit 45 on the air filter 18 can be more conveniently inhibited.

[0260] With oscillation of the swing arm 13 in relation to the body 3, part of the rear wheel 15 is movable above the upper edge 28a of the rear part 28 in the side view of the vehicle. Thus, the rear wheel 15 is movable to a high position relative to the body 3. That is, the movable region of the rear wheel 15 is relatively large. Even in this case, according to the mounted traveling vehicle 1, the hydraulic unit 45 can be conveniently prevented from interfering with the rear wheel 15. The larger movable region of the rear wheel 15 provides the greatest utility of the mounted traveling vehicle 1. According to the mounted traveling vehicle 1, the hydraulic unit 45 can be located without reducing the movable region of the rear wheel 15.

[0261] With oscillation of the swing arm 13 relative to the body 3, the upper end 15b of the rear wheel 15 is movable to substantially the same height position as the lower end 45d of the hydraulic unit 45. in the side view of the vehicle. Thus, the movable region of the rear wheel 15 is relatively large. Even in this case, according to the mounted traveling vehicle 1, the hydraulic unit 45 can be conveniently prevented from interfering with the rear wheel 15. Furthermore, according to the mounted traveling vehicle 1, the hydraulic unit 45 can be located without decreasing the movable region of the rear wheel 15.

[0262] Part of the hydraulic unit 45 overlaps the support bars 16 in the side view of the vehicle. The hydraulic unit 45 can therefore be conveniently protected by the support bars 16.

[0263] The rear fender 19 is located below the hydraulic unit 45 and above the rear wheel 15. The hydraulic unit 45 overlaps the rear fender 19 in the plan view of the vehicle. The rear fender 19 can therefore conveniently protect the hydraulic unit 45. For example, the rear fender 19 can block foreign materials spread across the rear wheel 15 and prevent the hydraulic unit 45 from becoming dirty or damaged by foreign materials.

[0264] The hydraulic unit 45 is located above the bottom part 91 of the rear fender 19. The hydraulic unit 45 can therefore be conveniently protected by the bottom part 91.

[0265] The hydraulic unit 45 is located to the left of the right wall part 92 and to the right of the left wall part 93. That is, space F is used as installation space for the hydraulic unit 45. The hydraulic unit 45 can therefore be appropriately located by inhibiting the influence of the hydraulic unit 45 on others elements. Furthermore, the hydraulic unit 45 can be conveniently protected by the right wall part 92 and the left wall part 93.

[0266] The upper end 45c of the hydraulic unit 45 is, in the section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 45 is located in a relatively high position. The hydraulic unit 45 can therefore be more conveniently prevented from interfering with the rear wheel 15.

[0267] The lower end 45d of the hydraulic unit 45 is, in the section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction , therefore, it will be conveniently protected by the right wall part 92 and the left wall part 93.

[0268] The upper edge 95a of the right outer wall part 95 of the rear fender 19 is larger than the lower edge 88a of the right wall part 88 of the seat 10. The right outer wall part 95 and the right wall part 88 can therefore , conveniently protect the entire right part of the hydraulic unit 45. The upper edge 97a of the left outer wall part 97 of the rear fender 19 is higher than the lower edge 89a of the left wall part 89 of the seat 10. The left outer wall part 97 and the left wall 89 can therefore conveniently protect the entire left part of the hydraulic unit 45.

[0269] The hydraulic unit 45 is located above the rear fender 19 in the section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X. This can conveniently prevent foreign matter from entering the space F.

[0270] The rear fender 19 is, in the section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 10. This can conveniently prevent foreign materials from entering spaces E and F from a gap between the right outer wall part 95 and the right wall part 88, and from a gap between the left outer wall part 97 and the left wall part 89.

[0271] This invention is not limited to the previous embodiment, but can be modified as follows:

[0272] (1) In the above embodiment, the hydraulic unit 45 is connected to the brake caliper 44 and the brake caliper 66. The invention is not limited to this. For example, the hydraulic unit 45 may be connected to one of the brake caliper 44 and the brake caliper 66. That is, the hydraulic unit 45 does not need to be connected to the other of the brake caliper 44 and the brake caliper 66. In other words, the hydraulic unit 45 You can only regulate the hydraulic pressure of the brake fluid to brake one of the front wheel 6 and the rear wheel 15.

[0273] Furthermore, in this modified embodiment, the construction of the other of the brake caliper 44 and the brake caliper 66 may be changed. For example, the other of the brake caliper 44 and the brake caliper 66 can be changed to a mechanical braking mechanism.

[0274] When, for example, the hydraulic unit 45 is not connected to the brake caliper 66, the brake system 40 may have a brake drum, a brake shoe and a brake cable. The brake drum is fixedly connected to the rear wheel 15. The brake drum rotates with the rear wheel 15 around the rear axle 14 (center of rotation N). The brake shoe is provided capable of contacting the brake drum. The brake shoe is supported by the swing arm 13. The brake shoe is of the mechanical type. The brake cable has one end of it connected to the input device 61, and the other end connected to the brake shoe. The brake cable transmits a control amount from the input device 61 to the brake shoe. According to the control quantity of the input device 61, the brake shoe contacts the brake drum for rotation of the rear wheel brake 15 around the rear axle 14 (rotation center N). More particularly, the brake shoe applies resistance (specifically, frictional force) to the brake drum (i.e., the rear wheel 15) for the braking rotation of the rear wheel 15. That is, the brake shoe brakes the rear wheel 15. In the case of this modified embodiment, the brake shoe is an example of the rear brake mechanism in this invention.

[0275] Similarly, when the hydraulic unit 45 is not connected to the brake caliper 44, the brake caliper 44 can be changed to a mechanical braking mechanism (e.g., a brake shoe). In the case of this modified embodiment, the mechanical brake mechanism (e.g., the brake shoe) is an example of the front brake mechanism in this invention.

[0276] (2) In the previous embodiment, Figure 1 schematically shows the limit K in a vertical straight line, and Figure 8 schematically shows the limit K in a curve. The invention is not limited to this. For example, the boundary K may be curved in the side view of the vehicle. For example, in the plan view of the vehicle, the limit K may extend linearly. For example, boundary K may or may not have a length (width) in the longitudinal direction X. For example, boundary K may be identifiable by at least one of shape, material, color and pattern. For example, when the front seat 10a (front seat part 82) and the rear seat 10b (rear seat part 83) are separated from each other, the boundary K may be an element or a space separating the front seat 10a (front seat part 82) and the rear seat 10b (rear seat part 83). When, for example, the seat 10 has a backrest located between the front seat portion 82 and the rear seat portion 83, the limit K may be the backrest.

[0277] (3) In the previous embodiment, the rear end of the front seat 10a and the front end of the rear seat 10b are side by side. The invention is not limited to this. The rear end of the front seat 10a and the front end of the rear seat 10b can be separated. In the previous embodiment, the rear end 82d of the front seat part 82 and the front end 83c of the rear seat part 83 come together. The invention is not limited to this. The rear end 82d of the front seat part 82 and the front end 83c of the rear seat part 83 can be separated.

[0278] (4) In the previous embodiment, the front seat 10a and the rear seat 10b are formed integrally. The invention is not limited to this. The front seat 10a and the rear seat 10b may be separate elements. The rear end 82d of the front seat part 82 may not be in the same position as the front end 83c of the rear seat part 83.

[0279] (5) In the previous embodiment, the seat 10 includes the rear seat 10b. The invention is not limited to this. Seat 10 may not include rear seat 10b. In the above embodiment, the seat part 81 includes the rear seat part 83. The invention is not limited to this. The seat portion 81 may not include the rear seat portion 83.

[0280] (6) In the previous embodiment, the hydraulic unit 45 is located further back than the limit K. The invention is not limited to this. For example, the front end 45a of the hydraulic unit 45 may be located further forward than the limit K. In the previous embodiment, the hydraulic unit 45 does not cross the limit K in the plan view of the vehicle. The invention is not limited to this. The hydraulic unit 45 may cross the limit K in the plan view of the vehicle.

[0281] (7) In the above embodiment, the positional relationship between the hydraulic unit 45 and the seat 10 (seat part 81) can be changed as appropriate. For example, at least part of the hydraulic unit 45 may not overlap the seat 10 in the side view of the vehicle. For example, at least part of the hydraulic unit 45 may not overlap the seat 10 (seat part 81) in the plan view of the vehicle.

[0282] (8) In the above embodiment, the positional relationship between the hydraulic unit 45 and the front seat 10a (front seat part 82) can be changed as appropriate. For example, the front end 45a of the hydraulic unit 45 may be located equal to or further forward than the rear end of the front seat 10a. For example, the front end 45a of the hydraulic unit 45 may be located equal to or further forward than the rear end 82d of the front seat portion 82. For example, at least part of the hydraulic unit 45 may overlap the front seat 10a (front seat portion 82) in the plan view of the vehicle.

[0283] (9) In the above embodiment, the positional relationship between the hydraulic unit 45 and the rear seat 10b (rear seat part 83) can be changed as appropriate. For example, the front end 45a of the hydraulic unit 45 may be located equal to or further forward than the front end of the rear seat 10b. For example, the front end 45a of the hydraulic unit 45 may be located equal to or further forward than the front end 83c of the rear seat portion 83. For example, at least part of the hydraulic unit 45 may not overlap the rear seat 10b (rear seat portion 83) in the plan view of the vehicle.

[0284] (10) In the above embodiment, the positional relationship between the hydraulic unit 45, the seat part 81, the right wall part 88 and the left wall part 89 can be changed as appropriate. For example, the upper end 45a of the hydraulic unit 45 may be, in the side view of the vehicle, located above one of the lower edge 88a of the right wall portion 88 and the lower edge 89a of the left wall portion 89. The lower end 45d of the hydraulic unit 45 may be, in the side view of the vehicle, located above at least one of the lower edge 88a of the right wall part 88 and the lower edge 89a of the left wall part 89. For example, the entire hydraulic unit 45 may be located in space E.

[0285] (11) In the previous embodiment, the upper end 45c of the hydraulic unit 45 is, in the section perpendicular to the transverse direction Y, located at a higher position than the lowest point P1 of the upper surface 81a of the seating part 81. The invention is not limited to this. For example, the upper end 45c of the hydraulic unit 45 may be, in the section perpendicular to the transverse direction Y, located at a position level with or lower than the lowest point P1 of the upper surface 81a of the seating part 81.

[0286] (12) In the previous embodiment, the positional relationship between the hydraulic unit 45 and the lowest points P1-P3 can be changed as appropriate. For example, the upper end 45c of the hydraulic unit 45 may be, in the section perpendicular to the transverse direction Y, located at a position level with or lower than the lowest point P3 of the rear surface 81b of the seating part 81. For example, the lower end 45d of the hydraulic unit 45 may be, in the section perpendicular to the transverse direction Y, located at a position level with or lower than the lowest point P1 of the upper surface 81a of the seating part 81. For example, the lower end 45d of the hydraulic unit 45 may be, in the section perpendicular to the transverse direction Y , located at a position level with or lower than the lowest point P3 of the rear surface 81b of the seating part 81.

[0287] (13) In the previous embodiment, the lower part 85a is a part of the second part 85. The invention is not limited to this. For example, the lower part 85a may be the second part 85. In the previous embodiment, the low part 85a includes the rear end of the second part 85. The invention is not limited thereto. For example, the lower part 85a may not include the rear end of the second part 85.

[0288] (14) In the previous embodiment, part (i.e., the upper part 46a) of the hydraulic unit 45 is located above the upper edge 27c of the seat frame 27 in the side view of the vehicle. The invention is not limited to this. For example, the entire hydraulic unit 45 may be located above the upper edge 27c of the seat frame 27 in the side view of the vehicle. For example, the hydraulic unit 45 may not intersect the upper edge 27c of the seat frame 27 in the side view of the vehicle. For example, the hydraulic unit 45 may not overlap the seat frame 27 in the side view of the vehicle. For example, part of the hydraulic unit 45 may be located below the lower edge 27d of the seat frame 27 in the side view of the vehicle. For example, the hydraulic unit 45 may intersect the lower edge 27d of the seat frame 27 in the side view of the vehicle.

[0289] (15) In the previous embodiment, the upper part 46a is located above the upper edge 27Rc of the right seat frame 27R and the upper edge 27Lc of the left seat frame 27L in the side view of the vehicle. The invention is not limited to this. For example, the upper part 46a may be located above one of the upper edge 27Rc of the right seat frame 27R and the upper edge 27Lc of the left seat frame 27L in the side view of the vehicle.

[0290] (16) In the previous embodiment, the lower part 46b is located above the lower edge 27Rd of the right seat frame 27R and the lower edge 27Ld of the left seat frame 27L in the side view of the vehicle. The invention is not limited to this. For example, the lower part 46b may be located below at least one of the lower edge 27Rd of the right seat frame 27R and the lower edge 27Ld of the left seat frame 27L in the side view of the vehicle.

[0291] (17) In the previous embodiment, the positional relationship between the hydraulic unit 45 and the rear fender 19 can be changed as appropriate. At least one of the upper edge 92a of the right wall part 92 and the upper edge 93a of the left wall part 93 may be, in the section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction upper edge 95a of the right outer wall part 95 and the upper edge 97a of the left outer wall part 97 may be, in the section perpendicular to longitudinal direction X, located at a position level with or higher than the upper end 45c of the hydraulic unit 45. For example, The entire hydraulic unit 45 may be located in space F.

[0292] (18) In the previous embodiment, the hydraulic unit 45 is located further back than the front ends 16a of the support bars 16 in the side view of the vehicle. The invention is not limited to this. The front end 45a of the hydraulic unit 45 may be located equal to or further forward than the front ends 16a of the support bars 16 in the side view of the vehicle.

[0293] (19) In the previous embodiment, the positional relationship between the hydraulic unit 45 and the rear wheel 15 can be changed as appropriate. The front end 45a of the hydraulic unit 45 may be located equal to or further forward than the front end 15a of the rear wheel 15. For example, at least part of the hydraulic unit 45 may not overlap the rear wheel 15 in the plan view of the vehicle.

[0294] (20) In the previous embodiment, the positional relationship between the hydraulic unit 45 and the air filter 18 can be changed as appropriate. For example, at least part of the hydraulic unit 45 may overlap the air filter 18 in the plan view of the vehicle. In the previous embodiment, the front end 45a of the hydraulic unit 45 is located further back than the rear end 18a of the air filter 18 in the plan view of the vehicle. The invention is not limited to this. The front end 45a of the hydraulic unit 45 may be located equal to or more forward than the rear end 18a of the air filter 18 in the plan view of the vehicle. The rear end 45b of the hydraulic unit 45 may be located equal to or further forward than the rear end 18a of the air filter 18 in the plan view of the vehicle. At least part of the hydraulic unit 45 may be located at a position level with or lower than the air filter 18.

[0295] (21) In the previous embodiment, the hydraulic unit 45, the rear wheel 15 and the air filter 18 are arranged in the centerline of the vehicle C in the plan view of the vehicle. The invention is not limited to this. At least one of the hydraulic unit 45, the rear wheel 15 and the air filter 18 cannot be located on the centerline of the vehicle C in the plan view of the vehicle. That is, at least one hydraulic unit 45, rear wheel 15 and air filter 18 cannot cross the center line of vehicle C in the plan view of the vehicle.

[0296] (22) In the previous embodiment, the positional relationship between the seat 10 and the seat frame 27 can be changed as appropriate. For example, the lower edge 88a of the right wall part 88 and the lower edge 89a of the left wall part 89 may be, in the section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X, located at lower positions than the upper edge 27c of the seat frame 27, respectively. For example, the lower edge 88a of the right wall part 88 and the lower edge 89a of the left wall part 89 may be, in the section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X, located at lower positions than the lower edge 27d of the seat frame 27, respectively.

[0297] (23) In the previous embodiment, the positional relationship between joints 55 and 56, clamp 57, master cylinder 42, joints 75-77, clamps 78 and 79, guide 80, brake caliper 44, and brake disc 43 can be changed as appropriate. For example, clamp 57 may be located in the right area AR, and the master cylinder 42 in the left area AL. For example, both clamp 57 and master cylinder 42 may be located in one of the right area AR and the left area AL. For example, joint 77 may be located in the left area AL, and the clamp 78 in the right area AR. For example, both joint 77 and clamp 78 may be located in one of the right area AR and the left area AL. For example, at least one of the joint 77, clamps 78 and 79, guide 80, brake disc 43 and brake caliper 44 may be located in the right area AR and the rest in the left area AL. For example, the master cylinder 42 may be located in the left area AL, and the brake caliper 44 in the right area AR. For example, both the master cylinder 42 and the brake caliper 44 may be located in one of the right area AR and the left area AL. For example, clamp 57 may be located in the left area AL, and the master cylinder 42, gasket 77, clamps 78 and 79, guide 80, brake caliper 44 and brake disc 43 all in the right area AR. For example, at least one of clamp 57, master cylinder 42, gasket 77, clamps 78 and 79, guide 80, brake caliper 44 and brake disc 43 may be located in the right area AR, and the remainder in the left area AL.

[0298] (24) In the previous embodiment, gaskets 55 and 56 and clamp 57 are provided. The invention is not limited to this. For example, at least one of the joints 55 and 56 and the clamp 57 may be omitted. For example, an additional element may be provided to retain the primary piping 47. In the previous embodiment, joints 75-77, clips 78 and 79 and guide 80 are provided. The invention is not limited to this. For example, at least one of the joints 75-77, clamps 78 and 79 and guide 80 may be omitted. For example, an additional element may be provided to maintain secondary piping 49.

[0299] (25) In the previous embodiment, the arrangement of the primary piping 47 and the secondary piping 49 has been described, which can be changed as appropriate. For example, the first flexible part may be located only in one of the right area AR and the left area AL. For example, the second flexible part of the secondary piping 49 may be located only in one of the right area AR and the left area AL. For example, the most descending part of secondary piping 49 may be located at least one of the right area AR and the left area AL. For example, the third flexible portion of secondary piping 49 may be located in at least one of the right area AR and the left area AL. For example, the most downstream part may be located equal to or further forward than the left front fork 33L in the side view of the vehicle.

[0300] (26) In the previous embodiment, the number of tubes (51-53) included in the primary tubing 47 is three. The invention is not limited to this. For example, the number of tubes included in primary tubing 47 may be one, two, four, or more. In the previous embodiment, the number of tubes (71-74) included in the secondary pipeline 49 is four. The invention is not limited to this. For example, the number of tubes included in secondary piping 49 may be one, two, three, five, or more.

[0301] (27) In the previous embodiment, tubes 51-53 and 71-74 were described. The invention is not limited to this. For example, tubes 51 and 71 may not have flexibility, respectively. For example, tubes 51 and 71 may be metal tubes, respectively. For example, tubes 52, 72 and 73 may have flexibility, respectively. For example, tubes 52, 72 and 73 may be rubber tubes, respectively.

[0302] (28) In the previous embodiment, the number of brake discs 43 is one and the number of brake calipers 44 is one. The invention is not limited to this. For example, brake disc number 43 may be two. For example, the number of brake calipers 44 may be two. When, for example, the steering device 4 is in neutral position, one of the brake discs 43 and one of the brake calipers 44 may be located in the right area AR, and the other brake disc 43 and the other brake caliper 44 in the left area AL.

[0303] In the previous embodiment, the number of brake discs 65 is one and the number of brake calipers 66 is one. The invention is not limited to this. For example, the number of brake discs 65 may be two. For example, the number of brake calipers 66 could be two.

[0304] (29) In the previous embodiment, the hydraulic unit 45 is supported by the seat frame 27. The clamp 57 is supported by the left main frame 22L. Joint 77 is supported by the right main frame 22R. However, the invention is not limited to this. For example, the hydraulic unit 45 may be supported by at least any of the elements 20-24 and 26-28 included in the body 3. Similarly, each of the clips 57 and joint 77 may be supported by at least any of the members 20-24 and 26-28 included in the body. 3. Here, it is preferred that the hydraulic unit 45 is supported by at least any of the elements included in the rear frame 26.

[0305] (30) In the previous embodiment, the master cylinder 42 is supported by the handlebar 37. The clamp 78 is supported by the lower bracket 32. The clamp 79, guide 80, and brake caliper 44 are supported by the lower left tube 35L. However, the invention is not limited to that. For example, the master cylinder 42, the clamps 78 and 79, the guide 80 and the brake caliper 44 can be supported by at least any of the elements included in the steering device 4, respectively. Here, it is preferred that the master cylinder 42 and the clamp 78 are supported at least by any of the elements included in the upper device 4a, respectively. It is preferred that the clamp 79, the guide 80 and the brake caliper 44 are supported by at least any of the elements included in the lower device 4b.

[0306] (31) In the previous embodiment, the assembled traveling vehicle 1 was illustrated as an example of dual-purpose vehicles. The invention is not limited to this. The mounted traveling vehicle 1 can be changed to vehicles of other types, such as off-road type, road type, sports type, or a vehicle for uneven ground (all-terrain vehicle). For example, the mounted traveling vehicle 1 can be changed to a different scooter-type vehicle.

[0307] (32) In the previous embodiment, the wheel number 6 is one. The invention is not limited to this. Wheel number 6 can be changed to two. In the previous embodiment, the rear wheel number 15 is one. The invention is not limited to this. The rear wheel number 15 can be changed to two.

[0308] (33) In the previous embodiment, the engine (internal combustion engine) 8 was illustrated as a source of energy. The invention is not limited to this. For example, the assembled traveling vehicle 1 may have an electric motor as a power source.

[0309] (34) The previous embodiment and each of the modified embodiments described in paragraphs (1) to (33) above may be further varied as appropriate, replacing or combining their constructions with the constructions of the other modified embodiments.

Claims (14)

1. Assembled traveling vehicle (1) comprising: a body (3); a steering device (4) supported by the body (3); a front wheel (6) supported by the steering device (4); a front brake mechanism (44) for braking the front wheel (6); a swinging arm (13) supported by the body (3) to be oscillatable about a center of oscillation (M) relative to the body (3); a rear wheel (15) supported by the swing arm (13) to be rotatable about a center of rotation (N) relative to the swing arm (13); a rear brake mechanism (66) for braking the rear wheel (15); a hydraulic unit (45) connected to at least one of the front brake mechanism (44) and the rear brake mechanism (66); and a seat (10) supported by the body (3); wherein the hydraulic unit (45) is located further rearward than the center of oscillation (M) in a side view of the vehicle; the hydraulic unit (45) is located further forward than the center of rotation (N) in the side view of the vehicle; the body (3) includes a seat frame (27) for supporting the seat (10); and at least part of the hydraulic unit (45) is located above an upper edge (27c) of the seat frame (27) in the side view of the vehicle, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the hydraulic unit (45) is entirely located further back than a front end (15a) of the rear wheel (15) in a plan view of the vehicle. 2. Assembled traveling vehicle (1), according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it comprises tandem steps (17) to receive the feet of another passenger; wherein the hydraulic unit (45) is located further rearward than the tandem steps (17) in the side view of the vehicle. 3. Assembled traveling vehicle (1), according to claim 1 or 2, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it comprises support bars (16) to be held by another passenger; wherein the hydraulic unit (45) is located further rearward than the front ends (16a) of the support bars (16) in the side view of the vehicle. 4. Assembled traveling vehicle (1), according to any one of claims 1 to 3, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the hydraulic unit (45) overlaps the seat (10) in the plan view of the vehicle. 5. Assembled traveling vehicle (1), according to any one of claims 1 to 4, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that: the seat (10) includes a seat part (81); and the hydraulic unit (45) is located below a rear surface (81b) of the seating part (81). 6. Assembled traveling vehicle (1), according to claim 5, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that: the seat part (81) includes: a front seat part (82) for contacting the buttocks of a driver; and a rear seat portion (83) located further rearward than the front seat portion (82) in the side view of the vehicle to come into contact with the buttocks of another passenger; and the hydraulic unit (45) has a rear end (45b) located further back, in plan view of the vehicle, than a boundary (K) between the front seat part (82) and the rear seat part (83). 7. Assembled traveling vehicle (1), according to claim 6, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the hydraulic unit (45) has a front end (45a) located further rearward, in plan view of the vehicle, than the limit (K) between the front seat part (82) and the rear seat part (83). 8. Assembled traveling vehicle (1), according to any one of claims 5 to 7, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the hydraulic unit (45) has an upper end (45c) located in a higher position than a lower point (P3) of the rear surface (81b) of the part seat (81) in a section perpendicular to a transverse direction (Y) of the assembled traveling vehicle (1). 9. Assembled traveling vehicle (1), according to any one of claims 5 to 8, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that: the seat (10) includes: a right wall part (88) extending downwardly from a right edge (86) of the part seat (81); and a left wall portion (89) extending downwardly from a left edge (87) of the seat portion (81); the hydraulic unit (45) is located further to the left than the right wall part (88); the hydraulic unit (45) is located more to the right than the left wall part (89); and the upper end (45c) of the hydraulic unit (45) is, in the side view of the vehicle, located above at least one of a lower edge (88a) of the right wall part (88) and a lower edge (89a) of the left wall part (89). 10. Assembled traveling vehicle (1), according to any one of claims 1 to 9, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the hydraulic unit (45) is located above a lower edge (27d) of the seat frame (27) in the side view of the vehicle. 11. Assembled traveling vehicle (1), according to any one of claims 1 to 10, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that part of the hydraulic unit (45) overlaps the seat frame (27) in the side view of the vehicle. 12. Assembled traveling vehicle (1), according to any one of claims 1 to 11, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that: the seat frame (27) includes: a straight seat frame (27R); and a left seat frame (27L) located further to the left than the right seat frame (27R); the hydraulic unit (45) is located to the left of the right seat frame (27R) in the plan view of the vehicle; and the hydraulic unit (45) is located to the right of the left seat frame (27L) in the plan view of the vehicle. 13. Assembled traveling vehicle (1), according to any one of claims 1 to 12, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it comprises an air filter (18); wherein the rear end (45b) of the hydraulic unit (45) is located further rearward than a rear end (18a) of the air filter (18) in plan view of the vehicle. 14. Assembled traveling vehicle (1), according to any one of claims 1 to 13, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that: the body (3) includes a rear support (28) located below the seat frame (27) in the side view of the vehicle; and with oscillation of the swing arm (13) in relation to the body (3), part of the rear wheel (15) is movable above an upper edge (28a) of the rear support (28) in the side view of the vehicle.