JP2009073287A - Motorcycle - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a motorcycle that positively enables a driver to hear an operating state (or a driven state) of an engine by air-intake sound or the like during traveling. <P>SOLUTION: The motorcycle is configured as follows. An air-intake box 30 is provided above an engine. A fuel tank 23 is arranged above the air-intake box 30. A recessed part 31 is provided at the front part of the fuel tank 23 so as to be recessed toward the vehicle-body rear part. The recessed part 31 is provided with a key cylinder 34 and a cover 35 covering the key cylinder 34. The front part of the air-intake box 30 is extended to the lower part of the recessed part 31 so as to form an opening part 42, opened toward the air-intake box 30, in the cover 35. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a motorcycle, and more particularly to a motorcycle capable of actively letting a driver know the operating state (or driving state) of an engine by an intake sound or the like during traveling.

In motorcycles, the engine and the like are exposed and the seat of the driver's seat is positioned above the engine. Therefore, moderate vibrations and engine noise during driving are major factors that affect the merchantability. However, such a traveling feeling peculiar to a motorcycle cannot be added with a certain intention, and as a result, it can only be obtained as vibration or engine sound peculiar to the vehicle body when the vehicle body is completed. For example, an intake box is provided above the engine, and a fuel tank is disposed above the intake box. In such a structure, the engine noise is blocked by the fuel tank, so the driver directly It is common for sounds that are not transmitted and diverge to the side to enter the driver's ears.
By the way, some fuel tanks are provided with instruments such as a meter in the front part of the tank, and the fuel tank having such a structure is provided with a recessed part recessed backward in the front part of the fuel tank. A support panel is attached (see Patent Documents 1 and 2).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-316072 No. 1-23910

However, in conventional motorcycles, the space formed on the lower side of the recess can be used as a part for storing the lower part of the instrument, but the space part is wasted depending on the instrument attached. There is a problem of becoming.
Therefore, paying attention to the concave portion of the fuel tank, which is a portion where the fuel tank does not substantially exist when viewed from above, the driver can actively hear the engine sound and the intake sound in addition to the arrangement of the devices. A structure that can be effectively used as a structure has been studied.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a motorcycle capable of actively letting the driver know the operating state (or driving state) of the engine during traveling by using intake noise or the like.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention described in claim 1 is provided with an intake box (for example, the intake box 30 in the embodiment) above the engine (for example, the engine 12 in the embodiment), and above the intake box. In the motorcycle in which the fuel tank (for example, the fuel tank 23 in the embodiment) is disposed, a recess (for example, the recess 31 in the embodiment) that is recessed toward the rear of the vehicle body is provided in the front portion of the fuel tank. A key cylinder (for example, the key cylinder 34 in the embodiment) and a cover (for example, the cover 35 in the embodiment) that covers the key cylinder are provided, and the front portion of the intake box is extended below the recessed portion to cover the cover. An opening (for example, the opening 42 in the embodiment) opened toward the intake box is provided. And features.
By configuring in this way, the space of the recess of the fuel tank is not wasted, and the intake sound from the intake box is transmitted upward through the recess of the fuel tank and directed to the driver from the opening provided in the cover. Can be actively heard.

In the invention described in claim 2, the upper portion of the intake box is opened, and the upper opening (for example, the upper opening 49 in the embodiment) is the bottom wall of the fuel tank (for example, the bottom wall 51 in the embodiment). It is covered with.
With this configuration, the vibration in the intake box is transmitted to the bottom wall of the fuel tank as compared with the case where the upper portion of the intake box is completely closed by the upper wall.
Further, the bottom wall of the fuel tank can be effectively used as the upper wall of the intake box.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a portion of the upper opening of the intake box corresponding to the recess of the fuel tank is covered with an intake box cover (for example, the intake box cover 52 in the embodiment). Features.
With this configuration, the air tightness of the intake box is ensured, and the inside of the fuel tank recess is sealed by the intake box cover.

The invention described in claim 4 is characterized in that the intake box cover is provided separately from the intake box.
With this configuration, the intake box can be easily formed.

The invention described in claim 5 is characterized in that a duct (for example, a duct 54 in the embodiment) extending toward the opening of the cover is provided in the intake box cover.
With this configuration, the sound from the intake box can be reliably directed to the opening of the cover.

The invention described in claim 6 is characterized in that a duct (for example, duct 53 in the embodiment) is provided which is coupled to the opening and extends toward the intake box.
With this configuration, the sound of the intake box can be reliably guided to the opening of the cover without being diffused into the recess.

The invention described in claim 7 is characterized in that the duct (for example, the duct 54 in the embodiment) is connected in communication with an intake box cover.
With this configuration, the sound in the intake box can be guided to the duct without being released and directed toward the opening of the cover.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, a drain hole (for example, the drain hole 56 in the embodiment) is formed in the intake box, and a filter (for example, an implementation) is provided in the duct (for example, 54 and 57 in the embodiment). A duct filter 55) in the form is interposed.
With this configuration, dust entering from the duct is collected by the filter, and even if rainwater enters from the duct into the intake box, it can be discharged from the drain hole.

According to the first aspect of the invention, the space of the recess of the fuel tank is not wasted, and the intake sound from the intake box is transmitted upward through the recess of the fuel tank and is provided to the driver from the opening provided in the cover. By directing it, it is possible to actively let the driver know the operating state (or driving state) of the engine by the intake sound or the like, and there is an effect that the driving feeling can be enhanced.
According to the second aspect of the present invention, the vibration in the intake box is transmitted to the bottom wall of the fuel tank as compared with the case where the upper portion of the intake box is completely closed by the upper wall, and the cover There is an effect that sound can be collected as sound from the opening.
Further, the bottom wall of the fuel tank can be effectively used as the upper wall of the intake box, so that the number of parts can be reduced and the weight can be reduced.
According to the invention described in claim 3, the airtightness of the intake box is ensured, the inside of the recess of the fuel tank is sealed by the intake box cover, and the effect of collecting the intake sound can be enhanced.
According to the invention described in claim 4, there is an effect that the intake box can be easily formed.
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since the sound from the intake box can be reliably directed to the opening of the cover, the effect of collecting the intake sound can be enhanced.
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the sound of the intake box can be reliably guided to the opening of the cover without diffusing into the recess, and the effect of collecting the intake sound can be enhanced.
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, since the sound in the intake box can be guided to the duct without being released and directed toward the opening of the cover, the effect of collecting the intake sound can be enhanced.
According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the dust entering from the duct is collected by the filter, and even if rainwater enters from the duct into the intake box, it can be discharged from the drain hole. There is an effect that dust can be surely prevented from entering the engine.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the front, rear, left, and right directions in the following description are the same as those in the vehicle unless otherwise specified. In the figure, the arrow FR indicates the front of the vehicle, the arrow LH indicates the left side of the vehicle, and the arrow UP indicates the upper side of the vehicle.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the upper portions of the left and right front forks 3 that pivotally support the front wheel 2 of the motorcycle 1 at the lower end are pivotally supported by a head pipe 6 at the front end of the vehicle body frame 5 via a steering stem 4. Yes. Left and right main frames 7 extend obliquely downward and rearward from the head pipe 6, and left and right pivot portions 8 are integrally provided at the rear end portions (lower end portions) thereof. A front end portion of a swing arm 11 that pivotally supports the rear wheel 9 on the rear end portion is pivotally supported by the left and right pivot portion 8 so as to be vertically swingable.

  An engine 12 that is a prime mover of the motorcycle 1 is mounted inside the body frame 5. The engine 12 is, for example, a parallel four-cylinder engine having a crankshaft along the vehicle width direction (left-right direction), and a cylinder 14 is erected on the crankcase 13. A transmission case 13 a that houses the transmission is connected to the rear of the crankcase 13. After passing through the transmission, the output of the engine 12 is transmitted from the rear left side of the crankcase 13 to the rear wheel 9 via, for example, a chain drive type transmission mechanism.

  A throttle body 15 corresponding to each cylinder is connected to the rear portion of the cylinder 14, and an exhaust pipe 16 corresponding to each cylinder is connected to the front portion of the cylinder 14. Each exhaust pipe 16 is routed under the crankcase 13 while being bent as appropriate, and these are connected to front end portions of left and right silencers 17 disposed on both sides of the rear portion of the vehicle body.

  The body frame 5 is formed by integrally joining a plurality of types of steel materials by welding or the like. A front end portion of a substantially horizontal left and right seat rail 18 is coupled to the middle portion of the left and right main frames 7, respectively, and a front end portion of a left and right support frame 19 inclined rearward is coupled to the rear portion (lower portion) of the left and right main frames 7, respectively. Has been. The rear end portions of the left and right seat rails 18 and the rear end portions of the left and right support frames 19 are coupled to each other. Left and right rear cushion units 21 are respectively disposed between the connecting portions of the left and right seat rails 18 and the support frame 19 and the left and right rear end portions of the swing arm 11.

  A front cowl 22 that covers the periphery of the head pipe 6, the steering stem 4 and the like is disposed on the front upper side of the vehicle body, and is supported by front portions of the left and right main frames 7 and the left and right seat rails 18 at the front and rear intermediate portions of the vehicle body. A fuel tank 23 is disposed, and a driver's seat 24 supported by rear portions of the left and right seat rails 18 and a rear cowl 24a connected thereto are disposed on the upper rear side of the vehicle body.

A front wheel steering handle 25 is attached to the upper end portion (or the steering stem 4) of the left and right front forks 3, and a driver left and right step 26 is provided behind the left and right pivot portion 8 via a left and right step bracket 26a. Each is supported. Reference numeral 29 denotes a fuel filler opening provided in the fuel tank 23.
A driver straddling the motorcycle 1 sits on the seat 24, puts left and right feet on the left and right steps 26, and takes a riding posture with left and right hands applied to the left and right grip portions 25a of the handle 25.
Here, an intake box 30 located above the engine 12 is connected to the throttle body 15, and a fuel tank 23 is disposed above the intake box 30.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the fuel tank 23 includes a recess 31 that is recessed toward the rear of the vehicle body at the front. The recess 31 includes an inclined portion 27 that extends obliquely downward from the upper surface of the fuel tank 23, a rear wall 28 that falls downward from the inclined portion, and a side wall 41. Attachment seats 32 of the vehicle body frame 5 are formed on both side walls 41 of the recess 31, and the attachment seats 32 are fastened and fixed to the vehicle body frame 5 by bolts 33.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the recess 31 is provided with a key cylinder 34 and a cover 35 covering the key cylinder 34. The cover 35 includes an upper wall 36 that faces obliquely upward and a curved front wall 37 that extends diagonally forward and downward from the front side of the upper wall 36. A vertically long drop portion 38 is formed on the upper wall 36 around the key cylinder 34, and the key cylinder 34 is inserted and fixed to the rear portion of the drop portion 38. Specifically, mounting holes 39 are formed in the upper wall 36 of the cover 35 on both sides of the portion where the key cylinder 34 is disposed, and a flange portion (not shown) of the key cylinder 34 is attached to the cover 35 with screws 40 inserted therein. It is fixed to.
The cover 35 is attached at its rear edge to a bracket (not shown) of the vehicle body frame 5.
A rectangular opening 42 that is open toward the intake box 30 and that is long in the vehicle width direction is formed behind the portion where the key cylinder 34 of the cover 35 is disposed. The opening 42 includes a peripheral edge 43 that extends downward.

As shown in FIG. 4, the intake box 30 is a member formed from resin or the like, and includes a connection port 45 that opens toward the front side and is connected to each throttle body 15 at the rear portion of the bottom wall 44. Is provided with an air inlet 47 extending to the front side. The air inlet 47 opens toward a front grill on the front surface of the vehicle body (not shown).
The rear portion of the intake box 30 is formed so as to be slightly lowered, and an air filter 48 that divides the air inlet 47 side and the connection port 45 side is disposed therein.
The front end portion of the intake box 30 extends to a portion reaching the lower portion of the recess 31 of the fuel tank 23. The upper portion of the intake box 30 is an upper opening 49 that is open at the top, leaving a part of the front side. The upper opening 49 is covered by the bottom wall 51 of the fuel tank 23 with the packing 50 interposed therebetween. Blocked.

  FIG. 5 is a plan view of the intake box. As shown in FIG. 5, a portion of the upper opening 49 of the intake box 30 corresponding to the recess 31 of the fuel tank 23 is covered with an intake box cover 52. The rear edge of the intake box cover 52 extends rearward from the rear wall 28 of the recess 31 of the fuel tank 23 so that the recess 31 is covered by the intake box cover 52 below.

  Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the peripheral edge 43 of the opening 42 formed in the cover 35 is in the intake box cover 52 of the intake box 30 in a state where the cover 35 is attached to the recess 31 of the fuel tank 23. It will be opened in the state of facing.

According to the above embodiment, when the motorcycle 1 travels, the intake sound of the air drawn into the intake box 30 above the engine 12 from the air introduction port 47 is transmitted from the intake box cover 52 of the intake box 30 to the recess of the fuel tank 23. 31 is transmitted upward and is transmitted from the opening 42 of the cover 35 to the driver's ear as a pleasant sound.
Therefore, the space for attaching the key cylinder 34 formed in the recess 31 of the fuel tank 23 is not wasted, and the driver can be made to actively hear the intake noise, thereby improving the driving feeling. Yes, the motorcycle 1 can be provided with new selection criteria.
Further, by changing the size of the opening 42 and the like, it is possible to change the setting of the intake sound that is actively heard by the driver, and the degree of design freedom is increased.

Further, since the upper opening 49 of the intake box 30 is covered with the bottom wall 51 of the fuel tank 23, the vibration in the intake box 30 is compared with the case where the upper portion of the intake box 30 is completely closed by the upper wall. Is transmitted to the bottom wall 51 of the fuel tank 23 and can be collected effectively as a sound from the opening 42 of the cover 35.
Further, the bottom wall 51 of the fuel tank 23 can be effectively used as the upper wall of the intake box 30, and the number of parts can be reduced by a corresponding amount, so that the weight can be reduced.

Here, a portion of the upper opening 49 of the intake box 30 corresponding to the recess 31 of the fuel tank 23 is covered with the intake box cover 52, thereby ensuring airtightness of the intake box 30 and the intake box cover 52. As a result, the inside of the recess 31 of the fuel tank 23 is hermetically sealed, so that the effect of collecting the intake sound can be enhanced.
In FIG. 7, the sound collecting effect can be further enhanced if a duct 53 is provided integrally or separately at the peripheral edge 43 of the opening 42 of the cover 35 as shown by a chain line, and reaches the vicinity of the intake box cover 52. it can.

FIG. 8 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the intake box cover 52 is separated from the intake box 30 as in the third embodiment. A duct 54 extending toward the vicinity of the opening 42 of the cover 35 is integrally connected to the intake box cover 52. The duct 54 may be formed separately from the intake box 30.
A duct filter 55 is interposed inside the duct 54 to collect dust and prevent the dust from entering the engine 12.
Further, a drain hole 56 is formed in the bottom wall 44 of the intake box 30 below the mounting portion of the duct 54 so as to discharge rainwater that has entered inside from the duct 54.

  According to this embodiment, in addition to the effects of the above-described embodiment, the intake box cover 52 is provided as a separate body, so that the intake box 30 can be easily formed. Further, since the duct 54 is connected to the intake box cover 52 and the duct 54 extends to the vicinity of the opening 42 of the cover 35, the sound in the intake box 30 is guided to the duct 54 without escaping, and the inside of the intake box 30. Can be reliably directed to the opening 42 of the cover 35. Therefore, the sound collection effect of the intake sound can be further enhanced.

  Here, in this embodiment, the duct 54 is connected in communication with the intake box cover 52. However, the portion of the intake box cover 52 to which the duct 54 is connected is closed to form a slightly thin wall, and the duct 54 is connected here. May be. In this case, the duct filter 55 and the water drain hole 56 of the intake box 30 are not necessary.

FIG. 9 shows a third embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the intake box cover 52 is separated from the intake box 30. A duct 57 extending toward the intake box cover 52 is integrally connected to the opening 42 of the cover 35. The duct 57 may be formed separately.
A duct filter 55 is interposed inside the duct 57 to prevent dust from entering. The lower end opening of the duct 57 is in the vicinity of the intake box cover 52, or an opening 58 is formed in the intake box cover that faces the opening of the duct 57. Further, a drain hole 56 is formed in the bottom wall 44 of the intake box 30 below the mounting portion of the duct 54 so that water that has entered the inside from the duct 54 is discharged.

  According to this embodiment, since the intake box cover 52 is provided separately, the intake box 30 can be easily formed. Further, since the duct 57 extends to the vicinity of the opening 58 of the intake box cover 52 and the duct 57 is connected to the opening 42 of the cover 35, the sound in the intake box 30 is not diffused into the recess 31. In addition, it is possible to reliably lead to the opening 42 of the cover 35 and to enhance the sound collecting effect of the intake sound.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, the position of the drain hole in the second and third embodiments shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 is not limited to the position below the intake box cover 52.

1 is a side view of a motorcycle according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a partial plan view of FIG. 1. It is a principal part perspective view of FIG. It is a principal part disassembled perspective view of embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of an air intake box of an embodiment of this invention. 1 is a perspective view of a fuel tank according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing also including the intake box which follows the AA line of FIG. It is sectional drawing equivalent to FIG. 7 of 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing equivalent to FIG. 7 of 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

12 Engine 23 Fuel Tank 30 Intake Box 31 Recess 34 Key Cylinder 35 Cover 42 Opening 49 Upper Opening 51 Bottom Wall 52 Intake Box Cover 53, 54, 57 Duct 55 Duct Filter 56 Drainage Hole

Claims (8)

  In a motorcycle in which an intake box is provided above the engine and a fuel tank is disposed above the intake box, a recess that is recessed toward the rear of the vehicle body is provided in the front of the fuel tank, and the key cylinder and the key are provided in the recess. 2. A motorcycle according to claim 1, wherein a cover for covering the cylinder is provided, a front portion of the intake box is extended below the concave portion, and an opening is provided in the cover so as to open toward the intake box.   The motorcycle according to claim 1, wherein an upper portion of the intake box is opened, and the upper opening is covered with a bottom wall of the fuel tank.   The motorcycle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a portion of the upper opening of the intake box corresponding to the recess of the fuel tank is covered with an intake box cover.   The motorcycle according to claim 3, wherein the intake box cover is provided separately from the intake box.   The motorcycle according to claim 3 or 4, wherein a duct extending toward the opening of the cover is provided in the intake box cover.   The motorcycle according to claim 1, further comprising a duct coupled to the opening and extending toward the intake box.   6. The motorcycle according to claim 5, wherein the duct is connected in communication with an intake box cover.   The motorcycle according to claim 7, wherein a water drain hole is formed in the intake box, and a filter is interposed in the duct.

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