JPH0314780A - Saddle type four-wheel vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To install a large capacity accommodation vessel by extending a rear frame backward from the rear of the body frame, and installing the accommodation vessel over this rear frame in such a location as right over the rear axle. CONSTITUTION:A saddle type four-wheel vehicle includes a handle bar 4 for steering, a fuel tank 6, a saddle type rider seat 8, a rear swing arm assembly 14, a drive unit with internal combustion engine and transmission, foot rests 18, and a front and a rear fender 22, 24 enclosing the front and rear wheels 10, 12, wherein they are supported by a frame 2. At a left and a right frame part 80 in approx. loop form, which extend in the longitudinal direction of the frame 2 and are apart from each other in the direction sideways, a minor dimensioned rear part 80 is formed consolidatedly which functions as a rear frame extending backward from the lower part of this loop form, and above this minor dimensioned rear part an accommodation vessel 20 is installed in such a location as right over the rear axle 28.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a straddle-type four-wheeled vehicle for traveling on rough terrain, and in particular, both front wheels and both rear wheels are attached to the vehicle frame.
The present invention relates to a straddle-type four-wheeled vehicle for traveling on rough terrain, which is freely supported and has low-pressure balloon tires.

[Prior Art] Many straddle-type vehicles for traveling on rough terrain, including three-wheeled vehicles and four-wheeled vehicles, are known. These known vehicles are usually equipped with low-pressure balloon tires for driving in various regions and are mainly used for leisure purposes. Furthermore, due to their excellent ability to travel in various areas, these vehicles are also used for purposes other than leisure, such as on farms, ranches, and mountainous areas.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, most of the known straddle-type vehicles for traveling on rough terrain,
It is difficult to conveniently transport or transport large loads other than passengers, such as various tools and camping equipment, because these vehicles do not have even a partially covered storage space. It is.

A straddle-type tricycle that is slightly different from the usual one in that there is no covered storage space is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,32.
No. 5,562, this tricycle is equipped with a container behind the passenger seat for storing cargo such as clothes, lunch boxes, and small luggage. The containers disclosed in the above-mentioned US patents are fairly compact and therefore can accommodate only small items.

An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems in conventional straddle-type four-wheeled vehicles for traveling on rough terrain.

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a vehicle frame, a front wheel axle and a rear wheel axle swingably supported at the front and rear parts of the vehicle frame, and an engine supported by the vehicle frame between a wheel axle and a rear wheel axle; a straddle-type seat provided at the top of the vehicle frame; a bar-type handle supported by the vehicle frame in front of the seat; footrests disposed on both sides of the vehicle frame between the front axle and the rear axle; both front wheels and both rear wheels disposed on the left and right sides of the front axle and the rear axle, respectively, and having low-pressure balloon tires; and a front fender and a rear fender supported by the vehicle frame to cover both front wheels and both rear wheels. , and a storage container installed above the rear frame so as to be located directly above the rear wheel axle.

The storage container is located in front of the rear wheel shaft and behind the straddle-type seat, and a bottom portion of the storage container is located below a frame portion that supports the straddle-type seat. ing.

[Function] In a straddle-type four-wheeled vehicle for traveling on rough terrain, a rear frame is extended rearward from the vehicle frame into a relatively wide upper space of a relatively large-diameter rear wheel equipped with a balloon tire, and the rear Since the storage container is installed on the frame, it is possible to deploy a container with a large storage capacity, while the load of the cargo stored in the container is supported by the carrier frame.

Furthermore, since the storage container is located between the straddle-type seat and the rear wheel axle, and its bottom portion is located below the frame portion that supports the straddle-type seat, the storage capacity of the container can be reduced. It becomes possible to further increase it.

[Example] Examples will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, reference number 1 in the figures represents a straddle-type four-wheeled vehicle for traveling on rough terrain according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle 1 has a frame 2 (shown in more detail in FIGS. 5 and 6). The frame 2 includes a bar-type steering handle 4, a fuel tank 6, a saddle-type passenger seat 8, (
A pair of front wheels 10 (each equipped with a low pressure balloon tire) steered via a steering handle 4, a rear swing arm assembly 14, a pair of front wheels 10 (each equipped with a low pressure balloon tire), a rear swing arm assembly 14, an internal combustion engine and its rotational power (each equipped with a low pressure balloon tire) a drive unit 16 including a trans-traction means for transmitting power to the rear wheels; a footrest 1 disposed on each side of the frame 2;
8, battery 7, air cleaner 9, front fender 22 that covers the front wheels 10, rear fender 24 that covers the rear wheels 12,
The storage container 20 is at least partially supported at the rear of the main part of the frame 2.

The rear swing arm assembly 14 supports a rear wheel shaft 28 in a vertically swingable manner, and the rear wheels 12, 12 are connected to both ends of the rear wheel shaft 28.

As shown in FIG. 1, the rear axle 28 is supported at the rear end of the rear swing arm assembly 14 for easy adjustment in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and is secured to the drive chain 30 and the rear axle 28. sprocket 30'
The drive unit 16 is rotationally driven by transmission means of the drive unit 16, which is shown as including. Although subrocket and chain type transmission means are disclosed in Figures 1-4, it is understood that other types of transmission means, such as a drive shaft type, may be used in a vehicle according to the present invention. Ru. It is likewise understood that a vehicle according to the invention may have front driving wheels together with (or instead of) driving rear wheels.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3 to 7, frame 2
This includes a pair of left and right frame sections 80 and 81 extending in the longitudinal direction and spaced apart from each other in the transverse direction, and a plurality of cross members connecting and reinforcing the frame sections.

One frame section 80 consists of an upper frame section 80a and a lower frame section 80b that are interconnected, and the other frame section 81 consists of an upper frame section 81a and a lower frame section 81b that are interconnected. Both upper frames 80a and 81a form a pair on the left and right, and similarly both lower frames 80b and 81b form a pair on the left and right. As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, the main portions of each of the frame portions 80 and 81 are approximately loop-shaped in side view, and such a loop shape is preferred because it provides high strength and high rigidity. It is. Also, as shown in the figure, the frame portion 80
, 81 each has a small rear part 80' that integrally extends rearward from the lower part of the main loop-shaped part of the frame part and functions as a carrier frame to support the storage container 20.
81' respectively.

Although the illustrated construction of the frame 2 is preferred, it is understood that vehicles according to the invention may have frames of different constructions. For example, the frame parts 80 and 81 are 80'
It is also possible to have no rear protrusion such as 81°, and the storage container to be supported on the top or rear side of the loop-shaped portion. Further, the left and right frame portions of the vehicle body frame, which are spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction, may not be loop-shaped, but may be formed from cast aluminum or the like and simply configured to extend in the front-rear direction.

The vehicle 1 also preferably includes a front guard 32 extending forward and upward from the front lower part of the frame 2, and a rear guard 34 extending rearward and upward from the rear part 80' to 81° of the frame 2.
and has. As shown, preferably the rear guard 3
The rear end of 4 extends upward slightly behind the lower rear end of the container 20, and the rear guard connects the left and right intermediate parts of the rear guard so as to span in the lateral direction to increase strength and rigidity. It may have one or more cross members 35.

Further, the front guard 32 and the rear guard 34 may be connected to the frame 2 using appropriate fastening means as shown in the figure, but they may also be integrally formed with the frame by welding or the like.

In order to additionally support the container 20, the vehicle 1 (FIG. 1,
(best shown in FIGS. 3 and 5) subframe 6
0 may be optionally included.

As shown, the subframe 60 includes a rear guard 34
includes a laterally extending rear end of the frame 2, while the front end of the frame 2
It is preferable to form a substantially rectangular ring supported by a cross member 56 that connects the frame portions 80 and 81 of the frame portions 80 and 81.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 8-10, rear ender 24 and container 20 are preferably constructed or formed as an integral unit. Furthermore, although such integral units are preferably made of synthetic resins such as castable plastics and fiberglass resins, they may also be made of other conventional materials such as sheet metal. Integrally constructed fender and storage bin units are advantageous for a number of reasons, including lower manufacturing costs, greater structural strength and rigidity, and better appearance. Further, as shown in the figure, a small container 85 that substantially surrounds the battery 7 may be integrally formed in the front DA of the rear fender 24.

Preferably, a large-span opening 11 is formed in the upper surface of the container 20 so that the upper portion of the container 20 can be opened substantially completely to allow objects to be easily taken in and out of the container. As shown in the figure, in order to ensure sufficient strength and rigidity at the upper end of the storage container, it is preferable that the rear ender 24 first extend outward from the entire circumference of the upper end of the storage container, and then extend downward. be. Furthermore, vehicle 1 is
It is preferable that the container 20 has a lid 23 at the upper end of the opening. However, if desired, the lid 2 may be attached via an appropriate hinge means.
3 may be pivotally connected to the container 20 or the rear fender 24,
Furthermore, it is also possible to provide a fixing means including a latch mechanism and a Wit mechanism to fix the lid in a position that closes the storage container.

As shown, container 20 preferably includes a container lower portion 27 and an upper or lateral extension 29 extending laterally on opposite sides of the container lower portion 27 . The container lower part 27 extends downwardly from the lateral extensions 29 so as to form a stepped structure therebetween. Similarly, a stepped structure is also formed between the lateral extensions 29 and the rear ender 24. These steps can also be sloped, as shown in FIG. 10 by the dashed line between the lower portion 27 and the extension 29. Furthermore, it is preferable to provide a removable partition plate 27° (as shown in FIG. 3) within the container 20 to separate or isolate the lower portion 27 and the lateral extensions 29 from each other as desired. It is. Preferably, the plate 27° is sized to fit substantially the entire bottom wall 29° of the lateral extension portion 29 so as not to move while the vehicle is running. Also, if desired, plate 2
It is also possible to pivot the 7° into the container (like a lid) and to consist of several parts pivoted together. Additionally, the plate 27° may be provided with handle means, such as a small diameter aperture formed in its outer edge. Preferably, the container 20 is arranged at the rear of the (loop-shaped) main part of the frame 2 such that it is at least partially located behind the seat 8 and is supported primarily by the rear part 80'81' of the frame 2. . container 20
Since it is installed behind the seat 8, loading and unloading of cargo into the container 20 becomes easy. Also, as shown, the container 20 may be additionally supported by a rear guard 34 and a subframe 60.

In particular, the container 20 is connected to the frame rear portion 8 at the connection portion 44.
0', 81 degrees, and is connected to and supported by the cross member 35 of the rear guard 34 at the connecting portion 44'. If an optional subframe 60 is used, the sides of the subframe 60 will
and the lateral extension part 29, and the lateral extension part 29 is connected to the subframe 6 at the connection part 45.
It will be fixed to 0. FIG. 11 shows an enlarged sectional view of the connecting portion 44°.

Specifically, the bottom wall 27'' of the lower portion 27 of the container 20 is secured to the cross member 35 of the rear guard 34 by nut and bolt type fasteners. A push 46 having a metal part 47 and an elastic part 48 is interposed.

Since the frame rear portions 80° to 81° are located lower than the upper part of the main loop portion of the frame 2, the container 20 is also located relatively low. In particular, the bottom portion of the container 20 is positioned lower than the upper frame portions 80a, 81a that support the seat 8. Such a low location of the container 20 is advantageous because it allows the container 20 to be made relatively large without significantly increasing the dimensions of the vehicle 1 compared to conventional vehicles without storage containers. It is something.

The container 20 is fitted relative to the rear frame, rear guard 34 and subframe 60 such that its outer surface is relatively tightly surrounded by these elements. Such a fitting advantageously increases the rigidity of the container when mounted on a vehicle.

As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 8-10, the container 20 is preferably located above the rear axle 28.
Such an arrangement also suitably increases the rigidity of the storage container mounted on the vehicle 1. Furthermore, the lower part 2 of the container 20
Preferably, the bottom wall 27 of 7 is sloped forward and at least one drainage hole 21 is formed at the front end of the bottom wall. Such forward slope allows the rear wheel axle 28 and rear swing arm assembly The bottom wall 27'' can be placed at a low level so as not to interfere with the vertical movement of the container 14, and movement and scattering of the articles stored in the storage container is avoided. The angle of inclination may be considerably greater than that shown, in which case the rear part of the frame is inclined to correspond with the bottom wall 27''. It is preferable to include a removable body 21° that is used to prevent water from entering the storage container through the drainage holes when the vehicle is running.The number and position of the drainage holes are determined by the following:
They are set appropriately depending on the inclination state of the storage container. For example, if the bottom wall of the storage container is approximately horizontal, they are formed at the front and rear ends of the bottom wall, and if the bottom wall is tilted backward, they are formed at the rear end. is formed.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a pair of left and right small panels 19 are arranged below the left and right footrests 18 to connect the front lower part of the rear fender 24 to the rear lower part of the front fender 22. Ru. The small size panels 19 increase the strength and rigidity of the front and rear fenders 22, 24. 1 and 3, the suspension means for the rear wheel 12 includes the rear swing arm assembly 14 and! ! Includes a shock absorber unit 63. As shown, the &I street equipment unit 63 is preferably of a conventional type including a hydraulic damper and a coil spring surrounding the hydraulic damper. The lower end of the shock absorber unit 63 is pivotally supported by a bracket extending forward from the center of the rear wheel axle 28, while the upper end of the shock absorber unit 63 is supported by the frame 2.
It is pivotally supported by another bracket extending downward from the center of a cross member 56 that connects the upper parts of both frames 80 and 81. Although not shown, the rear wheel suspension means of the vehicle is modified to include a pair of shock absorber units spaced apart laterally, and the lower and upper ends of each shock absorber unit are moved forward from the rear wheel shaft 28. It is possible to pivot the brackets extending downwardly and downwardly from the corresponding one of the frame sections 80, 81, respectively. Furthermore, the rear wheel suspension mechanism is modified by connecting the lower end of the shock absorber unit 63 to the rear swing arm assembly 14 via a pivot link mechanism so that the entire Mi street equipment unit is located in front of the storage container. It is also possible. In this case, such a link mechanism includes a first link whose rear end is pivotally connected to a laterally extending member in the rear swing arm assembly 14, and a front end of the first link and a lower part of the frame portion 80181. a second link pivotally connected therebetween, and a lower end of the buffer unit 63 is pivotally connected to a pivot connection between the first link and the second link; is connected to a cross member that connects the frame parts 80 and 81. This modification is also not shown.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the vehicle 1 has a muffler 70 extending in the longitudinal direction on one side of the vehicle in the illustrated example. It is preferable that the muffler 7o is disposed below the bottom wall 27'' of the lower part of the storage container but considerably above the rear wheel shaft 28 so as not to interfere with the vertical swinging of the rear wheel shaft 28.

In this regard, the muffler 70 is connected to a rear wheel such as a subrocket 30' driven by the illustrated drive chain 30.
It is preferable to arrange the brake mechanism offset from the drive means 28 and the brake mechanism 62 disposed on the rear wheel shaft. According to such an offset arrangement, interference between the muffler 70 and the rear wheel shaft drive means and brake mechanism when the rear wheel shaft swings up and down can be reliably avoided, and the weight distribution of the structural elements at the rear end of the vehicle can be improved. Alternatively, weight balance can be reliably achieved.

As shown in FIG. 3, a lower guard member 76 is provided below the center of the rear wheel axle 28 to protect the transmission means and brake gear 62 from contact with the ground, stones, or other foreign objects. Ru.

The guard member 76 is fixed to the swing arm 14 by an appropriate method.

In FIG. 1 and FIGS. 12 to 14, the battery 7
A configuration is shown in which the air cleaner 9 and the air cleaner 9 are suitably supported by the frame 2 below the passenger seat 8.

In the illustrated configuration, the passenger seat 8 is fixed in the saddle position by a hinge means 71 at the front end and a latch means 72 at the rear end.

Latch means 72 is selectively released by any suitable means, such as handle 73 as shown. If the latch means 72 is released and the rear end of the seat 8 is lifted, the battery 7 and the air cleaner 9 are exposed and maintenance can be performed. As shown, the battery 7 is attached to the bracket 7
4 is held down from the top of the vehicle frame, while the air cleaner 9 is suspended from the top of the vehicle frame by a bracket 75. If desired, the battery 7 may be placed in a small storage container 85 as described above.

15 and 16 show a modification of the selective subframe 60 of the vehicle according to the first embodiment of the invention. In this modified example, a plurality of (four in the illustrated modified example) transverse arms 60° are replaced with rectangular rings. Two of the transverse arms 60° extend outwardly and upwardly from each side of the rear guard 34, and their upper ends meet the lateral extensions 2 of the container 20 at a connection 45°.
Connected to 9.

FIGS. 17 and 18 show a further modification of the vehicle according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In this modification, the storage container 20' extends outward from both rear wheels 12,
In this modification, the container 20° and the rear fender 24° are formed as an integrated single unit, and The storage container 29'' is preferably covered by a lid 23''. FIG. is located at the rear of the

20 to 23 show a straddle-type four-wheeled vehicle 101 for traveling on rough terrain according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Many of the components of the vehicle 101 according to the second embodiment are the same or almost the same as the corresponding components of the vehicle according to the first embodiment, and therefore their explanations will be omitted. However, other elements similar to those in the first embodiment are given similar reference numbers in the 100 series.

A vehicle 101 according to a second embodiment of the present invention has a frame 102
The frame 102 includes a drive unit 116 including an internal combustion engine and transmission means for driving the front and rear wheels 110 and 112, a cooling means 113 for the drive unit 116, a storage container 1201, a front carrier or front rack 117, And supports the rear carrier or rear rack 160. As shown, drive unit 1
The transmission means 16 includes a front drive shaft 1 that drives a front wheel axle 126 and a rear wheel axle 128, respectively.
15 and a rear drive shaft 114. The rear wheel shaft 128 is supported by the frame 102 via a pivot swing arm assembly 124 so as to be able to swing up and down.

In this regard, two types of swing arm arrangement mechanisms for supporting shaft-driven transmission means are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,646,865 and U.S. Pat.
No. 205, respectively.

Referring to FIG. 23, the front wheel axle 126 includes a central portion 326° non-pivotally supported at the front end of the frame 102, and a pair of left and right sides pivotally connected between the central portion and each front wheel 110. The front wheel axle 126 is provided with a differential 119 operatively connected to the front drive shaft 115 of the transmission means of the drive unit 116. They are each independently suspended from the frame via a double wishbone type suspension mechanism as used in the first embodiment.

Similar to the frame 2 in the first embodiment, the frame 102 in the second embodiment includes a pair of left and right frame sections 180 and 181 spaced apart laterally, and a plurality of cross members that connect and reinforce the frame sections. These frame parts 180 and 181 are composed of a main loop-shaped part and a small rear part 180' 18 as a rear frame part.
1'. Each of the frame parts 180 and 181 consists of an upper frame part and a lower frame part.

However, the frame 102 differs from the frame 2 in several respects. For example, when compared to the main portion of frame 2, frame 102 has a significantly different structure at its rear end.

With particular reference to FIG. 20, side frame portions 180, 1
The upper portion 81 extends downward from a position near the steering handle 104 to a position near the rear end of the rear fender 124, and a frame rear portion 180' and 181° are integrally formed. Similarly, Riacross member 10
3 is preferably arranged between the lower part of the main part of each side frame part tao, tat and the rear end of the corresponding one of the rear parts 180.degree. 181' of that frame part.

The vehicle 101 also has a front guard 132 and a rear guard 134 similar to those in the first embodiment, but the rear guard 134 is considerably smaller than the rear guard 34 in the first embodiment. Furthermore, although it has a rear carrier rack 160, it does not have a subframe 60 as in the first embodiment. As shown, the rack 160 is preferably connected to the rear guard 134 by welding, fastening means, etc., and to the rear frame 180° 181° by brackets and suitable fastening means. 20th
As shown in FIGS. 22 to 22, the container 120 according to the second embodiment of the present invention extends from the rear end of the vehicle to a position below the intermediate portion of the passenger seat 108. The container 120 includes a main lower part 127 that extends from a position above the rear wheel shaft 128 to a position below the middle part of the seat l08, and a rear fender 12.
The upper part 129 extends from a position near the rear end of the seat 108 to a position below the rear end of the seat 108 and slightly extends laterally from the upper end of the lower part 127.

A lid 123 is preferably provided to close the rear end of the opening at the top of the storage container, while the remaining opening at the front of the container is closed by the seat 10.
8 is occluded. The rear end of the lid 123 is pivoted, while the front end 125 of the lid 123 cooperates with the lower rear end 105 of the seat 108 to keep the lid 123 firmly in the closed position while the vehicle is in motion. The sheet 108 then has a lower end 1
05 is pivotally mounted forwardly to cooperate with the front end 125 of the lid 123 in the manner described above with respect to the first embodiment. Alternatively, it is also possible to allow the lid 123 to swing forward or sideways, and to open the seat 108 by swinging it to either the left or right side.

Referring to FIG.
60 includes a central portion 153 that swings upwardly and laterally toward either the left or right side of the rack, and the swinging of the central portion causes
The container 120 can be used easily and the lid 123 can be tilted upward.

The central part 153 has suitable fastening means for fixing the lid in the lowered operating position.

The container 120 is attached to the frame rear part 180' 18 by any suitable means in a manner similar to that in the first embodiment.
Connected to 1°. In particular, as best shown in FIG. 22, the upper portion 129 of the storage container extends slightly laterally than the lower portion 127 to form a stepped structure therebetween, while the rear frame 180''181.degree. It extends below the structure and is connected to the container top 129 at a connection 144 .

Further, between the cross members 103 and/or
A cross member extending laterally is suspended between the rear ends of the main parts of the frame parts 180 and 181 on both sides of the frame 102, and the bottom wall of the container 120 is connected to the cross member for additional support. It is also possible. It is understood that the container 120 is fitted into the frame 102.

Container 120 is preferably formed as a single unit integral with rear end 124.

Also, slightly different from the first embodiment, the battery 107 is disposed in the front of the container 120 rather than in a separate small container. As shown, a lower portion of the container 120 is provided to separate the battery 107 from other items placed within the container 120.
A partition wall 185 may be provided within 27.

On both sides of the container 120, there is a 1l
A pair of left and right rear m crusher units 163 are provided. The lower end of the unit 163 is connected to the rear wheel shaft 128, while the upper end is connected to a bracket 155 provided on the frame 102. Further, a muffler 170 is disposed on the rear side of the lower portion 127 of the container 120 at a position that does not interfere with the rear wheel shaft 128 or the differential 164 of the rear wheel shaft. Further, a brake mechanism 162 is provided near one outer end of the rear wheel axle 128, which is disposed substantially within the rim of the rear wheel 112, and cooperates with the rear wheel axle 128. Therefore, the brake mechanism 162 is offset from the container 120 and does not interfere with the container. The muffler 170 is the vehicle 10
1, the muffler extends in the front-rear direction of the container 120.
and one rear wheel 112.

As best understood when comparing FIG. 3 and FIG. 22, the width of container 120 is less than the width of said container 20, but the width of container 120 is smaller than said container 20 relative to said rear axle 28. , extending downward toward the rear wheel axle 128. Preferably, the lower part of the container lower part 127 is located laterally between the rear wheels 112. Such construction makes container 120 considerably less obtrusive than container 20. Also, although not shown, the rear wheel axle 128
The differential 164 may be arranged on the rear wheel shaft 128 so that it is outside the lower part 127 of the container 120 so that the rear wheel differential 164 does not interfere with the lower surface of the container 120 when the rear wheel differential 164 swings upward. good.

Further, similar to the first embodiment, the bottom wall of the container 120 can be sloped forward and downward to increase the storage area, and one or more drainage holes can be provided at the front end of the bottom wall.

24 to 26 show another modification of the vehicle according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In this modification, cargo fixing means for fixing cargo stored and placed in a storage container 220 installed behind the seat 208 is provided. As shown, the load securing means consists solely of a hook member 268 connected to the upper end of the connection 244° of the container 220 to the cross member 235 of the rear guard 234. The hook member 268 is preferably connected to the connecting portion 244 so that it can be properly folded down when not in use and can be swung upwardly toward an activated position when necessary.
It is pivoted to ゛. In the illustrated example, the hook member 268 is shown only at the connection 244° between the container 220 and the cross member 235, but the connection between the container 220 and the rear frame 280'281',
It is also understood that similar hook members may be provided at the connection between container 220 and subframe 260.

In use, a rope, elastic strap, elastic cord, or the like is used to cooperate with the hook member 268 to swing the hook member 268 upwardly into the operative position and to secure the load within the container 220. The storage container 220 is the seat 20
Since it is installed behind the container 8, it is easy to take cargo into and out of the container 220.

27 to 29 show a modification of the integral unit of the rear fender and the storage container according to the first embodiment. Slightly different from that shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, the storage container 220° includes a modified lid means 29.
0 is deployed. The lid means 290 is
3, the first lid body 292 cooperates with the container 220°.
Contains. The hinge 291 is provided at the front end of the IM body 292 and allows the lid body 292 to swing forward.

The hinge 291 is preferably of a type that allows the lid 292 to be easily and completely removed from the storage container if desired.

The modified lid means 290 also includes a small twenty-first body 294 arranged to close an opening 295 formed in the top center of the IM body 292 . The second lid body 294
is pivotally connected to the IM body 292 at a hinge 293 so as to be able to swing forward. This small second N body allows small items to be conveniently placed in and out of the container 220° when opening or removing the large first lid 292 is inconvenient or undesirable. If desired, the IM body and/or the second M body can be configured to swing backward or sideways instead of swinging forward as shown. . Similarly, it is possible to provide a latch mechanism and a locking mechanism for the IM body 292 and the second M body 294 as desired.

FIG. 30 shows a modification of the four-wheeled vehicle shown in FIG. 20.

As shown, the container 320 is preferably located behind the passenger seat 308 and behind the rear axle to facilitate loading and unloading.
While the carrier rack 335 is placed in front of the container 28, the carrier rack 335 is placed behind the container 320 and at a higher position than the container 320. The bottom wall 327'' of the container 320
In order to increase the storage capacity of the seat 308, the upper frame portions 380a and 381a that support the seat 308 are positioned lower than the upper frame portions 380a and 381a. According to the arrangement of the container 320, the rigidity of the container 320 disposed in the vehicle 301 is suitably increased, and it becomes possible to store relatively heavy cargo in the container 320. Furthermore, with this arrangement of the container 320, it is possible to arrange the container 320 at a relatively low level so as not to interfere with the vertical swing of the rear wheel shaft 328. The bottom wall 327'' of the container 320 is sloped forward. Such forward slope allows the rear swing arm assembly 314 and rear wheel axle 328 of the vehicle to be raised and lowered even if the storage container is positioned significantly lower. Swing and bottom wall 327"
The possibility of interference is further reduced, and movement and scattering of the cargo stored in the container is avoided. Additionally, one or more drainage holes are provided in the forefoot of the bottom wall 327''.
If desired, a lid may be provided that can close the drain hole in a liquid-tight manner when necessary, such as when the vehicle is traveling in a wetland.

31 to 34 show another modification of the vehicle according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In this modification, reinforcing means are provided on the inner surface of the storage container 420. In detail, the inner surface of the bottom wall 427'' of the container 420 is provided with at least one rib 422.1
When more than one rib is provided, grooves 423 are formed between the ribs 422. Additionally, the bottom wall 427'' is inclined forwardly, while a stepped structure is formed between the container lower portion 427 and the lateral extension 429.

A drainage hole 421 is formed at the front end of the bottom wall 427''.

Although not shown, it is understood that ribs 422 may also be provided on one or more or all interior surfaces of container 420. Similarly, the ribs 422 may extend not in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle but in the lateral or diagonal direction of the vehicle. FIG. 32 shows a modified storage container 420a similar to that shown in FIG. However, container 4
A plurality of circular protrusions 422a (instead of ribs) are provided on the bottom wall of 20a as reinforcing means. FIG. 33 shows a storage container 4 similar to that shown in FIG.
20b is shown; however, in the container 420b,
A plurality of continuous ribs 422b are formed along the inner surfaces of the front wall, bottom wall, and rear wall, and grooves 423b are formed between the ribs 422b. Also, the container 420b
The stepped structure formed between the lower part 427 and the lateral extension part 429 is inclined downwardly and inwardly from the lateral extension part 429 toward the lower part 427. Further, one or more partition plates 426 are provided which are selectively inserted into one or more of the grooves 423b to divide the inner space of the container 420b and separate or isolate it into a plurality of storage sections. Ru. as desired,
The ribs 422b and grooves 423b may extend not in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle but in the lateral or diagonal direction of the vehicle.

FIG. 34 shows a storage container 420C that is a modification of the storage container 20 shown in FIG. The container 420
The structure of c is substantially the same as container 20, but container 42
The lower part 427 of 0c is provided with an auxiliary container 420d that is removably fitted. The auxiliary container 420d preferably includes a swingable lid 425 on the upper surface d. Furthermore, it is preferable that the upper surface of the auxiliary container 420d, including the lid body 425, be arranged at the same level as the bottom wall 429C'' of the lateral extension part 429C of the 5th container 420c, and form a substantially continuous flat surface. be.

Since the storage container shown in FIGS. 31 to 33 is provided with reinforcing means, the rigidity of the storage container is improved. Further, the rigidity of the container 420c is also improved by the auxiliary container 420d shown in FIG.

FIG. 35 shows another modification of the vehicle according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

The vehicle 501 includes a pair of front wheels 510, each equipped with a low pressure balloon tire, and a pair of rear wheels 512, each equipped with a similarly low pressure balloon tire. As shown, the diameter of the rear wheel 512 (including the installed tires) is smaller than the diameter of the front wheel S10 (including the installed tires).However, the width of the rear wheel 512 is smaller than the width of the front wheel 510. big.

The tread between the rear wheels 512 is approximately the same as the tread between the front wheels 510, while the air in the tires of the front wheels 510 and rear wheels 512 is approximately the same to have the same load-carrying capacity. They are assumed to have the same volume or approximately the same amount. The above arrangement is advantageous because it allows the rear fender 524 to be placed at a relatively low position without interfering with the up-and-down swinging or flipping of the rear wheel 512, rear wheel axle 528, and rear swing arm assembly 514 at the rear end of the vehicle. This is because it can be placed in

Correspondingly, the use of small rear wheels 512 allows rear carrier rack 535 and storage container 520 to be advantageously located relatively low in the vehicle. Furthermore, the vehicle body can be made more compact.

36 to 39 show further modifications of the vehicle according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

The vehicle 601 preferably includes a relatively large storage container 620 configured as an integral unit with a carrier 624.
have. As shown, each of the front wheels 610 is
Preferably, the vehicle 601 is independently suspended from the front end of the vehicle frame 602 by suitable suspension means such as a double-quick bone type suspension mechanism, and the vehicle 601 has a front fender 622 that covers the front wheels 610 and a rear wheel 612. It has a backenda 624 that covers.

The diameter of the rear wheel 612 (including the installed tire) is larger than the diameter of the front wheel 610 (including the installed tire), but the width of the rear wheel 612 is smaller than the width of the front wheel 610. This arrangement is beneficial, in part because the left and right rear wheels 6
The container 620 disposed between 12 and 612 can have a relatively large storage capacity, and can be stored at the rear end of the vehicle without interfering with the up-and-down swinging or flipping of the rear wheel axle 628 and the rear swing arm assembly 614. This is because the container 620 can be placed at a low position.

The tread between the rear wheels 612 may be slightly larger than the tread between the front wheels 810.

However, it is most preferable that the front wheels 610 and the rear wheels 612 each have substantially the same volume or the same amount of air so that they have the same load-bearing capacity.

Preferably, a large opening 625 is formed in the top surface of the container 620 to allow the top of the container to be substantially completely opened for easy loading and unloading. As shown, the rear ender 624 extends laterally and outwardly and then extends downwardly around substantially the entire circumference of the storage container (excluding a small portion located below the passenger seat 608 at the front end of the container). Stretching is preferred. Further, the container 620 preferably extends from the rear end of the vehicle to a position below the central portion of the seat 608.
27, and an upper portion 629 extending laterally from the upper ends of both sides of the lower portion 627 to form a stepped structure between the lower portion 627 and the lower portion 627. Similarly, a stepped structure is formed between the upper part 629 and the back ender 624. If desired, such stepped structure may be sloped inwardly into the storage container. upper part 629
A part of the rear wheels 612 is disposed above the rear wheels 612.
7 is disposed laterally between both rear wheels 612, and the container 620 is fitted into the rear of the vehicle frame 602. The bottom wall of the lower wall 627 is preferably provided with one or more drainage holes, and is optionally provided with a removable lid for closing the drainage holes.

As best shown in FIG. 36, container 620 is positioned above rear wheel axle 628. Such an arrangement means that the vehicle 601
The rigidity of the container 620 disposed in the container 620 is suitably increased. Although the bottom of the container lower part 627 is illustrated as extending horizontally, it may be inclined forward and downward if desired; if it is so inclined forward, the drainage hole will be located at the front end of the bottom of the container. will be placed.

Although not shown, the vehicle 601 may have a lid at the upper end of the opening of the container 620. Such a lid body is a sheet 608
The container 62 closes the front part of the lower part 627 of the container.
It is sufficient to cover only the rear part of 0. However, if desired,
The lid body may be pivotally attached to the container 620 or the rear fender 624 via a suitable hinge means, and a fixing means including a latch mechanism and a locking mechanism is provided to fix the lid body in a position that closes the storage container. It is also possible to arrange. Furthermore, a removable partition plate may be disposed within the container 620 to separate the container bottom 627 and the container top 629 from each other, if desired.
Preferably, it is simply supported by the lateral extensions of 29 and covers at least the rear portion of the container lower part 627. This lid body is also not shown.

As best shown in FIG. 37, container 620 is connected to and supported at the rear of vehicle frame 602 at connection 635. More specifically, the rear upper portion 642 of the vehicle frame
'' extends below the stepped structure between the container lower part 627 and the container upper part 629, while the bottom wall of the upper part 629 is connected to the frame rear upper part 642'' at a connection 635. Furthermore, if additional support for the storage container is desired, it is also possible to fix the bottom wall of the container bottom 627 to the frame bottom 68° or to the lateral extensions 645 via suitable connection means. be.

As shown in FIG. 37, a differential 617 and a brake mechanism 662 are disposed on each side of the rear wheel shaft 628, and
A brake lamp is suspended from the lower end of the frame lateral extension portion 645. Further, in order to protect the rear wheel shaft 628, the differential 617, and the brake mechanism 662 from contact with the ground, stones, or other foreign objects, a lower guard member 672 may be provided below the center of the rear wheel shaft 628. good. The guard member 672
is fixed to the rear swing arm assembly 614 or the rear wheel axle 628 by any suitable method.

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 38 and 39, the front fender 622 includes an upper cover 622° disposed at the center of the steering handle 604, and a pair of mutually independent left and right panels that respectively cover the front wheels 610. and side covers 622''. As illustrated, each of the side covers 622'' is separately supported by the vehicle body frame. In addition, a relatively large open space 674 is defined between the lateral inner walls of the side cover 622'' in front of the steering shaft 660 and above the front part of the main frame 602 and the rear part of the front guard 632. As shown, the space 674 provides a sufficient amount of cooling air to the engine 616.
Preferably, air intake means 675 are provided to ensure that the air is guided to an angle of .degree. The air intake means 675 includes a front member 675° extending generally vertically, and a lower member 675″ extending upwardly and rearwardly from the bottom of the front member 675° to the bottom of the cross member means 684 of the frame 602. The air intake means 675 can also be constructed in a different manner than shown, for example, the air intake means 675
5 includes a front member 675° and a front member 675
' Cross member means 683 of frame 602 from the lower end of
and a rear member extending vertically upwardly from the rear end of the lower member to the cross member means 684. Additionally, the air intake stage 675 can be secured to the side cover 622'' of the front fender 622 rather than to the vehicle frame, if desired.

The air intake means 675 cooperates efficiently with the engine cooling stage 611. In particular, the engine cooling means 611 is
Preferably, it includes a heat exchanger unit such as a radiator and/or an oil cooler, and is disposed between the air intake means 675 and the engine 616° in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

According to this arrangement, when the vehicle 601 travels, cooling air is supplied to the open space 674 and the air intake means 67.
5 to the engine cooling means 611, so that the engine cooling means has a relatively large heat exchange efficiency.

Therefore, it is suitable also when the vehicle 601 is used for work. If desired, the engine cooling stage 611 can additionally force cooling air into the heat exchanger unit (
It is also possible to additionally (or alternatively) include a cooling fan (or directly to the engine 616 itself). Further, the vehicle 601 has an engine cooling means 6.
11, in which case the cooling air could be forced directly to the engine 616' through the open space 674 and the air intake means 675. As can be seen from the accompanying drawings, the air intake means 675 are
effectively cooperating with the vertically extending lateral inner wall of the side cover 622'' to provide a space within or to the front open space 674.
To provide a load carrying means for conveniently storing or fixing a load above a vehicle.

For example, the baggage can be attached to the air intake means 675 using an elastic string or the like.
It can be fixed to Although not shown, the vehicle 601 is located in an open space 674
It is also possible to include a lid body that can be attached and detached at the upper end of the body. Such a lid body has side covers 622 on both sides so as to open rearward.
It is preferable to pivot the cover 622' to either the left or right side cover 622' so as to open it laterally.
An air intake means 67 for cooling air is provided at the front of the lid.
5 is formed, while it is also possible to provide fixing means including a latching mechanism and a locking mechanism. or,
A storage container supported by the vehicle frame and/or side cover 622'' may be disposed to be located within the open space 674, and such storage container may be located within the air intake stage 675.
or the front of the storage container,
It is also possible to integrally include air intake means as a lower part and a rear part. Note that such a modification example is not illustrated.

40 to 42 show a footrest support structure for a four-wheeled vehicle according to the first embodiment.

Of the pair of left and right footrests 18 attached below the seat 8, a brake pedal is attached to the front of the right one, and a change pedal is attached to the front of the left one.

A mudguard 24a is provided at the front lower part of the rear fender 24.
are integrally installed vertically. Due to the mat guard 24a,
When the vehicle is backing up, the feet of the occupant, the crankcase of the drive unit 16 including the engine, etc. are protected from mud splashes from the rear wheels 12.

The outer end of the mudguard 24a is provided with an extending portion 24b extending diagonally forward. The front end portion of the extending portion 24b is shaped into a substantially U-shaped portion 24c so as to cover the outer end portion 18a of the footrest 18, and the front end portion of the extending portion 24b is formed into a substantially U-shaped portion 24c so as to cover the outer end portion 18a of the footrest 18.
It is attached to the outer end 18a of the footrest 18 via an 8b1 nut 18c or the like. Further, the inner end of the footrest 18 is attached to the vehicle frame side via the attachment portion 18d.

An arm member 24e is attached to the upper part of the mudguard 24a via a binding piece 24d. This arm member 24
e is provided vertically from both left and right sides of the binding piece 24d, bends forward along the lower surface of the mudguard 24a, and connects to the mudguard 24 via the holding piece 24f, bolt 24g, etc.
It is held on the bottom surface of a. -424h of arm member 24e
is attached to the substantially central portion of the lower surface of the footrest 18 via bolts 241 and the like, and is attached to the other end 2 of the arm member 24e.
4j is locked to the rear end of the footrest 18. The upper surface 18e of the footrest 18 is formed in an uneven or wavy shape. In the figure, reference number 24k is a mounting hole for integrally mounting the mudguard 24a to the rear fender 24 via bolts (not shown) or the like. According to the footrest support structure as described above, since the outer end of the mudguard 24a and the outer end 18a of the footrest 18 are connected via the extension part 24b of the mudguard 24a, splashes from below can be applied to the footrest. This effectively prevents the occupant's feet from getting caught between the mudguard 18 and the mudguard 24a. In addition, the footrest support structure mentioned above is
This method is not limited to four-wheeled vehicles, and can be applied to any vehicle with two rear wheels.

43 to 45 show a four-wheeled vehicle handle cover mounting structure according to the 341st embodiment.

As described later, the handlebar 4 is attached to the vehicle frame at its center. The handle cover 900 includes a mounting base 902 at the upper end of the steering shaft that is supported on the front end side of the frame 2 so as to be freely steerable, and a mounting base 902 at the upper end of the steering shaft that is supported on the front end side of the frame 2, and a mounting base 902 that is attached to the center of the handle par 4 and has both wing parts projecting out to cover the upper part of the handle par 4. It is said to have a similar shape. The shape of the handle par 4 is such that the central portion is low and curved toward the left and right ends in a loop shape so that the handle grip portion becomes high.

An enlarged view of the area around which the handlebar 4 is attached to the vehicle body frame is shown in FIG. 43.

The center part of the handlebar 4 is sandwiched between the upper and lower holders 916 and 915 at two locations in the axial direction, and the mounting base 902 is attached to the upper end of the lower steering shaft (not shown).
It is held against. Each lower holder 915
A bolt portion 915a at the lower end of is fixed to the mounting base 902 with a nut 917. Each collar holder 916 is attached to the lower holder 915 at two locations, front and rear of the handle par 4, by bolts (not shown).

A handle cover 900 is attached to the upper end side of each upper holder 916, 916 with bolts 918, 918. The shape of the handle cover 900 is such that it follows the shape of the handle par 4, extends from the central attachment part while being curved in the left and right direction, and wraps the handle par 4 from three sides, from the upper side and the front and back sides, and also has a shape as shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the left and right ends are raised to form wing parts 941 and 942. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 45, in the central part of the cover 900, the part that protrudes forward in a plan view includes:
A concave portion 943 is formed as a passage portion for collectively accommodating the wiring of various meters.

There are two mounting holes 944, 944 behind the recess 943.
is formed. As shown in FIG. 44, the mounting hole 944
, 944 is formed to protrude downward, and the bolt 918 is inserted through the attachment hole 944 and fastened to the upper holder 916. A plurality of mounting holes 945 for meters are provided in the cover 900 at a position further down behind the mounting holes 944 , 944 .

Fitting members 921 are provided on the lower end sides of both wing portions 941 and 942 of the cover 900, respectively. The fitting member 921 has a fitting hole 921a opened toward the lower surface side. The diameter of the fitting hole 921a is the same as that of the handle par 4.
The diameter is such that it can be elastically and tightly fitted into a predetermined part of the body. In this way, the two central parts of the handle cover 900 are fastened to the upper holder 916 by the bolts 918, while both wing parts 941 and 942 of the cover 900 are fastened to the fitting member 9.
21 are tightly engaged with both ends of the handle par 4, respectively.

Even if the handle cover 900 configured as described above is large enough to cover most of the handlebar, it can be tightly assembled to the handlebar using the fitting members on both wings in addition to the central attachment part. It becomes possible.

Further, the cover 900 can be easily attached and detached from the handlebar. Such a handle force bar 900 is particularly effective in vehicles traveling on rough terrain, and also has the effect of aesthetically summarizing the appearance of the wiring of various meters.

While what is presently believed to be a preferred embodiment of the invention has been described, the invention may be practiced in other specific forms and may be modified from the structures described above without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. It will be understood that various changes and modifications may be made to. Accordingly, the illustrated embodiments are to be considered in all respects as merely illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the claims appended hereto, rather than by the foregoing description.

[Effects of the Invention] As described above, according to the present invention, the upper part of the rear wheel equipped with a relatively large-diameter balloon tire, which has not been used in conventional straddle-type four-wheel vehicles for traveling on rough terrain, It becomes possible to deploy a storage container with a large storage capacity by utilizing a relatively wide space.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a partially cutaway side view of a straddle-type four-wheel vehicle for traveling on rough terrain according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a plan view of the four-wheel vehicle, and FIG. 3 is a plan view of the four-wheel vehicle. FIG. 4 is a partially cutaway front view of the vehicle, FIG. 5 is a plan view of the rear of the four-wheeled vehicle showing the connection between the containment container and the vehicle frame, and FIG. 6 is a partially cutaway rear view of the four-wheeled vehicle. 7 and 7 are a plan view and a side view, respectively, of the vehicle frame of the four-wheeled vehicle, and FIGS. 8, 9, and 10 are, respectively, an integral structure of the four-wheeled vehicle's rear fender and storage container. 11 is an enlarged sectional view of the connection between the storage container and the vehicle frame; FIGS. 12, 13, and 14 are respectively A plan view, a rear view, and a side view of the seat mechanism and the support mechanism for the battery and air cleaner, FIGS. 15 and 16, FIGS. 17 and 18, and
FIG. 19 is a diagram showing several modified examples of the four-wheeled vehicle according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a straddle-type four-wheeled vehicle for traveling on rough terrain according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 21, FIG. 22, and FIG. 23 are respectively a plan view, a partially cutaway rear view, and a front view of the four-wheeled vehicle shown in FIG. 20, and FIG. 24 is a side view of the four-wheeled vehicle shown in FIG. FIGS. 25 and 26 are diagrams showing another modification of the four-wheeled vehicle; FIGS. 25 and 26 are an enlarged side sectional view and a plan view, respectively, of the connection between the storage container and the vehicle frame of the four-wheeled vehicle shown in FIG. 24; , FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a modified example of the integrated unit of the four-wheeled vehicle trailer and storage container according to the first embodiment, and FIGS. 28 and 29 respectively show the integrated unit of FIG. 27. 30 is a diagram showing a modified example of the four-wheeled vehicle according to the second embodiment, and FIGS. 31 to 34 are a side view and a rear view of the four-wheeled vehicle according to the first embodiment, respectively. A diagram showing some modification examples, FIG. 35 is a diagram showing some modification examples.
36, 37, 38, and 39 are diagrams illustrating another modified example of the four-wheeled vehicle according to the embodiment, respectively, are further modified examples of the vehicle according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 40, 41, and 42 are a front view, a side view, and a plan view, respectively, of the four-wheeled vehicle footrest support structure according to the first embodiment. Figures 43, 44, and 45
The figures are a side view, a front view, and a plan view, respectively, of the mounting structure for the handle cover of a four-wheeled vehicle according to the first embodiment. In addition, in the figure, 1, 100, 301, 501, 601... Straddle type four-wheel vehicle for traveling on rough terrain, 2, 102... Vehicle frame, 4, 104, 604... Bar type steering handle, 8, 1
08, 208, 308, 608...Saddle type passenger seat, 10,110,510,610...Front wheel with low pressure balloon tire, 12,112,512,612...Rear wheel with low pressure balloon tire , 16, 116, 616... Engine, 18... Footrest, 20, 20'20" 120, 220, 220
゜ , 320, 420, 420a, 420b, 420c
, 520, 620... Storage container, 22, 622... Front fender, 24, 124,
624...Rear fender, 28, 128, 328, 5
28, 628... Rear wheel axle, 80° 81°, 180'181'...
・Rear part of the frame as a rear frame, 126...Front wheel axle.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A vehicle frame, a front wheel axle and a rear wheel axle swingably supported at the front and rear parts of the vehicle frame, respectively, and A supported engine, a straddle-type seat provided at the top of the vehicle frame, a bar-type handle supported by the vehicle frame in front of the seat, and the vehicle frame between the front wheel axle and the rear wheel axle. footrests respectively disposed on both sides of the front wheel axle and rear wheel axle; In a straddle-type four-wheel vehicle comprising a front fender and a rear fender supported by the vehicle frame, the rear frame extends rearward from the rear of the vehicle frame, and the rear frame extends rearward from the rear of the vehicle frame, and the rear A straddle-type four-wheel vehicle, further comprising a storage container installed above the frame. 2. The storage container is located in front of the rear wheel axle and behind the straddle-type seat, and a bottom portion of the storage container is located below a frame portion that supports the straddle-type seat. The straddle type four-wheel vehicle according to claim 1, wherein