FUEL SUPPLY SYSTEM FOR SMALL VEHICLES
The present invention relates to a fuel supply system for a small vehicle. Specifically, a fuel tank and an engine with a fuel injection valve are installed in a vehicle body frame. A fuel pump is added to the fuel tank. The fuel pump has a discharge pipe, to distribute fuel, and is located on the fuel tank. In addition, the discharge tube and the fuel injection valve are connected to each other by means of a channeling means. Patents 1 and 2 disclose a motorcycle wherein a fuel tank is mounted in a vehicle body frame so that it can be placed under the driver's seat. Japanese Patent Application Open Publication No. 2006-315656 Japanese Patent Publication Revised No. Sho
61-49153 In the motorcycle described in Patent 1, the fuel is guided to a fuel injection valve from a fuel pump attached to the upper surface of the fuel tank. As the periphery of the fuel tank is covered by a
cover, it is not possible to see from the outside the fuel hose that directs the fuel from the fuel pump. Therefore, the appearance of the product does not deteriorate. However, in some types of vehicles as described in Patent 2, the fuel tank is visible from the outside. Suppose a case in which, in said vehicle, a fuel pump is attached to a fuel tank while the discharge pipe is placed above the fuel pump. In this case, when the fuel hose is connected to the discharge pipe in this manner, the fuel hose is exposed to the outside. As a result, unnecessary contact may occur, and it is likely that the external environment exerts influence on the fuel hose. In this regard, a cover can be provided to prevent the fuel hose from being exposed to the outside. However, this can cause not only an increase in costs due to an increase in the number of components, but also a deterioration in the appearance of the product. The present invention is created due to the circumstances mentioned above. An object of the present invention is to provide a fuel supply system for a small vehicle. Specifically, with the fuel supply system, it is possible to avoid, as much as possible, being exposed to the
outside a channeling means that guides the fuel from a fuel pump that has integrated a discharge tube that is on top of a fuel tank, thus avoiding an increase in the number of components and the deterioration of the appearance of the product. A first aspect of the present invention to achieve the aforementioned object is a fuel supply system for a small vehicle. Specifically, the small vehicle includes: an engine with a fuel injection valve; a fuel tank; and a vehicle body frame, where the engine and the fuel tank are mounted on the vehicle body frame. The fuel supply system includes a fuel pump and a channeling means. This pump is attached to the fuel tank, and has a discharge pipe to distribute the fuel. The discharge tube is above the fuel tank. The channeling means connects the discharge tube with the fuel injection valve, and is arranged so as to penetrate vertically to the fuel tank. A second aspect of the present invention is the fuel supply system which is characterized by including, not only the configuration of the first aspect, but also a cylindrical element and a fuel hose.
The cylindrical element is placed in the fuel tank and penetrates it vertically. The fuel hose constitutes at least a part of the pipeline means, and is connected to the discharge pipe. The fuel hose is installed so that it penetrates the cylindrical element. A third aspect of the present invention is the fuel supply system with the following characteristics in addition to the configuration of the second aspect. Specifically, the fuel tank is located in a frame member that is part of the vehicle body frame. The fuel hose that penetrates the cylindrical element is disposed so that it passes inside the frame element. A fourth aspect of the present invention is the fuel supply system characterized in that it also includes, in addition to the configuration of any of the second or third aspect, where there is a quick connector that includes: a male connection that can be inserted in the cylindrical element; and a female union. The male union is placed on one end of the fuel hose on the side opposite the fuel pump. The female union is placed in a different fuel hose and is part of the pipeline together with the fuel hose.
In addition, a fifth aspect of the present invention is the fuel supply system having the following characteristics coupled with the configuration of any of the one to four aspects. Specifically, the fuel supply system includes a cover for the fuel pump, which is attached to the upper surface of the fuel tank. The fuel pump is attached to the upper surface of the fuel tank. The cover of the pump covers from above: the fuel pump; the connection between the channeling means and the discharge pipe of the fuel pump; and the insertion portion of the channeling means entering the upper end of the fuel tank. Note that a rear frame 24 in the following embodiment corresponds to the frame element of the present invention. According to the first aspect of the present invention, the channeling means penetrates vertically into the fuel tank, while connecting to the discharge pipe of the pump that is on the fuel tank. Therefore, the channeling means are not exposed to the outside in the part corresponding to the fuel tank. For this reason, with a fuel tank that constitutes an externally visible component, it is possible
avoid that most of the channeling medium is exposed to the outside, while avoiding the increase in the number of components as well as the deterioration of the appearance of the product. As a result, it is possible to avoid unnecessary contact of the channeling means, and in that way the probability that the external environment influences the channeling means is reduced. Furthermore, according to the second aspect, the fuel hose that constitutes at least part of the channeling means penetrates the cylindrical element, which vertically penetrates the fuel tank. Accordingly, by welding to the fuel tank, of all the respective circumferences of the upper and lower portions of the cylindrical element, it is possible to easily ensure the sealing state of the portion where the fuel hose penetrates the fuel tank. According to the third aspect, the fuel hose passes inside the frame member to form part of the vehicle body frame. Therefore, there is no need to provide a cover to cover the fuel hose. As a result, it can be prevented that a part of the fuel hose that would otherwise be longer is exposed to the outside. According to the fourth aspect, it can be made that the fuel hose easily penetrates the
cylindrical element. Therefore, the connection between the channeling means and the fuel pump is facilitated. Further, according to the fifth aspect, the pump cover covers, from above, the fuel pump, the connection portion between the discharge tube and the channeling means, and the insertion portion of the channeling means in the upper surface of the fuel tank. Therefore, it is possible to avoid unnecessary contact between the connection portion of the channeling means and the lateral part of the fuel pump. From now on, the embodiment of the present invention will be described by the example shown in the accompanying drawings. Figs. 1 to 16 show an example of the present invention. Fig. 1 is a side view of the left side of a motorcycle. Fig.2 is an enlargement of a main part of Fig.l. Fig. 3 is a side view of the left side showing a front portion of the motorcycle on an enlarged scale. Fig. 4 is a side view of the left side and shows part of the configuration of an intake system. Fig.5 is a view in the direction of arrow 5 of Fig.4. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 in Fig. 5 Fig. 7 is a plan view showing the part of the configuration of an exhaust system. The
Fig.8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 in Fig.7. Fig. 9 is a partial cut in the side view of the left side in the vicinity of the fuel tank. Fig. 10 is a view along line 10-10 in the direction of arrow 10 of Fig. 9 in a state in which the driver's seat and the pump cover are omitted. Fig.11 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the connection structure of the fuel hoses. Fig. 12 is a partial section of the side view of the left side showing a front portion of the vehicle body frame on an enlarged scale. Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing a state in which the electronic equipment is attached to the main frame, as seen from the right rear side. Fig.14 is a side view of the left side of a support. Fig.15 is a view in the direction of arrow 15 in Fig.14. Fig. 16 is a view in the direction of arrow 16 in Fig. 14. Note that, in the following description, "front," "rear / rear," "left," and "right" indicate the directions with respect to to the direction in which a motorcycle travels. First, see Fig.l. A vehicle body frame F for a motorcycle, which is a small vehicle, includes a main pipe 22, a main frame
23, a rear frame 24. The main tube 22 holds the front forks 21 so that the front forks 21 can be directed. The front forks 21 pivotally fasten a front wheel F from the lower ends of the front forks 21. The main frame 23 has a tube shape, and extends down and back from the main tube 22 The rear frame 24 it is continuously connected to a lower portion of the main frame 23, and can be divided into the left part and the right part. A bar-shaped steering handle 25 is attached to the upper portion of the front forks 21, while the front forks 21 are provided with a front fender 26 which covers the front wheel WF from above. The rear frame 24 also serves as a rear fender, which covers a rear wheel WR from above. On the surface of the left side of the rear frame 24 there is a maintenance cover 28, which can be opened and closed, and its position corresponds to a battery 27, which is housed and disposed inside the rear frame 24. A motor box 30 of the engine E is located under the main frame 23 and is supported by the main frame 23. The engine E produces a power that drives the rear wheel WR. The broadcast
(not shown) that changes the power of the engine E is in the crankcase 31 of the engine case 30. A drive shaft 33 of the transmission projects from the crankcase 31. The front end portion of a swing arm 34 that is on one side of the rear wheel R is pivoted and rotated in the crankcase 31 in the rearward direction of the motor shaft 33, while a rear axle 35 of the rear wheel WR is held axially and with rotation at a rear portion of the swing arm 34. A rear cushion unit 36 is provided between the rear frame 24 and the rear portion of the swing arm 34. The chain transmission means 38 uses an endless chain 37 and lies between the axle motor 33 and rear axle 35. Power exiting from the motor shaft 33 is transmitted to the rear wheel WR by means of chain transmission means 38. A fuel tank 40 is provided to be a component externally vis ible above the front portion of the rear frame 24. The driver's seat 41 is positioned so as to cover the upper part of the fuel tank 40. Refer to Fig.2 and Fig.3 as a whole. The motor E is an air-cooled motor, and the box 30 thereof is held by the main frame 23 of the frame
of vehicle body F in a state in which the axis of the cylinder is substantially horizontal. An intake system 42 is connected to the side surface of the upper portion of the cylinder head 32, which constitutes part of the engine body 30. The intake system 42 includes an air filter 43, a connector tube 44, a regulator body 45, an intake pipe 47. The air filter 43 is located on the front of the engine case 30. The connector tube 44 introduces purified air into the air filter 43. The regulator body 45 has a valve fuel injection 46 and thus is located below the air filter 43 to be connected to the downstream end of the connector pipe 44. The intake pipe 47 is located between the regulator body 45 and the cylinder head 32. See Figs. . 4 to 6 as a whole. A filter box 48 of the air filter 43 is formed of an upper part of the box 49 and a lower part of the box 50, each of which is made of a synthetic resin. The lower part of the box 50 can be removed from the upper part of the box 49. The upper part of the box 49 and the lower part of the box 50 are connected together by screws 51 ... so that the end lower part of the upper part of the box 49, which has the shape of a bowl that opens downwards, and the upper end of the part
bottom of the box 50, which has a bowl shape that opens upwards, are connected to each other. A pair of motors 49a and 49a are integrally located in the upper portion of the upper part of the case 49. The pair of motors 49a and 49a compress, on both sides, the main frame 23 of the vehicle body frame F. These wing nuts 49 and 49 are attached to the main frame 23 by bolts 52 .... In this way, the upper part of the box 49 is fastened, and fixed, to the vehicle body frame F. In the filter box 48, a filter element 54 is housed, which has a cylindrical shape, and is attached to a support frame of the filter 53. Maintenance can be performed on the filter element 54 when the lower part of the filter is disassembled. box 50 of the upper part of the box 49. In this embodiment, the rubber washers 57 ..., attached to both portions of the lower part of the filter support frame 53, are snapped in respectively to be introduced in l The holes 58 ... are located in the bottom of the box 50, so that the filter support frame 53 is held from the bottom of the box 50. The filter support frame 53 together with the filter element 54 mounted thereon is attached to the bottom of the box 50, and after
the bottom of the box 50 is attached to the upper part of the box 49. As a result, the entire periphery of the upper surface of the filter support frame 53 is in direct contact with the inner surface of the upper portion of the part. top of the box 49. The interior of the filter box 48, which has the filter element 54 housed therein, is defined in an unpurified chamber 55 surrounding the filter element 54 and a purified chamber 56 within the element 54. As indicated by the arrows in Fig.3 and Fig.4, the air from the outside is introduced to the unpurified chamber 55 from the air inlets 57 ... which are located on both sides of the chamber. bottom of the box 50, and that open backwards. The connector tube 44 is composed of: a riser connector tube 60 made of rubber, a downlink connector tube 61 made of rubber and connected to the regulator body 45, a tube 62 made of a synthetic resin by blow molding, and fastening strips 63 and 64. At present, the riser connector tube 60 and the downside connector tube 61 are respectively connected to both ends of the tube 62 with the corresponding clamping bands 63 and 64. An intermediate portion of the riser connector tube 60 is attached to the upper part of the box 49 of the box
filter 48 so that the upward end of the riser connector tube 60 enters the interior of the purified chamber 56 of the air cleaner 43. The riser connector tube 60 penetrates the top of the box 49, so that the air which is inside the purified chamber 56 is directed upwards. The downward end of the riser connector tube 60 forms a curve to be directed obliquely to the right and down the rear. The upstream half of the tube 62 is connected to the riser side connector tube 60, and extends backward to slant obliquely back and down along the main frame 23 while curving to arc to the right. The half of the downward side of the tube 62 is turned at its downward end of the ascending side half, and then extends obliquely to the left and upwardly to the front. The descending end of the half of the descending side forms a curve to bow upwards so that later it will turn to face downwards. On the other hand, the down-side connector tube 61 has the upward end in an upward direction so that it can be connected to the downward end of the tube 62. The down-side connector tube 61 extends downward from the upward end thereof, where later it leans towards
the right, and later leans towards the rear to connect to the body of the regulator 45. In other words, the connector tube 44, in which respectively the connecting tubes of the ascending side and the descending side 60 and 61 are connected to the two ends of the tube 62, includes a first ascending tube part 44a, a first falling tube part 44b, a second rising tube part 44c, and a second falling tube part 44d. These four portions are connected one after the other in the order mentioned above. To be more specific, the first ascending pipe portion 44a is constituted by the riser connecting pipe 60, and directs the air upwards from the interior of the filter 43. The first descending pipe part 44b is constituted by the middle of the pipe. part of the rising side of the tube 62, and causes the direction of the air flow coming from the first part of the riser tube 44a to change, so that it introduces the air downwards. The second part of the riser tube 44c is constituted by half of the part of the downward side of the tube 62, and by the connecting tube of the downward side 61, and causes the direction of the air flow coming from the first part of the down tube 44b change, introducing the air upwards. The second part of the down tube 44d is constituted by the remainder of the downlink side connector tube 61, and causes the
direction of the air flow coming from the second part of the riser tube 44c change to then introduce it to the side of the regulator body 45, below the second part of the down tube 44d. The connector tube 44 is made so that it can be tilted to the right side and then back to the left side in the width direction of the motorcycle, and simultaneously can extend to the upper side and then return to the lower side in the directions of up and down. Moreover, a portion of connector tube 65 is integrally provided to the lower portion of the connection portion between the first part of the down tube 44b and the second uppipe portion 44c of the connector tube 44. The portion of the connector tube 65 it extends down and back. A vent tube 66 is connected to the connector tube portion 65, and directs a gas passing from the explosion chamber to the crankcase from the crankcase of the motor housing 30. Focus on Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. .7. An exhaust system 67 is connected to the side surface of the lower portion of the cylinder head 32 in the engine case 30. The exhaust system 67 includes a first exhaust pipe 68, a catalytic converter 69, a second exhaust pipe, exhaust 70, and an exhaust silencer 71. The first exhaust pipe 68 is connected, at its rising end, to the
lateral surface of the lower portion of the cylinder head 32, and then turned backwards. The catalytic converter 69 is connected to the downstream end of the first exhaust pipe 68. The second exhaust pipe 70 is connected, at its rising end, to the catalytic converter 69, and extends to the right side of the rear wheel R. The muffler Exhaust 71 is connected to the downstream end of the second exhaust pipe 70. Refer to Fig. 8. The catalytic converter 69 includes an inner case 72, an outer case 73 covering the inner case 72, and a catalyst in the form of a column. 74 housed in the inner box 72. The inner box 72 has a partition 77, which divides it into an inlet chamber 75 and an outlet chamber 76, with a spaced portion directed towards a side end of the catalyst 74. Furthermore, in the inner box 72 an intermediate chamber 78 is formed which is directed towards the other side end of the catalyst 74. The first exhaust pipe 68 penetrates, in a sealed manner, into the outer box 73 to be connected to the inner box 72, so that the downward end of the first exhaust pipe 68 communicates with the inlet chamber 75. The second exhaust pipe 70 penetrates, in a sealed manner, into the outer box 73 to be connected to the inner box 72, so that the rising end of the second exhaust pipe 70 communicates with the outlet chamber
76. Accordingly, the exhaust gas extracted from the cylinder head 32 is introduced into the inlet chamber 75 at a first lateral end of the catalytic converter 69. Then, the exhaust gas flows into the catalyst 74 to the side of the intermediate chamber 78. at a second lateral end of the catalytic converter 69. Subsequently, the exhaust gas flows into the catalyst 74 from the intermediate chamber 78 to the outlet chamber 75 at the first lateral end of the catalytic converter 69. After that, the exhaust gas it is directed outward to the side of the second exhaust pipe 70. Refer to Figs. 9 and 10 together. The portions of the fixing plate 40a and 40b, spaced apart from each other in the front and rear directions, protrude from the lower portion of the fuel tank 40. The portions of the fixing plate 40a and 40b are attached to the rear frame 24 with the bolts 79 and 80, so that the fuel tank 40 is fixed to the rear frame 24. Fuel is supplied from the fuel tank 40 to the fuel injection valve by the fuel pump 84. The fuel pump 84 includes a suction tube 85, a filter 86, and a discharge tube 87. The suction tube 85 extends vertically in the fuel tank 40. The filter 86 continues from the lower end of the suction tube 85. The tube
the lower end of the suction tube 85. The discharge tube 87 is located above the fuel tank 40. A flange 84a is provided in the upper portion of the fuel pump 84 with a seal 83 located between the flange 84a and the flange 84a. upper surface of the fuel tank 40. The gasket 83 and the flange 84a are compressed by the fuel tank 40 and the pressure plate 88. The flange 84a and the pressure plate 88 are fastened together to the fuel tank 40 by means of of a certain number of bolts 89 ..., which are implanted on one side of the fuel tank 40, and nuts 90 ..., which are screwed on the corresponding bolts 89 ... so that the nuts 90. .. abut and mesh with the pressure plate 88. As a result, the fuel pump 84 is fixed to the fuel tank 40. In addition, the fuel pump 84 is equipped with a float 91 for detecting the level of fuel in the tank of combustib 40. The front portion of the driver's seat 41 is attached to the upper front portion of the fuel tank 40 with a hinge 92 therebetween. The driver's seat 41 can be pivotally moved between the position where the driver's seat 41 covers the fuel tank 40 from above, and the position in which the driver's seat 41 is pivoted forwardly to leave the driver's seat 41. exposed the upper portion of the tank
of fuel 40 upwards. A pair of elastic members 93 ... are attached to the bottom surface of the rear portion of the driver's seat 41. The elastic elements 93 ... are in contact with the upper surface of the fuel tank 40 when the driver's seat 41 is in the position in which said driver's seat 41 covers the fuel tank 40 from above. The fuel is supplied from the discharge tube 87 of the fuel tank 40 to the fuel injection valve 46 by means of the channeling means 94. This channeling means 94 is arranged so as to penetrate the fuel tank 40 vertically. Fig.ll. The channeling means 94 includes a first fuel hose 95 on the side of the fuel tank 40 and a second fuel hose 96 on the side of the fuel injection valve 46. On the other hand, a cylindrical element 98 is welded, in the upper and lower portions thereof, to the fuel tank 40 so that the fluid pressure remains constant during the complete circumference of the cylindrical element 98. The cylindrical member 98 forms a first through hole 97 that vertically penetrates the fuel tank 40. It is allowed that the first fuel hose 95, which constitutes
minus one part (part of this embodiment) of the channeling means 94 which will be connected to the discharge tube 87 of the fuel tank 40, enters the first through hole 97 for installation. Beneath the fuel tank 40, the first fuel hose 95 is installed so that it extends forwardly through the interior of the rear frame 24. Furthermore, as shown clearly in Fig. 2, a washer 100 that includes a second through hole 99 is integrated to the front portion of the rear frame 24. The first fuel hose 95 extends to the front to penetrate the second through hole 99. A male connection 104 of a first quick connector 101 is provided so that less in one of the two end portions of the first hose 95. In this embodiment, the male joint 104 capable of penetrating the first and second through holes 97 and 99, is located in the first end portion, on the side of the second fuel hose 96, of the two end portions of the first hose 95. In other words, the male union 104 has a smaller outer diameter than the internal diameters of the first and second undo through holes 97 and 99, respectively. In addition, a female union 107 of a second quick connector 102 is located in the final portion, on the side of the fuel tank 40, of the first fuel hose 95.
quick connector 102 to the discharge tube 87 of the fuel tank 40. The female union 107 of the first fuel hose 95 is inserted and connected to the male connection 106, so that the first end portion of the first fuel hose 95 is connected to the discharge tube 87. On the other hand, a first end portion of the second fuel hose 96, which constitutes the channeling means 94 together with the first fuel hose 95, is provided with a female connection 105 of the first connector 101. The male link 104 corresponding to the final portion of the first fuel hose 95 can be inserted and connected to the female union 105. In addition, a second end portion of the second fuel hose 96 is connected to the fuel injection valve. fuel 46 by means of a third quick connector 103. A female connection 109 of the third quick connector 103 is provided to the second end portion of the second The fuel connector 96 is provided, while a male connection 108 of the third quick connector 103 is provided next to the fuel injection valve 46. Since a normal fuel hose usually has female connections at both ends, this type is used. of normal fuel hose as the second fuel hose 96. Refer again to Figs. 9 and 10. One
See again Figs. 9 and Fig.10. A cover for pump 110 covers from above: the fuel pump 84 attaches to the upper surface of the fuel tank 40; the connection portion between the first fuel hose 95 and the discharge tube 87 of the fuel pump 84; and the insertion portion of the first fuel hose 95 at the upper end of the cylindrical element 98. This pump cover 110 is secured to the pressure plate 88 by a number of bolts 111 ... provided to hold the pump fuel 84 to the fuel tank 40. Therefore, the pump cover 110 is attached to the upper surface of the fuel tank 40. In addition, an intermediate portion that is closer to the first end portion of the second fuel hose 96 in the channeling means 94 is supported by means of a clasp 112. Thereafter, the clasp 112 is mounted on a support 113 integral with the motor case 30. Refer to FIGS. 12 and 13 as a whole. A reinforcement 115 is provided to the connecting portion of the main pipe 22 with the main frame 23. The reinforcement 115 has a fixing surface 115a inclined to be directed obliquely backward, and covers the joining portion from above. A support support 116 extending back and up is fixed to the reinforcement 115. To the
support support 116 is integrated an electronic control unit 117, a regulator 118, and a tilt angle sensor 119, which are electrical equipment. See also Figs. 14 to 16 as a whole. The support support 116 is formed by welding two curved metal sheets. The support support 116 includes a fixing plate portion 116a, a first support plate part 116b, a second support plate part 116c, a leg portion 116d, a third support plate part 116e, a part of clamping hook 116f, and a fourth part of support plate 116g. The part of the fixing plate 116a has a flat shape, and is attached to the fixing surface 115a of the reinforcement 115. The first support plate part 116b continues at a right angle from the right end of the fixing plate part 116a, and extends upwards obliquely in the rear direction. The second support plate part 116c has a proximal end that continues from the left side surface of the lower portion of an intermediate portion, in the anterior and posterior directions, of the first support plate part 116b. Then, the second support plate part 116c extends upwards from the proximal end and simultaneously tilts to move away from the first support plate part 116b as it extends upwards. The leg part 116d has
basically "L" shape, and extends backward from the lower portion of the intermediate portion, in the anterior and posterior directions, of the first support plate part 116b. The third support plate portion 116e continues at a right angle from the rear end of the leg portion 116d, and extends to the left and to the right. The clamping hook portion 116f continues from the upper portion of the intermediate portion, in the anterior and posterior directions, of the first support plate part 116b. Then, the fastening hook portion 116f extends to the left and right sides. The fourth support plate portion 116g continues at a right angle from the rear portion of the first support plate portion 116b. A pair of nuts for upper and lower welding
120 and 120 are fixed on the rear side of the fastening surface 115a of the reinforcement 115. The fastening support plate portion 116a is fixed to the reinforcement 115 by means of bolts 121 and 121 respectively screwed into the welding nuts 120 and 120. A pair of welding nuts 122 and 122 are fixed to the left side surface of the first support plate part 116b while they are spaced apart from one another in the anterior and posterior directions. The regulator 118, which is on the right
of the first support plate part 116b, is attached to the first support plate part 116b by means of bolts 123 and 123, which are respectively screwed into the welding nuts 122 .... The electronic control unit 117 it is held by a fixing frame 124 made of elastic material, like the rubber, and is on the right side of the first support plate part 116b. The second support plate part 116c is inserted into a holding hole 125 integrated in the fixing frame 124, so that the electronic control unit 117 is attached to the second support plate part 116c. The welding nuts 126 and 126 are respectively fixed to the front surface of the third support plate part 116e, in two positions spaced apart from one another in the left and right directions. The inclination angle sensor 119 is located on the back of the third support plate part 116e. The inclination angle sensor 119 is attached to the third support plate part 116e by means of bolts 128 and 128 respectively screwed into the welding nuts 126 ... in a state in which the rubber washers 127, 127 are they locate between the inclination angle sensor 119 and the third support plate part 116e. In addition, support support 116, the unit of
electronic control 117, regulator 118 and tilt angle sensor 119 are capped above and to the left and right sides by a cover for electrical equipment 128, while electronic control unit 117, regulator 118 and angle sensor of inclination 119 are attached to support support 116. The cover for electrical equipment 128 is basically made of an elastic material in the shape of a "U" and has a vertical opening in cross-section downwards. The fastening hook portion 116f of the support bracket 116 is inserted into the upper portion of the cover for electrical equipment 128, so that the cover for electrical equipment 128 is attached to the support support 116. Meanwhile, both legs, left and right, the motorcyclist sitting on the driver's seat 41 are protected by a leg shield 129. The leg shield 129 is attached, in its lower portions, to supports 131 that are respectively fixed to the two sides of the body of the motorcycle. motor 30. In addition, a central cover 130 is continuously arranged and integrated to the leg shield 129. The central cover 130 protects the main frame 23 from above, and also covers the front portion of the motor housing 30 and the intake system 42 on the left and right sides. The central cover 130 is fastened, in its upper frontal portions, respectively to
both sides of the front portion, near the main tube 22 of the main frame 23. The central cover 130 is integrally provided with a cover portion 130a raised. The cover portion 130a protects: the support support 116; the electric control unit 117, the regulator 118 and the inclination angle sensor 119, where the last three are attached to the support support 116; and the cover for electrical equipment 128. At the rear portion of the cover portion 130a there is an opening portion 132. In the fourth support plate part 116g of the support support 116 is a removable cover 133 for closing the portion of opening 132. Specifically, a fixing bolt 134 protruding rearwardly from the opening portion 132 is secured in the fourth support plate portion 116g. The cap 133 is attached to the fixing support 116 when it closes the opening portion 132. by screwing a cap nut 135 into the protruding end portion of the locking bolt 134 that penetrates the cap 133. The cap 133 can be removed by loosening and removing the cap nut 135. The effects of the present form are described below. of realization The connector tube 44, which is connected between the air filter 43 and the body of the regulator 45 in the intake system 42, is curved in a manner
which can extend to the right side and then return to the left side in the width direction of the motorcycle. Therefore, by ensuring the length of the intake tube it is possible to make a compact intake system at the same time that the low speed torque is increased. In addition, the tube 62 that forms part of the connector tube 44 is made of a synthetic resin by blow molding. This allows the curve of the connector tube 44 to be easily formed, and in this way the connector tube 44 is lengthened. On the other hand, the regulator body 45 and the motor housing 30 are located below the air filter 43. In addition, the connector tube 44 has: the first part of the down tube 44b, which is connected to the filter 43 by means of the first part of the riser tube 44a, and which directs the air downwards from the air filter 43; the second part of the riser tube 44c, which is bent backwards at the lower end of the first part of the down tube 44b to direct the air upwards; and the second part of the down tube 44d, which is bent rearwardly at the upper end of the second part of the riser tube 44c, and which is connected to the body of the regulator 45 to direct the air downwards. In addition to this, the ventilation tube 66, which extends from the crankcase 31 of the motor housing 30, is connected to the connecting part.
between the first part of the down tube 44b and the second part of the riser tube 44c. Therefore, the connector tube 44 can be made longer and more compact if it is curved to extend towards the upper side and then returns to the lower side in one the up and down directions. Simultaneously, since the vent pipe 66 is connected to the lower portion of the connector pipe 44, it is possible that, from the vent pipe 66 on one side of the engine case 30, oil would return which was along with the gas which passes from the explosion chamber to the crankcase circulating inside the ventilation pipe 66. Furthermore, the filter housing 48 of the air filter 43 is constituted by: the upper part of the box 49, which is attached to the body frame of vehicle F, and to which the upper end portion of connector tube 44 is connected; and the lower part of the box 50, which can be removed from the upper part of the box 49. The inside of the filter box 48 is composed of the filter element 54, which is inside the unpurified chamber 55 and the purified chamber 56 communicating with the connector tube 44. This filter element 54 is housed in the filter housing 48 so that maintenance can be performed on the filter element 54 if the lower part of the box 50 of the top of the box 49. Therefore, it is possible to maintain the
filter element 54 if the lower part of the box 50 is removed from the upper part of the box 49 without having to disconnect the connecting tube 44 from the air filter 43, and in this way a better maintenance is achieved. In addition, the fuel pump 84 is attached to the fuel tank 40 at the same time that the discharge pipe 87, for distributing the fuel, is located on the fuel tank 40. The channeling means 94, which connects to the Discharge 87 with the fuel injection valve 46 is located vertically in the fuel tank 40. Therefore, the channeling means 94 is not exposed to the outside in the part corresponding to the fuel tank 40. For this reason, even in the case of a motorcycle in which the fuel tank 40 constitutes an externally visible component, it is possible to prevent the channeling means 94 from being exposed to the outside as much as possible while avoiding a increase in the number of components as well as deterioration in the appearance of the product. As a result, it is possible to avoid unnecessary contact of the channeling means 94, and in this way it is less likely that the channeling means 94 will be influenced by the external environment. In addition, the cylindrical element 98 provided to the fuel tank 40 to vertically penetrate the
fuel tank 40. The first fuel hose 95, which constitutes at least a part (a part in this embodiment) of the conduit means 94 which will be connected to the discharge pipe 87, is forced to enter the cylindrical element. 98 to be installed through it. Therefore, by respective welding of the upper and lower portions of the cylindrical element 98 at its full circumference to the fuel tank 40, it is possible to easily secure the sealing state of the portion where the first fuel hose 95 penetrates the fuel tank. fuel 40. In addition, the fuel tank 40 is located in the rear frame 24 forming part of the vehicle body frame F. The first fuel hose 95, which penetrates the cylindrical element 98, is installed to pass inside the rear frame 24. Therefore, it is unnecessary to provide a cover that protects the first fuel hose 95. As a result, it can be prevented that a part of the first fuel hose 95, otherwise longer, is exposed to the outside . In addition, the male connection 104 of the first quick connector 101 is located in at least one of the two ends of the first fuel hose 95. In the present embodiment, the male connection 104 is
found in the final portion, on the side of the second fuel hose 96, of the first fuel hose 95. The male union 104 has a diameter smaller than that of the corresponding female union. Therefore, the first fuel hose 95 can be easily installed even if there is a small gap or a small through hole in the middle of the installation path of the first fuel hose 95. As a result, flexibility can be increased in the installation of fuel hoses. In addition to this, the male connection 104 which is located in the first fuel hose 95 can penetrate through the holes, which are in the middle of the installation path for the first fuel hose 95. Specifically, the male connection 104 may be forced to penetrate the first through hole 97 formed by the cylindrical element 84, and the second through hole 99 formed by the washer 100 attached to the front portion of the rear frame 24. Therefore, the feasibility of installing the first fuel hose 95. Furthermore, since the male union 104 has a smaller external diameter than the inner diameters respectively of the first and second through holes 97 and 99, the first fuel hose 95 can easily penetrate the cylindrical member 98 and 100 washer. Therefore, the
feasibility of installing the first fuel hose increases even more. As a result, the connection of the channeling means 94 to the fuel pump is facilitated. The female union 105 of the first quick connector 101 is located in the second fuel hose 96, which constitutes the channeling means 94 together with the first fuel hose 95. Therefore, while using the first fuel hose 95 with the male connection 104 for a single part of the conduit means 94 in an arbitrary field, it is possible to use, for the other part, the second fuel hose 96, which is of the general type, and which has the female connection 105. In addition, the fuel pump 84 is attached to the upper surface of the fuel tank 40. The pump cover 110 is attached to the upper surface of the fuel tank 40 to cover from above: the fuel pump 84; the connection portion between the first fuel hose 95 and the discharge tube 87 of the fuel pump 84; and the insertion portion of the first fuel hose 95 at the upper end of the cylindrical member 98. Therefore, it is possible to avoid unnecessary contact of the connection portion of the first fuel hose 95 of the channeling means 94 to a side of the fuel pump 84. In addition, the support bracket 116, which extends
upwards and backwards, is fixed to the vehicle body frame F on the rear side of the main tube 22. The central cover 130 is continuously in the leg shield 129, and covers from the front, both legs of the motorcyclist sitting in the driver's seat 41. The central cover 130, while protecting the part of the vehicle body frame F, also protects the electronic control unit 117, the regulator 118, and the inclination angle sensor 119, which They are electrical equipment. Therefore, there is no need to provide a component dedicated to protecting the electronic control unit 117, the regulator 118, and the tilt angle sensor 119. This configuration reduces the number of components and consequently, contributes to the reduction of costs. Up to this point, the embodiment of the present invention has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, and various modifications to the design can be made without departing from the present invention described in the claims. [Fig.l] Fig.l is a view of the left side of a motorcycle. [Fig.2] Fig.2 is an enlarged view of the master part of Fig.l
[Fig.3] Fig.3 is a left side view showing the front of the motorcycle on a larger scale. [Fig.4] Fig.4 is a left side view showing part of the configuration of the intake system. [Fig.5] Fig. 5 is a view in the direction of arrow 5 of Fig.4 [Fig.6] Fig.6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 in Fig.5. [Fig.7] Fig.7 is a plan view showing part of the exhaust system configuration. [Fig.8] Fig.8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 in Fig.7. [Fig.9] Fig.9 is a partial cut on the left side of the surroundings of the fuel tank. [Fig.10] Fig. 10 is a view along line 10-10 in the direction of arrows 10 in Fig. 9 in a state where the driver's seat and pump cover are omitted . [Fig.11] Fig.11 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a connection structure of the fuel hoses. [Fig.12] Fig. 12 is a partial section on the left side showing the front portion of the vehicle body frame on a larger scale. [Fig.13] Fig.13 is a perspective view showing a
state in which the electronic equipment is attached to the main frame, as it would look from the back right side. [Fig.14] Fig.14 is a view of the left side of a support. [Fig.15] Fig.15 is a view in the direction of arrow 15 in Fig.14 [Fig.16] Fig.16 is a view in the direction of arrow 16 in Fig.14 24 ... rear frame that is a part of the frame 40 ... fuel tank 46 ... fuel injection valve 84 ... fuel pump 87 ... discharge pipe 94 ... middle 95, 96 .. fuel hose 98 ... cylindrical element 101 ... quick connector 104 ... male union 105 ... female union 110 ... pump cover E ... engine F ... vehicle body frame