Abstract: To provide a suspension system that can efficiently lay out a shock absorber and various accessories in a fuel cell electric vehicle where a fuel cell is mounted in the vicinity of a floor portion of the body. In a suspension system of a fuel cell electric vehicle provided with a fuel cell mounted in the vicinity of a floor portion of the body, a motor is provided for generating a driving force of a vehicle based upon electric power supplied from the fuel cell. A motor unit is supported by a body frame so that the motor unit can be rocked for housing the motor and a shock absorber provided between the motor unit and the body frame. The shock absorber is arranged under the fuel cell.

Abstract: In a clutch manipulation assist device which includes a clutch assist actuator, the actuator is arranged at a position where it is possible to suppress the influence of heat from an engine on the actuator without requiring the heat insulation structure or the like. In a clutch manipulation assist device which includes a clutch mechanism 61 which is arranged in a power transmission path for transmitting a rotational driving force of an engine to a wheel, a clutch-manipulation mechanism in which a clutch manipulation force is inputted, and an actuator which generates a clutch assist force in response to a manipulation of the clutch manipulation mechanism, the actuator is arranged in front of the engine and outside a main frame.

Abstract: A clutch-manipulation assist mechanism of a vehicle clutch mechanism is capable of disconnecting power of an engine and is provided to a power transmission path which transmits the power of the engine to a rear wheel. The clutch-manipulation assist mechanism includes a push rod member which is arranged near the clutch mechanism and which is movable in the axial direction interlockingly with a power cutoff of the clutch mechanism due to the manipulation of a clutch lever by a rider. An axial movement of the push rod member is assisted by an actuator in response to a detection of the clutch lever manipulation by the rider using a stroke sensor, thus reducing a manipulation force of the clutch lever. A detection lug of the stroke sensor detects a movement quantity of a shaft end of the push rod member.

Abstract: A clutch device is configured to include a clutch mechanism, a clutch actuator operatively engaging and disengaging the clutch mechanism, a clutch lever, and an assist pressure generator which generates assist hydraulic pressure by driving an electric motor. The assist hydraulic pressure is supplied to the clutch actuator to operatively engage and disengage the clutch mechanism. The clutch device further includes a first turning angle sensor which detects the turn operation angle of the clutch lever, a control unit which controllably drives the electric motor based on the turning operation amount of the clutch lever and adjusts the driving force generating gain characteristic of the electric motor, and a gain adjustment knob which variably sets the gain characteristic. The clutch device makes it possible to changeably set the magnitude of an assist force of an assist device according to a rider's preference.

Abstract: To provide a cooling structure which can effectively cool a controller for controlling a drive of a motor in an electric vehicle. A controller cooling structure of an electric vehicle is provided with a motor for supplying power to the rear wheel as the drive wheel, a motor driver for controlling a drive of the motor and a cooling plate for circulating the cooling water into the internal side of the motor driver in order to cool the same. In this controller cooling structure, one surface of the cooling plate is arranged adjacent to the motor driver and the other surface of the same is arranged adjacent to the rear swing arm.

Abstract: To provide a suspension system that can efficiently lay out a shock absorber and various accessories in a fuel cell electric vehicle where a fuel cell is mounted in the vicinity of a floor portion of the body. In a suspension system of a fuel cell electric vehicle provided with a fuel cell mounted in the vicinity of a floor portion of the body, a motor is provided for generating a driving force of a vehicle based upon electric power supplied from the fuel cell. A motor unit is supported by a body frame so that the motor unit can be rocked for housing the motor and a shock absorber provided between the motor unit and the body frame. The shock absorber is arranged under the fuel cell.

Abstract: To provide a cooling structure which can effectively cool a controller for controlling a drive of a motor in an electric vehicle. A controller cooling structure of an electric vehicle is provided with a motor for supplying power to the rear wheel as the drive wheel, a motor driver for controlling a drive of the motor and a cooling plate for circulating the cooling water into the internal side of the motor driver in order to cool the same. In this controller cooling structure, one surface of the cooling plate is arranged adjacent to the motor driver and the other surface of the same is arranged adjacent to the rear swing arm.

Abstract: A protective guard member is provided in order to protect a high-voltage wire connected to a control unit in an electric vehicle, in which the control unit, for controlling a drive motor of the vehicle, is mounted to a rear swing arm thereof. The high-voltage wire protecting guard member may be provided as a guard arm of a main vehicle support stand, arranged to shield the external side of the high-voltage wire, when the support stand is in a stored position thereof. The guard arm may be configured to protectively shield a water supply pipe and a water discharge pipe for a cooling plate associated with the control unit, as well as protecting the high-voltage wire, when the support stand is in the stored position thereof.

Abstract: An orifice and a one-way valve for permitting a flow of a liquid only in one direction from a primary master cylinder to an input port in a secondary master cylinder of a brake system are incorporated in parallel in an hydraulic pressure introduction passageway which connects the input port in the secondary master cylinder and an output port in the primary master cylinder. Thus, it is possible to moderate a kick-back phenomenon due to a back-flow of a pressure oil from a hydraulic pressure chamber in the secondary master cylinder via the input port toward the primary master cylinder, and to rapidly fill a brake oil in the secondary master cylinder from the side of the primary master cylinder.

Abstract: A front/rear interlocking brake system is provided wherein a hydraulic pressure is directly supplied through a lever hydraulic system and a circuit to front brakes. The front brake is provided with a secondary master cylinder for generating a hydraulic pressure due to a brake torque of the front brake. The secondary master cylinder is connected through a lever interlocking hydraulic system and a control valve to a rear brake. A hydraulic pressure is directly supplied from a primary master cylinder through a pedal hydraulic system to the rear brake. Accordingly, the front brakes and the rear brake can be interlockingly operated by operating the lever, and only the rear brake can be operated by operating the pedal.

Abstract: A motorcycle braking system distributing liquid pressure to a first front brake, a second front brake and a rear brake includes a first master cylinder actuated by a front brake lever and a second master cylinder actuated by a back brake pedal. The first master cylinder is connected directly to the first front brake and the second front brake. The brake system also employs a pressure controller that distributes liquid pressure from the first and second master cylinders to the second front brake according to the liquid pressure from the second master cylinder. A secondary master cylinder supplies a secondary liquid pressure to the rear brake in response to actuation of the first front brake. The secondary liquid pressure supplied to the back brake is transformed by a pressure-transformer. Using these components, the braking system implements a braking control method that provides improved control of the motorcycle while braking.

Abstract: A snow vehicle of the saddle-riding type utilizes essentially the same upper structure as a motorcycle but mounts a ski on the front fork for steering and an engine-driven endless belt track assembly for powering the device. The endless belt track assembly is arranged for mounting on a rear arm structure in order to maintain surface contact between the endless belt and the snow and thereby improve the operating efficiency of the vehicle. The arm may be pivotally mounted or integral with a rear fork pivotally mounted to the vehicle. An improved endless belt construction is described in which the belt is strengthened by core members and the driving cogs of particular configuration and disposed at prescribed locations with respect to the propelling lugs in order to maintain surface contact between the belt edge and the snow surface during cornering. Also disclosed are various forms of cover structures for the track assembly that prevent the scattering of snow from the belt onto the rider or vehicle parts.

Abstract: A brake apparatus for motorcycles with a master cylinder connected directly to a front wheel brake cylinder and connected through pressure control valves to a rear wheel brake cylinder. An adjustment varies the ratios of application of pressures to front and rear brakes through variation in valve spring settings to accommodate variations in load. A sensing system may be employed to determine application of braking force to the front wheel. This system may take the form of a mechanical servo mounting the front brake calipers, a direct pressure application in the master cylinder or a transducer measuring brake pressure to the front wheel. When braking to the front wheel is sensed above a selected threshold, the ratio of brake pressure of the front to rear wheels is reduced. A orifice restriction associated with the pressure control valves reduces sensitivity to variation in braking due to valve action.

Abstract: To prevent local abrasion of a lining of a brake pad when one of a plurality of pistons for pressing the lining against a disk plate is rendered operative, a lining 16b mounted on a back plate 16a of a brake pad 16 is separated into two, and a recessed portion 26 or a gap is formed between the two linings 16b in a corresponding relationship to the position of a central one 21 of three pistons 20, 21 and 22. When the central piston 21 is rendered operative, the operating force of the piston 21 is dispersed to the left and right by the recessed portion 26 or the gap to act upon a disk plate 18, and consequently, local abrasion of the lining 16b is prevented.

Abstract: In a braking system for a motorcycle, a brake includes a plurality of applicators which are respectively operated by hydraulic braking pressures fed from first and second actuators, and a common antilock modulator is provided for controlling and reducing the hydraulic braking pressures from the first and second actuators. This makes the braking system having antilock control function simplified in structure.

Abstract: A power steering apparatus on a motor vehicle such as a riding-type four-wheel motor vehicle includes a steering shaft with at least a steering handle mounted on an upper portion thereof, a lever arm arrangement angularly movable about the axis of the steering shaft, and an actuator arrangement for relatively acting on the steering shaft depending on a change in the arm ratio of the lever arm arrangement to assist in turning the steering shaft.

Abstract: A primary brake system operated by either one of a hand operated means and a foot operated system is mounted on one of the front and rear wheels, and a secondary brake system operated in response to the operation of the primary brake system is mounted on the other wheel. Consequently, it is possible to provide a braking-force distribution for the front and rear wheels with a predetermined common characteristic, leading to an improved brake feel.

Abstract: A suspension system for two-wheeled vehicles capable of adjusting effective height of the vehicle and the spring rate of the suspension. Damping adjustment mechanisms are also employed. In the front suspension of a two-wheeled vehicle, a left-right suspension mechanism is employed with one component of the suspension having a variable seat driven by hydraulic pressure. The other component includes two springs in series with a seat therebetween. A hydraulic cylinder may be actuated to effectively reduce or eliminate the operation of one of the springs to change the spring rate of the system by moving and retaining the seat toward one of the springs. Actuator motors control damping resistance through adjustable damping orifices defined by needle valves and associated seats. A unitary damping and suspension spring mechanism associated with the rear suspension provides a hydraulic cylinder in association with a seat for the suspension spring to vary the height of the vehicle.

Abstract: An exhaust timing control system for two-cycle engines includes a pivotally mounted valve body on which the timing control surface is formed on a ridge-defining element positioned at the free end of a plate having reduced thickness for weight reduction purposes. The valve body is protected against thermal stresses by reception in a recess of conforming shape located in the upper surface of the exhaust passage. The component parts of the system may be provided with various structural configurations to enhance the system's operational efficiency.

Abstract: A telescopic hydraulic damper includes an outer tube filled with working oil, a pipe member mounted on the bottom of the outer tube, and an inner tube slidably disposed in the outer tube. A valve structure disposed in an inner end of the inner tube comprises a valve body lossely fitted over the pipe member, and a plurality of valve seats mounted in the inner end of the inner tube and spaced from each other across the valve body. The valve seats include an oil locking seat for shutting off working oil between the oil locking seat and the valve body upon engagement with each other, and a rebound seat for allowing working oil to flow between the rebound seat and the valve body upon engagement with each other. The oil locking seat having a surface for engaging the valve body, the surface being inclined at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the damper.