Abstract: An oscillation limiting mechanism 4 is integrally provided to an engine mount 3 (a vibration proof mount device) of a power plant P mounted on an automobile in a traverse mount fashion. Not only is a stopper metal member 40 in the shape of an inverted U letter disposed so as to cross over a mount body portion 30, but a stopper rubber 42 is formed so that it protrudes from the rear end of a casing of the mount body portion 30 toward the rear side of the vehicle body. Not only is a hollow portion 43 formed in the interior of the stopper rubber 42, but a metal core body 44 is also embedded in the stopper rubber 42 so as to be revolvable around an axis in the vehicle body traverse direction as if it were a link.

Abstract: An off-road vehicle includes a frame and four wheels that support the frame. Two seat assemblies are disposed side by side on the frame. The seat assemblies are separated from each other to define a space therebetween. An engine powers the wheels. The engine defines an air intake port that communicates with a combustion chamber. An air intake system delivers air to the intake port. At least a portion of the air intake system extends through the space.

Abstract: A vehicle chassis includes a structural frame having a frame portion that partially defines an open space and that has a predetermined configuration such that the open space maintains a predetermined amount of spatial integrity in the event of a horizontal impact to the vehicle chassis. The frame also includes a frame component operatively connected to the frame portion that further defines the structural frame. The open space provides a protected packaging space wherein certain critical chassis components are placed. The frame portion configuration provides a pre-engineered protected area that may be used in a variety of structural frame configurations. Accordingly, a method for using pre-engineered frame portions is provided.

Abstract: A flywheel housing is partitioned by a partition wall disposed at an intermediate position in the lengthwise direction thereof to form a pair of housing portions in which a flywheel is accommodated in one housing portion, and an HST unit that receives power from the flywheel is installed in the other housing portion, the HST unit comprising an oil hydraulic motor, an oil hydraulic pump, an oil hydraulic circuit block containing an oil hydraulic circuit therein and supporting one end of an oil hydraulic motor shaft and one end of an oil hydraulic pump shaft, and a cover housing secured to the oil hydraulic circuit block to cover the oil hydraulic motor and the oil hydraulic pump and support the other end of the oil hydraulic motor shaft and the other end of the oil hydraulic pump shaft; the oil hydraulic circuit block being secured to the flywheel housing.

Abstract: A saddle-ride type vehicle includes a body frame, an engine arranged in a forward manner of a rear cushion, and an air cleaner connected to the engine through an intake passage. The air cleaner is arranged in a rearward manner of a connection of an upper end of the rear cushion and the body frame, and the connection is arranged substantially just below the intake passage.

Abstract: An engine-supporting structure for a motorcycle, in which a collar can be removed to perform engine maintenance, and can be suitably re-mounted after the completion of maintenance. The engine-supporting structure supports a rear upper mounting portion of an engine, on left and right pivot plates, by providing left and right upper engine-supporting frame portions at central areas of the respective pivot plates. interposing a left upper collar between a left upper engine-supporting frame portion and a rear upper mounting portion formed on an engine, interposing a right upper collar between the right upper engine-supporting frame portion and the rear upper mounting portion formed on the engine, and coupling the left and right upper engine-supporting frame portions, the left and right upper collars, and the rear upper mounting portion by a rod-shaped member.

Abstract: In a motor vehicle comprising a vehicle body having a support structure for supporting a main drive unit and at least one support block disposed on the support structure by which the main drive unit is supported in the vehicle body, each support block comprises bottom and top parts which are movable relative to each other and provided with an operating mechanism for causing such movement for lowering the drive unit when the motor vehicle is involved in a collision.

Abstract: A vehicle is described with a frame having a plurality of frame members. An engine and a straddle seat are disposed on the frame, the straddle seat accommodating a rider. A handlebar is disposed on the frame for steering the vehicle. A front suspension with at least one front wheel is disposed on the frame. A rear suspension is also disposed on the frame, the rear suspension having a rear swing arm pivotally connected to the frame and a shock absorber disposed between the frame and the rear swing arm. At least one rear is wheel disposed on the rear swing arm. A continuously variable transmission operatively connects the engine to the rear wheel. The continuously variable transmission includes a housing that acts as one of frame members.

Abstract: A structure for mounting auxiliary machines of a fuel cell vehicle, which includes a motor, a power supply unit, and auxiliary machines, provided in a motor compartment of the fuel cell vehicle. The motor is disposed at a lower part in the motor compartment. The power supply unit is provided above the motor. The auxiliary machines are mounted on a frame member which extends in a vehicle transverse direction in front of the motor and the power supply unit.

Abstract: A heat exchanger, which performs heat exchanging between a lubricating oil circulating within a transfer device disposed behind an engine and an engine coolant, also functions as a mass member of a dynamic damper. The heat exchanger is disposed at an upper face of a transfer case via a resilient member. Herein, the resilient member is comprised of a first metal plate, a second metal plate, and a rubber member interposed between the first and second metal plates, and there are provided lubricating passages flowing within the resilient member. Accordingly, there can be provided the vibration suppression device of the power train that can suppress vibration properly regardless of the temperature changing and advantage the weight reduction without requiring any new disposition space.

Abstract: A structure for mounting an engine for a vehicle which includes: a supporting member for supporting the engine on a front side thereof, leaving a space between the engine and the supporting member; and an auxiliary equipment disposed in the space, wherein the supporting member has a strength against a load applied thereto in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle less than that of the auxiliary equipment.

Abstract: A V-drive motor arrangement for a motor vehicle, with the motor vehicle including a pair of frame members maintained in a spaced apart relationship. The V-drive motor arrangement includes a first motor mounted between the two frame members and coupled to a first gear set. A second motor is mounted between the two frame members and coupled to a gear set. Each motor is aligned with each respective gear set at a gear mesh angle other than 90°. Another embodiment of the V-drive motor arrangement includes the motors mounted at an angle relative to the horizontal plane of the frame members. Each gear set can be a bevel gear set.

Abstract: A vibration reduction apparatus for an engine. The vibration reduction apparatus being incorporated into an engine mounting assembly as a connecting member. The engine mounting assembly including an engine block fastened at its bottom to an engine mounting structure, and the connecting member being connected between the engine block and the engine mounting structure. The connecting member is fastened to both the engine block and the engine mounting structure to further secure the engine to the engine mounting structure and to reduce vibrations caused by the engine on to the engine mounting structure.

Abstract: A lubricant tank for a lubrication system of a snowmobile engine includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion is enlarged relative to the lower portion. A recess is defined on an engine side of the lubricant tank by a lower surface of the upper portion and a lateral surface of the lower portion. The recess accommodates a protruding portion or component of the engine. The tank also comprises a sloping surface that extends between the upper portion and the lower portion inside the tank. Lubricant is returned in the upper portion and transferred to the lower portion through a zigzag flow path.

Abstract: A hybrid-type unit for a two-wheeled vehicle can include an engine, a motor for driving a wheel of a vehicle, a power distribution mechanism, and a generator. The generator and the motor can be disposed at different positions offset longitudinally from each other and offset from the power output shaft of the engine.

Abstract: An acoustic floor mat is provided with a base layer, an upper surface, a lower surface, and a plurality of apertures configured to allow passage of acoustic transmissions therethrough. The base layer is further configured to provide a substantial barrier to the passage of liquid from the upper surface to the lower surface. Methods of making an acoustic floor mat are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention prevents a decrease in a bank angle while cornering and reduces damage incurred to an AMT mechanism when tumbling over. A motorcycle 1 includes a cylinder block 47 of an engine, a crankcase 49 located below this cylinder block 47, a transmission 55 located behind this crankcase 49 and provided with a multistage shifting mechanism having multistage change gears, a clutch for connecting/disconnecting transmission of rotation when shifting the change gears of this transmission 55, and an AMT mechanism 63 for automatically actuating this clutch and shifting the change gears of the transmission 55. Since this AMT mechanism 63 is located behind the cylinder block 47 and above the transmission 55, a decrease in the bank angle is prevented while cornering, and fatal damage to the AMT mechanism 63 can be reduced when the motorcycle 1 tumbles over.

Abstract: A flywheel housing 13 is partitioned by a partition wall 14 disposed at an intermediate position in the lengthwise direction thereof to form a pair of housing portions in which a flywheel 13 is accommodated in one housing portion 13X, and an HST unit that receives power from the flywheel is installed in the other housing portion 13Y, the HST unit 5 comprising an oil hydraulic motor 9, an oil hydraulic pump 10, an oil hydraulic circuit block 17 containing an oil hydraulic circuit therein and supporting one end of an oil hydraulic motor shaft and one end of an oil hydraulic pump shaft, and a cover housing 18 secured to the oil hydraulic circuit block to cover the oil hydraulic motor and the oil hydraulic pump and support the other end of the oil hydraulic motor shaft and the other end of the oil hydraulic pump shaft; the oil hydraulic circuit block 17 being secured to the flywheel housing.

Abstract: The modular front end forms the front portion of a motor vehicle. The modular front end includes a bulkhead defining a plurality of integrally formed attachment mounts. A drive train assembly carrying at least an engine of the motor vehicle is attached to the bulkhead at the attachment mounts. A crash energy absorption assembly is attached to the attachment mounts on the bulkhead and generally extends around the drive train assembly. An apron assembly is attached to the bulkhead at the attachment mounts and is generally positioned above the drive train assembly and crash energy absorption assembly.

Abstract: An off-road vehicle has a frame. A pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels support the frame. The frame supports at least two seats. An engine powers the off-road vehicle and has a crankshaft. A transmission has an output shaft driven by the crankshaft. The output shaft drives the front and rear wheels. Each seat has a front end, a rear end and a bottom end. The crankshaft is positioned between the output shaft and the rear wheels. The crankshaft and the output shaft are disposed between a generally vertically extending first plane including the front end of the seat and a generally vertically extending second plane including the rear end of the seat. The crankshaft and the output shaft also are disposed below a generally horizontally extending third plane.

Abstract: An engine starter mechanism arrangement for snow vehicles, in which a starter mechanism is disposed so as to maintain excellent traveling stability of the snow vehicle. A crankshaft (7) extends through an engine (2) in a transverse direction of a body frame. A rear balancer shaft (62) is disposed in a rear part of the engine at a location rearward of the crankshaft in a manner extending substantially parallel to the crankshaft. A starter motor (65) is disposed in the engine at a location above the rear balancer shaft.

Abstract: An arrangement structure for a fuel cell system in a vehicle including a fuel cell box which holds a fuel cell, a sub-frame which holds a fuel gas tank, and a fuel gas dilution box. The sub-frame is placed so as to be aligned with the fuel cell box, and the fuel gas dilution box is disposed between the fuel cell and the sub-frame.

Abstract: A structure for supporting, via an engine mount, a transversal engine having a crankshaft laid horizontally at a right angle to a vehicle longitudinal axis, on a vehicle body, is disclosed. The engine mount includes at least one inclined hydro mount in which a working fluid is enclosed and a maximum damping generating axis is inclined a predetermined angle with respect to a vertical line. The inclined hydro mount is disposed inwardly of a total width in a power plant which includes the transversal engine and a transmission.

Abstract: An oscillation limiting mechanism (4) is integrally provided to an engine mount (3) (a vibration proof mount device) of a power plant (P) mounted on an automobile in a traverse mount fashion. Not only is a stopper metal member (40) in the shape of an inverted U letter disposed so as to cross over a mount body portion (30), but a stopper rubber (42) is formed so that it protrudes from the rear end of a casing of the mount body portion (30) toward the rear side of the vehicle body. Not only is a hollow portion (43) formed in the interior of the stopper rubber (42), but a metal core body (44) is also embedded in the stopper rubber (42) so as to be revolvable around an axis in the vehicle body traverse direction as if it were a link.

Abstract: A subframe arrangement is configured for a mobile vehicle chassis assembly to enhance isolation of the subframe platform and drive mechanism from flex in the chassis assembly caused by dynamic forces associated with operation of the chassis assembly. The chassis assembly includes a frame having a front and a rear frame support, and a pair of elongated frame side supports interconnected therebetween. The subframe arrangement includes a subframe platform configured to receive the drive-unit, and a plurality of subframe mounting couplings operable to attach the subframe platform to the pair of elongated frame side supports. Each of the plurality of subframe mounting couplings is located along a generally isosceles triangular-shaped arrangement that enhances isolation of the subframe arrangement and attached drive unit.

Abstract: A snowmobile, having an arrangement of components in which the layout of various accessory devices is improved for an internal combustion engine mounted thereon. A dry sump oil tank, a water pump and a starter motor are disposed in a concentrated space at a forward-facing portion of an internal combustion engine, which is mounted on a snowmobile at a position close to the front side of a body of the snowmobile. A steering shaft is arranged close to the front portion of the internal combustion engine, and is accommodated by modifying the shape of closely adjacent parts. Accordingly, the limited available space in a snowmobile is effectively used, and a rider riding in back of the engine can easily and closely approach the engine. The limited space inside the snowmobile cover is used effectively, by efficiently arranging selected accessory devices for an internal combustion engine mounted on the snowmobile.

Abstract: A traveling transmission apparatus for a work vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus includes a stepless change-speed unit receiving power from an engine, a gear transmission mechanism receiving power from the stepless change-speed unit and disposed rearwardly of the engine, a rear-wheel differential mechanism receiving power from the gear transmission mechanism and disposed rearwardly of the engine, and a transmission case accommodating the gear transmission mechanism and the rear-wheel differential mechanism and coupled to the rear of the engine. The stepless change-speed unit is disposed rearwardly of the gear transmission mechanism and rearwardly also of an output shaft of the rear-wheel differential mechanism.

Abstract: In a motor vehicle engine and transmission support arrangement at the front end of a motor vehicle wherein the engine has a drive shaft with a drive wheel mounted thereon, and a torque converter unit with an input shaft and an input wheel mounted on the input shaft which is vertically displaced from the output shaft of the engine a power transmission structure is disposed between the drive wheel of the engine and the input wheel of the torque converter unit for transmitting the engine power to the torque converter unit.

Abstract: An engine mount system for connecting an engine to a chassis, includes a mounting plate and first, second and third engine mounts. The first engine mount secures a first engine side to a first side of the chassis. The second and third engine mounts secure the mounting plate to the chassis. The mounting plate is also secured to a second side of the engine and is configured to mount a drive shaft of the engine and a driven shaft of a vehicle transmission system.

Abstract: A supporting structure of a vehicle power source consists of a plurality of mount members having elasticity through which a power source is mounted on a vehicle body; first mount members for primarily sharing the weight of the power source and at least one of the first mount members, which is supported by the vehicle body at a first height lower than the height of a gravity center of the power source, is attached to a sub-frame; and second mount members for secondarily sharing the weight of the power source and the second mount members, which are attached to the vehicle body at a second height higher than the gravity center of the power source. A height of a center of elasticity of the supporting structure defined by the first and second mount members is set to be higher than a height of the gravity center of the power source.

Abstract: A parallel engine and transmission drive arrangement with application to both land and marine vehicles reduces the large moment arm and moment about the rear axle in the case of land vehicles, and provides trim and stability and compact arrangement of the drive arrangement in the case of a marine vessel. The arrangement is applicable to buses, tractor-trailer rigs, towing, dump trucks, garbage trucks, concrete trucks, fire trucks, recreational vehicles, and boats or ships. In one aspect, the engine and transmission are laterally arranged in a parallel manner. This arrangement shortens the longitudinal distance necessary in rear-mounted engine designs from about 120 inches to as little as 54 inches. The large moment arm found about the rear axle in conventional rear-mounted engines is thereby reduced, and the transfer case performance requirements are relaxed, resulting in a transfer case with reduced bulk and weight.

Abstract: An engine positioning structure is used for a rear wheel drive automobile, with an engine mounted in an engine compartment driving the rear wheels. In the automobile having a passenger compartment and the engine compartment, where the two compartments are separated by a dash panel, the engine is positioned so that a rotation axis of the engine is at a position higher than the height of a floor panel of the passenger compartment, and a rear end part of the engine is positioned behind a general plane defined by a position corresponding to the position of a passenger relative to a dash panel. The engine positioning structure enables a retreated layout of the engine to be obtained. It also reduces Yaw moment of inertia, and improves the steering stability.

Abstract: A working vehicle propelled by independently driven right and left running units comprising a body frame with an engine mounted thereon; a front wheel unit for supporting the body frame in cooperation with the right and left running units; a left HST for receiving torque input from the engine; a right HST for receiving torque input from the engine; a left reduction mechanism for decelerating and transmitting torque output from the left HST to the left running unit; a right reduction mechanism for decelerating and transmitting torque output from the right HST to the right running unit; a left base block supported by the body frame, this base block forming a housing base for the left HST and a housing base for the left reduction mechanism; a right base block attached to the body frame, this base block forming a housing base for the right HST and a housing base for the right reduction mechanism. The base blocks are formed as port blocks for the HSTs, and define hydraulic ports in the housing bases for the HSTs.

Abstract: A low profile chassis and suspension system for a road vehicle. The chassis supports a payload section or cargo compartment, such as for a delivery truck, ambulance, or shuttle bus. The chassis includes a largely planar frame having a top surface which is located beneath the rotational axes of the rear wheels. The wheel suspension system is particularly compact and close to the road surface. A trailing arm-type wheel support supports a stub axle in a cantilevered fashion. A spring urges the wheel support apart from the frame. A planar portion of the wheel support, the wheel support pivot joints, and the spring are located beneath the rotational axis of the wheel. In another embodiment, the frame includes a recessed pocket which facilitates use of ramp for wheel chair access.

Abstract: A substantially V-shaped cylinder block is provided with a chain arrangement for transmitting the rotation of a crankshaft to camshafts, a chain cover for covering the chain arrangement at the front side of the cylinder block, and a mounting bracket fixed to a mounting portion disposed at the top of an engine bank of the cylinder block and to a mounting portion disposed at an outer side of a cylinder bank of the cylinder block.

Abstract: An accelerated vehicle development process includes establishing a common, standardized interface system whereby different types of vehicle bodies may be attached to a single chassis design. Chassis and bodies are designed, manufactured and validated independently of each other in accordance with the standardized interface system, thereby accelerating the development process. As new bodies are designed to mate with the previously manufactured and validated chassis, the newly designed bodies may be developed more quickly in response to market demand and attached to the previously validated chassis.

Abstract: An engine mount mounts a motive power source to a vehicle body. The engine mount includes an inner cylindrical member attached to the motive power source, and a resinous bracket attached to the vehicle body. The inner cylindrical member is elastically connected to the bracket. The bracket includes a cold shut portion and a weak portion provided at the cold shut portion. The cold shut portion is formed when the bracket is molded from molten resin. The weak portion has such a small strength that, when the vehicle body collides with some object, the bracket is fractured to absorb the collision.

Abstract: A transmission mount structure for mounting a transmission connected to an end of a transverse-mounted engine to a vehicle body includes an elastic main vibration-damping member for reducing both vibrations in a vertical direction and vibrations in a roll direction, and an elastic auxiliary vibration-damping member smaller in diameter or thickness than the main vibration-damping member and extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the roll direction. The auxiliary vibration-damping member has a constricted portion formed at a longitudinal central portion thereof and having a smaller cross-section than any other part of the auxiliary vibration-damping member.

Abstract: An antivibration link for isolating two parts, the link comprising a rigid body extending in a longitudinal direction between a first end provided with a sleeve and a second end, a first antivibration joint arranged in the sleeve and presenting a central axis perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the body, and a second antivibration joint arranged on the second end and presenting a central axis perpendicular both to the central axis of the first joint and to the longitudinal direction. The second end of the body has two branches extending from an intermediate base portion of the body away from the sleeve along the longitudinal direction and interconnected by a bridge extending along the central axis of the second joint, the second joint being arranged around the bridge.

Abstract: An industrial truck, in particular a fork lift truck, is provided with a rear weight and an internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine is fastened to the rear weight. The internal combustion engine is advantageously mounted so that it can oscillate around an axis that extends in the transverse direction of the industrial truck.

Abstract: An interbrace is provided for reducing torquing, twisting, and pivoting between a V-twin engine and a generally separate motorcycle transmission. A first embodiment of the interbrace includes a forward engine flange portion, a rearward transmission end cap portion which functions as a transmission end cap, and a connecting portion interconnecting the engine flange portion and the transmission end portion. A second embodiment of the interbrace includes a forward engine flange portion, a rearward transmission end plate flange portion, and a connecting portion interconnecting said engine flange portion and said transmission end plate flange portion.

Abstract: In the operation of work machines of the type having an extensible arm, the maximum reach of the arm for a given work machine is limited by such factors as the vehicle's weight, body size and engine placement. The present invention provides for a work machine arrangement in which a work machine has an engine cooling apparatus mounted to the work machine body such that the engine cooling apparatus's longitudinal axis is oriented substantially parallel to the arm longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The invention aims at providing a compact mounting arrangement for an automobile drive unit consisting of a combustion engine and a transmission. According to the invention, the crankshaft of the combustion engine and an auxiliary shaft driven by said crankshaft extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the cylinders of the combustion engine are subdivided into at least two rows forming an angle in relation to each other, wherein one of said cylinder rows is disposed in a horizontal or substantially horizontal manner.

Abstract: A power train arrangement having a prime mover and a transmission coupled to the prime mover for driving a cooling system with the prime mover through the transmission. The transmission is positioned intermediate to the prime mover and the cooling system in a manner to optimize the mechanical and functional operation of the work machine.

Abstract: A wheel traveling and operating vehicle includes a tire wheel traveling apparatus having axles in front and rear portions of a chassis frame body, an engine providing a traveling power, and a transmission. The transmission is provided with a transmission portion arranged so that an input shaft and an output shaft transverse an axis (X—X) in a vehicle longitudinal direction in parallel to each other at forward and backward positions of the axis and a bevel gear output portion outputting a tire wheel driving power to the output shaft toward a direction of the axis. The input shaft of the transmission portion is connected to the engine horizontally mounted to one side surface of right and left sides of the chassis frame body on the same axis as the engine output shaft and the bevel gear output portion is connected to front and rear tire wheel driving propeller shafts.

Abstract: An all terrain vehicle (“ATV”) is disclosed having a frame with front, rear, right, and left sides. The frame defines a frame centerline extending longitudinally between the front and the rear sides. The ATV includes an engine with at least one cylinder having an axis that defines an engine centerline. The all terrain vehicle also includes an output shaft defining an output shaft centerline. A continuously variable transmission (“CVT”) operatively connects the engine to the output shaft and defines a CVT centerline. The engine centerline, output shaft centerline, and CVT centerline are positioned with respect to one another and the frame centerline. In one embodiment, the engine centerline is disposed between the output shaft centerline and the CVT centerline. In this embodiment, the engine centerline also may lie between the frame centerline and the CVT centerline.

Abstract: A structure in which a plurality of electrical equipments are arranged in a motor vehicle is provided in which electrical equipments, such as an engine control computer, a relay block, a junction box, an ABS actuator, and a meter unit, which were conventionally arranged apart from each other in an engine room and cabin of the vehicle, are concentrated in a generally central region of the vehicle as viewed in the vehicle width direction, namely, on a centerline that extends in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle body and in the vicinity thereof.

Abstract: An impact absorbing structure for a vehicle body is provided with a pair of front side members extending in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle body, at vicinities of both ends of the vehicle body in a widthwise direction of the vehicle body, an engine room defined between the pair of front side members to allow an engine unit to be located therein, and a pair of engine attaching portions each of which is disposed on corresponding one of the pair of front side members, at an area facing the engine room. Each of the pair of engine attaching portions includes an engine mount to which the engine unit is connected, an engine mount bracket connected to the engine mount, and an engine mount bracket support intervened between the engine mount bracket and corresponding one of the pair of front side members to support the engine mount bracket.

Abstract: A miniaturized four wheel vehicle includes a forwardly located compartment for transporting articles. Robust side mounted footrests, in combination with a forwardly canted steering handlebar urges a driver to lean into a turn to enhance stability during turns. The motor and related heavy components are mounted low on the frame to maintain the center of gravity close to the ground. A drive train of cog wheels and cog belt ensure corresponding rotation of the motor and rear axle to maintain affirmative control over forward and rearward movement. If an electric motor is used, soft start circuitry prevents abrupt starts. By mounting the front and rear axles at different heights relative to the frame, the frame will cant forwardly downwardly for better control and maneuverability.

Abstract: A lubricant tank for a lubrication system of a snowmobile engine includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion is enlarged relative to the lower portion. A recess is defined on an engine side of the lubricant tank by a lower surface of the upper portion and a lateral surface of the lower portion. The recess accommodates a protruding portion or component of the engine. The tank also comprises a sloping surface that extends between the upper portion and the lower portion inside the tank. Lubricant is returned in the upper portion and transferred to the lower portion through a zigzag flow path.