Abstract:
A vehicle, such as a motorcycle, that includes an engine air intake arrangement with a variable length intake passage. The motorcycle includes an engine having an intake port. A fixed funnel delivers air to the intake port of the engine. A moveable funnel is positioned on the intake side of the fixed funnel and selectively cooperates with the fixed funnel to deliver air to the intake port of the engine. A parallel linkage moveably supports the moveable funnel relative to the fixed funnel. An air cleaner box, in which the fixed funnel and the moveable funnel are disposed, includes a protrusion at a portion that covers the moveable funnel and that prevents the occurrence of contact with the moveable funnel.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application Nos. 2006-253642, filed Sep. 20, 2006, and 2006-009139, filed Jan. 17, 2006, the entireties of which are incorporated by reference herein. This application is also related to U.S. Application Nos. FY.52939US1A and FY.52939US2A, filed on even date herewith, and entitled ENGINE AIR INTAKE ARRANGEMENT FOR A VEHICLE, the entireties of which are incorporated by reference herein. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a vehicle and more particularly to a vehicle equipped with a funnel for introducing air to an intake port of an engine. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Intake devices are known that are equipped with a funnel for introducing air to an intake port of an engine. For example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 02-223632 shows one such arrangement in which an intake device is equipped with a fixed funnel for delivering air, entering from a an upstream side of an air cleaner box, to an intake port of an engine. An extension pipe, or moveable funnel, is capable of being selectively coupled to the fixed funnel. A case, such as the air cleaner box, houses the fixed funnel and moveable funnel. The intake device is housed inside a tank cover in which a fuel tank is disposed. In addition, in order that an inner wall surface of the case and the moveable funnel do not come into contact, the case is structured such that the space of a portion of the case, which corresponds with the position to which the moveable funnel is moved when it is separated away from the funnel, is enlarged. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     However, in the structure disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 02-223632, the case, or air cleaner box, is structured such that the portion of the intake box that accommodates the moveable funnel in a position in which it is separated from the fixed funnel is enlarged to provide sufficient space to receive a the moveable funnel without contact between the moveable funnel and the case. As a result, the intake device disposed inside the tank cover has a larger size. 
     Preferred embodiments of the present invention overcome the above-described problems and provide a vehicle that inhibits a size increase of a case (e.g., the air cleaner box) of an intake device. In one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle includes an engine having an intake port. A fixed funnel delivers air to the intake port of the engine. A moveable funnel is positioned on the intake side of the fixed funnel and selectively cooperates with the fixed funnel to deliver air to the intake port of the engine along with the fixed funnel. A linkage moveably supports the moveable funnel. A case, in which the fixed funnel and the moveable funnel are positioned, includes a protrusion at a portion that covers the moveable funnel. The protrusion is sized and shaped to accommodate the movable funnel in order to prevent contact between the case and the moveable funnel. 
     Another aspect of the present invention involves the vehicle described above, wherein the protrusion is provided in the portion of the case accommodating the fixed funnel and the moveable funnel and that covers the moveable funnel. The protrusion prevents the occurrence of contact between the case and the moveable funnel. As a result of providing this protrusion, it is possible to reduce the volume of the rear portion of the case as compared to when the entire rear portion of the case is made larger in order to prevent contact with the moveable funnel, and thereby avoid the necessity of a size increase of the case. 
     Yet another aspect of the present invention involves the vehicle described above, including a fuel tank that is positioned so as to cover a portion of the case that corresponds with the location of the moveable funnel, and is rearward of the case when the vehicle is viewed from the side. In addition, a recess is preferably provided in the portion of the fuel tank that corresponds with the protrusion of the case. As a result of adopting this structure, as compared to when the recess is not provided in the fuel tank, and the fuel tank is disposed to the rear a distance equivalent to the length of the protrusion of the case, it is possible to reduce the size of the gap between the case and the portions of the fuel tank adjacent the protrusion. More specifically, when the recess is provided in the portion of the fuel tank that corresponds to the protrusion of the case, it is possible to reduce the size of the gap between the case and the portions of the fuel tank other than the portion that corresponds to the protrusion. Accordingly, to the extent that the gap is made smaller, the area can be used as space for accommodating the fuel tank. As a result, it is possible to avoid a reduction in the volume of the fuel tank. 
     Still another aspect of the present invention involves the vehicle described above, in which the recess is provided in the portion of the fuel tank that corresponds to the protrusion of the case, and a gap between the fuel tank and the case is formed to have a constant size. As a result of adopting this structure, the entire gap between the fuel tank and the case can be set to have a constant size that is the smallest necessary. Accordingly, the volume of the fuel tank can be increased further still. 
     Another aspect of the present invention involves the vehicle described above, in which the linkage is a parallel linkage that has a plurality of linkage members that moveably support the moveable funnel such that it is capable of parallel movement relative to the fixed funnel. If this structure is adopted, the parallel linkage is used to move the moveable funnel. As a result, the outlet end of the moveable funnel can be separated from and brought into contact with the inlet end of the fixed funnel, while the outlet end of the moveable funnel is held parallel with respect to the inlet end of the fixed funnel. As a result, even if the outlet end of the moveable funnel is separated away from the inlet end of the fixed funnel, air that enters the fixed funnel, having passed through the moveable funnel, is able to flow linearly. Accordingly, it is possible to avoid increasing a flow resistance of the intake air. As a result, when the moveable funnel is separated away from the fixed funnel, a reduction of intake efficiency can be inhibited from occurring. 
     Another aspect of the present invention involves the vehicle described above, wherein when the engine is rotating at high speed, the linkage members rotate in a first direction to move the outlet end of the moveable funnel to a first position at which the outlet end is away from the inlet end of the fixed funnel. When the engine is rotating at low speed, the linkage members rotate in a second direction opposite the first direction to move the outlet end of the moveable funnel to a second position in which the outlet end is in contact with the inlet end of the fixed funnel. If this structure is adopted, when the rotation speed of the engine changes from low to high, the moveable funnel can be moved from the second position to the first position while the outlet end of the moveable funnel is held parallel with the inlet end of the fixed funnel. As a result, when the engine is rotating at high speed, air that enters through the fixed funnel having passed through the moveable funnel is able to flow linearly. Accordingly, it is possible to inhibit flow resistance of the air from increasing. As a result, when the engine is rotating at high speed, reduction of intake efficiency can be inhibited from occurring. 
     A further aspect of the present invention involves the vehicle described above, an amount of rotation of the linkage members is adjusted such that the position of the outlet end of the moveable funnel in the first position is the same as the position of the outlet end of moveable funnel in the second position when viewed along an axis defined by the inlet of the fixed funnel. If this structure is adopted, when the moveable funnel is moved from the second position to the first position (when the engine is rotating at high speed), the air entering the fixed funnel, having passed through the moveable funnel, is able to flow in a substantially linear manner. Accordingly, it is possible to inhibit flow resistance of the air from increasing. 
     Yet another aspect of the present invention involves the vehicle described above, in which the engine has a plurality of intake ports and there are a plurality of moveable funnels, with each moveable funnel corresponding to one of the intake ports. The protrusion provided in the case is located at a position that corresponds with the positions at which the moveable funnels are provided. As a result of adopting this structure, the protrusion that prevents contact occurring with the moveable funnel can be easily provided in accordance with the positioning arrangement of the moveable funnels. 
     Yet another aspect of the present invention involves the vehicle described above, in which the engine includes a plurality of intake ports that are arranged linearly. Wherein the moveable funnel, which is supported by the parallel linkage, is provided in a plurality, with each moveable funnel being located at a position that corresponds with a respective one of the intake ports when the vehicle is viewed from above. The protrusion being formed at a position that corresponds with the positions at which the moveable funnels are provided. If this structure is adopted, the member positioned at the portion that corresponds with the protrusions of the case can be formed linearly in alignment with the protrusions of the case. Thus, it is not necessary to make the shape of the member like the fuel tank, which is disposed at the portion corresponding to the protrusion of the case, complicated. 
     Still another aspect of the present invention involves the vehicle described above, in which the plurality of intake ports of the engine is arranged in a vehicle width direction. If this structure is adopted, it is possible to easily inhibit the engine from becoming longer in the length direction. 
     Another aspect of the present invention involves the vehicle described above, further including a resin cover that is disposed so as to cover a portion of the fuel tank and a portion of the case. If this structure is adopted, the portions of the case and the fuel tank can be easily protected. In one arrangement, the resin cover is disposed so as to cover the gap formed between the fuel tank and the case. If this structure is adopted, the resin cover can be used to simply inhibit entry of dirt or the like into the gap between the fuel tank and the case. In one arrangement, the resin cover is disposed so as to be smoothly contiguous with a surface of a portion of the fuel tank that is not covered by the resin cover. If this structure is adopted, when the vehicle is running, air that flows from the front can smoothly pass to the rear, thereby reducing air resistance when the vehicle is running. 
     Another aspect of the present invention involves the vehicle described above, further comprising a drive source that drives the linkage in order to move the moveable funnel. The drive source is disposed, if the moveable funnel is taken as a reference point, to the opposite side from the side where the fuel tank is disposed. If this structure is adopted, as compared to when the drive source for moving the moveable funnel is disposed in the fuel tank, the space of the fuel tank side is increased, and this space can be used for disposing the fuel tank. As a result, the volume of the fuel tank is inhibited from being reduced. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention are described below with reference to drawings of preferred embodiments, which are intended to illustrate and not to limit the present invention. The drawings contain nineteen (19) figures. 
         FIG. 1  is a side view showing the overall structure of a motorcycle having an engine air intake system including certain features, aspects and advantages of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a partial cross sectional view of a periphery portion of a fuel tank and an air cleaner box of the motorcycle of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of a periphery area of funnels of the motorcycle of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of the periphery area of the funnels of the motorcycle of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a top view of a portion of the motorcycle of  FIG. 1  showing the fuel tank and air cleaner box, which is illustrated in phantom line. 
         FIG. 6  is a front, partial cross-sectional view of the air cleaner box and the funnels of the motorcycle of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view showing the moveable funnels of the motorcycle of  FIG. 1  in a separated position relative to the fixed funnels. 
         FIG. 8  is a side view showing the moveable funnels of the motorcycle of  FIG. 1  in the separated position. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view showing the moveable funnels of the motorcycle of  FIG. 1  in a contacting position relative to the fixed funnels. 
         FIG. 10  is a side view showing the moveable funnels of the motorcycle of  FIG. 1  in the contacting position. 
         FIG. 11  is a plan view illustrating the intake system of the motorcycle of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of fixed funnels of the motorcycle of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 13  is a front view of the fixed funnels of the motorcycle of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 14  is a cross sectional view that illustrates a fastener insertion hole of the fixed funnels shown in  FIG. 12  and  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 15  is a front view of the moveable funnels of the motorcycle of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 16  is a front view of a funnel moving mechanism of the motorcycle of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 17  is a cross sectional view of a moving member of the funnel moving mechanism shown in  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 18  is a front view of the funnel moving mechanism of  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 19  is a cross sectional view illustrating the structure of the moving member of the funnel moving mechanism of  FIG. 18 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       FIG. 1  is a side view of an overall structure of a motorcycle having certain features, aspects and advantages of the present invention.  FIG. 2  to  FIG. 19  illustrate the structure of funnels of an engine air intake system of the motorcycle of  FIG. 1 . The motorcycle of  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 19  is one example of a vehicle of the present invention. Certain features, aspects and advantages of the present invention may be employed on other vehicles as well. In the figures, the arrow FWD indicates a forward direction of the motorcycle in the direction that it runs. The structure of a preferred embodiment of the motorcycle is described with reference to  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 19 . 
     In the structure of the motorcycle shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , a front end portion of a main frame  2  is connected to a head pipe  1 . The main frame  2 , as shown in  FIG. 3 , is disposed such that it splits and extends to the left and right with respect to the forward direction of a vehicle body. In addition, as can be seen from  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , the main frame  2  is formed to extend downward and rearward. Further, a seat rail  3  that extends upward and rearward is connected to the main frame  2 . In addition, a steering mechanism  4  is rotatably attached to the head pipe  1 . A handle  5  is attached to the upper end of the steering mechanism  4 , and a clutch lever  6  is attached to the handle  5 . Further, a front fork  7  is attached to a lower end of the steering mechanism  4 , and a front wheel  8  is rotatably mounted to a lower end portion of the front fork  7 . 
     In addition, a front end portion of a swing arm  10  is attached via a pivot bearing  9  to a rear end portion of the main frame  2 . A rear wheel  11  is rotatably mounted to a rear end portion of the swing arm  10 . Further, an air cleaner box  25  and a fuel tank  12  that is rearward of the air cleaner box  25 , described hereinafter, are disposed generally above the main frame  2 . In addition, a seat  13  is disposed generally above the seat rail  3 , and an engine  14  is mounted underneath of the main frame  2 . 
     The engine  14 , as shown in  FIG. 4 , includes a piston  15 , a cylinder  16 , a cylinder head  17 , and a throttle body  18 . The piston  15  is fitted inside the cylinder  16  and the cylinder head  17  is disposed so as to block the opening at one end of the cylinder  16 . Further, an intake port  17   a  and an exhaust port  17   b  are formed in the cylinder head  17 . The intake port  17   a  is provided to supply an air-fuel mixture including air and fuel to a combustion chamber  16   a  of the cylinder  16 . Further, the exhaust port  17   b  is provided to exhaust residual gas remaining after combustion from the combustion chamber  16   a  of the cylinder  16 . Moreover, an intake valve  19   a  and an intake valve  19   b  are respectively provided in the intake port  17   a  and the exhaust port  17   b . The throttle body  18  is attached to an opening of the intake port  17   a . Further, an injector  20  is attached to the throttle body  18  in order to inject fuel to the intake port  17   a . In addition, an exhaust pipe  21  is attached to an opening of the exhaust port  17   b . This exhaust pipe  21  is connected to a muffler  22  (refer to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 ). Note that, although only one cylinder  16  is shown in  FIG. 4 , in reality multiple cylinders (such as four cylinders  16 ) are linearly disposed at predetermined distances apart in the width direction of the vehicle. In other words, the engine  14  of the embodiment is an in-line 4-cylinder engine. 
     Further, as can be seen in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , a front cowl  23  that includes an upper cowl  23   a  and a lower cowl  23   b  is provided so as to cover a front side of the vehicle body. Intake holes  23   c  are provided in a front side of the lower cowl  23   b . Note that,  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  only show, with respect to the forward direction of the vehicle body, the left side intake hole  23   c . However, preferably a pair of the intake holes  23   c  is provided in a left-right symmetrical manner with respect to the forward direction of the vehicle body. Further, air ducts  24  are connected to the intake holes  23   c  of the lower cowl  23   b . In addition, as shown in  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 3 , the air cleaner box  25 , which is supplied with air form the air ducts  24 , is disposed between the main frame  2  that branches to the left and right. 
     Note that, in this embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 4 , a rear portion and a rear portion upper surface of the air cleaner box  25  are covered by the fuel tank  12 . Further, a cover  25   a  made of resin is positioned so as to cover an upper surface of a front portion of the air cleaner box  25  and a front portion of the fuel tank  12 . Moreover, the resin cover  25   a  also covers a gap  60  between the fuel tank  12  and the air cleaner box  25 . In addition, as shown in  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5 , a portion of the fuel tank  12  that is not covered by the resin cover  25   a  and the resin cover  25   a  are disposed so as to be smoothly contiguous with each other. As a result, when the motorcycle is moving, air that flows from the front can smoothly pass to the rear, thereby reducing air resistance when the motorcycle is moving. Note that, the air cleaner box  25  is one example of a “case” of the present invention. 
     In addition, in the embodiment, a protrusion  25   b  is provided at the rear portion of the air cleaner box  25  that protrudes to the outside of the air cleaner box  25 . The protrusion  25   b , as can be seen in  FIG. 4 , is provided so as to protrude to the outside at a region that corresponds to a rear portion of an upper edge portion of a moveable funnel  28 , described hereinafter, such that the rear portion of the upper edge portion of the moveable funnel  28  does not come into contact with an inner surface of the air cleaner box  25  when the moveable funnel  28  is raised. As a result, as compared to when the entire rear portion of the air cleaner box  25  is made larger, it is possible to avoid a size increase of the air cleaner box  25 . Further, a recess  12   a  is provided in a portion of the fuel tank  12  that corresponds to the protrusion  25   b . As a result, as compared to the case when the recess  12   a  is not provided in the fuel tank  12 , and the fuel tank  12  is disposed to the rear a distance equivalent to the length of the protrusion  25   b  of the air cleaner box  25 , it is possible to reduce the size of the gap between the air cleaner box  25  and the portions of the fuel tank  12  other than the portion that corresponds to the protrusions  25   b . More specifically, when the recess  12   a  is provided in the portion of the fuel tank  12  that corresponds to the protrusion  25   b  of the air cleaner box  25 , to the extent that the gap between the air cleaner box  25  and the portions of the fuel tank  12  other than the portion corresponding to the protrusion  25   b  is reduced in size, the area can be used as space for disposing the fuel tank  12 . Further, the air cleaner box  25  and the fuel tank  12  are positioned such that across the entire region in which the air cleaner box  25  and the fuel tank  12  face each other, the gap  60  between the air cleaner box  25  and the fuel tank  12  has a constant distance D (preferably about 10 mm) that is a preferred minimal distance. As a result, the structure allows the air cleaner box  25  and the fuel tank  12  to be positioned such that they do not come into contact with each other, and allows the volume of the fuel tank  12  to be increased further still. Note that, the distance D is just one example of a “constant size” of the invention. In addition, the protrusion  25   b  of the air cleaner box  25 , as shown in  FIG. 5 , is provided at two locations on the left and right sides of the upper surface of the air cleaner box  25 . Further, as can be seen in  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4 , an air filter  26  for filtering the air supplied from the air ducts  24  is provided inside the air cleaner box  25 . 
     Moreover, as shown in  FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 6 , fixed funnels  27 , moveable funnels  28 , and a funnel moving mechanism  29  are provided inside the air cleaner box  25 . One each of the fixed funnel  27  and the moveable funnel  28  are provided for each cylinder  16  of the engine  14 . Note that, each one of the protrusions  25   b  provided at two locations in the air cleaner box  25  are formed such that contact with the moveable funnels  28  of two cylinders is prevented. Further, four of the moveable funnels  28  are linearly positioned at positions that correspond with the arrangement positions of the intake ports  17   a  when the motorcycle is viewed from the top side thereof, and the two protrusions  25   b  are formed linearly in alignment with the moveable funnels  28 . Further, the fixed funnels  27  are fixed with respect to the air cleaner box  25  and function to introduce filtered air inside the air cleaner box  25  to the intake ports  17   a . In addition, the moveable funnels  28  are disposed on the intake or inlet side (the upstream side) of the fixed funnels  27 , and function along with the fixed funnels  27  to introduce filtered air from inside the air cleaner box  25  to the intake ports  17   a.    
     In addition, as shown in  FIG. 7  to  FIG. 10 , each moveable funnel  28  is structured so as to be moveable between a separated position and a contacting position. The separated position (the state shown in  FIG. 7  and  FIG. 8 ) is a position at which an outlet of an outlet end  28   a  of the moveable funnel  28  is separated away from an inlet of the inlet end  27   a  of the fixed funnel  27 . The contacting position (the state shown in  FIG. 9  and  FIG. 10 ) is a position at which the outlet end  28   a  of the moveable funnel  28  is placed in contact with the inlet end  27   a  of the fixed funnel  27 . Note that, as shown in  FIG. 4 , when the moveable funnel  28  is moved to the separated position (the state shown in  FIG. 7  and  FIG. 8 ), the intake passage that connects the air cleaner box  25  and the cylinder  16  is structured by the fixed funnel  27 , the throttle body  18 , and the intake port  17   a . On the other hand, when the moveable funnel  28  is moved to the contacting position (the state shown in  FIG. 9  and FIG.  10 ), the intake passage that connects the air cleaner box  25  and the cylinder  16  is structured by the moveable funnel  28 , the fixed funnel  27 , the throttle body  18  and the intake port  17   a . Further, the funnel moving mechanism  29  functions to move the moveable funnels  28  between the separated position and the contacting position. Note that, the separated position and the contacting position are just examples of a “first position” and a “second position.” 
     Note that, as illustrated in  FIG. 11  to  FIG. 13 , the fixed funnels  27  are structured such that neighboring pairs of the fixed funnels  27  are integrally formed via a connecting portion  27   b . More specifically, the embodiment includes two of a component  30  in which neighboring pairs of fixed funnels  27  are integrated. Further, three fastener insertion holes  27   c  (also referred to as “screw insertion holes”) are respectively formed in each component  30  that integrates the pair of fixed funnels  27 . Fasteners, such as screws  31  ( FIG. 14 ), are inserted in the screw insertion holes  27   c . In addition, as shown in  FIG. 14 , each fixed funnel  27  (the component  30 ) is attached to both the air cleaner box  25  and the throttle body  18  by screwing the screws  31  into the screw insertion holes  27   c . Note that, screw insertion holes  25   a  into which the screws  31  are inserted are provided in the air cleaner box  25 . 
     Further, as shown in  FIG. 11  to  FIG. 13 , a strut  27   d  is integrally provided with the component  30  that integrates the pair of fixed funnels  27 . A pair of turning shaft support holes  27   e  that rotatably support an end portion of turning shafts  41 , described hereinafter, is formed in the strut  27   d.    
     In addition, as shown in  FIG. 11  to  FIG. 15 , the moveable funnels  28  have a structure in which neighboring pairs of moveable funnels  28  are formed integrally via a pair of support shafts  28   b . In other words, the embodiment includes a pair of components  32  in which neighboring pairs of moveable funnels  28  are integrated. Further, the support shafts  28   b  are positioned between the pair of moveable funnels  28  of each component  32 . Note that, as a result of the support shaft  28  being supported by a parallel linkage  42 , described hereinafter, the moveable funnels  28  (the component  32 ) are held in a moveable manner. Further, reduced diameter portions  28   c  are formed in the support shafts  28   b.    
     In addition, support shafts  28   e  having reduced diameter portions  28   d  are provided at the outer side surface of the component  32  that integrates the neighboring pairs of moveable funnels  28 . Further, a strengthening rib  28   f  is provided between the pair of moveable funnels  28  of the component  32 . Moreover, as shown in  FIG. 11 , two of the components  32  that integrate the pair of moveable funnels  28  are positioned such that the end surfaces of the respective reduced diameter portions  28   d  of the support shafts  28   e  face each other. 
     Further, referring to  FIG. 11 , a split bushing  33  is mounted on each reduced diameter portion  28   c  of the support shaft  28   b  of the moveable funnels  28  (the component  32 ). This split bushing  33  functions to allow turning of the parallel linkage  42  with respect to the support shaft  28   b , described hereinafter. In addition, the split bushing  33  is also mounted on the reduced diameter portions  28   d  of the support shafts  28   e  positioned between the components  32  that integrate the pairs of moveable funnels  28 . Note that, only one of the split bushing  33  is positioned between the components  32  that integrate the pairs of moveable funnels  28 . This split bushing  33  is mounted so as to straddle between the reduced diameter portions  28   d  of the pair of support shafts  28   e.    
     Further, referring to  FIG. 6  to  FIG. 8 , a resilient, annular member, such as a rubber lip  34 , is mounted on the outlet end portion  28   a  of each moveable funnel  28 . This rubber lip  34  functions to seal the gap between the moveable funnel  28  and the fixed funnel  27  when the moveable funnel  28  is moved to the contacting position (the state shown in  FIG. 10 ). 
     Moreover, in the embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 8  to  FIG. 10 , the funnel moving mechanism  29  uses the parallel linkage  42  to move the moveable funnel  28  between the separated position (the state shown in  FIG. 7  and  FIG. 8 ) and the contacting position (the state shown in  FIG. 9  and  FIG. 10 ). 
     As shown in  FIG. 11  to  FIG. 13 , the funnel moving mechanism  29  is configured such that the end portions of the turning shafts  41  are rotatably supported in the turning shaft support holes  27   e  of the strut  27   d  provided on the fixed funnel  27  (the component  30 ). Further, stepped portions  41   a  are provided in one end portion and another end portion of each turning shaft  41 , and these stepped portions  41   a  abut with respective surfaces of the strut  27   d  that define the turning shaft support holes  27   e . As a result, movement in the axial direction of the turning shafts  41  is controlled. 
     Further, as shown in  FIG. 11 , the parallel linkage  42  is attached respectively to the one end portion and the other end portion sides of the turning shafts  41  so as to turn along with the turning shafts  41 . Note that, the parallel linkage  42  is just one example of a “link mechanism.” The parallel linkage  42 , as shown in  FIG. 7  to  FIG. 10 , includes an upper linkage member  43  attached to the turning shaft  41  at the upper end, and a lower linkage member  44  attached to the turning shaft  41  at the lower end. Note that, the upper linkage member  43  and the lower linkage member  44  are just examples of a “link lever” of the invention. 
     The upper linkage member  43 , as shown in  FIG. 8 , has a fitting portion  43   a , a turning shaft insertion hole  43   b , and a pair of stops  43   c  and  43   d . As can be seen from  FIG. 7  to  FIG. 10 , the support shaft  28   b  (the reduced diameter portion  28   c ) of the upper end of the moveable funnel  28  is fitted via the split bushing  33  in the fitting portion  43   a  of the upper linkage member  43 . As a result, the upper linkage member  43  is rotatable with respect to the upper support shaft  28   b . Further, as shown in  FIG. 7  to  FIG. 10 , the upper turning shaft  41  is fixed to the turning shaft insertion hole  43   b  of the upper linkage member  43  such that the upper linkage member  43  turns along with the upper turning shaft  41 . In addition, as shown in  FIG. 8 , the stop  43   c  of the upper linkage member  43  functions to control turning of the upper linkage member  43  in direction A by abutting with the strut  27   d  of the fixed funnel  27  when the upper linkage member  43  has turned a specific amount in direction A. Further, as shown in  FIG. 10 , the stop  43   d  of the upper linkage member  43  functions to control turning in direction B of the upper linkage member  43  by abutting with the strut  27   d  of the fixed funnel  27  when the upper linkage member  43  has turned a specific amount in direction B. Note that, the arrow showing direction A is just one example of a “first direction” and the arrow showing direction B is just one example of a “second direction.” 
     In addition, referring to  FIG. 10  and  FIG. 11 , a support portion  43   e  that is supported by a moving member  49 , described hereinafter, is provided in the upper linkage member  43  that provides one of the supports for the moveable funnels  28  (the component  32 ). The support portion  43   e  is structured by a pair of retaining tabs  43   g  in which respective notches  43   f  are formed, and is positioned at the opposite side to the fitting portion  43   a . Note that, the support portion  43   e , described above, is not provided in the lower linkage member  44  that provides the other support for the moveable funnels  28  (the component  32 ). 
     In addition, the lower linkage member  44 , as can be seen from  FIG. 8  to  FIG. 10 , has a fitting portion  44   a  and a turning shaft insertion hole  44   b . The lower support shaft  28   b  (the reduced diameter portion  28   c ) of the moveable funnel  28  is fitted to the fitting portion  44   a  of the lower linkage member  44  via the split bushing  33 . As a result, the lower linkage member  44  is rotatable with respect to the lower support shaft  28   b . Further, the lower turning shaft  41  is fixed in the turning shaft insertion hole  44   b  of the lower linkage member  44  such that the lower linkage member  44  turns along with the lower turning shaft  41 . As shown in  FIG. 11 , a link lever  44   d  having a fitting portion  44   a , and a turning shaft insertion hole  44   b  like the lower linkage member  44 , and a split portion  44   c  is positioned between the components  32  that integrate the pairs of moveable funnels  28 . 
     As a result of giving the parallel linkage  42  the structure described above, as can be seen in  FIG. 8 , when the parallel linkage  42  turn in direction A, each moveable funnel  28  moves in the direction away from the fixed funnel  27 . Further, as shown in  FIG. 10 , when the parallel linkage  42  turn in direction B, each moveable funnel  28  moves in the direction toward the fixed funnel  27 . Note that, as shown in  FIG. 8  and  FIG. 10 , the turning amount of the parallel linkage  42  is adjusted such that the position of an outlet end surface  28   g  ( FIG. 7 ,  FIG. 8  and  FIG. 10 ) of the moveable funnel  28  in the separated position (the state of  FIG. 8 ), and the position of the outlet end surface  28   g  ( FIG. 7 ,  FIG. 8  and  FIG. 10 ) of the moveable funnel  28  in the contacting position (the state of  FIG. 10 ) are the same when viewed from the opening direction of the fixed funnel  27 , or along the axis defined by the inlet opening of the inlet end  27   a  of the fixed funnel  27 . More specifically, as shown in  FIG. 8  and  FIG. 10 , adjustment is performed such that a central axis  200  of the outlet end surface  28   g  of the moveable funnel  28  in the separated position (the state shown in  FIG. 8 ) and a central axis  200  of the outlet end surface  28   g  of the moveable funnel  28  in the contacting position (the state shown in  FIG. 10 ) are aligned. In addition, the amount of rotation of the parallel linkage  42  is adjusted such that the position of the upper support shaft  28   b  in the separated position (the state shown in  FIG. 8 ) when viewed along the axis  300  of the fixed funnel  27 , and the position of the upper support shaft  28   b  in the contacting position (the state shown in  FIG. 10 ) when viewed along the axis  300  of the fixed funnel  27  are the same. Further, the amount of rotation of the parallel linkage  42  is adjusted such that the position of the lower support shaft  28   b  in the separated position (the state shown in  FIG. 8 ) when viewed along the axis  300  of the fixed funnel  27 , and the position of the lower support shaft  28   b  in the contacting position (the state shown in  FIG. 10 ) when viewed along the axis  300  of the fixed funnel  27  are the same. In addition, the amount of rotation of the parallel linkage  42  is adjusted such that the such that the position of the upper support shaft  28   b  in the separated position (the state shown in  FIG. 8 ) when viewed along the axis  300  of the fixed funnel  27 , and the position of the lower support shaft  28   b  in the separated position (the state shown in  FIG. 8 ) when viewed along the axis  300  of the fixed funnel  27  are the same. Further, the amount of rotation of the parallel linkage  42  is adjusted such that the position of the upper support shaft  28   b  in the contacting position (the state shown in  FIG. 10 ) when viewed along the axis  300  of the fixed funnel  27 , and the position of the lower support shaft  28   b  in the contacting position (the state shown in  FIG. 10 ) when viewed along the axis  300  of the fixed funnel  27  are the same. 
     Moreover, as shown in  FIG. 8 , the stop  43   c  of the parallel linkage  42  (the upper linkage member  43 ) is adjusted so as to abut with the strut  27   d  when the moveable funnel  28  reaches the separated position. Further, as shown in  FIG. 10 , the stop  43   d  of the parallel linkage  42  (the upper linkage member  43 ) is adjusted so as to abut with the strut  27   d  when the moveable funnel  28  reaches the contacting position. 
     In addition, in the embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 8  and  FIG. 11 , the parallel linkage  42  including the upper linkage member  43  and the lower linkage member  44  is caused to turn by driving force of a motor  45 . More specifically, an output shaft  45   a  of the motor  45  is attached to one end portion of a turning lever  46 . Note that, the motor  45  is just one example of a “drive source.” Further, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the motor  45  is located at a position that is between an upstream portion of the flow of air from the air filter  26  disposed inside the air cleaner box  25 , and a downstream portion of the flow of air from the air filter  26 . Further, the motor  45  is provided outside the air cleaner box  25 . More specifically, the air cleaner box  25  is provided with a U-shape, and provided with an upstream portion to the upstream of the air filter  26  and a downstream portion to the downstream of the air filter  26  that face each other. Further, the motor  45  is positioned between the upstream portion to the upstream side of the air filter  26  and the downstream portion to the downstream side of the air filter  26  that face each other. In addition, the motor  45  is positioned, with respect to the moveable funnel  28 , on the opposite side from the fuel tank  12 . 
     Moreover, as shown in  FIG. 8  and  FIG. 11 , a generally spherical support member  46   a  is provided on the other end portion of the turning lever  46 . A connecting member  47  is attached to the spherical support member  46   a  of the turning lever  46  such that the connecting member  47  is capable of rocking with respect to the support member  46   a . Further, a connecting rod, or moving shaft  48 , is attached to the connecting member  47 . As can be seen in  FIG. 17 , an upper pressing member  48   a  and a lower pressing member  48   b  are provided on the moving shaft  48 . The upper pressing member  48   a  is positioned at the end portion of the moving shaft  48  at the opposite side from the connecting member  47  ( FIG. 16 ). Further, the lower pressing member  48   b  is positioned in a region that is a predetermined distance of separation in the downward direction from the upper pressing member  48   a  of the moving shaft  48 . 
     In addition, a moving member  49  is positioned at the side of the one end portion of the moving shaft  48  where the upper pressing member  48   a  and the lower pressing member  48   b  is provided. Both side surfaces of this moving member  49 , as shown in  FIG. 16 , are provided with protrusions  49   a  that engage with the pair of notches  43   f  formed in the upper linkage member  43 . Further, the retaining tabs  43   g  of the upper linkage member  43  are positioned so as to sandwich the moving member  49 , and the notches  43   f  are engaged with the protrusions  49   a . As a result, the upper linkage member  43  (the support portion  43   e ) is supported by the moving member  49 . Moreover, as shown in  FIG. 17 , bushings  50   a  and  50   b  for slidably supporting the moving shaft  48  are provided inside the moving member  49 . The bushings  50   a  and  50   b  are disposed between the upper pressing member  48   a  and the lower pressing member  48   b . Further, a compression spring  51  is attached between the bushing  50   a  and the bushing  50   b  inside the moving member  49 . 
     Further, when the turning lever  46  is turned in direction C by the driving force of the motor  45  (the state shown in  FIG. 16 ), as shown in  FIG. 17 , the compression spring  51  generates energizing force in direction D as a result of movement of the moving shaft  48  in direction D. As a result, the moving member  49  is biased in direction D by the compression spring  51 . Accordingly, as can be seen in  FIG. 8 , the biasing force of the compression spring  51  ( FIG. 17 ), is transmitted to the parallel linkage  42  via the moving member  49 , whereby the parallel linkage  42  is turned in direction A. Further, when the stop  43   c  of the parallel linkage  42  abuts with the strut  27   d  as well, the biasing force of the compression spring  51  (refer to  FIG. 17 ) is transmitted via the moving member  49  to the parallel linkage  42  such that the parallel linkage  42  turns in direction A. 
     On the other hand, when the turning lever  46  is turned in direction E by the driving force of the motor  45  (the state shown in  FIG. 18 ), the compression spring  51  generates a biasing force in direction F as a result of movement of the moving shaft  48  in direction F, as shown in  FIG. 19 . As a result, the moving member  49  is biased in direction F by the compression spring  51 . Accordingly, as can be seen in  FIG. 10 , the biasing force of the compression spring  51  ( FIG. 19 ), is transmitted to the parallel linkage  42  via the moving member  49 , whereby the parallel linkage  42  is turned in direction B. Further, when the stop  43   d  of the parallel linkage  42  abuts with the strut  27   d  as well, the biasing force of the compression spring  51  (refer to  FIG. 19 ) is transmitted via the moving member  49  to the parallel linkage  42  such that the parallel linkage  42  turns in direction B. 
     Next, an operation that is performed when the length of the intake passage that connects between the air cleaner box  25  and the cylinder  16  is changed is described with reference to  FIG. 4 ,  FIG. 8 ,  FIG. 10 , and  FIG. 16  to  FIG. 19 . 
     When the engine  14  shown in  FIG. 4  is rotating at high speed, the intake passage is made shorter to more easily obtain a pulsation effect. In other words, when the engine  14  is rotating at high speed, the moveable funnel  28  is moved to the separated position. 
     More particularly, first, as shown in  FIG. 16 , the turning lever  46  is turned in direction C by the motor  45  of the funnel moving mechanism  29 . Accordingly, the moving shaft  48  is moved in direction D. As a result, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the compression spring  51  ( FIG. 17 ) generates a biasing force in direction D, whereby the moving member  49  is moved in direction D. Thus, the parallel linkage  42  is turned in direction A. Following this, the parallel linkage  42  continues turning in direction A until the stop  43   c  of the upper linkage member  43  abuts with the strut  27   d.    
     As a result, the moveable funnel  28  is moved to the separated position at which the outlet end surface of the outlet end  28   a  of the moveable funnel  28  is held parallel with respect to the inlet end surface of the inlet end  27   a  of the fixed funnel  27 . Accordingly, when the engine  14  (refer to  FIG. 4 ) is rotating at high speed, the fixed funnel  27 , the throttle body  18  ( FIG. 4 ), and the intake port  17   a  ( FIG. 4 ) structure the intake passage. As a result the intake passage is shortened. Note that, when the engine  14 , as shown in  FIG. 4 , is rotating at high speed and the intake passage is shortened, high pressure-pressure waves can more easily reach the opening at the cylinder  16  side of the intake port  17   a  when the intake valve  19   a  is open, whereby intake efficiency is improved. 
     Note that, as shown in  FIG. 8 , when the moveable funnel  28  reaches the separated position, the position of the outlet end surface of the moveable funnel  28 , when viewed along the axis  300  of the fixed funnel  27 , is the same as the position of the outlet end surface of the moveable funnel  28  in the contacting position (the state of  FIG. 10 ). Further, when the moveable funnel  28  reaches the separated position, the biasing force of the compression spring  51  ( FIG. 17 ) is transmitted to the parallel linkage  42  via the moving member  49  such that the parallel linkage  42  is turned in direction A. 
     Next, in order to make it easier to obtain a pulsation effect when the engine  14  shown in  FIG. 4  is rotating at low speed, the intake passage is lengthened. In other words, when the engine  14  is rotating at low speed, the moveable funnel  28  is moved to the contacting position. 
     More specifically, first, as shown in  FIG. 18 , the turning lever  46  is turned in direction E by the motor  45  of the funnel moving mechanism  29 . Accordingly, the moving shaft  48  is moved in direction F. As a result, as shown in  FIG. 10 , the compression spring  51  ( FIG. 19 ) generates a biasing force in direction F, whereby the moving member  49  is moved in direction F. Thus, the parallel linkage  42  is turned in direction B. Following this, the parallel linkage  42  continues turning in direction B until the stop  43   d  of the upper linkage member  43  abuts with the strut  27   d.    
     As a result, the moveable funnel  28  is moved to the contacting position at which the opening surface of the outlet end  28   a  of the moveable funnel  28  is held parallel with respect to the opening surface of the inlet end  27   a  of the fixed funnel  27 . Accordingly, when the engine  14  ( FIG. 4 ) is rotating at low speed, the moveable funnel  28 , the fixed funnel  27 , the throttle body  18  ( FIG. 4 ), and the intake port  17   a  ( FIG. 4 ) structure the intake passage. As a result the intake passage is lengthened. Note that, when the engine  14  shown in  FIG. 4  is rotating at low speed and the intake passage is lengthened, high pressure-pressure waves can more easily reach the opening at the cylinder  16  side of the intake port  17   a  when the intake valve  19   a  is open, whereby intake efficiency is improved. 
     Note that, as shown in  FIG. 10 , when the moveable funnel  28  reaches the contacting position, the biasing force of the compression spring  51  ( FIG. 19 ) is transmitted to the parallel linkage  42  via the moving member  49  such that the parallel linkage  42  is turned in direction B. 
     In this embodiment, as described above, the protrusions  25   b  are provided at the portion of the air cleaner box  25 , which accommodates the moveable funnels  28  and the fixed funnels  27 , that covers the moveable funnels  28 . The protrusions  25   b  are provided to prevent contact occurring with the moveable funnels  28 . As a result of this structure, as compared to when the entire rear portion of the air cleaner box  25  is made larger to prevent contact occurring with the moveable funnels  28 , the volume of the rear portion of the air cleaner box  25  can be made smaller. Accordingly, it is possible to inhibit size increase of the air cleaner box  25 . 
     Further, in this embodiment, the recess  12   a  is provided in the portion of the fuel tank  12  corresponding to the protrusions  25   b  of the air cleaner box  25 , and the fuel tank  12  is disposed so as to cover the portion corresponding to the portion where the moveable funnels  28  of the air cleaner box  25  are disposed and is disposed to the rear side in the running direction (the direction of the arrow FWD) of the motorcycle. As a result of providing the recess  12   a , as compared to when no recess  12   a  is provided in the fuel tank  12  and the fuel tank  12  is disposed a length equivalent to the protrusion length of the protrusions  25   b  of the air cleaner box  25  in the rearward direction, it is possible to reduce the size of the gap between the air cleaner box  25  and the portions of the fuel tank  12  other than the portion that corresponds to the protrusions  25   b . In other words, in the case that the recess  12   a  is provided in the portion of the fuel tank  12  that corresponds to the protrusions  25   b  of the air cleaner box  25 , it is possible to reduce the size of the gap between the air cleaner box  25  and the portions of the fuel tank  12  other than the portion that corresponds to the protrusions  25   b , whereby to the extent that the gap is reduced in the size, the area can be used as space for disposing the fuel tank  12 . As a result, it is possible to inhibit the volume of the fuel tank  12  from being reduced. 
     Moreover, in this embodiment, the parallel linkage  42  is used to move the moveable funnel  28 . Accordingly, the outlet end  28   a  of the moveable funnel  28  can be separated from and brought into contact with respect to the inlet end  27   a  of the fixed funnel  27 , while the outlet end  28   a  of the moveable funnel  28  is held parallel with respect to the inlet end surface  27   a  of the fixed funnel  27 . As a result, even if the outlet end  28   a  of the moveable funnel  28  is separated away from the inlet end  27   a  of the fixed funnel  27 , air that enters the fixed funnel  27  having passed through the moveable funnel  28  is able to flow linearly. Accordingly, it is possible to inhibit flow resistance of the air from increasing. As a result, when the moveable funnel  28  is separated away from the fixed funnel  27 , reduction of intake efficiency can be inhibited from occurring. 
     Further, in this embodiment, the amount of rotation of the parallel linkage  42  is adjusted such that the position of the outlet end surface of the moveable funnel  28  in the separated position, and the position of the outlet end surface of the moveable funnel  28  in the contacting position are the same when viewed along the axis  300  of the fixed funnel  27 . As a result, when the moveable funnel  28  is moved from the contacting position to the separated position (in the case that the engine  14  is rotating at high speed), the air entering the fixed funnel  27  having passed through the moveable funnel  28  is able to flow in a substantially linear manner. Accordingly, it is possible to inhibit flow resistance of the air from increasing. 
     In addition, in this embodiment, four of the moveable funnels  28  supported by the parallel linkage  42  are positioned at positions that correspond with the arrangement positions of the intake ports  17   a  when the motorcycle is viewed from the top side thereof, and the protrusions  25   b  are formed at positions that correspond with the arrangement positions of the four moveable funnels  28 . As a result, the recess  12   a  can be formed in the fuel tank  12  linearly in alignment with the protrusions  25   b  of the air cleaner box  25 . Thus, it is not necessary to make the shape of the recess  12   a  of the fuel tank  12 , which is disposed at the portion corresponding to the protrusions  25   b  of the air cleaner box  25 , complicated. 
     Further, in this embodiment, the resin cover  25   a  is provided so as to cover the front portion of the fuel tank  12  and the front side in the running direction of the motorcycle (the direction of the FWD arrow) of the air cleaner box  25  from the fuel tank  12 . Accordingly, the air cleaner box  25  and the front portion of the fuel tank  12  can be easily protected. 
     Moreover, in this embodiment, the motor  45  that provides drive via the drive shaft  45   a  in order to move the moveable funnel  28  is disposed, with respect to the moveable funnel  28 , at the opposite side to the fuel tank  12  that is disposed to the rear direction side in the running direction of the motorcycle (the direction of the FWD arrow) from the moveable funnel  28 . As a result, as compared to when the motor  45  etc. for moving the moveable funnel  28  is disposed toward the fuel tank  12 , the space on the fuel tank  12  side is increased, and this space can be used for disposing the fuel tank  12 . As a result, the volume of the fuel tank  12  is inhibited from being reduced. 
     Note that, it is to be understood that all of the features of the embodiment disclosed here are merely examples, and in no way limit the invention. The scope of the invention is defined by the scope of the claims and not by the explanation of the above described embodiment. Further, the invention is understood to include structures that are equivalent in scope to the claims, and all modifications that come within the scope of the claims. 
     For example, in the example of the above embodiment the invention is applied to a motorcycle. However, the invention is not limited to this structure, and may be applied to vehicles other than a motorcycle. 
     Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the invention is applied to a vehicle equipped with an in-line 4-cylinder engine. However, the invention is not limited to this structure, and may be applied to a vehicle equipped with a multi-cylinder engine that is different to an in-line 4-cylinder engine, or applied to a vehicle equipped with a single cylinder engine. Further, the invention may be applied to a multi-cylinder engine that has a cylinder arrangement that is not in-line (for example, an engine in which the cylinders are in a V-arrangement). 
     Moreover, in the above embodiment, pairs of the moveable funnels are integrated. However, the invention is not limited to this structure and three or more of the moveable funnels may be integrated. Further, a separate moveable funnel may be provided for each cylinder. 
     In addition, the above embodiment has a structure in which the moveable funnels are caused to rise and fall by the parallel links (the link mechanism) having the plurality of the link levers. However, the invention is not limited to this structure and a link mechanism having a single arm (lever) may be used to make the moveable funnels rise and fall. 
     Further, the above embodiment describes an example in which two protrusions are formed separately. However, the invention is not limited to this structure, and two or more of the protrusions need not be formed. Instead, the protrusions may be integrated and a single protrusion provided. Alternatively, four protrusions may be provided for each of the cylinders.