Title of Invention

LEG SHIELD STRUCTURE OF MOTORCYCLE

Abstract To promote Heart radiation from an engine, particularly from a cylinder body and ro acquire airy-appearance as leg shield structure of a motorcycle. [Solution] In a motorcycle 10 where a main frame 37 is extended backward and diagonally downward from a head pipe 32, an engine 38 is supported by the rear of the main frame 37 and a leg shield 14 shielding the front side of a leg 15a of a rider 15 is provided to the front of the body, the leg shield 14 is divided into a left upper leg shield 16 of a pair and a left lower leg shield 81 of a pair vertically in two and clearance 78 between the upper leg shield 16 and the lower leg shield 81 is extended from the front side of the cylinder body 41 of the engine 38 to the rear side of the cylinder body 41. [Selected Drawing] Fig. 2
Full Text [Document Name] Specification
[Title of the Invention] LEG SHIELD STRUCTURE OF MOTORCYCLE
[Technical Field]
[0001]
The present invention relates to the improvement of leg shield structure of a motorcycle.
[Background Art]
[0002]
For conventional types leg shield structure of a motorcycle, a leg shield arranged on the right and on the left of the front of a vehicle body and formed to be substantially vertically longer in a side view to shield the front side of a seated rider's leg is known (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).
[Patent document 1] JP-A No. 2006-96233
[0003]
Referring to Figs. 1 to 4 in Patent Document 1, Patent Document 1 will be described below.
The leg shield 38 is a part detachably attached to a pair of right and left main pipe side covers 37 covering a main pipe 20 configuring a body frame, a part of an engine E, an air cleaner 27 and others from the side and having a V-type section, is extended substantially do'wnward from, one side of a head pipe 16 forming a front end of the body frame 15, and is overhung on the side of a vehicle body.
i. -'

body of the engine E is formed in the main pipe side cover 37 and in a center cover 41 coupled tc the rear of the main pipe side cover 37 and a louver 49 is provided to the opening 4 8.
[Disclosure of the Invention]
[Problem to be Solved by the Invention]
[0005]
While a vehicle is run, running wind enters inside a body cover via an opening provided between the right and left leg shields 38, 38, hits the engine E and cools it, and a part flows out of the body via the opening 48, howeever, as the opening 48 is located on the upside of the cylinder body, hot air in the cylinder body hardly flows our of the opening 48.
In addition, as the leg shield 38 is substantially vertically longer in the side view, airy appearance is hardly acquired.
[0006]
An object of the invention is to promote heat radiation from an engine, particularly from a cylinder body and to acquire airy appearance as leg shield structure of a motorcycle.
[means for solving the problem ]
[ 0 0 0 ~7]
motorcycle 'where a main frame is extended backward and diagonally downward from a head pipe, an engine is

shielding the front side of a rider's leg is provided to the front of a body, in the invention according to Claim 1, the leg shield is divided into an upper leg shield and a lower leg shield vertioally in two, and clearance between the upper leg shield and the lower leg shield is extended from the front side of the cylinder body of the engine to the rear side of the cylinder body. [0008]
For its action, as the clearance extended in a long range from the front side of the cylinder body of the engine to the rear side of the cylinder body is provided between the upper leg shield and the lower leg shield, the clearance can be substantially horizontally formed and after running wind flowing substantially horizonrally enters inside each right and left leg shield, the running wind can easily flow out of the body through the clearance. At this time, hot air in the cylinder body is also easily radiated out of the body via the clearance together with a flow of the running wind. In addition, as the clearance is formed to be long in a longitudinal direction and a direction of the clearance coincides with a direction of a flow of running wind, airy appearance as the motorcycle is acquired. [0005]
characteristic that clearance is formed to be narrow in the

intake system in a side view.
For its action, running wind is ventilated via one clearance by narrowing the clearance in the front of a leg shield, a rider's leg is easily shielded from the front side, running wind is much ventilated via the clearance by widening the clearance in the intermediate part of one leg shield, and a part inside the leg shield is easily maintained by inserting a tool for example inside the leg shield via the clearance. [0010]
The invention according to Claim 3 has a characteristic that a rib protruded in a direction of vehicle width is formed at an upper edge of a lower leg shield.
For its action, the rigidity of the lower leg shield is increased by the rib protruded in the direction of vehicle width provided to the upper edge of the lower leg shield. A flow of running wind inside the leg shield is changed by the rib and the running wind is guided to an engine. [0011]
The invention according ro Claim 4 has a characterisric that a mesh rib is formed at an upper edge of the rear of a lower leg shield to close clearance.
rib and a splash scattered inside the leg shield from a road surface and a front wheel is substantially prevented

[0012]
The invention according to Claim 5 has a characteristic that a center cover is provided from one substantial center of a main frame to the downside of a seat and a concave portion is formed on an extended line of clearance in the center cover.
For its action, running wind flowing out of a body from the inside of a leg shield via the clearance easily flows toward the rear of the body through the concave portion. [0013]
The invention according to Claim 6 has a characteristic that a cover is formed at an upper edge of the rear of a lower leg shield to close clearance.
For its action, a splash scattered inside a leg shield from a road surface and a front wheel is substantially prevented from hitting a rider's leg by the cover.
[Effect of the Invention] [0014]
According to the invention disclosed in Claim 1, as the leg shield is divided into the upper leg shield and the lower leg shield vertically in two and the clearence between one upper leg shield and the lower leg shield is
engine to the rear side of the cylinder body, heat

wind and the cooling of rhe engine can be promoted.
In addition, the clearance can be formed to be long in the longitudinal direction and the appearance of the motorcycle can be made airy. [0015]
According to the invention disclosed in Claim 2, as the clearance is formed to be narrow in the front and to be wide in the intermediate part located on the rear side of the front and overlapped with a part of the intake system in the side view, the permeability' of the clearance is acquired by narrowing the front of the clearance, the rider's leg can be shielded from the front side, the quantity of an airflow via the clearance can be increased by widening the clearance in the intermediate part overlapped with the part of the intake system, and the maintainability of the part inside the leg shield via the clearance can be enhanced. [0016]
According to the invention disclosed in Claim 3, as the rib protruded in the direction of vehicle width is formed at the upper edge of the lower leg shield, the rigidity of the lower leg shield can be secured by the rib provided to the lower leg shield, running wind can be guided to the engine by the rib, and the cooling of the engine can be Promoted. [00171
According to the invention disclosed in claim 4 as

lower leg shield to close the clearence, permeabiliry is acquired by the rib and simultaneously, rainwater splashed from a road surface and the front wheel in a rainy weather can be substantially prevented from, hitting a rider's leg. [0018]
According to the invention disclosed in Claim 5, as the center cover is provided from rhe substantial center of the mtain frame to the downside of the seat and the concave portion is formed on the extended line of the clearance in the center cover, running wind flowing outside through the clearance from the inside of the leg shield can flow much along the concave portion, air inside the leg shield and warmed by the engine is easily exhausted, and the cooling of the engine can be more promoted. [0019]
According ro the invention disclosed in Claim 6, as the cover is formed at the upper edge of the rear of the lower leg shield to close the clearance, rainwater splashed from a road surface and the front wheel in a rainy weather can be substantially prevented from hitting the rider's leg by the cover. [Best mode for Carrying Out the Invention]
r n ri --, r^ -I [0020]j
Referring to the attached drawings, best embodiments
shall be viewed in a direction of reference numerals.
Fig. 1 is a side view showing a motorcycle (a first

according to the invention, the motorcycle 10 is a vehicle covered with a vehicle body cover 13 from a circumference and the downside of a handlebar 11 oo the baci: of a randem seat 12, and is provided with a leg shield 14 that covers rhe front side of a leg 15a of a rider 15 in the front of the vehicle body cover 13. ■0021]
The leg shield 14 is formed by a pair of left and right upper leg shields 16, 17 (only the reference numeral 16 on this side is shown) long in a longitudinal direction and lower leg shields 81, 82 (only the reference numeral 81 on this side is shown) arranged on the downsides of the leg shields 16, 17. [0022]
Fig. 2 is a side view showing the motorcycle (the first embodiment) according to the invention. The motorcycle 10 includes a body frame 31, a front fork 33 steerably attached to a head pipe 32 forming a front end of the body frame 31, the handlebar 11 attached to an upper end of a steering shaft 34 forming the front fork 33, a front wheel 3 6 supported by an axle 35 at a lower end of the front fork 33, an engine 38 attached to the rear of a main frame 37 (one part formiing the bodv fram.e 31) extended backward and diagonally downward from the head pipe 32, an
head 42 provided oo a cylinder body 41 formiing ohe front of

a rear end of the main frame 37, a swing arm 4 7 vertically swingab1y attached to the pivot plate 46 via a a pivot 46a, a rear wheel £1 supported by a rear end of the swinq arm 47 via an axle 48, a tandem seat 12 attached to a pair o-f left and right seat rails 52, 53 (one part forming the body frame 31 and only the reference numeral 52 on this side is shown) extended backward and diagonally upward from the rear of the main fxame 37, a pair of left and right rear cushion units 56, 57 (only the reference numeral 56 on this side is shown) installed between the rear of the swing arm 47 and each seat rail 52, 53 and the vehicle body cover 13 covering the body. [0023]
The vehicle body cover 13 includes a handlebar cover 73 configured by an upper cover 7 1 and a lower cover 72, a front cover 76 covering the front side of the head pipe 32 and the circumference of a headlamp 74, a main frame cover 77 covering the rear side of the head pipe 32 and the upside of the front of the main frame 37, the upper leg shields 16, 17 (only the reference numeral 16 on this side is shown) adjacent to the front cover 7 6 and the downside of the main frame cover 77, the pair of left and right lower leg shields 51, 52 (only the reference numeral 51 on this side iS snown) arrangeo on one downside of each upper
right center covers S3, 84 (only the reference num.eral 83

82, a pair of left and right body oovers 86, 87 (only the reference numeral 86 on this side is shown) adjacent to the rear of each center cover 83, 84 and extended backward and diagonally upward along the side of the tandem seat 12, a pair of left and right body undercovers 91, 92 (only the reference numeral 91 on this side is shown) adjacent to a lower part of each body cover 86, 87 and a rear cover 93 connected to a rear end of each body cover 86, 87 and surrounding a rear edge of the tandem seat 12.
The upper leg shields 16, 17 are arranged on the upside of the engine 38. [0024]
The body frame 31 includes the head pipe 32, the main frame 37, the pivot plate 46, the seat rails 52, 53 and a pair of left and right subframes 96, 97 (only rhe reference numeral 96 on this side is shown) installed between the pivot plate 46 and each seat rail 52, 53. [0025]
The engine 38 is substantially horizontally extended in the longitudinal direction in a side view, a transmission 101 is integrated with the rear of one engine, a drive sprocket 102 is attached ro an output shaft 101a of the transmssion 101, and a chain 105 is installed between the drive sprocker 102 and a driven sprookeo 103 integrated
[0026]
connected to the upper part of the cylinder head 42, a

carburetor 112 connected to the intake pipe 111 and an air cleaner 114 connected to the carbretor 112 via a connecting tube (not shown), the carburetor 112 is located inside the clearance 7 8 between the upper leg shield 16 and the lower leg shield Bl and inside the clearance 73 between •the upper leg shield 17 and the. lower leg shield 82, and the air cleaner 114 is attached to the main frame 37.
The exhaust system 44 includes an exhaust pipe 116 a front end of which is connected to the lower part of the cylinder head 42 and a muffler 117 connected to a rear end of the exhaust pipe 116. [0027]
A reference numeral 121 denotes a front fender covering the upside of the front wheel 36, 122 denotes a disc brake that brakes the front wheel 36, 123 denotes a stand, 124 and 125 (only the reference numeral 124 on this side is shown) denote a step for the rider, 126 and 127 (only the reference numeral 126 on this side is shown) denote a step for a passenger, 131 denotes a tail lamp, and 132 denotes a rear fender.
The front fender 121 is provided with a crest 135 protruded upward on its top face and the crest 135 is located on the downside of a front end of the headlamp 7 4.
r ^ r. -"v /-> ->
[0028]
points to the front side of the vehicle and it is also similar in the following) showing the vehicle body cover

upper leg shields 16, 17 (only the reference numeral 16 on this side is shown) are provided with long and narrow openings 16a, 17a extended substanoially in a longitudinal direction in each intermediate part in a vertical direction, each front end is located in front of the head pipe 32 as shown in Fig. 2, and each rear end is located on the upside of an intermediate part of the main frame 37. [0029]
As shown in Fig. 3, a surface of each upper leg shield 16, 17 is configured by a main curved surface 141 accounting for a large area, a front inclined surface 142 located on the downside of the front of the main curved surface 141 and inclined inside the body toward the downside, a concavely curved surface 143 which is hollowed from the main curved surface 141 and in which each opening 16a, 17a (only the reference numeral 16a on this side is shown) is formed and a rear curved surface 144 adjacent to the rear of the concavely curved surface 143 and concavely curved inside the body toward a lower part of the miain curved surface 141. [0030]
The miain frame cover 77 is configured by a central part 14 6 in which a throuoh hole for passing the streeing shaft 34 (see Fig. 2) is bored, a pair of left and right
147 on this side is shown) forward overhung and a backward overhung cart 14 5 overhung backward and diagonally downward, and a position of a rear emd of the backward overhung part

14 9 coincides with a position of a rear end of each upper leg shield 16, 17 in the longitudinal direction. Reference numerals 77a, 77a, 77b denote mounting parts provided ro the main frame cover 7 7 to connect to. the upper leg shields 16, 17. [0031]
An upper edge of each lower leg shield 61, 82 (only the reference numeral 81 on this side is shown) is formed in a V type substantially in the center so that the clearance 78 is extended, and a surface of each lower leg shield is configured by a sideward protruded surface 151 protruded, exceedingly outside, a front inclined surface 152. adjacent to a front edge of the sideward protruded surface 151 and inclined inside the body toward the front side and a curved surface 153 adjacent to a rear edge of the sideward protruded surface 151 and concavely curved inside the body. Reference numerals 81a, 82a (only the reference numeral 81a on this side is shown) denote mounting parts provided to the lower leg shields 81a, 82 oo connect to the upper leg shields 16, 17 and 89 denotes a screw for connection. [0032]
A front end of each centre covers 83, 84, (only the reference numeral S3 on ohis side is sho-wn) is located in
close a part of ohe clearance ""S and a concave portion 156 extended backward and , diagonally upward oo extend tne clearance 78 is formed on the side. Reference numerals 83a,

84a (only the reference numeral 83a on this side is shown) denote mounting parts provided to the center covers 83, 84 to connect to the lower leg shields 81, 82 and reference numerals 83b, 84b (only the reference numeral S3b on this side is shown) denote mourning parts provided to the center covers 83, 84 to connect to the body covers 86, 87 (only the reference numeral 86 on this side is shown) . [0033]
Each body cover 86, 87 is formed in a V type so that a part of a front edge is extended along a lower edge of the front of the tandem seat 12 and the surface is concavely curved so that a boundary line 158 extended backward and diagonally upward is protruded extremely outside. Reference numerals 86a, 87a (only the reference numeral 86a on this side is shown) denote mounting parts provided to the body covers 86, 67 to connect to the side of the body frame 31 (see Fig. 2). [0034]
The body undercovers 91, 92 (only the reference numeral 91 on this side is shown) are formed in a triangular shape in a side view and each lower edge is curved inside the body. Reference numerals 91a, 92a (only the reference numeral 91a on this side is shown) denote mounting parts provided to the body undercovers 91,92,to
The rear cover 93 is touched to a lower edge of the rear of each body cover 86, 87 and is extended backward ana

[0035]
Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the vehicle body cover (the first embodiment) according to the invention. The vehicle body cover 13 includes the handlebar cover 73 vertically divided into the upper cover 71 and the lower cover 72, the front cover 7 6 forming a forefront of the vehicle body cover 13, the main frarne cover 7 7 arranged on the rear side of the front cover 76, the pair of left and right upper leg shields 16, 17 arranged on the respective downsides of the front cover 76 and the main frame cover 77 and shielding the front sides of the rider's legs, the pair of left and right lower leg shields 81, 82 arranged on the respective downsides of the upper leg shields 16, 17 and shielding the front sides of the rider's legs, the pair of left and right center covers 83, 84 arranged on the respective rear sides of each upper leg shield 16, 17 and each lower leg shield 81, 82, the body covers 86, 87 arranged on the respective rear sides of the center covers 63, 34, the pair of left and right body undercovers 91, 92 connected to a lower edge of the rear of each body cover 86, 87 and ohe rear cover S3 connected to a lower edge of a rear end of each body' cover 66, 87. [0056]
Fig. 5 is a sectional view viewed along a line 5-5 in
inner wall 161 substantially perpendicularly extended, a flat wall 162 substantially flat and extended sideward from the inner wall 161 and an ouoer wall 163 extended downward

from an outer edge of the flat wall 162 and eaoii opening
i6a, 17a is formed on each flat wall 162.
[0037]
The main frame cover 77 is configured by an upper wall 165 rhe center of which is higher, stepped side walls 166 extended downward from both ends of the upper wall 165 and sideward protruded walls 167 extended sideward from respective lower ends of the stepped side walls 166, and a louver 158 is formed in each sideward protruded wall 167. [0038]
The louver 168 is provided with plural louver boards 172 respectively extended upward from the sideward protruded walls 167, the plural louver boards 172 are inserted into each opening 16a, 17a, and are protruded upward from each, opening 16a, 17a. Plural slits (the details will be described later) arranged alternately with the louver board 172 are provided to each sideward protruded wall 167. [0039]
The sides of respective lower ends of the lower leg shields 81, 62 are inclined m.ore inside the body, compared with the sides of respective upper ends and a rib 175 protruded inside the body is formed at each upper edge.
The rigidity of rhe lower leg shields 8l, 82 can be
wind passing the insides of the lower leg shields 81, 82

can be controlled

Fig. 5 is a sectional view viewed along a line 6-6 m Fig. 3. As for the upper leg shields 16, 17, distance in a direccion of vehicle width between the main curved surfaces 141 provided to the front is longer, distance between one concavely curved surfaces 14 3 provided to the rear and distance between the rear curved surfaces 144 (see Fig. 3) provided to the rear are shorter, and width between the upper leg shields 16, 17 varies in the longitudinal direction with the openings 15a, 17a as a boundary. In other words, when two virtual lines 176a, 176b passing a front end and the rear end of the main frame 37 and extended in the direction of vehicle width are drawn, the concavely curved surfaces 143 are formed so that the width between the upper leg shields 16, 17 greatly varies between these virtual lines 176a, 176b, that is, the main frame 37 and the concavely curved surfaces 143 are overlapped in the direction of vehicle width. [0041]
Therefore, the front sides of the legs 15a of the rider located on the sides of one rears of the upper leg shields 16, 17 are shielded by the fronts of the upper leg shields 16, 17 and the upper leg shields function as the
L0042]
walls 177 extended inside in the direction of vehicle width

As the louver boards 172 of the louver 168 are direoted to the side of the body, wind flowing outside through the louver 163 from the inside of each upper leg shield 16, 17 does not directly hit the leg 15a. [0043]
Fig. 7 is a sectional view viewed along a line 7-7 in Fig. 3 and shows structure for connecting the upper leg shield 16 and the main frame cover 77.
That is, a substantially L-type mounting projection 16c is formed at the back of the upper leg shield 16, a mounting hole 16d. is bored in the mounting projection 16c, a screw insertion hole 77c is bcred in the main frame cover 77, and the upper leg shield 16 and the main frame cover 77 are connected by inserting a screw 79 into the screw insertion hole 77c as shown by an arrow and screwing it into the mounting hole 16d. Structure for connecting the upper leg shield 17 (see Fig. 4) and the main frame cover 77 is similar to the above-mentioned structure. [0044]
Fig. 8 is a sectional view viewed along a line 8-8 in Fig. 3 and shows structure for connecting the lower leg shield 81 and the center cover S3.
that is a mounting project 83 c s formed on the surface of the center cover S3, a mounting hole 83d is
of the width of which has a sm.aller diameter and which has

formed at the back of the lower leg shield 8l, end the lower leg shield 81 and the center cover S3 are connected by inserting the connecting pin 81c into the through hole 181 of the rubber 182 as shown by an arrow Structure for connecting the lower leg shield 82 and the center cover 84 shown in Fig. 3 is also similar to the above-mentioned structure. [0045]
Fig. 9 is a plan showing the lower leg shields (the first embodiment) according to the invention. As for the lower leg shields 81, 82, distances in the direction of vehicle width between the front inclined surfaces 152-provided to the front and between the sideward protruded surfaces 151 are longer and distance between the curved surfaces 153 provided to the rear is shorter. [0046]
Therefore, the front sides of the legs 15a of the rider located on the sides of the rears of the lower leg shields 31, 82 are shielded by the fronts of the lower leg shields 61, 82 and the lower leg shields function as the leg shield. [0047]
Fig. 10 is a front view showing the motorcycle• the first embodiment; according to the invention, and the main
the engine 37 are arranged inside ohe upper leg shields 16, 17 and inside the loWer leg shields 81, 6 2 in order from.

that closes an end of the cylinder body 41
Fig. 10 shows a condition in which the legs 15a of the rider are put on the left and right steps for the rider 124, 125 with imaginary lines. [0048]
Fig. 11 is a plan showing the front of the body of the motorcycle (the first embodiment) according to rhe invention and shows that the openings 16a, 17a are formed in the left and right upper leg shields 16a, 17a and the louver 168 of the main frame cover 77 is opposite to the respective openings 16a, 17a. [0049]
A reference numeral 77m. denotes a through hole for passing the steering shaft 34 (see Fig. 2) and 77n denotes a key cylinder mounting hole for attaching a key cylinder.
Imiaginary lines in Fig. 11 show the legs 15a of the rider. [0050]
Fig. 12 is a perspective view (rhe first embodiment) showing structure for connecting the upper leg shield and the miain frame cover according to the invention. Plural mounting projections 17c are formied on the upper leg shield 17, each mounting hole 17d is bored in ohese mounting projections 17c, plural screw insertion holes 77c are bored
the main frame cover 77 are connecred by inserring a screw 73 into the screw insertion hole 77o as shown by an arrow

[0051]
Fig. 13 is a perspective view (the first embodiment) showing structure for connecting the center cover and the body cover according to one invention. Plural mounting parts 83b, 84b are provided to the center covers 83, 84, plural screw insertion holes 86C, 87C (only the reference numeral 87c is shown) are bored in the body covers 86, 87, and each center cover 83, 64 and each body cover 86, 87 are connected by inserting a screw 79 into each screw insertion hole 66c, 87c and screwing it on each mounting part 83b, 84b. Reference numerals B4f, 84g denote mounting parts provided to the center cover 84 to connect to the center cover 83 and 86d, 87d denote mounting parts provided to the body covers 66, 87 to attach the body covers to the body frame 31 (see Fig. 2) . [0052]
Figs. 14(a) to 14(d) are illustrations showing joints of the vehicle body cover (the first embodiment) according to the invention, Fig. 14(a) is a side view showing the front of "he body, and Figs. 14(b) to 14(d) are sectional views showing each position in Fig. 14(a).
Fig. 14(b) is a sectional view viewed along a line b-b in Fio. 14 (a) . The upper leg shield 16 is overlapped with the outside of the main frame cover 77, and the main
the downside of one opening 16a of the upper leg shield 16. [0053"

the back of the upper leg shield 16, a mounting hole 16g is bored in the mounting part 16f, a mounting part 77a is prc>vided to the main frame cover 77, a screw insertion hole 77e for inserting a screw 79 is bored in the mounting part 77a, and the upper leg shield 16 and the main frame cover 77 are connected by inserting the screw 7 9 into the screw insertion hole 77e and screwing ir into the mounting hole 16g. [0054]
Fig. 14(c) is the sectional view viewed along a line c-c in Fig. 14(a). A mounting bracket 185 is provided to the side of the body frame 31 (see Fig. 2), a nut 186 is fixed to the mounting bracket 185, respective mounting parts B3i, 84j are provided to ohe left and right center covers 83, 84, respective mounting holes 83k, 84k are bored in these mounting parts 83j, 84j, a mounting part 77g is formed in the main frame cover 77, a firting hole 77h is bored in the mounting parr 77g, the center covers 83, 84 are attached to rhe mounting brackeo 185, and the left and right center covers 83, 84 are coupled respectively by inserting a screw 168 into ohe mounting hole 83k, the mounting hole 84k and a bolt insertion hole 135a bored in ohe bracket 165 and screwing io to the nut 186. In addition, the main frame cover 77 is connected to ohe
to the mounting part 83j of the center cover 83 into the fitting hole 77h of ohe mounting part 77g of the main framie

[0 055]
Fig. 14 (d) is the sectional view viewed along a line d-d in Fig. 14(a). Respective mounting parts 83n, 84n are provided to the center covers 83, 84, respective mounting holes 83p, 84p are bored in the mounting parts 83n, 84n, and the left and right center covers 83, 84 are coupled by inserting a screw 191 into rhese mounting holes 83p, 84p and screwing a nut 192 to an end of the screw 191. [0056]
Figs. 15(a) ro 15(d) are illustrations showing joints of the front of the vehicle body cover (the first embodiment) according to the invention, Fig. 15(a) is a perspective view showing the front of the body, and Figs. 15(b) to 15(d) are sectional views showing each position in Fig. 15(a).
Fig. 15(b) is the sectional view showing a part b shown in Fig. 15(a). Fig. 15(b) shows a section of the joint (an upper part) of the front cover 7 6 and the main frame cover 77.
That is, Fig. 15(b) shows that the upside of a front end of the main frame cover 77 is touched to the downside of a rear end of the front cover 76.
[0057]
Fig. 15 (c) is the sectional view showing a parr c
joint (the side of the upper part) of the front cover 76 and the main frame cover 77.

provided to a side end of the front cover 76 and a side end of the main frame cover 77 is iserted into the groove 76a. [0058]
Fig. 15(d) is the sectional view snowing a part d shown in Fig. 15(a). Fig. 15(d) shows the section of the joint of the upper leg shield 16 and the front cover 76.
That is, Fig. 15(d) shows that the flat part 16j and a bent part 16k arranged inside the body of the flat part 16j are formed at an upper edge of the upper leg shield 16 and a lower edge of the front cover 7 6 is touched to the flat part 16j . [0059]
Next, the action of the vehicle body cover 13 described above will be described.
Fig. 16 shows the action (first action) of the vehicle body cover (the first embodiment) according to the invention.
For example, when rhe carburetor 112 as a peripheral part of the main frame 37 is maintained, a tool 195 can be inserted into the inside of the vehicle body cover 13 through the clearances 78, the openings 16a, 17a and the slit 171 formed, in the louver 163 without detaching the vehicle body cover 13 and further, as a direction in which the tool 195 is inserted can be also changed depending upon
[0060]
Figs. 17(a) to 17(c) show the action 'second action; of the vehicle body cover (the first embodiment) according

to the invention.
Fig. 17(a) shows the action of the upper leg shield 16, after running wind passes the front inclined surface 152 and the sideward protruded surface 151 when one running wind flows on the side of the upper leg shield 16 as shown by arrows, the running wind is curved on ohe side of the curved surface 153 and hits the rider's leg 15a. The above-mentioned action is also similar in the lower leg shield 81 (see Fig. 3). [00 61]
In this embodiment, as running wind moderately hits the leg 15a o>wing to the above-mentioned action though the front side of the leg 15a is shielded by the upper leg shield 16, the rider can acquire a refreshed sense, compared with a conventional oype leg shield that shields the front side of a rider's leg in a large range. [0062]
Fig. 17(b) shows the action of the clearance 78 between the upper leg shield 16 and the lower leg shield 81 and the action of ohe center cover 83.
While the engine 38 is operated, much heat is radiated particularly from the cylinder body 41, hot air rises as shown by arrows, and is confined inside the vehicle body cover 15. when the motorcycle starts oo be
running wind enters ohe inside of the vehicle body cover 13 as shown by an arrow and flows outside ohrough the

leg shield 81 together with the hot air as shown by the arrov,', and further, the running wind flows back-ward and diagonally upward along the concave portion 15 6 of the center cover 83 formed at one back of the clearance 78 as shown by an arrow.
Therefore, heat radiation from the engine 38 becomes furious by the above-mentioned flow of the running wind and the cooling of the engine 38 can be promoted. [0063]
As the concave portion 156 is formed in the center cover 83, running wind can easily flow out of the clearance 7 8, more running wind can be exhausted, and the cooling of the engine can be more promoted. [0064]
Fig. 17(c) shows the action of the lower leg shield 82 .
When running wind enters the inside of rhe lower leg shield 82 as shown by arrows, a traveling direction of the running wind is changed backward and diagonally downward by the rib 17 5 at the upper edge formed in the V type of the lower leg shield 82, hits the cylinder body 41 of the engine 38, and cools the cylinder body 41. As described above, a direction of a flow of running wind inside each lower leg shield 81, 82 can be controlled by chancing a
leg shield 81, 82 only the reference numeral 82 is shown). [0065]

based upon the motorcycle 10 where the main frame 37 is extended bacrward and diagonally downward from the head pipe 32, the engine 38 is supported by the rear of the main frame 37 and the leg shield 14 shielding the front side of the leg 15a of the rider 15 is provided to the front of the body, as the leg shield 14 is divided into each upper leg shield 16, 17 and each lower leg shield 81, 82 vertically in two and the clearance 78 between each upper leg shield 16, 17 and each lower leg shield 81, 62 is extended from the front side of the cylinder body 4 1 of the engine 38 to the rear side of the cylinder body 41, heat generated in the engine 38, particularly in the cylinder body 4 1 can be effectively radiated from the clearance 78 by running wind and the cooling of the engine 38 can be promoted.
The clearance 78 can be made longitudinally long and the appearance of the motorcycle 10 can be made airy. [0066]
In the invention, secondly, as shown in Figs. 2, 3 and. 16, as the clearance 78 is formed to be narrow in the front and to be 'wide in an intermediate part located on the rear side of the front and overlapped with the carburetor 112 as a part of the intake system in a side view, not only permeability via the clearance 73 is acquired but the front side of the leg 15a of the rider 15 can be shielded by
airflow via the clearance 78 can be increased by forming

inside the leg shield 14 via tne clearance /8 can be
enhanced .
[0067]
In the invention, thirdly, as shown in Figs. 5 and 17(c), as the rib 175 protruded in the direction of vehicle width is formed at each upper edge of the Lower leg shields
81, 82, the rigidity of the lower leg shields 81, 82 can be secured by the rib 175 provided to each lower leg shield 81,
82, running wind can be guided to the engine 38 by the rib 175, and the cooling of the engine 38 can be promoted. [0068]
In the invention, fourthly, as shown in Figs. 2, 3 and 17(b), as the center covers 83, 84 (as to the reference numeral 84, see Fig. 4) are provided from the substantial center of the main frame 37 ro the downside of the tandem seat 12 and the concave portion 156 is formed on an extended line of the clearance 78 in the center covers 83, 84, more running wind that flows outside through the clearance 78 from the inside of the leg shield 14 can be made to flow along the concave portion 156, air inside the leg shield 14 warmed by the engine 38 can be easily exhausted, and the cooling of the engine 38 can be more promotede. [0069]J
cover (a second embodiment) according to the invention and shows a condition in which each of a pair of left and right

this side is shown) acquired by integrating a mesh cover 231 with an upper part of one rear of each lower leg shield 81, 82 (only the reference numeral 81 on this side is shown) shown in Fig. 3 is connected to each upper leg shield 16, 17 (only the reference numeral 16 on this side is shown). [0070]
When rainwater and others are scattered to be a splash inside a vehicle body cover 13 in a rainy weather for example, the splash may flow out of clearance 78, however, in this embodiment, as the cover 231 is located at the back of clearance 78 and is located inside a rider's leg 15a, the splash can be substantially prevented from being splashed on the leg 15a by providing the cover 231, further, as running wind passes a mesh of the cover 231, the running wind that hits the leg 15a can be also secured, and a rider can also acquire a refreshed sense in summer and others .
The above-mentioned cover 231 may be also integrated with not only each lower cover 2 33, 2 34 but each center cover 83, 6 4 shown in Fig. 4. [0071]
In the invention, fifthly, as shown in Fig. 18, as the cover 231 as a mesh rib is formed at an upper edge of
clearance 78, permeability in the cover 231 is acquired and rainwater splashed from a road surface, a front wheel and

from hitting the leg 15a of a rider 15 (see Fig. 1). [0072]
Fig. 19 is a perspective view showing a main part of a vehicle body cover (a third embodiment) according to one invenrion, the same reference numeral is allocated to the same configuration as the configuration in the first embodiment shown in Figs. 1 to 17, and the description of the details is omitted.
A vehicle body cover 250 includes a main frame cover 251 covering the back of a head pipe 32 (see Fig. 2) and the upside of the front of a main frame 37 (see Fig. 2) and adjacent to a rear edge of a front cover 7 6, a pair of left and right upper leg shields 253, 254 adjacent to each downside of the front cover 7 6 and the m.ain frame cover 251 and a pair of left and right lower leg shields 256, 257 arranged on each downside of the upper leg shields 253, 254. [0073]
Fig. 20 is a side view showing the main part of the vehicle body cover (the third embodiment) according to the invention. The upper leg shields 253, 254 (only the reference numeral 253 on this side is shown) are provided with long and narrow openings 253a, 254a (only the reference numeral 253a This side is shown) extended substantially in a longitudinal direction in each
finlike convex portions 251a sideward protruded from each opening 253a, 254a oo the side of one main frame cover 251

numerals 251b denote plural side openings open in a row on the side of the main frame oover 251 with the rear of the opening lower and the plural finlike convex pcrtions 251a are provided on the downsides of the plural side openings 251b in a direction in which these side openings 251b are arranged. [0074]
Each lower leg shield 256, 257 (only the reference numerical 256 on this side is shown) is arranged, along each upper leg snield 253, 254 via each clearance 261, 262 (only the reference numeral 261 on this side is shown), and to close each clearance 261, 262, each mounting part 25.6a., 257a (only the reference numeral 256a on this side is shown) for connecting to each upper leg shield 253, 254 and each cover 256b, 257b (only rhe reference numeral 256b on this side is shown) which is extended forward and diagonally upward so that it is protruded on the side of each upper leg shield 253, 254 and an end of which is located inside each upper leg shield 253, 254 are integrated with an upper part of each lower leg shield 256, 257. [0075]
As each oover 256b, 257b is located diagonally in front of the inside of a rider's leg 15a, a splash can be substantially prevented from being splashed on the leg 15a by each cover 256b, 257b when rainwater and others are scattered to be the splash inside the vehicle body cover

[0076]
Fig. 21 is a sectional view viewed along a line 21-21
in Fig. 20, stepped parrs 256d, 257d are iorrried in upper
parts of the lower leg shields 256, 257, the covers 256b,
257b are extended upward from inner ends of these stepped
parts 256d, 257d, upper ends 256e, 257e of these covers
256b, 257b are curved inside in a direction of vehicle
width, and the upper ends are protruded on the upside of
lower ends 253o, 254c of the upper leg shields 253, 254. A
reference numeral 254 denotes a line segment that links the
lower ends 253c, 254c of the upper leg shields 253, 254.
[0077]
Fig. 22 is a sectional view viewed along a line 22-22 in Fig. 20 and each clearance 266, 267 the width of which is distance d is provided between the upper end 256e, 257e of each lower leg shield 256, 257 and the lower end 253c, 254o of each upper leg shield 253, 254. [0078]
Each clearance 266, 2 67 is a part for making running wind flow outside the vehicle body cover from the inside of the vehicle body cover 250 like the above-mentioned clearances 261, 262 (for one reference numeral 251, see Fig. 2C), as area projected on a vertical plane in the direction of vehicle width is larger than that in the case of the
increased, the quantity of running wind that hits ohe

[0079]
Fig. 23 is a sectional view viewed along a line 23-23 in Fig. 20 and an air cleaner 114 is arranged between the left and right upper leg shields 253, 254.
The air cleaner 114 is configured by a body of an air cleaner case 271, an air cleaner case cover 272 that closes an opening of the body of the air cleaner case 271 and an air cleaner element 273 attached to a joint of rhe body of the air cleaner case 271 and the air cleaner case cover 272. [0080]
The body of the air cleaner case 271 is provided with a baffle 271a protruded in the direction of vehicle width for changing a flow of running wind, detailedly, a left projection 271b protruded leftward and a right projection 271c protruded rightward respectively configuring the baffle 271a. [0081]
The baffle 271a is protruded outside each front end 253e, 254e forming an open part 275 of the left and right upper leg shield 253, 254 in the direction of vehicle width. Reference numerals 277, 278 denote straight lines passing the front ends 253e, 254e and extended in the longitudinal direction of a vehicle. [0082]
cleaner 114 is extended outside the width of one open part

leg shield 253, 254 in the direction of vehicle width is narrowed, left and right air ducts 283, 284 from the open part 275 to the back of the air cleaner 114 can be curved, a direction of a flow of running wind taken in from the open part 275 is changed, and the flow velocity of the running wind can be reduced.
As a result, air can be easily taken in the air cleaner 114 via an intake port provided to the back of an upper part of the air cleaner 114.
[0083]
As shown in Figs. 20 to 22, in the invention, sixthly, as the covers 255b, 257b are formed at the upper edges of the rears of the lower leg shields 256, 257 to close the clearances 251, 252, rainwater splashed from a road surface and a front wheel 36 (see Fig. 1) in a rainy "weather can be substantially prevented from hitting the leg 15a of a rider 15 (see Fig. 1) by the covers 256b, 257b.
[Industrial Availability]
[0084]
The leg shield structure according to the invention is suitable for a motorcycle.
[Brief Description of the Drawings]
[0085]
[Fiq. 1] Fig. 1 is a side view showing a motorcycle
(a first embodiment; adopting leg shield structure of tne motorcycle according to the invention;
[Fig. 2] Fig. 2 is a side view showing tne motC'rcyc_e
;the first embodiment",' according to tne invention;

[irig. 3] Fig. 3 is a side view showing a vehicle body cover (the first embodiment) accordinq to the invention;
[Fig. 4] Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the vehicle body cover (the first embodiment) according to the invention;
[Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is a sectional view viewed along a line 5-5 in Fig. 3;
[Fig. 6] Fig. 6 is a sectional view viewed along a line 6-6 in Fig. 3;
[Fig. 7] Fig. 7 is a sectional view viewed along a line 7-7 in Fig. 3;
[Fig. 8] Fig. 8 is a sectional view viewed along a line 8-8 in Fig. 3;
[Fig. 9] Fig. 9 is a plan showing lower leg shields (the first embodiment) according to the invention;
[Fig. 10] Fig. 10 is a front view showing the motorcycle (the first embodiment) according to the invention;
[Fig. 11] Fig. 11 is a plan showing the front of a body of the motorcycle (rhe first embodiment) according to the invention;
[Fig. 12] Fig. 12 is a perspective view (the firsr embodiment) showing structure for connecting an upper leg shield and a main frame cover according to the invention;
embodiment) showing structure for connecting a cenoer cover and a body cover according to the invention;
[Figs 14] Fig 14 are illustrated showing joints

of the vehicle body cover (the first embodiment) according to the invention;
[Figs. 15] Figs. 15 are illustrations showing joints of the front of the vehicle body cover (the first embodiment) according to the invention;
[Fig. 16] Fig. 16 shows the first action of the vehicle body cover (the first embodiment) according to the invention;
[Figs. 17] Figs. 17 show the second action of the vehicle body cover (the first embodiment) according to the invention;
[Figl 18] Fig. 18 is a sectional view showing a vehicle body cover (a second embodiment) according to the i n V e n t i o n ;
[Fig. 19] Fig. 19 is a perspective view showing a main part of a vehicle body cover (a third embodiment) according to the invention;
[Fig. 20] Fig. 20 is a side view showing the miain part of the vehicle body cover (the third embodiment) according to the invention;
[Fig. 21] Fig. 21 is a sectional view viewed along a line 21-21 in Fig. 20;
[Fig. 22] Fig. 22 is a sectional view viewed along a line 22-22 in Fig. 20; and
line 23-23 in Fig. 20.
[Fescriotion of Reference Num.erals]
[0086]

10 Motorcycle,
12 Seat (Tandem seat),
14 Leg shield,
15 Rider,
15a Leg,
16, 17 Upper leg shield,
32 Head pipe,
3 7 malin frame,
36 Engine,
41 Cylinder body,
78, 261, 262 Clearance,
81, 82, 256, 257 Lower leg shield,
83, 84 Center cover,
112 Part of intake system (Carburetor),
156 Concave portion,
17 5 Rib,
231 Mesh rib (Cover),
256b, 257b Cover.



[Document Name] Scope cf Claims [Claim 1]
Leg shield structure of a motorcycle where a main frame is extended backward end diagonally downward from, a head pipe, an engine is supported by the rear of the main frame and a leg shield that shields the front side of a rider's leg is provided to the front of a vehicle body,
wherein: the leg shield is divided into an upper leg shield and a lower leg shield vertically in two; and
clearance between the upper leg shield and the lower leg shield is extended from the front side of a cylinder body of the engine to the rear side of the cylinder body. [Claim 2]
The leg shield structure of the motorcycle according to Claim 1, wherein the clearance is formed to be narrow in the front and to.be wide in an intermediate part located on the rear side of the front and overlapped with a part of an intake system in a side view. [Claim 3]
The leg shield structure of the motorcycle according to Claim 1.or 2, wherein a rib protruded in a direction of vehicle width is formed at an upper edge of the lower leg
[Claim 4]
to Claim 3, wherein a mesh rib is formed at an upper edge of the rear of the lower leg shield to close the clearance.

The leg shield structure cf The motorcycle according the any of.Claims 1 to 4,
wherein: a center cover is provided from the substantial center of the main frame to the downside of a seat; and
a concave portion is formed on an extended line of the clearance of the cencer cover. [Claim 6]
The leg shield structure of the motorcycle according to Claim 1, wherein a cover is formed at an upper edge of the rear of one lower leg shield to close the clearance.


Documents:

1289-CHE-2008 AMENDED CLAIMS 26-04-2013.pdf

1289-CHE-2008 AMENDED PAGES OF SPECIFICATION 26-04-2013.pdf

1289-CHE-2008 EXAMINATION REPORT REPLY RECEIVED 26-04-2013.pdf

1289-CHE-2008 FORM-3 26-04-2013.pdf

1289-CHE-2008 OTHER PATENT DOCUMENT 26-04-2013.pdf

1289-che-2008 abstract.jpg

1289-che-2008 abstract.pdf

1289-che-2008 claims.pdf

1289-che-2008 correspondence-others.pdf

1289-che-2008 description (complete).pdf

1289-che-2008 drawings.pdf

1289-che-2008 form-1.pdf

1289-che-2008 form-18.pdf

1289-che-2008 form-3.pdf

1289-che-2008 form-5.pdf

1289-che-2008 others.pdf


Patent Number 256147
Indian Patent Application Number 1289/CHE/2008
PG Journal Number 19/2013
Publication Date 10-May-2013
Grant Date 08-May-2013
Date of Filing 27-May-2008
Name of Patentee HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD
Applicant Address 1-1, MINAMI-AOYAMA 2-CHOME, MINATO-KU, TOKYO 107-8556
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 KUBOSHIMA, KENICHIRO C/O HONDA R&D CO., LTD., 4-1, CHUO 1-CHOME, WAKO-SHI, SAITAMA 351-0193
2 SAKAMOTO, KAZUHIRO C/O HONDA R&D CO., LTD., 4-1, CHUO 1-CHOME, WAKO-SHI, SAITAMA 351-0193
3 NAKANISHI, TAKAFUMI C/O HONDA R&D CO., LTD., 4-1, CHUO 1-CHOME, WAKO-SHI, SAITAMA 351-0193
4 NISHIMOTO, TARO C/O HONDA R&D CO., LTD., 4-1, CHUO 1-CHOME, WAKO-SHI, SAITAMA 351-0193
PCT International Classification Number B62J23/00
PCT International Application Number N/A
PCT International Filing date
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 2008-073676 2008-03-21 Japan
2 2007-143402 2007-05-30 Japan