Title of Invention	A METER DEVICE MOUNTABLE ON A MOTOR CYCLE
Abstract	As viewed from laterally of a vehicle, an inbetween indicator portion front portion 32a of a housing 32 positioned forwardly of indicator portions 17, 18 and inclined rearwardly upward are positioned in the same position as those of indicator portion front portions 32b, 32b positioned forwardly of the respective indicator portions 17, 18 and inclined rearwardly upward, or projects forwardly from the indicator portion front portions.

Title of Invention

A METER DEVICE MOUNTABLE ON A MOTOR CYCLE

Abstract

As viewed from laterally of a vehicle, an inbetween indicator portion front portion 32a of a housing 32 positioned forwardly of indicator portions 17, 18 and inclined rearwardly upward are positioned in the same position as those of indicator portion front portions 32b, 32b positioned forwardly of the respective indicator portions 17, 18 and inclined rearwardly upward, or projects forwardly from the indicator portion front portions.

Full Text	METER DEVICE OF MOTORCYCLE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention 5 The present invention relates to a meter device of a motorcycle including a plurality of independent indicator portions aligned and arranged in a vehicle width direction and a housing, which supports the indicator portions. 2. Description of the Related Art 10 In some cases in a motorcycle, a meter device, in which left and right, independent speed meters and tachometers are aligned and arranged in a vehicle width direction, is mounted above a headlight (see, for example, Japanese Patent No. 3313765). 15 Also, a wind pressure caused by a travel wind imposes, in some cases, a load on a rider according to a model of a motorcycle and it is requested to lessen such wind pressure caused by a travel wind. However, lessening of wind pressure caused by a travel 20 wind is not taken into consideration in a motorcycle provided with the conventional meter device. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention has been thought of in view of the 25 conventional situation and has its object to provide a meter 1 device of a motorcycle, which can lessen a wind pressure caused by a travel wind. The invention has a feature in a meter device of a motorcycle arranged in the vicinity of a steering handle to 5 comprise a plurality of independent indicator portions aligned and arranged in a vehicle width direction and a housing, which supports the indicator portions, and wherein as viewed from laterally of a vehicle, a first portion of the housing positioned forward between the indicator portions and inclined 10 rearwardly upward is positioned in the same position as that of a second portion positioned forwardly of the respective indicator portions and inclined rearwardly upward, or projects forward therefrom. With the meter device according to the invention, the 15 second portion and the first portion, which correspond to a front wall of the housing, are inclined rearwardly upward, a wind-pressure lessening effect that a travel wind is led to a neighborhood above a rider's head by the second portion and the first portion is produced, thus enabling lessening a wind 20 pressure acting on a rider. According to the invention, since the first portion is in the same position as that of, or projects forwardly of the second portion as viewed from laterally of a vehicle, a portion corresponding to a front wall of the housing is curved in shape such that a central portion thereof 25 in the vehicle width direction is positioned foremost and both 2 sides thereof sweep back, that is, it is liable to produce a so-called wind protection effect, thus enabling producing a high wind-pressure lessening effect while being small in size. That is, in the case where the first portion is dented 5 rearwardly of the left and right second portions in contrast to the invention, there is a fear that a travel wind flows concentratedly on such dented portion to be liable to strike directly against rider's head and face, by which the wind-pressure lessening effect cannot be adequately produced. 10 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a side view showing a motorcycle provided with a meter device according to a embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 is a side view showing the meter device; 15 Fig. 3 is a plan view showing the meter device; Fig. 4 is a front view showing the meter device; Fig. S is a front view showing the meter device as viewed from a rider; Fig. 6 is a cross sectional view (cross sectional view 20 taken along the line VI-VI in Fig. 5) showing the meter device; Fig. 7 is a cross sectional view (cross sectional view taken along the line VII-VII in Fig. 5} showing the meter device; Fig. 8 is a cross sectional view (cross sectional view 25 taken along the line VIII-VIII in Fig. 5) showing the meter 3 device; and Fig. 9 is a cross sectional view showing an essential part of a housing of the meter device. 5 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figs. 1 to 9 are views illustrating a meter device of a motorcycle according to an embodiment of the invention. In 10 addition, front and rear, and left and right referred to in the embodiment mean front and rear, and left and right as seen in a state of being seated on a seat. In the drawings, the reference numeral 1 denotes a body frame of a motorcycle comprising a head pipe 2 positioned at 15 a front end of the body frame 1, left and right tank rails 3, 3 extending obliquely downwardly of the head pipe 2 toward the rear of a vehicle, left and right rear arm brackets 4, 4 extending downwardly of and contiguous to rear ends of the left and right tank rails 3, 3, left and right seat rails 5, 5 20 extending obliquely upwardly of the left and right tank rails 3, 3 toward the rear of a vehicle, and left and right seat stays 6, 6 joined to bridge rear portions of the left and right seat rails 5, 5 and the left and right rear arm brackets 4, 4. A front fork 7 is supported by the head pipe 2 to afford 25 left and right steering. A front wheel 8 is journaled at a 4 lower end of the front fork 7 and a steering handle 9 is mounted to an upper end thereof. Also, a front fender 14 is arranged on the front fork 7 to cover an upper portion of the front wheel 8. S The front fork 7 includes a pair of left and right fork bodies 7a, 7a, an upper bracket 7b and an underbracket 7c, which connect the left and right fork bodies 7a, 7a together. A steering shaft 7d, which connect the upper bracket 7b and the underbracket 7c together, is journaled through a bearing by 10 the head pipe 2. The steering handle 9 is fixed to the upper bracket 7b through a handle crown 9a. Also, a main switch 7d is arranged in front of the steering handle 9 on the upper bracket 7b. Front ends of rear arms 10 are supported on the left and 15 right rear arm brackets 4, 4 to be able to swing vertically through a pivot shaft 10a. A rear wheel 11 is journaled by rear ends of the rear arms 10 and rear suspensions (not shown) are arranged between the rear arms 10 and rear arm brackets 4. 20 A fuel tank 12 is mounted on the left and right tank rails 3, 3 and a double ride seat 13 is mounted on the left and right seat rails 5, 5 rearwardly of the fuel tank 12. A water-cooled type four-stroke engine 20 is mounted below the left and right tank rails 3, 3. The engine 20 is 25 constructed such that a cylinder block 23, a cylinder head 24, 5 and a head cover 25 are laminated on and bolted to a crank case 22, in which a crank shaft 21 arranged horizontally in a vehicle width direction is accommodated. A transmission case 22a, in which a transmission (not 5 shown) is accommodated, is formed integrally on the rear of the crank case 22. An output shaft 26 is arranged on the transmission case 22a to take out engine rotation through the transmission, and the rear wheel 11 is rotationally driven through a chain 26a by the output shaft 26. 10 An exhaust pipe 27 is connected to a front wall of the cylinder head 24, the exhaust pipe 27 passing below the engine 20 to be connected to a muffler 28 arranged on the right side of the rear wheel 11. An intake pipe 29 is connected to a rear wall of the cylinder head 24, the intake pipe 29 extending 15 rearward between the left and right tank rails 3, 3 to be connected to an air cleaner (not shown). Also, a radiator 30 is arranged forwardly upwardly of the engine 20 to maintain an engine cooling water at a predetermined temperature. Front ends of the left and right tank rails 3, 3 and an 20 outside of the radiator 30 are covered by front covers 40, 40 made of a resin. The front covers 40, 40 function as an air scoop, through which a travel wind is introduced into the radiator 30. Outsides of the left and right seat rails 5, 5 and the 25 left and right seat stays 6, 6 are covered by left and right 6 side covers 38, 38, which are made of a resin. A tail light 43 is mounted to rear ends of the left and right side covers 38, 38. A headlight 15 is mounted to the front fork 7 to be 5 positioned forwardly of the head pipe 2. The headlight 15 is made circular as viewed from the front of a vehicle and sized to extend over the entire width of the left and right fork bodies 7a, 7a. The headlight 15 is constructed such that a bulb 15b is 10 mounted detachably to a rear end in a substantially bowl-shaped light case 15a, which is opened toward the front, and an opening of the light case 15a is covered by a lens 15c. In addition, the reference numeral 15d denotes a power cable. Upper and lower ends of a fork bracket 31 arranged to 15 bridge the both brackets 7b, 7c are fixed to the upper bracket 7b and the underbracket 7c. A pair of left and right head light stays 34, 34 extending forward are clamped and fixed to an upper portion of the fork bracket 31. Also, a forwardly extending meter stay 31a is formed at an upper end of the fork bracket 20 31. Flasher lights 35, 35 are mounted to the left and right head light stays 34, 34 to project outward in the vehicle width direction. The headlight 15 is mounted to front ends of the left 25 and right head light stays 34, 34 by left and right mount screws 7 37, 37 so that an angle of an optical axis can be adjusted. Also, a horn 36 is arranged below the headlight 15, the horn 36 being mounted to the fork bracket 31. A meter device 16 is arranged above the headlight 15, 5 the meter device 16 being mounted to the meter stay 31a by left and right bolts 31b. The meter device 16 includes a meter body 60, a housing 32, in which the meter body 60 is accommodated and supported, and a lens 61, which covers an indicator portion of the meter 10 body 60. The meter body 60 has an assembly construction, which accommodates, in a body case 60', a circular speed indicator portion (speed meter) 17, an engine speed indicator portion (tachometer) 18, a substantially sector-shaped fuel reserve indicator portion (fuel meter) 19, and neutral, turn signal, 15 and high-beam indicators 33, 33, 33. The speed indicator portion 17 and the engine speed indicator portion 18 are aligned and arranged at a predetermined interval in the vehicle width direction and in a state of being respectively independent, and the fuel reserve indicator portion 19 is arranged between 20 the indicator portions 17, 18. Also, the respective indicators 33 are aligned and arranged forwardly of the fuel reserve indicator portion 19 in the vehicle width direction. The body case 60' is common to the respective indicator portions 17 to 19 and defines, in an interior thereof, speed, 25 rotating speed, fuel reserve indicator chambers 60a, 60b, 60c, 8 in which the respective indicator portions 17 to 19 are accommodated. Openings of the indicator chambers are directed obliquely upward and rearward to be directed toward a rider. The speed indicator portion 17 includes a disk-shaped 5 speed indicator panel 17a arranged on an opening 60a' of the speed indicator chamber 60a of the body case 60', a speed indicator pointer 17b, and a drive part 17c, which rotationally drives the speed indicator pointer 17b. A reset knob 17d of a trip meter, which projects outside from the housing 32, is 10 connected to the drive part 17c. The engine speed indicator portion 18 includes a disk-shaped engine speed indicator panel 18a arranged on an opening 60b' of the engine speed indicator chamber 60b, an engine speed indicator pointer 18b, and a drive part 18c, which 15 rotationally drives the engine speed indicator pointer 18b. The fuel reserve indicator portion 19 is arranged obliquely forwardly and downwardly of the speed indicator portion 17 and the engine speed indicator portion 18 as viewed in plan view, and includes a fuel reserve indicator panel 19a 20 arranged on an opening 60c' of the fuel reserve indicator chamber 60c, a fuel reserve indicator pointer 19b, and a drive part 19c, which rotationally drives the fuel reserve indicator pointer 19b. A common lens 61 is arranged on the body case 60' to cover 25 the openings 60a' to 60c' of the respective indicator chambers 9 60a to 60c. The lens 61 includes left and right indicator lens portions 61a, 61b, which cover the speed indicator portion 17 and the engine speed indicator portion 18, and an inbetween indicator lens portion {first lens portion) 61c, which covers 5 the fuel reserve indicator portion 19 between the indicator portions 17, 18. The inbetween indicator lens portion 61c is dented to be positioned obliquely forwardly and downwardly of the left and right indicator lens portions 61a, 61b. 10 As shown in enlarged scale in Fig. 9, the lens 61 includes a cylindrical-shaped engagement wall portion 61d extending obliquely forwardly and downwardly of an outer peripheral edge thereof to overlap an outside of an outer peripheral wall 60d of the body case 60'. An annular stopper portion 60e is 15 protrusively formed on the outer peripheral wall 60d to face a lower end surface 61e of the engagement wall portion 61d with a sealing member 62 therebetween. Thereby, watertight sealing is provided between the body case 60' and the lens 61. The housing 32 includes a bottomed, cylindrical-shaped 20 lower housing 63, which accommodates and supports the meter body 60, and a substantially lid-shaped upper housing 64 mounted to an edge of an opening 63a of the lower housing 63 to be made contiguous thereto. Left and right edges of the housing 32 are positioned outwardly of left and right edges 25 of the headlight 15 in the vehicle width direction as viewed 10 from the front of a vehicle. Bottomed, cylindrical-shaped mounts 63b/ 63b are formed on a bottom of the lower housing 63 to extend obliquely rearwardly and upwardly, obliquely forwardly and downwardly 5 projecting boss portions 60f, 60f are formed on the body case 60'. The lower housing 63 is fixed to the meter body 60 by clamping the respective mounts 63b to the boss portions 60f, 60f by mount screws 65, 65 (see Fig. 6). The upper housing 64 includes an outer peripheral wall 10 64a contiguous to the lower housing 63 to extend obliquely rearwardly and upwardly, circular-shaped left and right inner peripheral walls 64b, 64c bent inwardly from an upper end of the outer peripheral wall 64a to extend obliquely forwardly and upwardly to surround outer peripheral edges of the speed 15 indicator portion 17 and the engine speed indicator portion 18, and an inner wall 64d connecting the left and right inner peripheral walls 64b, 64c together and surrounding an outer peripheral edge of the fuel reserve indicator portion 19. A rear portion 64e of the inner wall 64d covers a base of the 20 fuel reserve indicator pointer 19b. Left and right, front, outer peripheral walls 64a' of the upper housing 64 project so as to assume the form of a pent roof rearwardly of the outer peripheral wall 64a between the indicator portions (see Figs. 6 and 7) . The left and right, 25 front, outer peripheral walls 64a' increase visibility of the 11 speed indicator portion 17 and the engine speed indicator portion 18 as viewed from a rider. As shown in Fig. 9, pointed portions 64f are formed on inner end surfaces of the left and right inner peripheral walls 5 64b, 64c and the inner wall 64d of the upper housing 64 to abut against the left and right indicator lens portions 61a, 61b and the inbetween indicator lens portion 61c, respectively. Engagement projections 64g are formed at predetermined circumferential intervals on a front edge of the outer 10 peripheral wall 64a of the upper housing 64. Engagement holes 63d, with which the engagement projections 64f engage, are formed on the opening 63a of the lower housing 63. The upper housing 64 is fittingly fixed to the lower housing 63 by causing the pointed portions 64f to abut against 15 the respective lens portions 61a to 61c and causing the respective engagement projections 64g to engage with the engagement holes 63d, and pushes the lens 61 against the body case 60' with the sealing member 62 therebetween. A sealing member 66 is interposed between the engagement wall portion 20 61d of the lens 61 and the outer peripheral wall 64a of the upper housing 64. An arcuate recess 63e following an upper, outer surface of the headlight 15 is formed on a front bottom of the lower housing 63. The lower housing 63 and the headlight 15 are 25 arranged in relative positions, in which an upper edge of the 12 headlight 15 enters the recess 63e. Thereby, the bottom of the lower housing 63 overlaps the upper edge of the headlight 15 as viewed from laterally of a vehicle. A front wall of the housing 32 includes an inbetween 5 indicator portion front portion (first portion) 32a positioned between the left and right speed, engine speed indicator portions 17, 18 and inclined rearwardly upward to be directed above a rider's head, and indicator portion front portions (second portion) 32b, 32b positioned forwardly of the speed 10 indicator portion 17 and the engine speed indicator portion 18 and inclined rearwardly upward to be directed above a rider's head. The inbetween indicator portion front portion 32a and the left and right indicator portion front portions 32b, 32b 15 form parts of the upper housing 64 and the lower housing 63 and mutually assume a substantially same configuration. More specifically, the inbetween indicator portion front portion 32a bulges a little forwardly of the left and right indicator portion front portions 32b, 32b as viewed from laterally of 20 a vehicle. In addition, a central/ lower portion 32c of the inbetween indicator portion front portion 32a in the vehicle width direction is dented a little relative to other parts. As viewed from a rider, the housing 32 are curved so that the inbetween indicator portion front portion 32a is 25 positioned at a foremost end centrally in the vehicle width 13 direction and the left and right indicator portion front portions 32b, 32b are positioned outward in the vehicle width direction and rearward relative to the inbetween indicator portion front portion 32a. 5 Folded surfaces 63f, 63f are formed on left and right sides of a lower edge of the lower housing 63 to be contiguous to the bottom surface of the lower housing 63 to extend rearward toward the rear of a vehicle. According to the embodiment, since the inbetween 10 indicator portion front portion 32a inclined rearwardly upwardly of the housing 32 is caused to project forwardly of the left and right indicator portion front portions 32b, 32b, a wind pressure acting on a rider can be lessened by the inbetween indicator portion front portion 32a inclined 15 rearwardly upwardly and the left and right indicator portion front portions 32b, 32b. More specifically, the housing 32 has a curved shape, in which a so-called wind protection effect is high, such that the inbetween indicator portion front portion 32a is 20 positioned at the foremost end centrally in the vehicle width direction and the left and right indicator portion front portions 32b, 32b are positioned outward in the vehicle width direction and rearward relative to the inbetween indicator portion front portion 32a. Thereby, the housing 32 functions 25 as a visor to produce a high wind-pressure lessening effect 14 while being small in size. For example, in the case where the inbetween indicator portion front portion is dented rearwardly of the left and right indicator portion front portions, there is a fear that a travel wind flows concentratedly on a dented 5 portion to be liable to strike directly against rider's head and face, by which the wind-pressure lessening effect cannot be adequately produced. Also, since the wind-pressure lessening effect is produced only by setting a configuration of the housing 32 so 10 that the inbetween indicator portion front portion 32a projects forwardly of the left and right indicator portion front portions 32b, 32b, it is possible to avoid a problem of an increase in cost and restrictions on design as compared with the case where a visor is mounted as a separate part. 15 According to the embodiment, since the inbetween indicator portion front portion 32a and the left and right indicator portion front portions 32b, 32b are formed to be made integral, it is possible to reduce the number of parts and manhour in assembly as compared with the case where the portions 20 are formed separately. Also, since the inbetween indicator portion front portion 32a and the left and right indicator portion front portions 32b, 32b are made substantially the same in shape as viewed from laterally of a vehicle, it is possible to further 25 heighten the wind-pressure lessening effect. 15 According to the embodiment/ since the left and right/ front, outer peripheral walls 64a' of the upper housing 64 are caused to project obliquely rearwardly and upwardly of the outer peripheral wall 64a of the inbetween indicator portion, 5 the left and right, front/ outer peripheral walls 64a' functions as a pent roof, so that it is possible to further heighten an outward appearance as a double meter and to heighten visibility of the speed and engine speed indicator portions 17, 18 as viewed from a rider. 10 According to the embodiment, since the bottom of the lower housing 63 is arranged to overlap the upper end of the headlight 15 as viewed from laterally of a vehicle, an opposite side is not seen through between the headlight 15 and the housing 32 as viewed from laterally of a vehicle, so that it 15 is possible to prevent degradation in outward appearance. Also, since the recess 63e is formed on the bottom of the lower housing 63 so as to follow the upper surface of the headlight 15, an outward appearance as if the meter device 16 is mounted on the headlight 15 is presented as viewed from 20 laterally of a vehicle, so that it is possible to surely prevent an opposite side from being seen through. Also, since the front portion of the housing 32 is contiguous to the upper surface of the headlight 15 to be inclined rearwardly upward, it is possible to further heighten the wind-pressure lessening 25 effect. 16 In addition, while the embodiment has been described with respect to the case where the headlight 15 is arranged below the meter device 16, different on-board parts, such as horn, storage box, etc., from a headlight may be arranged below the 5 meter device in the invention. According to the embodiment, since the folded surfaces 63f are formed on the lower edge of the lower housing 63 to extend rearwardly of a vehicle, the folded surfaces 63f can heighten the wind-pressure lessening effect and prevent an 10 interior of the meter device 16 from being exposed outside. According to the embodiment, since the respective indicator portions 17 to 19 are covered by the one common lens 61, it is possible to reduce the number of parts and manhour in assembly as compared with the case where the portions are 15 covered by a plurality of lenses. Also, since the inbetween indicator lens portion 61c of the lens 61 is formed obliquely forwardly and downwardly of the left and right indicator lens portions 61a, 61b in a stepwise manner, the fuel reserve indicator portion 19 is 20 positioned back from the speed and engine speed indicator portions 17, 18 whereby it is possible to obtain an outward appearance further like a double meter and to heighten the lens 61 as a whole in stiffness. In addition, while the fuel reserve indicator portion 25 19 is arranged between the speed and engine speed indicator 17 portions 17, 18 according to the embodiment, other indicator portions such as an engine temperature indicator portion, etc. may be provided or not in the invention. WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: 1. A meter device of a motorcycle arranged in the vicinity of a steering handle to comprise a plurality of independent indicator portions aligned and arranged in a 5 vehicle width direction and a housing, which supports the indicator portions, and wherein as viewed from laterally of a vehicle, a first portion of the housing positioned forward between the indicator portions and inclined rearwardly upward is 10 positioned in the same position as that of a second portion positioned forwardly of the respective indicator portions and inclined rearwardly upward, or projects forward therefrom. 2. The meter device of a motorcycle as claimed in 15 claim 1, wherein the second portion and the first portion of the housing are formed integral with each other. 3. The meter device of a motorcycle as claimed in 20 claim 1, wherein as viewed from laterally of a vehicle, the second portion and the first portion of the housing are formed to have a substantially same shape. 25 4. The meter device of a motorcycle as claimed in 19 claim 1, wherein at least that portion of the housing surrounding peripheries of the indicator portions, which is adjacent to the first portion of the housing, projects above the first 5 portion in the direction of inclination. 5. The meter device of a motorcycle as claimed in claim 1, wherein as viewed from laterally of a vehicle, a lower 10 edge of the second portion of the housing overlaps an on-board part arranged below the meter device. 6. The meter device of a motorcycle as claimed in claim 5, 15 wherein the on-board part is a headlight. 7. The meter device of a motorcycle as claimed in claim 6, wherein the headlight is circular in external shape as 20 viewed from the front of a vehicle. 8. The meter device of a motorcycle as claimed in claim 6, wherein the lower edge of the housing is formed to follow 25 a shape along an outer surface of the headlight. 20 9. The meter device of a motorcycle as claimed in claim 1, wherein a folded surface extending toward the rear of 5 a vehicle is formed on a lower edge of the housing. 10. The meter device of a motorcycle as claimed in claim 1, wherein a lens covering the respective indicator 10 portions comprises a single lens common to the respective indicator portions. 11. The meter device of a motorcycle as claimed in claim 10, 15 wherein the lens includes a first lens portion, which covers an area between the indicator portions, and the first lens portion in the lens is formed to be positioned below an area, which covers the indicator portions. 20 12. The meter device of a motorcycle as claimed in claim 11, wherein a further indicator portion is formed between the indicator portions, the further indicator portion being covered by the first lens portion. 25 Dated this 3rd day of APRIL 2007 21 As viewed from laterally of a vehicle, an inbetween indicator portion front portion 32a of a housing 32 positioned forwardly of indicator portions 17, 18 and inclined rearwardly upward are positioned in the same position as those of indicator portion front portions 32b, 32b positioned forwardly of the respective indicator portions 17, 18 and inclined rearwardly upward, or projects forwardly from the indicator portion front portions.

Full Text

METER DEVICE OF MOTORCYCLE
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
5 The present invention relates to a meter device of a
motorcycle including a plurality of independent indicator
portions aligned and arranged in a vehicle width direction and
a housing, which supports the indicator portions.
2. Description of the Related Art
10 In some cases in a motorcycle, a meter device, in which
left and right, independent speed meters and tachometers are
aligned and arranged in a vehicle width direction, is mounted
above a headlight (see, for example, Japanese Patent No.
3313765).
15 Also, a wind pressure caused by a travel wind imposes,
in some cases, a load on a rider according to a model of a
motorcycle and it is requested to lessen such wind pressure
caused by a travel wind.
However, lessening of wind pressure caused by a travel
20 wind is not taken into consideration in a motorcycle provided
with the conventional meter device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention has been thought of in view of the
25 conventional situation and has its object to provide a meter
1

device of a motorcycle, which can lessen a wind pressure caused
by a travel wind.
The invention has a feature in a meter device of a
motorcycle arranged in the vicinity of a steering handle to
5 comprise a plurality of independent indicator portions aligned
and arranged in a vehicle width direction and a housing, which
supports the indicator portions, and wherein as viewed from
laterally of a vehicle, a first portion of the housing
positioned forward between the indicator portions and inclined
10 rearwardly upward is positioned in the same position as that
of a second portion positioned forwardly of the respective
indicator portions and inclined rearwardly upward, or projects
forward therefrom.
With the meter device according to the invention, the
15 second portion and the first portion, which correspond to a
front wall of the housing, are inclined rearwardly upward, a
wind-pressure lessening effect that a travel wind is led to
a neighborhood above a rider's head by the second portion and
the first portion is produced, thus enabling lessening a wind
20 pressure acting on a rider. According to the invention, since
the first portion is in the same position as that of, or projects
forwardly of the second portion as viewed from laterally of
a vehicle, a portion corresponding to a front wall of the
housing is curved in shape such that a central portion thereof
25 in the vehicle width direction is positioned foremost and both
2

sides thereof sweep back, that is, it is liable to produce a
so-called wind protection effect, thus enabling producing a
high wind-pressure lessening effect while being small in size.
That is, in the case where the first portion is dented
5 rearwardly of the left and right second portions in contrast
to the invention, there is a fear that a travel wind flows
concentratedly on such dented portion to be liable to strike
directly against rider's head and face, by which the
wind-pressure lessening effect cannot be adequately produced.
10
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a side view showing a motorcycle provided with
a meter device according to a embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 2 is a side view showing the meter device;
15 Fig. 3 is a plan view showing the meter device;
Fig. 4 is a front view showing the meter device;
Fig. S is a front view showing the meter device as viewed
from a rider;
Fig. 6 is a cross sectional view (cross sectional view
20 taken along the line VI-VI in Fig. 5) showing the meter device;
Fig. 7 is a cross sectional view (cross sectional view
taken along the line VII-VII in Fig. 5} showing the meter
device;
Fig. 8 is a cross sectional view (cross sectional view
25 taken along the line VIII-VIII in Fig. 5) showing the meter
3

device; and
Fig. 9 is a cross sectional view showing an essential
part of a housing of the meter device.
5 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
An embodiment of the invention will be described below
with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Figs. 1 to 9 are views illustrating a meter device of
a motorcycle according to an embodiment of the invention. In
10 addition, front and rear, and left and right referred to in
the embodiment mean front and rear, and left and right as seen
in a state of being seated on a seat.
In the drawings, the reference numeral 1 denotes a body
frame of a motorcycle comprising a head pipe 2 positioned at
15 a front end of the body frame 1, left and right tank rails 3,
3 extending obliquely downwardly of the head pipe 2 toward the
rear of a vehicle, left and right rear arm brackets 4, 4
extending downwardly of and contiguous to rear ends of the left
and right tank rails 3, 3, left and right seat rails 5, 5
20 extending obliquely upwardly of the left and right tank rails
3, 3 toward the rear of a vehicle, and left and right seat stays
6, 6 joined to bridge rear portions of the left and right seat
rails 5, 5 and the left and right rear arm brackets 4, 4.
A front fork 7 is supported by the head pipe 2 to afford
25 left and right steering. A front wheel 8 is journaled at a
4

lower end of the front fork 7 and a steering handle 9 is mounted
to an upper end thereof. Also, a front fender 14 is arranged
on the front fork 7 to cover an upper portion of the front wheel
8.
S The front fork 7 includes a pair of left and right fork
bodies 7a, 7a, an upper bracket 7b and an underbracket 7c, which
connect the left and right fork bodies 7a, 7a together. A
steering shaft 7d, which connect the upper bracket 7b and the
underbracket 7c together, is journaled through a bearing by
10 the head pipe 2. The steering handle 9 is fixed to the upper
bracket 7b through a handle crown 9a. Also, a main switch 7d
is arranged in front of the steering handle 9 on the upper
bracket 7b.
Front ends of rear arms 10 are supported on the left and
15 right rear arm brackets 4, 4 to be able to swing vertically
through a pivot shaft 10a. A rear wheel 11 is journaled by
rear ends of the rear arms 10 and rear suspensions (not shown)
are arranged between the rear arms 10 and rear arm brackets
4.
20 A fuel tank 12 is mounted on the left and right tank rails
3, 3 and a double ride seat 13 is mounted on the left and right
seat rails 5, 5 rearwardly of the fuel tank 12.
A water-cooled type four-stroke engine 20 is mounted
below the left and right tank rails 3, 3. The engine 20 is
25 constructed such that a cylinder block 23, a cylinder head 24,
5

and a head cover 25 are laminated on and bolted to a crank case
22, in which a crank shaft 21 arranged horizontally in a vehicle
width direction is accommodated.
A transmission case 22a, in which a transmission (not
5 shown) is accommodated, is formed integrally on the rear of
the crank case 22. An output shaft 26 is arranged on the
transmission case 22a to take out engine rotation through the
transmission, and the rear wheel 11 is rotationally driven
through a chain 26a by the output shaft 26.
10 An exhaust pipe 27 is connected to a front wall of the
cylinder head 24, the exhaust pipe 27 passing below the engine
20 to be connected to a muffler 28 arranged on the right side
of the rear wheel 11. An intake pipe 29 is connected to a rear
wall of the cylinder head 24, the intake pipe 29 extending
15 rearward between the left and right tank rails 3, 3 to be
connected to an air cleaner (not shown). Also, a radiator 30
is arranged forwardly upwardly of the engine 20 to maintain
an engine cooling water at a predetermined temperature.
Front ends of the left and right tank rails 3, 3 and an
20 outside of the radiator 30 are covered by front covers 40, 40
made of a resin. The front covers 40, 40 function as an air
scoop, through which a travel wind is introduced into the
radiator 30.
Outsides of the left and right seat rails 5, 5 and the
25 left and right seat stays 6, 6 are covered by left and right
6

side covers 38, 38, which are made of a resin. A tail light
43 is mounted to rear ends of the left and right side covers
38, 38.
A headlight 15 is mounted to the front fork 7 to be
5 positioned forwardly of the head pipe 2. The headlight 15 is
made circular as viewed from the front of a vehicle and sized
to extend over the entire width of the left and right fork bodies
7a, 7a.
The headlight 15 is constructed such that a bulb 15b is
10 mounted detachably to a rear end in a substantially bowl-shaped
light case 15a, which is opened toward the front, and an opening
of the light case 15a is covered by a lens 15c. In addition,
the reference numeral 15d denotes a power cable.
Upper and lower ends of a fork bracket 31 arranged to
15 bridge the both brackets 7b, 7c are fixed to the upper bracket
7b and the underbracket 7c. A pair of left and right head light
stays 34, 34 extending forward are clamped and fixed to an upper
portion of the fork bracket 31. Also, a forwardly extending
meter stay 31a is formed at an upper end of the fork bracket
20 31.
Flasher lights 35, 35 are mounted to the left and right
head light stays 34, 34 to project outward in the vehicle width
direction.
The headlight 15 is mounted to front ends of the left
25 and right head light stays 34, 34 by left and right mount screws
7

37, 37 so that an angle of an optical axis can be adjusted.
Also, a horn 36 is arranged below the headlight 15, the
horn 36 being mounted to the fork bracket 31.
A meter device 16 is arranged above the headlight 15,
5 the meter device 16 being mounted to the meter stay 31a by left
and right bolts 31b.
The meter device 16 includes a meter body 60, a housing
32, in which the meter body 60 is accommodated and supported,
and a lens 61, which covers an indicator portion of the meter
10 body 60. The meter body 60 has an assembly construction, which
accommodates, in a body case 60', a circular speed indicator
portion (speed meter) 17, an engine speed indicator portion
(tachometer) 18, a substantially sector-shaped fuel reserve
indicator portion (fuel meter) 19, and neutral, turn signal,
15 and high-beam indicators 33, 33, 33. The speed indicator
portion 17 and the engine speed indicator portion 18 are aligned
and arranged at a predetermined interval in the vehicle width
direction and in a state of being respectively independent,
and the fuel reserve indicator portion 19 is arranged between
20 the indicator portions 17, 18. Also, the respective
indicators 33 are aligned and arranged forwardly of the fuel
reserve indicator portion 19 in the vehicle width direction.
The body case 60' is common to the respective indicator
portions 17 to 19 and defines, in an interior thereof, speed,
25 rotating speed, fuel reserve indicator chambers 60a, 60b, 60c,
8

in which the respective indicator portions 17 to 19 are
accommodated. Openings of the indicator chambers are directed
obliquely upward and rearward to be directed toward a rider.
The speed indicator portion 17 includes a disk-shaped
5 speed indicator panel 17a arranged on an opening 60a' of the
speed indicator chamber 60a of the body case 60', a speed
indicator pointer 17b, and a drive part 17c, which rotationally
drives the speed indicator pointer 17b. A reset knob 17d of
a trip meter, which projects outside from the housing 32, is
10 connected to the drive part 17c.
The engine speed indicator portion 18 includes a
disk-shaped engine speed indicator panel 18a arranged on an
opening 60b' of the engine speed indicator chamber 60b, an
engine speed indicator pointer 18b, and a drive part 18c, which
15 rotationally drives the engine speed indicator pointer 18b.
The fuel reserve indicator portion 19 is arranged
obliquely forwardly and downwardly of the speed indicator
portion 17 and the engine speed indicator portion 18 as viewed
in plan view, and includes a fuel reserve indicator panel 19a
20 arranged on an opening 60c' of the fuel reserve indicator
chamber 60c, a fuel reserve indicator pointer 19b, and a drive
part 19c, which rotationally drives the fuel reserve indicator
pointer 19b.
A common lens 61 is arranged on the body case 60' to cover
25 the openings 60a' to 60c' of the respective indicator chambers
9

60a to 60c. The lens 61 includes left and right indicator lens
portions 61a, 61b, which cover the speed indicator portion 17
and the engine speed indicator portion 18, and an inbetween
indicator lens portion {first lens portion) 61c, which covers
5 the fuel reserve indicator portion 19 between the indicator
portions 17, 18.
The inbetween indicator lens portion 61c is dented to
be positioned obliquely forwardly and downwardly of the left
and right indicator lens portions 61a, 61b.
10 As shown in enlarged scale in Fig. 9, the lens 61 includes
a cylindrical-shaped engagement wall portion 61d extending
obliquely forwardly and downwardly of an outer peripheral edge
thereof to overlap an outside of an outer peripheral wall 60d
of the body case 60'. An annular stopper portion 60e is
15 protrusively formed on the outer peripheral wall 60d to face
a lower end surface 61e of the engagement wall portion 61d with
a sealing member 62 therebetween. Thereby, watertight sealing
is provided between the body case 60' and the lens 61.
The housing 32 includes a bottomed, cylindrical-shaped
20 lower housing 63, which accommodates and supports the meter
body 60, and a substantially lid-shaped upper housing 64
mounted to an edge of an opening 63a of the lower housing 63
to be made contiguous thereto. Left and right edges of the
housing 32 are positioned outwardly of left and right edges
25 of the headlight 15 in the vehicle width direction as viewed
10

from the front of a vehicle.
Bottomed, cylindrical-shaped mounts 63b/ 63b are formed
on a bottom of the lower housing 63 to extend obliquely
rearwardly and upwardly, obliquely forwardly and downwardly
5 projecting boss portions 60f, 60f are formed on the body case
60'. The lower housing 63 is fixed to the meter body 60 by
clamping the respective mounts 63b to the boss portions 60f,
60f by mount screws 65, 65 (see Fig. 6).
The upper housing 64 includes an outer peripheral wall
10 64a contiguous to the lower housing 63 to extend obliquely
rearwardly and upwardly, circular-shaped left and right inner
peripheral walls 64b, 64c bent inwardly from an upper end of
the outer peripheral wall 64a to extend obliquely forwardly
and upwardly to surround outer peripheral edges of the speed
15 indicator portion 17 and the engine speed indicator portion
18, and an inner wall 64d connecting the left and right inner
peripheral walls 64b, 64c together and surrounding an outer
peripheral edge of the fuel reserve indicator portion 19. A
rear portion 64e of the inner wall 64d covers a base of the
20 fuel reserve indicator pointer 19b.
Left and right, front, outer peripheral walls 64a' of
the upper housing 64 project so as to assume the form of a pent
roof rearwardly of the outer peripheral wall 64a between the
indicator portions (see Figs. 6 and 7) . The left and right,
25 front, outer peripheral walls 64a' increase visibility of the
11

speed indicator portion 17 and the engine speed indicator
portion 18 as viewed from a rider.
As shown in Fig. 9, pointed portions 64f are formed on
inner end surfaces of the left and right inner peripheral walls
5 64b, 64c and the inner wall 64d of the upper housing 64 to abut
against the left and right indicator lens portions 61a, 61b
and the inbetween indicator lens portion 61c, respectively.
Engagement projections 64g are formed at predetermined
circumferential intervals on a front edge of the outer
10 peripheral wall 64a of the upper housing 64. Engagement holes
63d, with which the engagement projections 64f engage, are
formed on the opening 63a of the lower housing 63.
The upper housing 64 is fittingly fixed to the lower
housing 63 by causing the pointed portions 64f to abut against
15 the respective lens portions 61a to 61c and causing the
respective engagement projections 64g to engage with the
engagement holes 63d, and pushes the lens 61 against the body
case 60' with the sealing member 62 therebetween. A sealing
member 66 is interposed between the engagement wall portion
20 61d of the lens 61 and the outer peripheral wall 64a of the
upper housing 64.
An arcuate recess 63e following an upper, outer surface
of the headlight 15 is formed on a front bottom of the lower
housing 63. The lower housing 63 and the headlight 15 are
25 arranged in relative positions, in which an upper edge of the
12

headlight 15 enters the recess 63e. Thereby, the bottom of
the lower housing 63 overlaps the upper edge of the headlight
15 as viewed from laterally of a vehicle.
A front wall of the housing 32 includes an inbetween
5 indicator portion front portion (first portion) 32a positioned
between the left and right speed, engine speed indicator
portions 17, 18 and inclined rearwardly upward to be directed
above a rider's head, and indicator portion front portions
(second portion) 32b, 32b positioned forwardly of the speed
10 indicator portion 17 and the engine speed indicator portion
18 and inclined rearwardly upward to be directed above a rider's
head.
The inbetween indicator portion front portion 32a and
the left and right indicator portion front portions 32b, 32b
15 form parts of the upper housing 64 and the lower housing 63
and mutually assume a substantially same configuration. More
specifically, the inbetween indicator portion front portion
32a bulges a little forwardly of the left and right indicator
portion front portions 32b, 32b as viewed from laterally of
20 a vehicle. In addition, a central/ lower portion 32c of the
inbetween indicator portion front portion 32a in the vehicle
width direction is dented a little relative to other parts.
As viewed from a rider, the housing 32 are curved so that
the inbetween indicator portion front portion 32a is
25 positioned at a foremost end centrally in the vehicle width
13

direction and the left and right indicator portion front
portions 32b, 32b are positioned outward in the vehicle width
direction and rearward relative to the inbetween indicator
portion front portion 32a.
5 Folded surfaces 63f, 63f are formed on left and right
sides of a lower edge of the lower housing 63 to be contiguous
to the bottom surface of the lower housing 63 to extend rearward
toward the rear of a vehicle.
According to the embodiment, since the inbetween
10 indicator portion front portion 32a inclined rearwardly
upwardly of the housing 32 is caused to project forwardly of
the left and right indicator portion front portions 32b, 32b,
a wind pressure acting on a rider can be lessened by the
inbetween indicator portion front portion 32a inclined
15 rearwardly upwardly and the left and right indicator portion
front portions 32b, 32b.
More specifically, the housing 32 has a curved shape,
in which a so-called wind protection effect is high, such that
the inbetween indicator portion front portion 32a is
20 positioned at the foremost end centrally in the vehicle width
direction and the left and right indicator portion front
portions 32b, 32b are positioned outward in the vehicle width
direction and rearward relative to the inbetween indicator
portion front portion 32a. Thereby, the housing 32 functions
25 as a visor to produce a high wind-pressure lessening effect
14

while being small in size. For example, in the case where the
inbetween indicator portion front portion is dented rearwardly
of the left and right indicator portion front portions, there
is a fear that a travel wind flows concentratedly on a dented
5 portion to be liable to strike directly against rider's head
and face, by which the wind-pressure lessening effect cannot
be adequately produced.
Also, since the wind-pressure lessening effect is
produced only by setting a configuration of the housing 32 so
10 that the inbetween indicator portion front portion 32a
projects forwardly of the left and right indicator portion
front portions 32b, 32b, it is possible to avoid a problem of
an increase in cost and restrictions on design as compared with
the case where a visor is mounted as a separate part.
15 According to the embodiment, since the inbetween
indicator portion front portion 32a and the left and right
indicator portion front portions 32b, 32b are formed to be made
integral, it is possible to reduce the number of parts and
manhour in assembly as compared with the case where the portions
20 are formed separately.
Also, since the inbetween indicator portion front
portion 32a and the left and right indicator portion front
portions 32b, 32b are made substantially the same in shape as
viewed from laterally of a vehicle, it is possible to further
25 heighten the wind-pressure lessening effect.
15

According to the embodiment/ since the left and right/
front, outer peripheral walls 64a' of the upper housing 64 are
caused to project obliquely rearwardly and upwardly of the
outer peripheral wall 64a of the inbetween indicator portion,
5 the left and right, front/ outer peripheral walls 64a'
functions as a pent roof, so that it is possible to further
heighten an outward appearance as a double meter and to heighten
visibility of the speed and engine speed indicator portions
17, 18 as viewed from a rider.
10 According to the embodiment, since the bottom of the
lower housing 63 is arranged to overlap the upper end of the
headlight 15 as viewed from laterally of a vehicle, an opposite
side is not seen through between the headlight 15 and the
housing 32 as viewed from laterally of a vehicle, so that it
15 is possible to prevent degradation in outward appearance.
Also, since the recess 63e is formed on the bottom of
the lower housing 63 so as to follow the upper surface of the
headlight 15, an outward appearance as if the meter device 16
is mounted on the headlight 15 is presented as viewed from
20 laterally of a vehicle, so that it is possible to surely prevent
an opposite side from being seen through. Also, since the
front portion of the housing 32 is contiguous to the upper
surface of the headlight 15 to be inclined rearwardly upward,
it is possible to further heighten the wind-pressure lessening
25 effect.
16

In addition, while the embodiment has been described with
respect to the case where the headlight 15 is arranged below
the meter device 16, different on-board parts, such as horn,
storage box, etc., from a headlight may be arranged below the
5 meter device in the invention.
According to the embodiment, since the folded surfaces
63f are formed on the lower edge of the lower housing 63 to
extend rearwardly of a vehicle, the folded surfaces 63f can
heighten the wind-pressure lessening effect and prevent an
10 interior of the meter device 16 from being exposed outside.
According to the embodiment, since the respective
indicator portions 17 to 19 are covered by the one common lens
61, it is possible to reduce the number of parts and manhour
in assembly as compared with the case where the portions are
15 covered by a plurality of lenses.
Also, since the inbetween indicator lens portion 61c of
the lens 61 is formed obliquely forwardly and downwardly of
the left and right indicator lens portions 61a, 61b in a
stepwise manner, the fuel reserve indicator portion 19 is
20 positioned back from the speed and engine speed indicator
portions 17, 18 whereby it is possible to obtain an outward
appearance further like a double meter and to heighten the lens
61 as a whole in stiffness.
In addition, while the fuel reserve indicator portion
25 19 is arranged between the speed and engine speed indicator
17

portions 17, 18 according to the embodiment, other indicator
portions such as an engine temperature indicator portion, etc.
may be provided or not in the invention.

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. A meter device of a motorcycle arranged in the
vicinity of a steering handle to comprise a plurality of
independent indicator portions aligned and arranged in a
5 vehicle width direction and a housing, which supports the
indicator portions, and
wherein as viewed from laterally of a vehicle, a first
portion of the housing positioned forward between the
indicator portions and inclined rearwardly upward is
10 positioned in the same position as that of a second portion
positioned forwardly of the respective indicator portions and
inclined rearwardly upward, or projects forward therefrom.
2. The meter device of a motorcycle as claimed in
15 claim 1,
wherein the second portion and the first portion of the
housing are formed integral with each other.
3. The meter device of a motorcycle as claimed in
20 claim 1,
wherein as viewed from laterally of a vehicle, the second
portion and the first portion of the housing are formed to have
a substantially same shape.
25 4. The meter device of a motorcycle as claimed in
19

claim 1,
wherein at least that portion of the housing surrounding
peripheries of the indicator portions, which is adjacent to
the first portion of the housing, projects above the first
5 portion in the direction of inclination.
5. The meter device of a motorcycle as claimed in
claim 1,
wherein as viewed from laterally of a vehicle, a lower
10 edge of the second portion of the housing overlaps an on-board
part arranged below the meter device.
6. The meter device of a motorcycle as claimed in
claim 5,
15 wherein the on-board part is a headlight.
7. The meter device of a motorcycle as claimed in
claim 6,
wherein the headlight is circular in external shape as
20 viewed from the front of a vehicle.
8. The meter device of a motorcycle as claimed in
claim 6,
wherein the lower edge of the housing is formed to follow
25 a shape along an outer surface of the headlight.
20

9. The meter device of a motorcycle as claimed in
claim 1,
wherein a folded surface extending toward the rear of
5 a vehicle is formed on a lower edge of the housing.
10. The meter device of a motorcycle as claimed in
claim 1,
wherein a lens covering the respective indicator
10 portions comprises a single lens common to the respective
indicator portions.
11. The meter device of a motorcycle as claimed in
claim 10,
15 wherein the lens includes a first lens portion, which
covers an area between the indicator portions, and the first
lens portion in the lens is formed to be positioned below an
area, which covers the indicator portions.
20 12. The meter device of a motorcycle as claimed in
claim 11,
wherein a further indicator portion is formed between
the indicator portions, the further indicator portion being
covered by the first lens portion.
25
Dated this 3rd day of APRIL 2007
21

As viewed from laterally of a vehicle, an inbetween
indicator portion front portion 32a of a housing 32 positioned
forwardly of indicator portions 17, 18 and inclined rearwardly
upward are positioned in the same position as those of indicator
portion front portions 32b, 32b positioned forwardly of the
respective indicator portions 17, 18 and inclined rearwardly
upward, or projects forwardly from the indicator portion front
portions.

A METER DEVICE MOUNTABLE ON A MOTOR CYCLE

Documents:

Inventors:

PCT Conventions: