EP2182192B1 - Engine and motorcycle including the same - Google Patents
Engine and motorcycle including the same Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2182192B1 EP2182192B1 EP09013525.2A EP09013525A EP2182192B1 EP 2182192 B1 EP2182192 B1 EP 2182192B1 EP 09013525 A EP09013525 A EP 09013525A EP 2182192 B1 EP2182192 B1 EP 2182192B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- clutch
- main shaft
- motorcycle
- clutch release
- release cylinder
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- 230000001012 protector Effects 0.000 claims description 30
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- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000002828 fuel tank Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000005192 partition Methods 0.000 description 2
- 241000270281 Coluber constrictor Species 0.000 description 1
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000428 dust Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- OQZCSNDVOWYALR-UHFFFAOYSA-N flurochloridone Chemical compound FC(F)(F)C1=CC=CC(N2C(C(Cl)C(CCl)C2)=O)=C1 OQZCSNDVOWYALR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000011796 hollow space material Substances 0.000 description 1
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- 230000002452 interceptive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02B—INTERNAL-COMBUSTION PISTON ENGINES; COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL
- F02B61/00—Adaptations of engines for driving vehicles or for driving propellers; Combinations of engines with gearing
- F02B61/02—Adaptations of engines for driving vehicles or for driving propellers; Combinations of engines with gearing for driving cycles
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an engine and a motorcycle including the same, and more specifically to an engine having a clutch release cylinder and a motorcycle including the same.
- JP 2007-69638 A discloses a motorcycle including a clutch release cylinder.
- the motorcycle further includes a crankshaft, a main shaft, a push rod, and a clutch.
- the clutch release cylinder releases the clutch by pushing the push rod by hydraulic pressure.
- JP 2003-65064 A discloses a parallel 4-cylinder engine provided in a motorcycle.
- the motorcycle includes a crankcase, a crankshaft, a counter shaft, a push rod, a transmission device, a clutch device, a clutch operation mechanism, a drive shaft, and a drive sprocket.
- the crankcase is divided into an upper case and a lower case.
- the crankshaft is supported rotatably in the widthwise direction of the vehicle.
- the counter shaft is a hollow shaft and the push rod is slidably inserted into the hollow part.
- the clutch operation mechanism releases the clutch device by pushing the push rod by hydraulic pressure.
- JP 58-121327 A discloses a clutch release device for use in a motorcycle.
- the motorcycle includes a crankcase, a crankshaft, a main shaft, a push rod for clutch release, a gear transmission, a clutch, a hydraulic cylinder for push rod operation, a drive shaft, and a sprocket.
- the push rod is passed through the hollow space of the main shaft having a tubular shape.
- the hydraulic cylinder releases the clutch by pushing the push rod.
- the motorcycle further includes a cover and a partition.
- the sprocket is covered with the cover. The partition prevents a chain and the push rod from contacting each other.
- US 4 566 577 A discloses a clutch release device for a motorized cycle including an engine, at least one rear wheel, a power transmission mechanism for transmitting power of the engine to the rear wheel, and the power transmission mechanism comprising a friction clutch mechanism connected with the engine, a sprocket for chain-driving the rear wheel, a speed change mechanism of a gearing type having a tubular main shaft connected with the clutch mechanism and a counter shaft connected to the sprocket, the main and counter shafts being arranged to be parallel with each other, and the clutch mechanism and the sprocket being disposed on either end side of the main shaft and on the opposite end side of the counter shaft, respectively.
- the clutch release device comprises a push rod member arranged for advancing and retreating movement through the main shaft, the push rod member having either end portion thereof capable of disconnecting and reconnecting the clutch mechanism as the push rod member advances and retreats, respectively, a hydraulic cylinder acting on the other end portion of the rod member thereby causing same to advance and retreat, and the hydraulic cylinder being disposed more outside than the sprocket in the transverse direction of the motorized cycle.
- the sprocket mechanism allows for the incorporation of a sprocket of a relatively large diameter.
- crankshaft and the main shaft are provided flush with each other.
- the crankshaft, the counter shaft, and the drive shaft are all supported at the divisional surfaces of the upper case and the lower case.
- the crankshaft, the main shaft and the drive shaft are all provided in the same horizontal surface. Therefore, the disclosed engines are all elongated in the lengthwise direction of the motorcycle.
- An engine for use in a motorcycle includes a crankshaft, a main shaft, a clutch, a push rod, a clutch release cylinder, a drive shaft, a drive spocket fixed to one end of the drive shaft, a cover, and a transmission.
- the cover covers an outside of the drive sprocket as measured in the widthwise direction of the motorcycle and is positioned outward of the clutch release cylinder as measured in the widthwise direction of the motorcycle.
- the crankshaft, the main shaft and the drive shafts are provided along the widthwise direction of the motorcycle.
- the main shaft has a through hole. The through hole is formed in the axial direction.
- the clutch is provided at one end side of the main shaft and between the crankshaft and the main shaft.
- the push rod is inserted into the through hole of the main shaft.
- the clutch release cylinder is provided at the other end side of the main shaft to release the clutch by pushing the push rod.
- the transmission is provided between the main shaft and the drive shaft.
- the main shaft is positioned above a plane including the crankshaft and the drive shaft.
- the main shaft is provided above the plane including the crankshaft and the drive shaft, and therefore the length of the engine along the lengthwise direction of the motorcycle is reduced.
- an angle between the plane including the crankshaft and the drive shaft and a plane including the main shaft and the drive shaft is substantially 90°. In embodiments of the invention, this angle is in a range between 75° and 90°.
- the engine preferably further includes a drive sprocket.
- the drive sprocket is fixed to one end of the drive shaft.
- the clutch release cylinder is arranged to overhang the drive sprocket. Therefore, the drive sprocket does not protrude beyond the clutch release cylinder.
- the clutch release cylinder is arranged to overhang the drive sprocket but it is provided above the plane including the crankshaft and the drive shaft, so that a large angle can be secured for the bank angle of the motorcycle.
- a motorcycle 100 includes a head pipe 1, a main frame 2, a seat frame 3, a steering mechanism 4, a handle 5, a clutch lever 6, a front fork 7, a front wheel 8, a front disk rotor 9, a front caliper 10, a pivot shaft 11, a swing arm 12, a rear wheel 13, a rear sprocket (driven sprocket) 14, a drive chain 15, a fuel tank 16, an engine 17, a muffler 18, and a seat 19.
- the front end part of the main frame 2 is connected to the head pipe 1.
- the main frame 2 is formed to extend obliquely downward to the back.
- the seat frame 3 is connected to the back part of the main frame 2.
- the seat frame 3 extends obliquely upward to the back.
- the steering mechanism 4 is rotatably provided to the head pipe 1.
- the handle 5 and the clutch lever 6 are attached above the steering mechanism 4.
- the clutch lever 6 is provided on the left side of the handle 5.
- the front fork 7 is provided under the steering mechanism 4.
- the front wheel 8 is rotatably attached at the lower end of the front fork 7.
- the front disk rotor 9 is attached to the front wheel 8 so that it rotates together with the front wheel 8.
- the front caliper 10 is attached to the front fork 7 to hold the front disk rotor 9 therein.
- the front end part of the swing arm 12 is attached to the rear end part of the main frame 2 through the pivot shaft 11.
- the rear wheel 13 is attached rotatably at the rear end part of the swing arm 12.
- a rear sprocket 14 used to drive the rear wheel 13 is attached to the rear wheel 13.
- the drive chain 15 is extended around the rear sprocket 14.
- the fuel tank 16 is provided above the main frame 2.
- the engine 17 is provided at the lower part of the main frame 2.
- the engine 17 is held at the main frame 2.
- the muffler 18 is connected to the engine 17.
- the seat 19 is provided above the seat frame 3.
- the engine 17 includes a drive sprocket 426.
- the drive chain 15 is extended between the drive sprocket 426 and the rear sprocket 14.
- the driving force of the engine 17 is transmitted to the rear wheel 13 through the drive chain 15. In this way, the rear wheel 13 rotates around the rear end part of the swing arm 12.
- a rubber drive belt may be used instead of the drive chain 15.
- the engine 17 further includes a crankshaft 31, a main shaft 41, a drive shaft 42, a crankcase 460, a clutch release cylinder 465, a crank cover 471, and a sprocket cover 472.
- the crankshaft 31, the main shaft 41 and the drive shaft 42 are arranged along the widthwise direction of the motorcycle 100. Therefore, the crankshaft 31, the main shaft 41, and the drive shaft 42 are arranged substantially parallel to one another.
- the main shaft 41 is provided above a plane L including the crankshaft 31 and the drive shaft 42. More specifically, the main shaft 41 is provided above the drive shaft 42, about directly above it, to be exact.
- the sprocket cover 472 is attached by bolts 71 to 73. A part of the clutch release cylinder 465 is exposed above the sprocket cover 472. When the sprocket cover 472 is removed, the drive sprocket 426 and the clutch release cylinder 465 are exposed as shown in Fig. 3 .
- the drive sprocket 426 is fixed at one end of the drive shaft 42.
- the clutch release cylinder 465 is attached to the crankcase 460 by two bolts 70 and the bolt 73 shown in Fig. 2 .
- the engine 17 further includes a protector 466.
- the protector 466 is attached around the push rods (that will be described later) arranged above the drive sprocket 426 to protect the push rod and guide the drive chain 15 shown in Fig. 1 .
- the engine 17 includes a clutch 44, the push rods 461 and 455, and a transmission 43.
- the main shaft 41 has a cylindrical shape and a through hole 41G.
- the through hole 41G is formed in the axial direction. More specifically, the clutch 44 is provided on one end side of the main shaft 41, in other words, on the right end side in Fig. 4 and between the crankshaft 31 and the main shaft 41.
- the push rods 461 and 455 are inserted into the through hole 41G of the main shaft 41.
- a ball 459 is provided between the push rods 461 and 455 in the through hole 41G.
- the push rods 461 and 455 and the ball 459 may be formed integrally. Stated differently, a single push rod may be used in place of the push rods 461 and 455 and the ball 459.
- the clutch release cylinder 465 is provided on the other end of the main shaft 41, in other words, on the left end side in Fig. 4 to push the push rods 461 and 455 and the ball 459 and thus release the clutch 44.
- the transmission 43 is provided between the main shaft 41 and the drive shaft 42.
- the crankshaft 31 is rotated according to the reciprocal movement of a piston (not shown) in the cylinder (not shown).
- the driving force of the crankshaft 31 is transmitted to the main shaft 41 through the clutch 44.
- the clutch release cylinder 465 pushes the push rod 461
- the push rod 461 moves toward the clutch 44 in the axial direction in the through hole 41G.
- the clutch 44 is released, and the driving force of the crankshaft 31 is not transmitted to the main shaft 41.
- the main shaft 41 is coupled to the drive shaft 42 through the transmission 43.
- the transmission 43 decreases the rotation speed of the crankshaft 31 at a desired transmission gear ratio.
- the engine 17 further includes a clutch actuator 60 and an oil hose 470q. As shown in Fig. 1 , the clutch actuator 60 is provided under the main frame 2. The clutch actuator 60 is connected to the clutch release cylinder 465 through the oil hose 470q. The clutch 44 is driven by the clutch actuator 60 by hydraulic pressure.
- the clutch 44 is a multi-disk friction clutch. More specifically, the clutch 44 includes a clutch housing 443, a plurality of friction disks 445, a clutch boss 447, a plurality of clutch plates 449, a tension coil spring 450, and a pressure plate 451.
- the plurality of friction disks 445 are provided integrally with the clutch housing 443.
- the plurality of clutch plates 449 are coupled with the clutch boss 447.
- the clutch boss 447 is fixed to the main shaft 41 and rotates together with the main shaft 41.
- the clutch housing 443 is coupled rotatably with the main shaft 41. The torque of the crankshaft 31 is transmitted to the clutch housing 443 through the gears 310 and 441.
- the tension coil spring 450 biases the push plate 451 in the direction in which the clutch 44 is connected.
- the pressure plate 451 is coupled with one end of the push rod 455 through a bearing 457 (on the right side in Fig. 4 ).
- the pressure plate 451 is coupled rotatably with the push rod 455 and the main shaft 41.
- the clutch 44 may be a centrifugal clutch having a weight.
- the transmission 43 is a stepped transmission.
- the transmission 43 includes a plurality of transmission gears 49 and a plurality of transmission gears 420 corresponding to these gears.
- the plurality of transmission gears 49 are mounted around the main shaft 41.
- the plurality of transmission gears 420 are mounted around the drive shaft 42.
- a pair is selected from the plurality of transmission gears 49 and the plurality of transmission gears 420 and engaged with each other.
- At least the rest of the plurality of transmission gears 49 or the rest of the plurality of transmission gears 420 that are unselected are rotatably supported at the main shaft 41 or the drive shaft 42.
- At least the unselected transmission gears 49 or the unselected transmission gears 420 are arranged to idle with respect to the main shaft 41 or the drive shaft 42. Therefore, the driving force of the main shaft 41 is transmitted to the drive shaft 42 only through the pair of transmission gears 49 and 420 selected and engaged with each other.
- the pair of transmission gears 49 and 420 is selected by a shift cam 421.
- a plurality of cam grooves 421a are formed at the outer circumferential surface of the shift cam 421.
- a shift fork 422 is mounted at each of the cam grooves 421a.
- the shift forks 422 are each coupled with a prescribed transmission gear 49 or 420 at the main shaft 41 or the drive shaft 42.
- the shift cam 421 is rotated by a transmission mechanism 425
- the shift forks 422 are each guided to a cam groove 421a and moved along the main shaft 41.
- a pair of transmission gears 49 and 420 is selected. More specifically, only a pair of transmission gears 49 and 420 is fixed to the main shaft 41 and the drive shaft 42 by a spline depending on the rotation angle of the shift cam 421. In this way, the transmission gear position is determined.
- the engine 17 further includes an ECU (Electric Control Unit) 30.
- the clutch actuator 60 is driven by the ECU 30.
- the clutch actuator 60 includes an electric motor 60a, an output shaft 60g, and a hydraulic cylinder 470.
- the hydraulic cylinder 470 includes a cylinder 470k, a piston 470p, and an oil chamber 470n.
- the driving force of the electric motor 60a is amplified by the hydraulic cylinder 470 and transmitted to the clutch 44.
- the clutch release cylinder 465 includes a piston 463 and a compression coil spring 464.
- the piston 463 is guided by the clutch release cylinder 465 and provided slidably in the direction of the main shaft 41.
- a space 467 is formed between the piston 463 and the clutch release cylinder 465. Oil is enclosed in the space 467.
- the compression coil spring 464 is provided in the space 467 and biases the piston 463 in the direction of the main shaft 41.
- the push rod 461 projects from the end of the main shaft 41.
- the tip end 461A of the push rod projected from the main shaft 41 is inserted in the clutch release cylinder 465 and coupled with the piston 463.
- the piston 463 moves to the right in Fig. 5
- the push rods 461 and 455 shown in Fig. 4 also move to the right accordingly.
- the pressure plate 451 also moves to the right and the clutch 44 is released.
- the elastic force of the compression coil spring 464 is smaller than the elastic force of the tension coil spring 450 of the clutch 44.
- the ECU 30 shown in Fig. 4 drives the actuator 60. More specifically, the electric motor 60a moves the output shaft 60g to the left in Fig. 4 .
- the piston 470p of the hydraulic cylinder 470 is pushed to the left accordingly.
- oil in the oil chamber 470n is supplied to the clutch release cylinder 465 through the oil hose 470q.
- the clutch release cylinder 465 is arranged to overhang the drive sprocket 426 as shown in Fig. 5 and overlap the drive sprocket 426 when seen from the side surface of the motorcycle 100 as shown in Fig. 3 .
- the clutch release cylinder 465 is arranged independently from the crankcase 460 and projects to the left from the crankcase 460. As shown in Figs. 3 , 6 and 7 , the clutch release cylinder 465 is provided with legs 465A, 465B and 465C. The legs 465A, 465B and 465C each have an approximately circular column shape.
- the leg 465A has a through hole 465Af and the leg 465B has a through hole 465Bf.
- the leg 465C has a through hole 465Cf.
- the through holes 465Af, 465Bf and 465Cf are all formed along the main shaft 41.
- the part of the crankcase 460 in contact with the clutch release cylinder 465 has a screw hole 460a corresponding to the leg 465A and a screw hole 460b corresponding to the leg 465B.
- a screw hole (not shown) corresponding to the leg 465C is also formed.
- the three screw holes are all non-through holes and formed along the main shaft 41.
- the centers of the three screw holes coincide with the centers of the through holes 465Af, 465Bf, and 465Cf.
- Bolts 70 are inserted into the through holes 465Af and 465Bf and screwed on the screw holes 460a and 460b.
- the bolt 73 shown in Fig. 2 is inserted in the through hole 465Cf and screwed on the corresponding screw hole.
- the clutch release cylinder 465 is detachably attached to the crankcase 460.
- a sheet-metal part 458 is placed between the crankcase 460 and the clutch release cylinder 465.
- a bearing 456 is provided at a left end part of the main shaft 41 in Fig. 6 .
- a through hole 460G is formed at the left side part of the crankcase 460 in Fig. 6 .
- An oil seal 454 is provided at a part of the through hole 460G.
- the push rod 461 is supported by the crankcase 460 by the bearing 456. The push rod 461 is inserted into the through hole 460G.
- the push rod 461 includes a projection portion 461B including a tip end 461A and a coupling portion 461C.
- the projection portion 461B projects from the main shaft 41 and is exposed between the clutch release cylinder 465.
- the coupling portion 461C is stored in the main shaft 41.
- the projection portion 461B and the coupling portion 461C may be formed integrally.
- the legs 465A, 464B and 465C may be formed integrally with the clutch release cylinder 465.
- the drive sprocket 426 shown in Fig. 3 is provided around one end 42E of the drive shaft 42 as shown in Fig. 5 .
- a bearing 453 is provided to the crankcase 460.
- the bearing 453 is coupled to the crankcase 460 through a key 452.
- the key 452 has an annular shape.
- the drive shaft 42 is supported at the crankcase 460 by the bearing 453.
- One end 42E of drive shaft 42 projects from the crankcase 460.
- the drive sprocket 426 rotates together with the drive shaft 42.
- a collar 424 is provided between the crankcase 460 and the drive sprocket 426.
- the collar 424 has a substantially cylindrical shape and is proved around the end 42E of the drive shaft 42.
- a nut 423 is provided at the tip end of the drive shaft 42 projecting from the drive sprocket 426.
- the nut 423 is screwed at the tip end of the drive shaft 42.
- a washer 428 is provided between the nut 423 and the drive sprocket 426. In this way, the drive sprocket 426 is fixed to the drive shaft 42.
- the protector 466 is provided behind the clutch release cylinder 465.
- the protector 466 extends to the back of the motorcycle 100 through the upper part of the drive sprocket 426 from the front part of the drive sprocket 426.
- the protector 466 is provided between the crankcase 460 and the clutch release cylinder 465.
- the protector 466 is provided substantially flush with the drive sprocket 426.
- the protector 466 is provided independently from the crankcase 460 and the clutch release cylinder 465.
- the protector 466 has a through hole 466R.
- the push rod 461 is inserted in the through hole 466R. In this way, the push rod 461 is protected by the protector 466. More specifically, the protector 466 can prevent the drive chain 15 rotated at high speed from interfering the push rod 461.
- the protector 466 can also prevent pebbles or the like kicked up while the motorcycle 100 is driving from striking the push rod 461.
- the protector 466 includes a guide surface 466D and a guide rail 466E.
- the guide surface 466D is formed along the drive chain 15 wound round the drive sprocket 426.
- the guide rail 466E is formed on the substantially central line of the guide surface 466D and projects from the guide surface 466D.
- the guide rail 466E has a raised shape and is opposed to the recess part 15A of the drive chain 15. The protector 466 guides the drive chain 15 so that the drive chain 15 does not come off from the drive sprocket 426.
- the protector 466 has through holes 466A and 466C in addition to the through hole 466R.
- the leg 465A of the clutch release cylinder 465 is inserted into the through hole 466A.
- the leg 465C of the clutch release cylinder 465 is inserted into the through hole 466C.
- a member having a protection function only for the push rod 461 may be provided instead of the protector 466 having both the protection function for the push rod 461 and the guide function for the drive chain 15.
- Such a member has a cylindrical shape for example and the projection portion 461B of the push rod 461 is inserted through the cylinder.
- the sprocket cover 472 shown in Fig. 2 partly covers the drive sprocket 426, the protector 466 and the clutch release cylinder 465 shown in Fig. 3 .
- the sprocket cover 472 is attached to the crankcase 460 by the bolt 73 together with the clutch release cylinder 465.
- the sprocket cover 472 can be removed.
- the entire clutch release cylinder 465 is exposed. Then, when the bolts 70 are removed, the clutch release cylinder 465 can be removed.
- the straight line L is a virtual line connecting the center Cc of the crankshaft 31 and the axial center Cd of the drive shaft 42.
- the center Cm of the main shaft 41 is not on an extension of the straight line L but is positioned above the straight line L.
- the center Cd of the drive shaft 42 and the center Cc of the crankshaft are substantially at the same height.
- the center Cm of the main shaft 41 is positioned higher than the center Cd of the drive shaft 42.
- An approximate right triangle is formed by a virtual line connecting the center Cc of the crankshaft 31, the center Cm of the main shaft 41 and the center Cd of the drive shaft 42.
- the center Cc of the crankshaft 31 may be positioned higher than the center Cm of the main shaft Cm.
- the center Cm of the main shaft 41 is not on an extension of the straight line L but is positioned above the straight line L.
- the main shaft 41 is positioned above the plane L including the crankshaft 31 and the drive shaft 42, about directly above the drive shaft 42, to be exact, and therefore the length of the engine 17 along the lengthwise direction of the motorcycle 100 is reduced.
- the clutch release cylinder 465 Since the clutch release cylinder 465 is positioned to overhang the drive sprocket 426, the drive sprocket 426 does not project beyond the clutch release cylinder 465.
- the clutch release cylinder 465 overhangs the drive sprocket 426 while the cylinder is provided above the plane L including the crankshaft 31 and the drive shaft 42, so that a sufficient angle can be secured for the bank angle of the motorcycle 100.
- the clutch release cylinder 465 When seen from the side of the motorcycle 100, the clutch release cylinder 465 is positioned to overlap the drive sprocket 426, so that the height of the engine 17 can be kept from increasing.
- the protector 466 is provided around the projection portion 461B of the push rod 461, the push rod 461 can be prevented from being interfered by the drive chain 15 and colliding against splashed pebbles.
- the protector 466 includes the guide surface 466D formed along the drive sprocket 426, the drive chain 15 can be guided smoothly.
- the protector 466 further includes the guide rail 466E formed on the substantially central line of the guide surface 466D and projecting from the guide surface 466D, and therefore the drive chain 15 can be guided more smoothly.
- the sprocket cover 472 is provided to cover the drive sprocket 426 and the protector 466, the drive sprocket 426 and the protector 466 can be prevented from contacting moisture, dust and the like.
- the protector 466 is provided independently from the crankcase 460, the protector 466 is detachable. Therefore, the protector 466 can be replaced easily for repairing.
- the hydraulic clutch release cylinder 465 can be replaced easily by a mechanical clutch release device depending on the kind of the motorcycle 100 (such as a racer replica, a scooter, a moped, and a motocrosser) and the rider's liking.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Operated Clutches (AREA)
- Arrangement Of Transmissions (AREA)
- Arrangement And Mounting Of Devices That Control Transmission Of Motive Force (AREA)
- General Details Of Gearings (AREA)
- Hydraulic Clutches, Magnetic Clutches, Fluid Clutches, And Fluid Joints (AREA)
- Control Of Vehicle Engines Or Engines For Specific Uses (AREA)
Description
- The present invention relates to an engine and a motorcycle including the same, and more specifically to an engine having a clutch release cylinder and a motorcycle including the same.
-
JP 2007-69638 A -
JP 2003-65064 A -
JP 58-121327 A -
US 4 566 577 A discloses a clutch release device for a motorized cycle including an engine, at least one rear wheel, a power transmission mechanism for transmitting power of the engine to the rear wheel, and the power transmission mechanism comprising a friction clutch mechanism connected with the engine, a sprocket for chain-driving the rear wheel, a speed change mechanism of a gearing type having a tubular main shaft connected with the clutch mechanism and a counter shaft connected to the sprocket, the main and counter shafts being arranged to be parallel with each other, and the clutch mechanism and the sprocket being disposed on either end side of the main shaft and on the opposite end side of the counter shaft, respectively. The clutch release device comprises a push rod member arranged for advancing and retreating movement through the main shaft, the push rod member having either end portion thereof capable of disconnecting and reconnecting the clutch mechanism as the push rod member advances and retreats, respectively, a hydraulic cylinder acting on the other end portion of the rod member thereby causing same to advance and retreat, and the hydraulic cylinder being disposed more outside than the sprocket in the transverse direction of the motorized cycle. The sprocket mechanism allows for the incorporation of a sprocket of a relatively large diameter. - In the motorcycle disclosed by
JP 2007-69638 A JP 2003-65064 A JP 58-121327 A - It is an object of the present invention to provide an engine for use in a motorcycle including a hydraulic cylinder used to continue/discontinue a clutch, an engine having a reduced length in the lengthwise direction of the motorcycle, and a motorcycle including such an engine.
- This object is achieved by an engine according to
claim 1 and a motorcycle according toclaim 11. - An engine for use in a motorcycle according to the present invention includes a crankshaft, a main shaft, a clutch, a push rod, a clutch release cylinder, a drive shaft, a drive spocket fixed to one end of the drive shaft, a cover, and a transmission. The cover covers an outside of the drive sprocket as measured in the widthwise direction of the motorcycle and is positioned outward of the clutch release cylinder as measured in the widthwise direction of the motorcycle. The crankshaft, the main shaft and the drive shafts are provided along the widthwise direction of the motorcycle. The main shaft has a through hole. The through hole is formed in the axial direction. The clutch is provided at one end side of the main shaft and between the crankshaft and the main shaft. The push rod is inserted into the through hole of the main shaft. The clutch release cylinder is provided at the other end side of the main shaft to release the clutch by pushing the push rod. The transmission is provided between the main shaft and the drive shaft. The main shaft is positioned above a plane including the crankshaft and the drive shaft.
- According to the present invention, the main shaft is provided above the plane including the crankshaft and the drive shaft, and therefore the length of the engine along the lengthwise direction of the motorcycle is reduced.
- In embodiments of the invention, an angle between the plane including the crankshaft and the drive shaft and a plane including the main shaft and the drive shaft is substantially 90°. In embodiments of the invention, this angle is in a range between 75° and 90°.
- The engine preferably further includes a drive sprocket. The drive sprocket is fixed to one end of the drive shaft. The clutch release cylinder is arranged to overhang the drive sprocket. Therefore, the drive sprocket does not protrude beyond the clutch release cylinder. The clutch release cylinder is arranged to overhang the drive sprocket but it is provided above the plane including the crankshaft and the drive shaft, so that a large angle can be secured for the bank angle of the motorcycle.
- Other features, elements, steps, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the attached drawings.
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Fig. 1 is a side view of the outer structure of a motorcycle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. -
Fig. 2 is a side view of an engine (with a sprocket cover) provided in the motorcycle shown inFig. 1 . -
Fig. 3 is a side view of the engine (without the sprocket cover) shown inFig. 2 . -
Fig. 4 is a partly sectional view showing the general structure of the engine shown inFig. 3 . -
Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken along line V-V inFig. 2 . -
Fig. 6 is a sectional view taken along line VI-VI inFig. 3 . -
Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a protector and its periphery when seen from VII inFig. 3 . - A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which the same or corresponding elements are designated by the same reference characters and their description will not be repeated.
- Referring to
Fig. 1 , amotorcycle 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes ahead pipe 1, amain frame 2, aseat frame 3, a steering mechanism 4, ahandle 5, aclutch lever 6, afront fork 7, afront wheel 8, afront disk rotor 9, afront caliper 10, apivot shaft 11, aswing arm 12, arear wheel 13, a rear sprocket (driven sprocket) 14, adrive chain 15, afuel tank 16, anengine 17, amuffler 18, and aseat 19. - The front end part of the
main frame 2 is connected to thehead pipe 1. Themain frame 2 is formed to extend obliquely downward to the back. Theseat frame 3 is connected to the back part of themain frame 2. Theseat frame 3 extends obliquely upward to the back. The steering mechanism 4 is rotatably provided to thehead pipe 1. Thehandle 5 and theclutch lever 6 are attached above the steering mechanism 4. Theclutch lever 6 is provided on the left side of thehandle 5. Thefront fork 7 is provided under the steering mechanism 4. Thefront wheel 8 is rotatably attached at the lower end of thefront fork 7. Thefront disk rotor 9 is attached to thefront wheel 8 so that it rotates together with thefront wheel 8. Thefront caliper 10 is attached to thefront fork 7 to hold thefront disk rotor 9 therein. - The front end part of the
swing arm 12 is attached to the rear end part of themain frame 2 through thepivot shaft 11. Therear wheel 13 is attached rotatably at the rear end part of theswing arm 12. Arear sprocket 14 used to drive therear wheel 13 is attached to therear wheel 13. Thedrive chain 15 is extended around therear sprocket 14. Thefuel tank 16 is provided above themain frame 2. Theengine 17 is provided at the lower part of themain frame 2. Theengine 17 is held at themain frame 2. Themuffler 18 is connected to theengine 17. Theseat 19 is provided above theseat frame 3. - The
engine 17 includes adrive sprocket 426. Thedrive chain 15 is extended between thedrive sprocket 426 and therear sprocket 14. The driving force of theengine 17 is transmitted to therear wheel 13 through thedrive chain 15. In this way, therear wheel 13 rotates around the rear end part of theswing arm 12. A rubber drive belt may be used instead of thedrive chain 15. - Referring to
Fig. 2 , theengine 17 further includes acrankshaft 31, amain shaft 41, adrive shaft 42, acrankcase 460, aclutch release cylinder 465, acrank cover 471, and asprocket cover 472. - The
crankshaft 31, themain shaft 41 and thedrive shaft 42 are arranged along the widthwise direction of themotorcycle 100. Therefore, thecrankshaft 31, themain shaft 41, and thedrive shaft 42 are arranged substantially parallel to one another. Themain shaft 41 is provided above a plane L including thecrankshaft 31 and thedrive shaft 42. More specifically, themain shaft 41 is provided above thedrive shaft 42, about directly above it, to be exact. - The
sprocket cover 472 is attached bybolts 71 to 73. A part of theclutch release cylinder 465 is exposed above thesprocket cover 472. When thesprocket cover 472 is removed, thedrive sprocket 426 and theclutch release cylinder 465 are exposed as shown inFig. 3 . Thedrive sprocket 426 is fixed at one end of thedrive shaft 42. Theclutch release cylinder 465 is attached to thecrankcase 460 by twobolts 70 and thebolt 73 shown inFig. 2 . - The
engine 17 further includes aprotector 466. Theprotector 466 is attached around the push rods (that will be described later) arranged above thedrive sprocket 426 to protect the push rod and guide thedrive chain 15 shown inFig. 1 . - Referring to
Fig. 4 , theengine 17 includes a clutch 44, thepush rods transmission 43. - The
main shaft 41 has a cylindrical shape and a throughhole 41G. The throughhole 41G is formed in the axial direction. More specifically, the clutch 44 is provided on one end side of themain shaft 41, in other words, on the right end side inFig. 4 and between thecrankshaft 31 and themain shaft 41. Thepush rods hole 41G of themain shaft 41. Aball 459 is provided between thepush rods hole 41G. Thepush rods ball 459 may be formed integrally. Stated differently, a single push rod may be used in place of thepush rods ball 459. - The
clutch release cylinder 465 is provided on the other end of themain shaft 41, in other words, on the left end side inFig. 4 to push thepush rods ball 459 and thus release the clutch 44. Thetransmission 43 is provided between themain shaft 41 and thedrive shaft 42. - The
crankshaft 31 is rotated according to the reciprocal movement of a piston (not shown) in the cylinder (not shown). The driving force of thecrankshaft 31 is transmitted to themain shaft 41 through the clutch 44. When theclutch release cylinder 465 pushes thepush rod 461, thepush rod 461 moves toward the clutch 44 in the axial direction in the throughhole 41G. In this way, the clutch 44 is released, and the driving force of thecrankshaft 31 is not transmitted to themain shaft 41. Themain shaft 41 is coupled to thedrive shaft 42 through thetransmission 43. Thetransmission 43 decreases the rotation speed of thecrankshaft 31 at a desired transmission gear ratio. - The
engine 17 further includes aclutch actuator 60 and anoil hose 470q. As shown inFig. 1 , theclutch actuator 60 is provided under themain frame 2. Theclutch actuator 60 is connected to theclutch release cylinder 465 through theoil hose 470q. The clutch 44 is driven by theclutch actuator 60 by hydraulic pressure. - The clutch 44 is a multi-disk friction clutch. More specifically, the clutch 44 includes a
clutch housing 443, a plurality offriction disks 445, aclutch boss 447, a plurality ofclutch plates 449, a tension coil spring 450, and a pressure plate 451. The plurality offriction disks 445 are provided integrally with theclutch housing 443. The plurality ofclutch plates 449 are coupled with theclutch boss 447. Theclutch boss 447 is fixed to themain shaft 41 and rotates together with themain shaft 41. Theclutch housing 443 is coupled rotatably with themain shaft 41. The torque of thecrankshaft 31 is transmitted to theclutch housing 443 through thegears push rod 455 through a bearing 457 (on the right side inFig. 4 ). The pressure plate 451 is coupled rotatably with thepush rod 455 and themain shaft 41. The clutch 44 may be a centrifugal clutch having a weight. - The
transmission 43 is a stepped transmission. Thetransmission 43 includes a plurality of transmission gears 49 and a plurality of transmission gears 420 corresponding to these gears. The plurality of transmission gears 49 are mounted around themain shaft 41. The plurality of transmission gears 420 are mounted around thedrive shaft 42. A pair is selected from the plurality of transmission gears 49 and the plurality of transmission gears 420 and engaged with each other. At least the rest of the plurality of transmission gears 49 or the rest of the plurality of transmission gears 420 that are unselected are rotatably supported at themain shaft 41 or thedrive shaft 42. At least the unselected transmission gears 49 or the unselected transmission gears 420 are arranged to idle with respect to themain shaft 41 or thedrive shaft 42. Therefore, the driving force of themain shaft 41 is transmitted to thedrive shaft 42 only through the pair of transmission gears 49 and 420 selected and engaged with each other. - The pair of transmission gears 49 and 420 is selected by a
shift cam 421. A plurality ofcam grooves 421a are formed at the outer circumferential surface of theshift cam 421. Ashift fork 422 is mounted at each of thecam grooves 421a. Theshift forks 422 are each coupled with aprescribed transmission gear main shaft 41 or thedrive shaft 42. When theshift cam 421 is rotated by atransmission mechanism 425, theshift forks 422 are each guided to acam groove 421a and moved along themain shaft 41. In this way, a pair of transmission gears 49 and 420 is selected. More specifically, only a pair of transmission gears 49 and 420 is fixed to themain shaft 41 and thedrive shaft 42 by a spline depending on the rotation angle of theshift cam 421. In this way, the transmission gear position is determined. - The
engine 17 further includes an ECU (Electric Control Unit) 30. Theclutch actuator 60 is driven by theECU 30. Theclutch actuator 60 includes anelectric motor 60a, anoutput shaft 60g, and ahydraulic cylinder 470. Thehydraulic cylinder 470 includes acylinder 470k, apiston 470p, and anoil chamber 470n. The driving force of theelectric motor 60a is amplified by thehydraulic cylinder 470 and transmitted to the clutch 44. - Referring to
Fig. 5 , theclutch release cylinder 465 includes apiston 463 and acompression coil spring 464. Thepiston 463 is guided by theclutch release cylinder 465 and provided slidably in the direction of themain shaft 41. Aspace 467 is formed between thepiston 463 and theclutch release cylinder 465. Oil is enclosed in thespace 467. Thecompression coil spring 464 is provided in thespace 467 and biases thepiston 463 in the direction of themain shaft 41. - The
push rod 461 projects from the end of themain shaft 41. Thetip end 461A of the push rod projected from themain shaft 41 is inserted in theclutch release cylinder 465 and coupled with thepiston 463. When the oil pressure in theclutch release cylinder 465 is raised, thepiston 463 moves to the right inFig. 5 , and thepush rods Fig. 4 also move to the right accordingly. As a result, the pressure plate 451 also moves to the right and the clutch 44 is released. The elastic force of thecompression coil spring 464 is smaller than the elastic force of the tension coil spring 450 of the clutch 44. When the oil pressure in theclutch release cylinder 465 is low, the pressure plate 451 is urged by the tension coil spring 450 to the left inFig. 4 , so that the clutch 44 is connected. - Now, the operation of releasing the clutch 44 will be described.
- When the
clutch lever 6 shown inFig. 1 is clutched, theECU 30 shown inFig. 4 drives theactuator 60. More specifically, theelectric motor 60a moves theoutput shaft 60g to the left inFig. 4 . Thepiston 470p of thehydraulic cylinder 470 is pushed to the left accordingly. When thepiston 470p is pushed, oil in theoil chamber 470n is supplied to theclutch release cylinder 465 through theoil hose 470q. - Since the oil is supplied to the
space 467 of theclutch release cylinder 465, the oil pressure in theclutch release cylinder 465 is raised. When the oil pressure exceeds the elastic force of the tension coil spring 450, thepiston 463 moves to the right inFig. 5 . Thepush rods Fig. 4 in the throughhole 41G of themain shaft 41. As a result, thepressing portions 451B of the pressure plate 451 move away from thefriction disks 445, and thefriction disks 445 move away from theclutch plates 449. In other words, the clutch 44 is released. - An operation of connecting the clutch 44 will be described.
- When the
clutch lever 6 shown inFig. 1 is released, theECU 30 shown inFig. 4 stops driving theclutch actuator 60, which lowers the oil pressure in theclutch release cylinder 465. When the oil pressure is lower than the elastic force of the tension coil spring 450, the pressure plate 451 pushes thepush rods piston 463 back to the left inFigs. 4 and5 . As a result, thefriction disks 445 contact theclutch plates 449. In other words, the clutch 44 is connected. - The
clutch release cylinder 465 is arranged to overhang thedrive sprocket 426 as shown inFig. 5 and overlap thedrive sprocket 426 when seen from the side surface of themotorcycle 100 as shown inFig. 3 . - The
clutch release cylinder 465 is arranged independently from thecrankcase 460 and projects to the left from thecrankcase 460. As shown inFigs. 3 ,6 and7 , theclutch release cylinder 465 is provided withlegs legs - As shown in
Fig. 6 , theleg 465A has a through hole 465Af and theleg 465B has a through hole 465Bf. Similarly, as shown inFig. 3 , theleg 465C has a through hole 465Cf. The through holes 465Af, 465Bf and 465Cf are all formed along themain shaft 41. The part of thecrankcase 460 in contact with theclutch release cylinder 465 has ascrew hole 460a corresponding to theleg 465A and ascrew hole 460b corresponding to theleg 465B. Similarly, a screw hole (not shown) corresponding to theleg 465C is also formed. The three screw holes are all non-through holes and formed along themain shaft 41. The centers of the three screw holes coincide with the centers of the through holes 465Af, 465Bf, and 465Cf.Bolts 70 are inserted into the through holes 465Af and 465Bf and screwed on thescrew holes bolt 73 shown inFig. 2 is inserted in the through hole 465Cf and screwed on the corresponding screw hole. In this way, theclutch release cylinder 465 is detachably attached to thecrankcase 460. A sheet-metal part 458 is placed between thecrankcase 460 and theclutch release cylinder 465. - A
bearing 456 is provided at a left end part of themain shaft 41 inFig. 6 . A throughhole 460G is formed at the left side part of thecrankcase 460 inFig. 6 . Anoil seal 454 is provided at a part of the throughhole 460G. Thepush rod 461 is supported by thecrankcase 460 by thebearing 456. Thepush rod 461 is inserted into the throughhole 460G. - The
push rod 461 includes aprojection portion 461B including atip end 461A and acoupling portion 461C. Theprojection portion 461B projects from themain shaft 41 and is exposed between theclutch release cylinder 465. Thecoupling portion 461C is stored in themain shaft 41. - However, the
projection portion 461B and thecoupling portion 461C may be formed integrally. Thelegs clutch release cylinder 465. - The
drive sprocket 426 shown inFig. 3 is provided around oneend 42E of thedrive shaft 42 as shown inFig. 5 . Abearing 453 is provided to thecrankcase 460. Thebearing 453 is coupled to thecrankcase 460 through a key 452. The key 452 has an annular shape. Thedrive shaft 42 is supported at thecrankcase 460 by thebearing 453. Oneend 42E ofdrive shaft 42 projects from thecrankcase 460. Thedrive sprocket 426 rotates together with thedrive shaft 42. - A
collar 424 is provided between thecrankcase 460 and thedrive sprocket 426. Thecollar 424 has a substantially cylindrical shape and is proved around theend 42E of thedrive shaft 42. Anut 423 is provided at the tip end of thedrive shaft 42 projecting from thedrive sprocket 426. Thenut 423 is screwed at the tip end of thedrive shaft 42. Awasher 428 is provided between thenut 423 and thedrive sprocket 426. In this way, thedrive sprocket 426 is fixed to thedrive shaft 42. - Referring back to
Fig. 3 , theprotector 466 is provided behind theclutch release cylinder 465. Theprotector 466 extends to the back of themotorcycle 100 through the upper part of thedrive sprocket 426 from the front part of thedrive sprocket 426. As shown inFig. 5 , theprotector 466 is provided between thecrankcase 460 and theclutch release cylinder 465. Theprotector 466 is provided substantially flush with thedrive sprocket 426. Theprotector 466 is provided independently from thecrankcase 460 and theclutch release cylinder 465. Theprotector 466 has a throughhole 466R. Thepush rod 461 is inserted in the throughhole 466R. In this way, thepush rod 461 is protected by theprotector 466. More specifically, theprotector 466 can prevent thedrive chain 15 rotated at high speed from interfering thepush rod 461. Theprotector 466 can also prevent pebbles or the like kicked up while themotorcycle 100 is driving from striking thepush rod 461. - As shown in
Fig. 5 and7 , theprotector 466 includes aguide surface 466D and aguide rail 466E. Theguide surface 466D is formed along thedrive chain 15 wound round thedrive sprocket 426. Theguide rail 466E is formed on the substantially central line of theguide surface 466D and projects from theguide surface 466D. Theguide rail 466E has a raised shape and is opposed to therecess part 15A of thedrive chain 15. Theprotector 466 guides thedrive chain 15 so that thedrive chain 15 does not come off from thedrive sprocket 426. - As shown in
Figs. 6 and7 , theprotector 466 has throughholes hole 466R. Theleg 465A of theclutch release cylinder 465 is inserted into the throughhole 466A. Theleg 465C of theclutch release cylinder 465 is inserted into the throughhole 466C. - A member having a protection function only for the
push rod 461 may be provided instead of theprotector 466 having both the protection function for thepush rod 461 and the guide function for thedrive chain 15. Such a member has a cylindrical shape for example and theprojection portion 461B of thepush rod 461 is inserted through the cylinder. - The
sprocket cover 472 shown inFig. 2 partly covers thedrive sprocket 426, theprotector 466 and theclutch release cylinder 465 shown inFig. 3 . Thesprocket cover 472 is attached to thecrankcase 460 by thebolt 73 together with theclutch release cylinder 465. - When the
bolts 71 to 73 are removed, thesprocket cover 472 can be removed. When thesprocket cover 472 is removed from thecrankcase 460 as shown inFig. 3 , the entireclutch release cylinder 465 is exposed. Then, when thebolts 70 are removed, theclutch release cylinder 465 can be removed. - Referring back to
Fig. 2 , thecrankshaft 31 and its periphery are covered with thecrank cover 471. The straight line L is a virtual line connecting the center Cc of thecrankshaft 31 and the axial center Cd of thedrive shaft 42. The center Cm of themain shaft 41 is not on an extension of the straight line L but is positioned above the straight line L. When seen from the side of themotorcycle 100, the center Cd of thedrive shaft 42 and the center Cc of the crankshaft are substantially at the same height. The center Cm of themain shaft 41 is positioned higher than the center Cd of thedrive shaft 42. An approximate right triangle is formed by a virtual line connecting the center Cc of thecrankshaft 31, the center Cm of themain shaft 41 and the center Cd of thedrive shaft 42. The center Cc of thecrankshaft 31 may be positioned higher than the center Cm of the main shaft Cm. Again in this case, the center Cm of themain shaft 41 is not on an extension of the straight line L but is positioned above the straight line L. - According to the present preferred embodiment, the
main shaft 41 is positioned above the plane L including thecrankshaft 31 and thedrive shaft 42, about directly above thedrive shaft 42, to be exact, and therefore the length of theengine 17 along the lengthwise direction of themotorcycle 100 is reduced. - Since the
clutch release cylinder 465 is positioned to overhang thedrive sprocket 426, thedrive sprocket 426 does not project beyond theclutch release cylinder 465. Theclutch release cylinder 465 overhangs thedrive sprocket 426 while the cylinder is provided above the plane L including thecrankshaft 31 and thedrive shaft 42, so that a sufficient angle can be secured for the bank angle of themotorcycle 100. - When seen from the side of the
motorcycle 100, theclutch release cylinder 465 is positioned to overlap thedrive sprocket 426, so that the height of theengine 17 can be kept from increasing. - Since the
protector 466 is provided around theprojection portion 461B of thepush rod 461, thepush rod 461 can be prevented from being interfered by thedrive chain 15 and colliding against splashed pebbles. - Since the
protector 466 includes theguide surface 466D formed along thedrive sprocket 426, thedrive chain 15 can be guided smoothly. Theprotector 466 further includes theguide rail 466E formed on the substantially central line of theguide surface 466D and projecting from theguide surface 466D, and therefore thedrive chain 15 can be guided more smoothly. - Since the
sprocket cover 472 is provided to cover thedrive sprocket 426 and theprotector 466, thedrive sprocket 426 and theprotector 466 can be prevented from contacting moisture, dust and the like. - Since the
protector 466 is provided independently from thecrankcase 460, theprotector 466 is detachable. Therefore, theprotector 466 can be replaced easily for repairing. - Since the
clutch release cylinder 465 is provided independently from thecrankcase 460 and detachable, the hydraulicclutch release cylinder 465 can be replaced easily by a mechanical clutch release device depending on the kind of the motorcycle 100 (such as a racer replica, a scooter, a moped, and a motocrosser) and the rider's liking. - While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it is to be understood that variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing the scope and spirit of the present invention. The scope of the present invention, therefore, is to be determined solely by the following claims.
Claims (11)
- An engine (17) for use in a motorcycle (100), comprising:a crankshaft (31) provided along a widthwise direction of the motorcycle;a main shaft (41) provided along the widthwise direction of the motorcycle and having a through hole (41G) formed in an axial direction thereof;a clutch (44) provided at one end side of the main shaft and between the crankshaft and the main shaft;a push rod (461) inserted into the through hole of the main shaft;a clutch release cylinder (465) provided at the other end side of the main shaft to release the clutch by pushing the push rod;a drive shaft (42) provided along the widthwise direction of the motorcycle;a transmission (43) provided between the main shaft and the drive shaft,a drive sprocket (426) fixed to one end (42E) of the drive shaft; and,a cover (472) covering an outside of the drive sprocket (426) as measured in the widthwise direction of the motorcycle,the main shaft being positioned above a plane (L) including the crankshaft and the drive shaft, andcharacterized in that the cover (472) is positioned outward of the clutch release cylinder (465) as measured in the widthwise direction of the motorcycle.
- The engine according to claim 1, wherein the main shaft is positioned above the drive shaft.
- The engine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the clutch release cylinder is detachable.
- The engine according to any one of claims 1 to 3,wherein the clutch release cylinder is provided to overhang the drive sprocket.
- The engine according to claim 4, wherein the clutch release cylinder is provided to overlap the drive sprocket when seen from a side of the motorcycle.
- The engine according to claim 4 or 5, wherein
the push rod includes a projection portion (461B) projecting from the main shaft and exposed between the clutch release cylinder and the main shaft,
the engine further comprising:a crankcase (460); anda protector (466) provided between the crankcase and the clutch release cylinder and around the projection portion of the push rod. - The engine according to claim 6, wherein the protector comprises a guide surface (466D) formed along the drive sprocket.
- The engine according to claim 7, wherein the protector further comprises a guide rail (466E) formed on a substantially central line of the guide surface and projecting from the guide surface.
- The engine according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the cover (472) is attached to cover the the protector.
- The engine according to claim 1, wherein the cover (472) partly covers the drive sprocket (426) and the clutch release cylinder (465).
- A motorcycle comprising the engine according to any one of claims 1 to 10.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2008277266A JP5297763B2 (en) | 2008-10-28 | 2008-10-28 | Power unit and motorcycle equipped with the same |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP2182192A2 EP2182192A2 (en) | 2010-05-05 |
EP2182192A3 EP2182192A3 (en) | 2014-12-31 |
EP2182192B1 true EP2182192B1 (en) | 2017-04-12 |
Family
ID=41262280
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP09013525.2A Active EP2182192B1 (en) | 2008-10-28 | 2009-10-27 | Engine and motorcycle including the same |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
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EP (1) | EP2182192B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP5297763B2 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2628105T3 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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JP2013014249A (en) * | 2011-07-05 | 2013-01-24 | Honda Motor Co Ltd | Vehicle power unit |
Family Cites Families (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JPS58121327A (en) * | 1982-01-08 | 1983-07-19 | Honda Motor Co Ltd | Releaser for clutch of motorcycle, etc. |
JPH0529894U (en) * | 1991-09-30 | 1993-04-20 | 本田技研工業株式会社 | Chain guide mounting structure for power take-off device for small vehicles |
JP2003065064A (en) | 2001-08-30 | 2003-03-05 | Suzuki Motor Corp | Parallel four cylinder engine for vehicle |
JP4298436B2 (en) * | 2003-08-27 | 2009-07-22 | 本田技研工業株式会社 | Engine with cartridge-type transmission |
JP2007069638A (en) | 2005-09-05 | 2007-03-22 | Yamaha Motor Co Ltd | Hydraulic master cylinder |
TWI293603B (en) * | 2006-04-18 | 2008-02-21 | Yamaha Motor Co Ltd | Shift actuator, vehicle, and method of integrating vehicle |
JP4795101B2 (en) * | 2006-04-27 | 2011-10-19 | 本田技研工業株式会社 | Mudguard mechanism of motorcycle gear position sensor |
-
2008
- 2008-10-28 JP JP2008277266A patent/JP5297763B2/en active Active
-
2009
- 2009-10-27 ES ES09013525.2T patent/ES2628105T3/en active Active
- 2009-10-27 EP EP09013525.2A patent/EP2182192B1/en active Active
Non-Patent Citations (1)
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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EP2182192A2 (en) | 2010-05-05 |
ES2628105T3 (en) | 2017-08-01 |
JP2010106894A (en) | 2010-05-13 |
JP5297763B2 (en) | 2013-09-25 |
EP2182192A3 (en) | 2014-12-31 |
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