Title of Invention

A COVERING FOR AN ENGINE OF A MOTORCYCLE

Abstract

A COVERING FOR AN ENGINE OF A MOTORCYCLE A covering for an engine of a motorcycle comprising, dummy covers (42A, 43A; 42B, 43B) for covering at least a part of cylinder heads (34A, 34B) from the sides, and overhead covers (64A, 65A, 64b, 65B) for covering at least part of head covers (35A, 35B) coupled to said cylinder heads (34A, 34B) from above and the sides, characterized in that, at least one spot of said dummy covers (42A, 43A, 42B, 43B) is fastened to an engine main unit (32) including said cylinder heads (34A, 34B) and head covers (35A, 35B) with bolts (49, 60), and a plurality of engaging protrusions (66, 67, 70, 71) provided in said overhead covers (64A, 65A; 64B, 65B) formed to cover said bolts (49, 60) are resiliently engaged with said engine main unit (32) or said dummy covers (42A, 43A, 42B, 43B) so as to detachable or attachable.

Full Text

FORM 2 THE PATENTS ACT 1970 [39 OF 1970] & THE PATENTS RULES, 2003 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION [See Section 10; rule 13] " A COVERING FOR AN ENGINE OF A MOTORCYCLE" HONDA GIKEN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA, a corporation of Japan, having a place of business at 1-1, Minamiaoyama 2-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan The following specification particularly describes the nature o the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed:- 1 0 JAN 2008 GRANTED The present invention relates to an engine for motorcycle. [DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION] [0001] [Technical Field of the Invention] The present invention relates to an engine for a motorcycle having dummy covers for covering at least part of cylinder heads from the sides and overhead covers for covering at least part of head covers coupled to said cylinder heads from above and the sides. [0002] [Prior Art] Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application No. 2000-234562 discloses a construction in which at least part of head covers is covered by overhead covers from above and the sides in order to enhance the functional beauty of an engine for a motorcycle and to improve noiseproofing. Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application No. Hei 11-82051 discloses a construction in which at least part of cylinder heads is covered by dummy covers having dummy cooling fins from the sides in order to enhance the functional beauty of an engine for a motorcycle. [0003] 2 [Problems to be Solved by the Invention] In the construction disclosed in Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application No. 2000-234562, protrusions provided in the head covers are engaged with the overhead covers, the overhead covers are fastened to the head covers with bolts, and the bolt heads are arranged to face the outer surface of the overhead covers . The bolts are seen from outside . To enhance the appearance functional beauty, bolt heads of a special shape must be employed and an expensive surface treatment with chromeplating must be done to the bolt heads. [0004] In the construction disclosed in Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application No. Hei 11-82051, the dummy covers are attached to stays mounted on the cylinder heads in snap fit and are fastened to the stays and a crankcase with bolts in order to increase vibration endurance. The bolt heads are exposed to outside. There may arise the same problem as Japanese Published Unexamined Patent Application No. 2000-234562. [0005] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances and an object of the present invention is to provide an engine for a motorcycle which requires no parts of a special shape and no surface treatment and enhances the functional beauty. [0006] [Means to Solve the Problems] To achieve the foregoing object, in the invention 3 aWording to claim 1, an engine for a motorcycle having dummy covers for covering at least part of cylinder heads from the sides; and overhead covers for covering at least part of head covers coupled to the cylinder heads from above and the sides, wherein: at least one spot of the dummy covers is fastened to an engine main unit including the cylinder heads and head covers with bolts, and a plurality of engaging protrusions provided in the overhead covers formed in a shape to cover the bolts are resiliently engaged with the engine main unit or the dummy covers so as to be detachable or attachable. [0007] Such a construction of the invention according to claim 1 can require no parts of a special shape and no surface treatment and enhance the functional beauty. In other words, in many cases, the dummy covers for covering at least part of the cylinder heads from the sides are provided with dummy cooling fins for enhancing the functional beauty and are made of metal to eliminate heat and enhance the functional beauty. Strong support is thus necessary. Also in many cases, the overhead covers require no dummy cooling fins and are formed of lightweight material such as synthetic resin since requirements to eliminate heat and to enhance the functional beauty are relatively low. It is thus unnecessary to support the overhead covers very strongly. At least one spot of the dummy covers is fastened to the engine main unit and a plurality of engaging protrusions provided in the overhead covers are resiliently engaged with the engine main unit or the dummy covers so as to be detachable or attachable. The dummy covers 4 and overhead covers can be supported in the engine main unit in a construction suitable thereto. The bolts for fastening at least one spot of the dummy covers to the engine main unit are covered by the overhead covers. Parts of a special shape and a surface treatment which have been required since the bolts are exposed to outside become unnecessary. The cost can be reduced and the functional beauty can be enhanced. [0008] In the invention according to claim 2, in addition to the construction of the invention according to claim 1, the dummy covers are provided with notches for arranging spark plugs mounted on the cylinder heads, and the overhead covers are formed in a shape to cover the notches from above. According to such a construction, the notches for arranging the spark plugs are covered by the overhead covers from above. The functional beauty can be thus enhanced. A plurality of engaging protrusions provided in the overhead covers are resiliently engaged with at least either of the cylinder heads and the head covers so as to be detachable or attachable. The overhead covers can be easily detached or attached. The maintenance operability of the spark plugs can be improved. [0009] In the invention according to claim 3, in addition to the construction of the invention according to claim 1 or 2, cylinders consisting of part of the engine main unit are coupled to the cylinder heads, in portions corresponding to the fins closest to the cylinder heads of a plurality of fins provided in the sides of the cylinders aligned in the direction along 5 cylinder axes of the cylinders, at least one recess is provided in the cylinders, and protrusions provided in the dummy covers are fitted in the recesses. According to such a construction, the dummy covers are supported by the cylinders in the engine main unit together with fastening at least one spot thereof to the engine main unit with bolts . The dummy covers which become relatively heavy can be reliably fixed to the engine main unit. The mutual fitting.portions of the dummy covers and the cylinders can be hidden by the fins provided in the cylinders. The mutual fitting of the dummy covers and the cylinders will not deteriorate the functional beauty of the engine. [0010] [Mode for carrying out the Invention] [0011] [Mode for carrying out the Invention] An embodiment of the present invention shown in the accompanying drawings will be described hereinbelow. [BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS] [Fig. 1] Fig. 1 is a right side view of a motorcycle; [Fig. 2] Fig. 2 is a side view of a power unit viewed from the right side of the motorcycle; [Fig. 3] Fig. 3 is a partially cutaway longitudinal side view of the power unit viewed from the left side of the motorcycle; [Fig. 4] Fig. 4 is an enlarged cross - sectional view taken along line 4 - 4 of Fig. 3; 6 [Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is a left side view of a right-side dummy cover; [Fig. 6] Fig. 6 is a cross - sectional view taken along line 6 - 6 of Fig. 5; [Fig. 7] Fig. 7 is a cross - sectional view taken along line 7 - 7 of Fig. 5; [Fig. 8] Fig. 8 is a right side view of a left-side dummy cover; [Fig. 9] Fig. 9 is a cross - sectional view taken along line 9 -9 of Fig. 8; [Fig. 10] Fig. 10 is a cross - sectional view taken along line 10 - 10 of Fig. 8; [Fig. 11] Fig. 11 is a right side view of a right-side overhead cover; [Fig. 12] Fig. 12 is a diagram of arrow 12 of Fig. 11; [Fig. 13] Fig. 13 is a diagram of arrow 13 of Fig. 11; [Fig. 14] Fig. 14 is a left side view of a left-side overhead cover; [Fig. 15] Fig. 15 is a diagram of arrow 15 of Fig. 14; [Fig. 16] Fig. 16 is a diagram of arrow 16 of Fig. 14; and [Fig.. 171 Fig. 17 is an enlarged side view of portions on a crankcase side of a first and a second cylinders viewed from the left side of the motorcycle. {0012] Figs. 1 to 1? show an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1 is a right side view of a motorcycle. Fig. 2 is a side view of a power unit viewed from the right side of the motorcycle . Fig. 3 is a partially cutaway longitudinal side view of the power unit viewed front the left side of the motorcycle. Fig. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a left side view of a right-side dummy cover. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6 - 6 of Fig. 5. Fig. 7 is a cross - sectional view taken along line 7 - 7 of Pig. 5. Fig. 8 is a right side view of a left-side 8 dummy cover. Fig. 9 is a cross - sectional view taken along line 9 - 9 of Fig. 8. Fig. 10 is a cross - sectional view taken along line 10-10 of Fig. 8. Fig. llisa right side view of a right-side overhead cover. Fig. 12 is a diagram of arrow 12 of Fig. 11. Fig. 13 is a diagram of arrow 13 of Fig. 11. Fig. 14 is a left side view of a left-side overhead cover. Fig. 15 is a diagram of arrow 15 of Fig. 14. Fig. 16 is a diagram of arrow 16 of Fig. 14. Fig. 17 is an enlarged side view of portions of a first and a second cylinders on the crankcase side viewed from the left side of the motorcycle. [0013] In the following description, "left", "right", "front", "rear", "up" and "down" are referred with reference to the body of a motorcycle. [0014] In Fig. 1, in a head pipe 22 provided at the front end of a body frame 21 of a custom-type motorcycle, a front fork 23 for supporting a front wheel WF is supported steerably. The upper end of the front fork 23 is coupled to a steering wheel 24. The rear portion of the body frame 21 is coupled to a rear fork 25 for supporting a rear wheel WR so as to be swingable upwards or downwards. A rear cushion 26 is interposed between the rear fork 25 and the body frame 21. [0015] A fuel tank 27 is mounted on the body frame 21 rearwardly of the head pipe 22. A tandem-type riding seat 28 is provided on the body frame 21 rearwardly of the fuel tank 27. [0016] 9 A power unit P mounted on the body frame 21 is arranged below the fuel tank 27. The power unit P has a two-cylinder engine E and a transmission M for shifting the rotating power of the engine E which is then transmitted to the rear wheel WR. [0017] Referring to Figs . 2 and 3 , the engine E is a V- type engine in which a first bank BA and a second bank BB arranged rearwardly of the first bank BA are arranged in a V shape in a plane orthogonal to the axis of a crankshaft 3 0 having an axis extending horizontally in the right and left directions of the body frame 21. The crankshaft 30 is rotatably supported in a crankcase 31 serving as a transmission case of the transmission M. [0018] An engine main unit 32 of this engine E has the crankcase 31, a first cylinder 33A coupled to the crankcase 31, a second cylinder 33B coupled to the crankcase 31 rearwardly of the first cylinder 33A, a first cylinder head 34A coupled to the first cylinder 33A, a second cylinder head 34B coupled to the second cylinder 33B, a first head cover 35A coupled to the first cylinder head 34A, and a second head cover 35B coupled to the second cylinder head 34B. [0019] The first bank BA has the first cylinder 33A and the first cylinder head 34A coupled to each other. The second bank BB has the first cylinder 33B and the second cylinder head 34B coupled to each other and is arranged rearwardly of the first bank BA. [0020] Pistons 37A, 37B slidably fitted in cylinder bores 36A, 36B provided in the first and second cylinders 33A, 33B are coupled to the crankshaft 30 via connecting rods 38A, 38B. [0021] The engine E is a water-cooled engine. A first cooling water jacket 31A is formed in the first cylinder 33A and the first cylinder head 34A of the first bank BA. A second cooling water jacket 31B is formed in the second cylinder 33B and the second cylinder head 34B of the second bank BB. Originally, cooling fins required in an air-cooled engine need not be provided in the sides of the first and second cylinders 33A, 33B. To enhance the functional beauty (functional appearance) of the engine E, the first cylinder 33A is provided in its sides with a plurality of fins 40A ... aligned in the direction along a cylinder axis CA of the first cylinder 33A. The second cylinder 33B is provided in its sides with a plurality of fins 40B ... in number equal to the fins 40A ... of the first cylinder 33A aligned in the direction along a cylinder axis CB of the second cylinder 33B. [0022] Referring to Fig. 4, the right sides of the first cylinder head 34A and the first head cover 35A are covered by a right-side first dummy cover 42A. The left sides of the first cylinder head 34A and the first head cover 35A are covered by a left-side first dummy cover 43A. These dummy covers 42A, 43A are intended for enhancing the functional beauty of the engine E and are 11 made of metal to eliminate heat and to enhance the functional beauty. An equal plurality of fins 44A ..., 45A ... as dummy cooling fins are provided in the sides of the dummy covers 42A, 43A, respectively. [0023] In Figs. 5 to 7, in the upper portion of the right-side first dummy cover 42A, at least one cylindrical resilient member 46 (a pair of cylindrical resilient members 46, 46 in this embodiment) is provided. In the right side of the first head cover 35A as part of the engine main unit 32, bosses 47 ... corresponding to the resilient members 46, 46 are protruded. Bolts 41 ... extending through metal sleeves 48 ... inserted into the resilient members 46, 46 are threadedly engaged with the bosses 47 .... At least one spot (two spots in this embodiment) of the right-side first dummy cover 42A is fastened to the first head cover 35A as part of the engine main unit 32 with the bolts 41 .... [0024] On the first cylinder head 34A, a pair of spark plugs 51, 52 facing a combustion chamber 50 are mounted. A notch 53 for arranging the one spark plug 51 is provided in the right-side first dummy cover 42A. The fins 44A ... avoid the notch 53 and are provided in the side of the right-side first dummy cover 42A. [0025] At least one protrusion 54 (a pair of protrusions 54, 54 in this embodiment) is protruded in the lower portion of the right-side first dummy cover 42A. In the first cylinder 33 A in a portion corresponding to the fin 40A closest to the first cylinder head 34A of the fins 40A ... in the first cylinder 33A, that is, the uppermost fin 40A, metal cylindrical members 56 ... are buried corresponding to the protrusions 54 .... The protrusions 54 ... are fitted in recesses 55 ... provided in the first cylinder 33A so as to be constructed by the cylindrical members 56 ... and the first cylinder 33A. [0026] In Figs. 8 to 10, in the upper portion of the left-side first dummy cover 43A, at least one cylindrical resilient member 57 (a pair of cylindrical resilient members 57, 57 in this embodiment) is provided. In the left side of the first head cover 35A as part of the engine main unit 32, bosses 58 ... corresponding to the resilient members 57, 57 are protruded. Bolts 60 ... extending through metal sleeves 51 ... inserted into the resilient members 57, 57 are threadedly engaged with the bosses 58 .... At least one spot (two spots in this embodiment) of the left-side first dummy cover 43A is fastened to the first head cover 35A as part of the engine main unit 32 with the bolts 6 0 .... [0027] A notch 83 for arranging the other spark plug 52 of the pair of spark plugs 51, 52 facing the combustion chamber 50 is provided in the left-side first dummy cover 43A. Fins 44B ... avoid the notch 83 and are provided in the side of the left- side first dummy cover 43A. [0028] At least one protrusion 61 (a pair of protrusions 61, in this embodiment) is protruded in the lower portion of the left-side first dummy cover 43A. In the first cylinder 33A in a portion corresponding to the fin 40A closest to the first cylinder head 34A of the fins 40A ... in the first cylinder 33A, that is, the uppermost fin 40A, metal cylindrical members 63 ... are buried corresponding to the protrusions 61 .... The protrusions 61 ... are fitted in recesses 62 ... provided in the first cylinder 33A so as to be constructed by the cylindrical members 63 ... and the first cylinder 33A. [0029] At least part of the first head cover 35A coupled to the first cylinder head 34A (the right and left sides of the first head cover 35A in this embodiment) is covered by a right-side first overhead cover 64A and a left-side first overhead cover 65A. [0030] In Figs. 11 to 13, the right-side first overhead cover 64A is formed of synthetic resin so as to cover the right side of the first head cover 35A from above and the sides and is mounted on the right-side first dummy cover 42A so as to be detachable or attachable. [0031] The right-side first overhead cover 64A has the side view formed of a substantially T shape so as to cover the bolts 41 ... for mounting the right-side first dummy cover 42A on the first head cover 35A and the notch 53 provided in the right-side first dummy cover 4 2A to arrange the spark plug 51 when mounted to the right-side first dummy cover 42A. In the upper portion of the right-side first overhead cover 64A, a pair of engaging protrusions 66, 66 protruded to the right-side first dummy cover 42A side are protruded. In the lower portion of the right-side first overhead cover 64A in the middle position between the engaging protrusions 66, 66, an engaging protrusion 67 protruded to the right-side first dummy cover 42A side is protruded. [0033] In the right-side first dummy cover 42A, cylindrical engaging members 68, 68 made of synthetic resin are provided corresponding to both the engaging protrusions 66, 66 and the cylindrical engaging member 61 made of synthetic resin is provided corresponding to the engaging protrusion 67. The engaging protrusions 66, 66, 67 inserted into the engaging members 68, 68, 61 are resiliently engaged with the engaging members 68, 68, 61. The right-side first overhead cover 64A is supported in the right-side first dummy cover 42A by the resilient engagement permitting detachment or attachment. [0034] The engaging member 61 is formed cylindrically. The engaging members 68, 68 are formed in a cylindrical shape having an ellipse cross - sectional shape which is long upwards and downwards. The upper portion of the right-side first overhead cover 64A in a state where the engaging protrusion 67 is resiliently engaged with an engaging member 69 is pressed to the right-side first dummy cover 42A side. The engaging protrusions 66, 66 can be easily resiliently engaged with the engaging members 68, 68. The right-side first overhead cover 64A can be easily mounted on the right-side first dummy cover 42A. [0035] In Figs. 14 to 16, the left-side first overhead cover 65A is formed of synthetic resin so as to cover the left side of the first head cover 35A from above and the sides and is mounted on the left-side first dummy cover 43A so as to be detachable or attachable. [0036] The left-side first overhead cover 65A has the side view formed of a substantially T shape as in the right-side first overhead cover 64A so as to cover the bolts 60 ... for mounting the left-side first dummy cover 43A on the first head cover 35A and the notch 83 provided in the left-side first dummy cover 43A to arrange the spark plug 52 when mounted to the left¬side first dummy cover 43A. [0037] In the upper portion of the left-side first overhead cover 65A, a pair of engaging protrusions 70, 70 protruded to the left-side first dummy cover 43A side are protruded. In the lower portion of the left-side first overhead cover 65A in the middle position between the engaging protrusions 70, 70, an engaging protrusion 71 protruded to the left-side first dummy cover 43A side is protruded. [0038] In the left-side first dummy cover 43A, cylindrical engaging members 72, 72 made of synthetic resin are provided 16 corresponding to both the engaging protrusions 70, 70 and a cylindrical engaging member 73 made of synthetic resin is provided corresponding to the engaging protrusion 71. The engaging protrusions 70, 70, 71 inserted into the engaging members 72, 72, 73 are resiliently engaged with the engaging members 72, 72, 73. The left-side first overhead cover 65A is supported in the left-side first dummy cover 43A by the resilient engagement permitting detachment or attachment. [0039] The engaging member 73 is formed cylindrically. The engaging members 72, 72 are formed in a cylindrical shape having an ellipse cross - sectional shape which is long upwards and downwards. The upper portion of the left-side first overhead cover 65A in a state where the engaging protrusion 71 is resiliently engaged with the engaging member 73 is pressed to the left-side first dummy cover 43A side. The engaging protrusions 70, 70 can be easily resiliently engaged with the engaging members 72, 72. The left-side first overhead cover 65A can be easily mounted on the left-side first dummy cover 43A. [0040] Again in Figs. 2 and 3, the right side of the second cylinder head 34B of the second bank BB is covered by a right-side second dummy cover 42B. The left side of the second cylinder head 34B is covered by a left-side second dummy cover 43B thereof. These dummy covers 42B, 43B are intended for enhancing the functional beauty of the engine E and are made of metal to eliminate heat and to enhance the functional beauty. 17 An" equal plurality of fins 44B ..., 45B ... as dummy cooling fins are provided in the sides of the dummy covers 42B, 43B, respectively. [0041] At least one spot (two spots in this embodiment) of the dummy covers 42B, 43B is fastened to the second head cover 35B as part of the engine main unit 32 as in the dummy covers 42A, 43A of the first bank BA. The lower portions of the dummy covers 42B, 43B are fittedly supported in the upper portion of the second cylinder 33B, as in the dummy covers 42A, 43A of the first bank BA. The right-side and left-side second dummy covers 42B, 43B are provided with the notches for arranging the spark plugs mounted on the second cylinder head 34B, as in the right-side and left-side first dummy covers 42A, 43A. [0042] At least part of the second head cover 35B coupled to the second cylinder head 34B is covered by a right-side second overhead cover 64B and a left-side second overhead cover 65B. [0043] The right-side second overhead cover 64B is formed of synthetic resin so as to cover the right side of the second head cover 35B from above and the sides and is mounted on the right-side second dummy cover 42B so as to be detachable or attachable, as in the right-side first overhead cover 64A on the first bank BA side. The left-side second overhead cover 65B is formed of synthetic resin so as to cover the left side of the second head cover 35B from above and the sides and is mounted on the left-side second dummy cover 43B so as to be 18 detachable or attachable, as in a left-side second overhead cover 64B on the first bank BA side. [0044] The right-side and left-side second overhead covers 64B, 65B have the side view formed in a substantially T shape so as to cover the fastening portion of the right-side and left-side second dummy covers 42B, 43B to the second head cover 35B. The right-side and left-side second overhead covers 64B, 65B cover the notches of the right-side and left-side second dummy covers 42B, 43B. [0045] To reduce the nip angle of the first and second banks BA, BB, in a plane orthogonal to the axis of the crankshaft 30, a cross point CP of the cylinder axes CA, CB of both the banks BA, BB is arranged in the position offset, for example, forward from the axis of the crankshaft 30. In the plane, a length LAI between a deck surface 75A of the first cylinder head 34A of the first bank BA and the cross point CP and a length LB1 between a deck surface 75B of the second cylinder head 34B of the second bank BB and the cross point CP are different from each other so that LAI The lengths LAI and LB1 are different so that a difference in height between both the banks BA, BB is significant visually. A feeling of unbalance may be produced, resulting in deterioration of the functional beauty of the engine E. [0047] The total numbers of a plurality of the fins 40A ..., 44A 19 4 5 A ...; 40B ..., 44B ..., 45B ... provided in the sides of the cylinders 33A, 33B of the first and second banks BA, BB and the sides of the dummy covers 42A, 43A; 42B, 43B for covering the head covers 34A, 34B coupled to the cylinders 33A, 33B from both the right and left sides and aligned in the direction along the cylinder axes CA, CB of both the banks BA, BB are set to be equal in the first and second banks BA, BB. A center line mutual distance dA of the fins 40A ..., 44A ..., 45A ... on the first bank BA side and a center line mutual distance dB of the fins 40B ..., 44B ..., 45B ... on the second bank BB side are set to be almost equal, as shown in Fig. 17. [0048] The lengths LA2, LB2 between the center lines of the fins 40A, 40B closest to the crankshaft 30 of the fins 40A ..., 44A ..., 45A ...; 40B..., 44B ..., 45B ... and the cross point CP in the plane orthogonal to the axis of the crankshaft 30 are set to be almost equal in the first and second banks BA, BB. [0049] In the side view in the direction along the axis of the crankshaft 30, the contour shapes of the first and second cylinders 33A, 33B including the fins 40A ..., 40B ... and the dummy covers 42A, 43A; 42B, 43B including the fins 44A, 45A; 44B, 45B are formed almost symmetrically with respect to a plane including a bisector 76 between both the banks BA, BB passing through the cross point CP in the plane orthogonal to the axis of the crankshaft 30. [0050] A length LA3 between cross points at which the right-side and left-side first overhead covers 64A, 65A cross the cylinder axis CA of the first cylinder 33A in a plane orthogonal to the axis of the crankshaft 30 and the cross point CP at which the cylinder axes CA, CB cross each other in the plane and a length LB3 between a cross point at which the right-side and left-side second overhead covers 64B, 65B cross the cylinder axis CB of the second cylinder 33B in a plane orthogonal to the axis of the crankshaft 30 and the cross point CP at which the cylinder axes CA, CB cross each other in the plane are set to be almost equal. [0051] The front portion of the fist cylinder head 34A of the first bank BA is connected to the upstream end of an exhaust pipe 77A extended rearwardly on the right side of the body frame 21. The rear portion of the second cylinder head 34B of the second bank BB is connected to the upstream end of an exhaust pipe 77B formed to be bent on the right side of the body frame 21. Exhaust mufflers 78A, 78B arranged on the right side of the rear wheel WR are connected to the downstream ends of the exhaust pipes 77A, 77B. High tension cords 79, 80 ... continuous to the pair of spark plugs 51, 52 ... mounted on each of the cylinder heads 34A, 34B of both the banks BA, BB are drawn upward from between the right-side and left-side first overhead covers 64A, 65A and the right-side and left-side second overhead covers 64B, 65B. [0052] The operation of this embodiment will be described. In the sides of the cylinders 33A, 33B of the first and second 21 batiks BA, BB and the sides of the dummy covers 42A, 43A; 42B, 43B for covering the head covers 34A, 34B from both the right and left sides, the plurality of fins 40A ..., 44A ..., 45A ...; 40B ..., 44B ..., 45B ... aligned in the direction along the cylinder axes CA, CB of the first and second cylinders 33A, 33B are provided so that the total numbers of the fins 40A ..., 44A ..., 45A ...; 40B ..., 44B ..., 45B ... and the center line mutual distances dA and dB of the fins 40A ..., 44A ..., 45A ...; 40B ..., 44B ..., 45B ... are almost equal in the first and second banks BA, BB. The lengths LA2, LB2 between the center lines of the fins 40A, 40B closest to the crankshaft 30 of the fins 40A ..., 44A ..., 45A ...; 40B ..., 44B ..., 45B ... and the cross point CP in the plane orthogonal to the axis of the crankshaft 30 are set to be almost equal in the first and second banks BA, BB. [0053] The fins 40A ..., 44A ..., 45A ...; 40B ..., 44B ..., 45B ... for enhancing the appearance have a function to decide the appearance shape of both the banks BA, BB. In the above-described construction, the fins 40A ..., 44A ..., 45A ...; 40B ..., 44B ..., 45B ... in both the banks BA, BB are arranged corresponding to almost the same position along the cylinder axes CA, CB of the banks BA, BB. A visual impression so that the heights of both the banks BA, BB are not different can be obtained. The functional beauty of the V-type engine E can be enhanced and the marketability of the engine E can be improved. [0054] In the side view in the direction along the axis of the crankshaft 30, the contour shapes of the first and second cylinders 33A, 33B including the fins 40A ... , 40B ... and the dummy covers 42A, 43A; 42B, 43B including the fins 44A, 45A; 44B, 45B are formed almost symmetrically with respect to a plane including the bisector 76 between both the banks BA, BB passing through the cross point CP of the cylinder axes CA, CB of both the banks BA, BB. The contours of the first and second banks BA, BB are shaped almost symmetrically. The functional beauty of the V-type engine E can be enhanced and the marketability can be improved. [0055] The lengths LA3, LB3 between cross points at which the right-side and left-side first overhead covers 64A, 65A and the right-side and left-side second overhead covers 64B, 65B for covering at least part of the first and second head covers 35A, 35B or the right and left sides of the first and second head covers 35A, 35B in this embodiment from above and the sides cross the cylinder axes CA, CB of the first and second cylinders 33A, 33B in a plane orthogonal to the axis of the crankshaft 30 and the cross point CP at which both the cylinder axes CA, CB cross each other in the plane are set to be almost equal in both the banks BA, BB. The height difference and the appearance shape difference of both the banks BA, BB appear to be small. The functional beauty of the V-type engine E can be enhanced and the marketability can be improved. [0056] In the banks BA, BB, to the head covers 35A, 35B as part of the engine main unit 32, the right-side and left-side first dummy covers 42A, 43A and the right-side and left-side second dummy covers 42B, 43B for covering the cylinder heads 34A, 34B from the right and left sides are fastened in at least one spot thereof or two spots thereof in this embodiment. [0057] The dummy covers 42A, 43A; 42B, 43B are provided with the fins 44A, 45A; 44B, 45B for enhancing the functional beauty and are formed of metal to eliminate heat and to enhance the functional beauty. Strong support is thus required. As described above, at least one spot of the dummy covers 42A, 43A; 42B, 43B is fastened to the engine main unit 32. The dummy covers 42A, 43A; 42B, 43B can be supported strongly in the engine main unit 32. [0058] In many cases, the overhead covers 64A, 65A; 64B, 65B require no fins and are formed of synthetic resin as lightweight material since requirements to eliminate heat and to enhance the functional beauty are relatively low. The overhead covers 64A, 65A; 64B, 65B need not be supported very strongly. [0059] The plurality of engaging protrusions 66 ..., 67; 70 ..., 71 provided in the overhead covers 64A, 65A; 64B, 65B are resiliently engaged with the dummy covers 42A, 43A; 42B, 43B so as to be detachable or attachable. The dummy covers 42A, 43A; 42B, 43B and the overhead covers 64A, 65A; 64B, 65B can be supported in the engine main unit 32 in a construction suitable thereto. [0060] The bolts 49, 60 ... for fastening at least one spot of the dummy covers 42A, 43A; 42B, 43B to the engine main unit 32 are covered by the overhead covers 64A, 65A; 64B, 65B. Parts of a special shape and a surface treatment which have been required since the bolts 49, 60 ... are exposed to outside are unnecessary. The cost can be reduced and the functional beauty of the engine E can be enhanced. [0061] The right-side first and second dummy covers 42A, 42B and the left-side first and second dummy covers 43A, 43B are provided with the notches 53 ..., 83 ... for arranging the spark plugs 51 ..., 52 ... mounted on the cylinder heads 34A, 34B. The right-side first and second overhead covers 64A, 65A and the left-side first and second overhead covers 64B, 65B are formed in a shape to cover the notches 53 ..., 83 ... from above. The notches 53 ..., 83 ... for arranging the spark plugs 51 ..., 52 ... are covered by the overhead covers 64A, 65A, 64B, 65B from above. The functional beauty can be enhanced. [0062] The plurality of engaging protrusions 66, 66, 67 ..., 70, 70, 71 ... provided in the overhead covers 64A, 64B, 65A, 65B are resiliently engaged with the dummy covers 42A, 42B, 43A, 43B so as to be detachable or attachable. The overhead covers 64A, 65B, 65A, 65B can be easily detached or attached. The maintenance operability of the spark plugs 51 ..., 52 ... can be improved. [00631 In portions corresponding to the fins 40A, 40B closest to the cylinder heads 34A, 34B of the plurality of fins 40A ... ,~40B ... provided in the sides of the cylinders 33A, 33B aligned in the direction along the cylinder axes CA, CB, at least one (two in this embodiment) of the recesses 55 ..., 62 ... is provided in the cylinders 33A, 33B. The protrusions 54 ..., 61 ... provided in the dummy covers 42A, 43A; 42B, 43B are fitted in the recesses 55 ..., 62 .... [0064] The dummy covers 42A, 43A; 42B, 43B are supported by the cylinders 33A, 33B of the engine main unit 32 together with fastening of at least one spot thereof to the engine main unit 32 with the bolts 49, 60. The dummy covers 42A, 43A; 42B, 43B which become relatively very heavy can be fixed reliably to the engine main unit 32. The mutual fitting portions of the dummy covers 42A, 43A; 42B, 43B and the cylinders 33A, 33B can be hidden by the fins 40A, 40B provided in the cylinders 33A, 33B. The mutual fitting of the dummy covers 42A, 43A; 42B, 43B and the cylinders 33A, 33B will not deteriorate the functional beauty of the engine E. [0065] The embodiment of the present invention are described above. The present invention is not limited to the embodiment and can make various design modifications without deviating from the present invention described in claims. [0066] The V-type engine is described in the embodiment. The present invention is not limited to the V-type engine. [0067] [Effect of the Invention] As described above, in the invention according to claim 1, parts of a special shape and a surface treatment are unnecessary. The functional beauty of the engine can be enhanced. [0068] In the invention according to claim 2, the notches for arranging the spark plugs are covered by the overhead covers from above. The functional beauty can be enhanced. The overhead covers can be easily detached or attached. The maintenance operability of the spark plugs can be improved. [0069] In the invention according to claim 3, the dummy covers which become relatively very heavy can be fixed reliably to the engine main unit. The mutual fitting of the dummy covers and the cylinders will not deteriorate the functional beauty of the engine. WE CLAIM: 1. A covering for an engine of a motorcycle comprising: dummy covers (42A, 43A; 42B, 43B) for covering at least a part of cylinder heads (34A, 34B) from the sides, and overhead covers (64A, 65A, 64b, 65B) for covering at least part of head covers (35A, 35B) coupled to said cylinder heads (34A, 34B) from above and the sides, characterized in that: at least one spot of said dummy covers (42A, 43A, 42B, 43B) is fastened to an engine main unit (32) including said cylinder heads (34A, 34B) and head covers (35A, 35B) with bolts (49, 60), and a plurality of engaging protrusions (66, 67, 70, 71) provided in said overhead covers (64A, 65A; 64B, 65B) formed to cover said bolts (49, 60) are resiliently engaged with said engine main unit (32) or said dummy covers (42A, 43A, 42B, 43B) so as to detachable or attachable. 2. A covering for an engine of a motorcycle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said dummy covers (42A, 43A; 42B, 43B) are provided with notches (53, 83) for arranging spark plugs (51, 52) mounted on the cylinder heads (34A, 34B), and said overhead covers (64A, 64B) are formed in a shape to cover said notches (53, 83) from above. 3. A covering for an engine of a motorcycle as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein cylinders (33A, 33B) consisting of part of said engine main unit (32) are coupled to said cylinder heads (34A, 34B) in portions corresponding to the fins closest to the cylinder heads (34A, 34B) of a plurality of fins (40A, 40B) provided in the sides of the cylinders (33A, 33B) aligned in the direction along cylinder axes (CA, CB) of said cylinders (33A, 33B), at -29- least one recess (55, 62) is provided in the cylinders (33A, 33B), and protrusions (54, 61) provided in said dummy covers (42A, 43A; 42B, 43B) are fitted in said recesses (55, 62). 4. A covering for an engine of a motorcycle substantially as herein before described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dated this 24th day of May, 2002 -30-

Documents:

456-mum-2002-abstract(10-1-2008).doc

456-mum-2002-abstract(10-1-2008).pdf

456-mum-2002-cancelled pages-(10-1-2008).pdf

456-mum-2002-claims(granted)-(10-1-2008).doc

456-mum-2002-claims(granted)-(10-1-2008).pdf

456-mum-2002-correspondence(10-1-2008).pdf

456-mum-2002-correspondence(ipo)-(14-11-2007).pdf

456-mum-2002-drawing(17-6-2002).pdf

456-mum-2002-form 1(24-5-2002).pdf

456-mum-2002-form 18(4-4-2006).pdf

456-mum-2002-form 2(granted)-(10-1-2008).doc

456-mum-2002-form 2(granted)-(10-1-2008).pdf

456-mum-2002-form 3(12-4-2004).pdf

456-mum-2002-form 3(12-8-2002).pdf

456-mum-2002-form 3(24-5-2002).pdf

456-mum-2002-form 3(7-5-2007).pdf

456-mum-2002-form 5(24-5-2002).pdf

456-mum-2002-petition under rule 137(3-1-2008).pdf

456-mum-2002-petition under rule 138(7-5-2007).pdf

456-mum-2002-power of authority(31-7-2002).pdf

456-mum-2002-power of authority(7-5-2007).pdf

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