Title of Invention	AIR CLEANER STRUCTURE OF MOTORCYCLE
Abstract	To reduce cost of a motorcycle while ensuring the amount of intake air of an air cleaner. [Solution] In a motorcycle including main frame side covers 37, 38, which function as a pair of left and right leg shields disposed in front of rider's legs, and an air cleaner 64 disposed between the leg shields, that is, between the left and right main frame side covers 37, 38, an opening part 106 through which a running wind is taken into the left and right leg shields is disposed at the front ends of the left and right leg shields, a baffle plate llld reducing the flow velocity of the running wind is disposed at the left and right sidewalls Ilia, 111b of the air cleaner 64, and the baffle plate llld extends outside in the width direction of the motorcycle further than the opening part 106. [Selected Drawing] Fig. 8

Title of Invention

AIR CLEANER STRUCTURE OF MOTORCYCLE

Abstract

To reduce cost of a motorcycle while ensuring the amount of intake air of an air cleaner. [Solution] In a motorcycle including main frame side covers 37, 38, which function as a pair of left and right leg shields disposed in front of rider's legs, and an air cleaner 64 disposed between the leg shields, that is, between the left and right main frame side covers 37, 38, an opening part 106 through which a running wind is taken into the left and right leg shields is disposed at the front ends of the left and right leg shields, a baffle plate llld reducing the flow velocity of the running wind is disposed at the left and right sidewalls Ilia, 111b of the air cleaner 64, and the baffle plate llld extends outside in the width direction of the motorcycle further than the opening part 106. [Selected Drawing] Fig. 8

Full Text	[Document Name] Specification [Title of the Invention] AIR CLEANER STRUCTURE OF MOTORCYCLE [Technical Field] [0001] The present invention relates to an improvement of an air cleaner structure of a motorcycle. [Background Art] [0002] An air cleaner structure of a motorcycle which is disposed between left and right leg shields have been known in the related art {e.g. see Patent Document 1) [Patent Document 1] JP-A No. 2003-320977 [00031 Figs. 4 to 6 and 8 of Patent Document 1 are described hereafter. An air cleaner 18 (see paragraph [0014] in the specification) is disposed between left and right leg shields 33, 33, and each inner shield 40 is attached to inner side of each of the leg shields 33, 33. Further, the inner shield 40 is attached to the main body frame by each main pipe side cover 32 and inner shields 40, 4 0 at the left and right are disposed around an opening at the front of the main body. [0004] The inner shields 40, 4 0 reduce the open area of the upper portion of the opening at the front of the main body. Therefore, the flow velocity of the running wind flowing inside through the opening is decreased and the amount of air sucked by the air cleaner 18 is increased by attaching the inner shields 40, 40. [Disclosure of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention] [0005] However, installing the leg shields 33, 33, the main pipe side covers 32, 32, and the inner shields 40, 40 to form a cover at the front of the main body increases the number of parts and mal<:es the attachm.ent difficult thereby increasing cost.> An object of the invention is to provide an air cleaner structure of a motorcycle that is easy to be attached and reduces the cost while ensuring the amount of intake air of an air cleaner without increasing the number of parts of a motorcycle. [Means for Solving the Problem] [oooe] According to the invention in claim 1, there is provided an air cleaner structure of a motorcycle including a pair of left and right leg shields disposed in front of each rider's leg and an air cleaner disposed between the leg shields, characterized in that an opening part through which a running wind is taken inside the left and right leg shields is formed at the front ends of the left and right leg shields, and the air cleaner has a baffle plate reducing the flow velocity of the running wind at both left and right sidewalls, and the baffle plate extends outside in a width direction of the motorcycle further than the opening part. [0007] In the operation, since the baffle plate disposed at both left and right sidewalls of the air cleaner extends outside in the width direction of the motorcycle further than the opening part of the leg shields, gaps between the baffle plate and the leg shields are decreased and the channel for the running wind is bent, such that the flow direction of the running wind changes and the flow velocity of the running wind taken inside the leg shield is reduced. Accordingly, air can be easily sucked into the air cleaner. Further, by the baffle plate of the air cleaner, an inner shield as in the related art is not needed. [0008] The invention in claim 2 is characterized in that each engagement hole is formed in the baffle plate and each engagement pawl that is engaged with the engagement hole is formed on each of the leg shields. In the operation, the baffle plate supports the leg shields by engaging the engagement pawls of the leg shields with the engagement holes of the baffle plate. Therefore, it is possible to remove a specific supporting member for supporting the leg shields or a fastener member for fastening the supporting member to the leg shields. Further, the engagement pawls of the leg shields can be easily engaged with the engagement holes of the baffle plate. [0009] The invention in claim 3 is characterized in that the baffle plate has a stepped portion formed by bending a portion of the baffle plate. In the operation, rigidity of the baffle plate is increased by the stepped portion and the leg shields are strongly supported by the high-rigidity baffle plate. [Effects of the Invention] [0010] In the invention according to claim 1, the opening part through which a running wind is taken inside the left and right leg shields is formed at the front ends of the left and right leg shields, the baffle plate reducing the flow velocity of the running wind is formed at both left and right sidewalls of the air cleaner, and the baffle plate extends outside in the width direction of the motorcycle further than the opening part. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the flow velocity of the running wind taken inside the leg shields through the opening part and ensure the amount of intake air of the air cleaner. Accordingly, it is possible to remove an inner shield disposed inside of the leg shield in the related art and reduce the number of parts. Therefore, it is possible to reduce cost of the motorcycle. [0011] In the invention according to claim 2, since the engagement holes are formed in the baffle plate and the engagement pawls that are engaged with the engagement holes are formed in the leg shields, it is possible to support the leg shields with the baffle plate by engaging the engagement pawls of the leg shields with the engagement holes of the baffle plate. It is possible to reduce the number of parts, cost, and weight as compared with particularly providing supporting members supporting the leg shields or providing fastener members fastening the supporting members to the leg shields. Further, since the engagement pawls are just engaged with the engagement holes, it is possible to improve assemblability. [0012] In the invention according to claim 3, since the baffle plate has a stepped portion formed by bending a portion of the baffle plate, it is possible to increase rigidity of the baffle plate of the air cleaner, strongly support the leg shields, and prevent resonance of the leg shields. [Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention] [0013] Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described hereafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. Further, the reference numerals assigned in the drawings are to simplify the description. Fig. 1 is a side view of a saddle-ride type vehicle equipped with an air cleaner according to the invention. The saddle-ride type vehicle 10 is a scooter type motorcycle, in which a front fork 13 is steerably attached to a head pipe 12 forming the front of a main body frame 11, a handlebar 14 is attached to the upper end of the front fork 13 and a front wheel 16 is attached to the lower end. A crankcase 21 of an engine 20 is attached to a main frame 17 extending down rearward from the head pipe 12 and a pivot plate 18 extending down from the rear end of the main frame 17. A swing arm 23 that is swingable up/down is attached to the pivot plate 18 through a pivot shaft 22 and a rear wheel 24 is attached to the rear end of the swing arm 23. A pair of left and right seat rails 25, 26 (reference numeral ^25' on a front side is only shown) extends up rearward from the rear portion of the main frame 17 and a seat 27 is attached on the seat rails 25, 26. A pair of left and right subframes 31, 32 (reference numeral ^31' on a front side is only shown) is connected to the pivot plate 18 and the middle portions of the seat rails 25, 26, respectively, and a pair of left and right rear cushion units 33, 33 (reference numeral '33' at a side is only shown) is connected to the rear end of the swing arm 23 and the middle portions of the seat rails 25, 26, respectively. [0014] The main body frame 11 includes the head pipe 12, main frame 17, pivot plate 18, seat rails 25, 26, and subfraraes 31, 32. The front of the head pipe 12 is covered with a front cover 35, both sides of the head pipe 12 and the main frame 17 and the upper side of the front of the main frame 17 are covered with a main frame cover 36, and the lower portions of both sides of the main frame cover 36 are covered with the upper portions of a pair of left and right main frame side covers 37, 38 (reference numeral '37' on a front side is only shown), which function as upper leg shields. Further, a pair of left and right lower covers 43, 44 {reference numeral M3' on a front side is only shown), which functions as lower leg shields while covering both sides of a cylinder 41 of the engine 20 and both sides of the rear portion of the main frame 17, is connected to the lower edges of the main frame side covers 37, 38. [0015] The engine 20 is a driving source that substantially extends horizontally back and forth, a cylinder block 51 is attached to the front end of the crankcase 21, a cylinder head 52 is attached to the cylinder block 51, the front end of the cylinder head 52 is covered with a head cover 53, and a transmission 55 is integrally installed to the rear portion of the crankcase 21. [0016] The cylinder head 52 is connected with an intake system 57 and an exhaust system 58 at the upper portion and the lower portion, respectively. The intake system 57 includes a throttle body 62 connected to the cylinder head 52 through an intake manifold 61 and an air cleaner 64 connected to the throttle body 62 through a connecting tube (not shown) , and the upper portion of the air cleaner G4. is supported by the front portion of the main frame 17. The exhaust system 58 includes an exhaust pipe 6& connected to the cylinder head 52 and a muffler 67 connected to the rear end of the exhaust pipe 66. [0017] A grab rail 68 that a pillion passenger sitting at the rear portion of the seat 27 grabs is attached to the rear ends of the seat rails 25, 26. A center cover 71, which is connected with the main frame cover 36, main frame side covers 37, 38, and lower covers 43, 44, a pair of left and right body side covers 72, 73 {reference numeral '72' on a front side is only shown) covering both sides of the seat rails 25, 26, and a pair of left and right rear side covers 74, 76 (reference numeral '74' on a front side is only shown) are disposed under the seat 27. Further, a tail lamp 77 is disposed between the rear portions of the left and right rear side covers 74, 76 and a rear fender 78 covering the upper portion of the rear wheel 24 is disposed between the lower portions of the left and right rear side covers 74, 76. [0018] Herein, reference numeral '85' represents a handle cover covering the handlebar 14, reference numeral'86' represents a front fender covering the upper portion of the front wheel 16, reference numeral '87' represents a headlamp disposed to be exposed under the front cover 35, reference numerals 'SS, 88' {reference numeral '88' on a front side is only shown) represent an a pair of left and right steps for a rider protruding to the sides from the crankcase 21, reference numerals '89, 89' (reference numeral '89' on a front side is only shown) represent steps for a pillion passenger attached to the subframes 31, 32 through step holders 91, reference numeral '92' represents an output shaft protruding to the side from the transmission 55, reference numeral '93' represents a driving sprocket attached to the output shaft 92, reference numeral ^94' represents a driven sprocket integrally mounted on the rear wheel 24, reference numeral '96' represents a chain wound around the driving sprocket 93 and the driven sprocket 94, reference numeral '97' represents a chain cover covering the upper portion of the chain 96, and reference numeral '98' represents a main stand attached to the main plate 18. [0019] Fig. 2 is a front view of a motorcycle according to the invention, in which an opening part 10 6 through which a running wind is taken is formed by the front ends 35a, 37a, 38a, 43a, 44a of the front cover 35, left and right main frame side covers 37, 38, and left and right lower covers 43, 44, and the air cleaner 64 is disposed behind the opening part 106. [0020] Fig. 3 is a side view showing the air cleaner according to the invention (a partial side view in which the arrow (FRONT) shows the front direction of the motorcycle). The air cleaner 64 includes an air cleaner case body 111, an air cleaner case cover 112 blocking the opening of the air cleaner case body 111, and an air cleaner element 113 fixed between the air cleaner case body 111 and the air cleaner case cover 112. Further, a portion of a connecting tube 114 connecting the air cleaner 64 with the throttle body 62 (see Fig. 1) is inserted in the air cleaner case body 111. [0021] The air cleaner element 113 includes a filter paper 116 and a frame-shaped supporting member 117 supporting the filter paper 116, and the circumference of the supporting member 117 is inserted and fixed in ring-shaped grooves formed in abutting portions of the air cleaner case body 111 and the air cleaner case cover 112. [0022] The inside of the air cleaner 64 is divided into a dirty side 121 formed at the air cleaner case cover 112 from the air cleaner element 113 and a clean side 122 formed at the air cleaner case body 111 from the air cleaner element 113. The dirty side 121 is communicated with an intake port (not shown) formed in the air cleaner case cover 112 and the clean side 122 is communicated with the inside of the throttle body 62 (see Fig. 1) through the connecting tube 114 of the air cleaner case body 111. That is, air is sucked into the air cleaner 64 from the intake port in the upper rear portion of the air cleaner 64 and exhausted from the connecting tube 114 at the rear portion of the air cleaner 64. [0023] Fig. 4 is a side view showing the air cleaner case body according to the invention. The air cleaner case body 111 has a plurality of ribs 111c that protrude outside in the width direction of the motorcycle and extend horizontally back and forth on both side walls Ilia, 111b (reference numeral ^llla' on a front side is only shown, the left and right direction of the motorcycle when the air cleaner 64 is attached to the main body of the motorcycle). Further, a baffle plate llld extending downward and outside in the width direction of the motorcycle is formed. Further, reference numerals ^llle, lllf (reference numeral ^llle' on a front side is only shown) represent a pair of left and right frame attaching portions formed at the upper portion of the air cleaner case body 111 to be attached to the main frame 17 (see Fig. 1), and reference numeral ^lllg' represents a bolt insertion hole. The ribs 111c and the baffle plate llld increase rigidity of the air cleaner case body 111. [0024] The baffle plate llld has a stepped portion lllh bending at the middle portion in the up-down direction. The rigidity of the baffle plate llld can be increased by the stepped portion lllh and correspondingly increases the rigidity of the air cleaner case body 111. Further, the baffle plate Hid (called 'baffle plate') has a function of changing the flow direction of a running wind, v/hich will be described below. [0025] Fig. 5 is a front view showing the air cleaner case body according to the invention. The air cleaner case body 111 has a main body chamber 125 forming the clean side 122 (see Fig. 3), an air-liquid separating chamber 126 having a labyrinth structure in the body main chamber 125 to separate oil mist from liquid-state oil in blow-by gas transported through a hose not shown from the inside of the crankcase 21 {see Fig. 1), and two body sub-chambers 127, 128 formed above the main body chamber 125. Further, reference numeral 'lllj' represents a ring-shaped groove formed, around the opening of the body main chamber 125, in an abutting face 111k with the air cleaner case cover 112 (see Fig. 3), and reference numeral '111m' represents a tube attachment hole for fitting the connecting tube 114 (see Fig. 3). [0026] The baffle plate Illd changes the flow direction of running wind passing both sides and the lower portion of the air cleaner 64 (see Fig. 3) from the front to the rear (in the direction of passing through the surface of the paper front and back) and decreases the flow velocity of the running wind, while having a left protrusion lllr and a right protrusion Ills protruding to the left and right above a left stepped portion lllp and right stepped portion lllq from the stepped portion lllh, and a lower protrusion lilt disposed under the left stepped portion lllp and the right stepped portion lllq. The left stepped portion Hip and the right stepped portion lllq each have an engaging hole lllv that is engaged with the lower ends of the main frame side covers 37, 38 (see Fig. 2). [0027] Fig. 6 is a rear view of the air cleaner case cover according to the invention. The air cleaner case cover 112 has a cover main chamber 131 forming the dirty side 121 (see Fig. 3) and a pair of cover sub-chambers 132, 133 formed over the cover main chamber 131. Further, reference numeral ^112a' represents a ring-shaped groove formed, around the opening of the cover main chamber 131, in the abutting face 112b with the air cleaner case body 111 (see Fig. 3). [0028] The cover main chamber 131 has main chamber-bulged portions 131A, 131B that are bulged upward and positioned outside the cover sub-chambers 132, 13 3 at the upper left and right sides. The imaginary lines in the drawing represent the left and right upper edges lllx. Illy of the air cleaner case body 111 and the body sub-chambers 127, 128. [0029] The upper portions of the upper edges lllz, Illy of the cover sub-frame 132, 133 form the intalte ports 64A, 64b of the air cleaner 64, which are exposed to the outside in the rear direction of the motorcycle. Since the body sub-chamber 127 is disposed across the cover sub-chamber 132 and the main chamber-bulged portion 131A, such that the cover sub-chamber 132 are communicated with the main chamber-bulged portion 131A. Further, since the body sub-chamber 128 is disposed across the cover sub- chamber 133 and the main chamber-bulged portion 131B, the cover sub-chamber 133 is communicated with the main chaitiber-bulged portion 131B. That is, intake channels 64C, 64D from the intake ports 64A, 64B to the cover main chamber 131 are formed by the cover sub-chambers 132, 133 and the body sub-chambers 127, 128. [0030] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the air cleaner case cover according to the invention. The air cleaner case cover 112 has the intake ports 64A, 64B at the upper portion on the rear surface (the rear one ^64B' only shown) . Further, reference numeral ^112d' represents a drain hole for discharging oil and water remaining inside the cover main chamber 131. [0031] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 8-8 shown in Fig. 2, in which the air cleaner 64 is disposed between the left and right main frame side covers 37, 38, and the baffle plate llld mounted to the air cleaner 64, in detail, the left protrusion lllr and the right protrusion Ills, which protrude to the left and right, protrude outside in the width direction of the motorcycle further than the front ends 37a, 38a forming the opening part 106 of the main frame side covers 37, 38. Rererence numerals ^141, 142' in the drawing represent straight lines extending in the back and forth direction of the motorcycle through the front ends 3 7a, 3 8a. [0032] As described above, by extending the baffle plate llld of the air cleaner 64 further than the width of the opening part 106 to the outside in the width direction of the motorcycle, it is possible to reduce the gaps 144, 145 in the width direction of the motorcycle between the baffle plate llld and the inner surfaces of the main frame side covers 37, 38 and bend the left and right air channel 146, 147 from the opening part 106 to the rear portion of the air cleaner 64. Further, it is possible to change the flow direction of the running wind taken from the opening part 106 and decrease the flow velocity of the running wind. [0033] As shown in Figs. 6 to 8, since the intake ports 64A, 64B of the air cleaner 64 are formed in the upper portion on the rear surface of the air cleaner 64, it is possible to reduce pressure drop at the rear portion of the air cleaner 64 by decreasing the flow velocity of the running wind taken from the opening part 106 as described above. Accordingly, air can be easily sucked into the intake ports 64A, 64B from the rear portion of the air cleaner 64, such that it is possible to increase the amount of intake air to the air cleaner 64 and ensure the necessary amount of intake air. [0034] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the air cleaner and the periphery thereof according to the invention, which shows a cross section cut along a vertical plan extending in the width direction of the motorcycle, and seen from the front of the motorcycle (cross-sectional view taken along the line 9-9 shown in Fig. 1). [0035] The stepped portion lllh formed on the baffle plate llld extending left and right from the air cleaner 64, in detail, the left stepped portion lllp and the right stepped portion lllq each formed with an engagement hole lllv longitudinally opened and the lower ends of the left and right main frame side covers 37, 38 have engagement protrusions 37c, 38c extending downward, such that the engagement protrusions 3 7c, 3Be are inserted in and engaged with the engagement holes lllv, lllv. [0036] As described above, since the engagement protrusions 37c, 3 8c are engaged with the engagement holes lllv, lllv, it is possible to support the lower ends of the main frame side covers 37, 38 by using the air cleaner 64, such that a supporting member for supporting the lower ends of the main frame side covers 37, 3 8 is not particularly needed. Further, the engagement prevents resonance of the main frame side covers 37, 38. Furthermore, since the engagement holes lllv, lllv are formed in the left stepped portion lllp and the right stepped portion lllq of the high-rigidity stepped portion lllh, it is possible to strongly support the lower ends of the main frame side covers 37, 38 and further prevent resonance of the main frame side covers 37, 38. Further, it is possible to improve the aesthetic appearance of the sides of the main body by covering the engagement portion of the engagement protrusions 3 7c, 38c with the engagement holes lllv, lllv with the lower covers 43, 44. [0037] Fig. 10 is a side view showing the main frame side cover according to the invention. In the main frame side cover 37, the engagement protrusion 3 7c protruding downward is formed at the middle portion of the lower end 3 7d in the back-front direction of the motorcycle, a side opening 37e extending down to the rear is formed in the center portion of the side, and a plurality of attachment bosses 37f that is attached to the main frame cover 3 6 (see Fig. 1) is formed on the rear surface. The main frame side cover 38 (see Fig. 8) is a part having a symmetrical shape to the main frame side cover 3 7 and the basic shape is the same as the main frame side cover 37, and accordingly, is not described herein. [0038] Fig. 11 is a side view showing the main frame cover according to the invention. The main frame cover 36 has, on a side, a plurality of side openings 36a sequentially formed downward rearward in a straight line, a plurality of fin-shaped protrusions 36b disposed in parallel with the side openings 36a and protruding to the side under the plurality of side openings 36a, and a plurality of side cover attachment portions 36d each having a screw insertion hole 3 6c in which a screw is inserted to attach the main frame side covers 37, 38 (see Figs. 9 and 10). Further, reference numeral ^36f' represents a main body attachment hole for attachment to the main body frame 11 (see Fig. 1) and a plurality of reference numeral '36g' represents front cover attachment holes for attaching the front cover 3 5 (see Fig. 1) . [0039] The plurality of side openings 36a are formed around the intake ports 64A, 64B (see Fig. 6) of the air cleaner 64 (see Fig. 3) and the air taken inside the main frame cover 3 6 through the plurality of side openings 36a of the main frame cover 36 is sucked inside from the intake ports 64A, 64B of the air cleaner 64, such that it is possible to increase the amount of intake air of the air cleaner 64 . The sides of the plurality of side openings 36a are covered by the main frame side cover 3 7, such that the aesthetic appearance can be improved. [0040] A portion of each of the plurality of fin-shaped protrusions 36b is exposed to the outside from a side opening 37e formed in the main frame side cover 37. Therefore, it is possible to consider functional image in the aesthetic appearance of the sides of the motorcycle and improve the commercial value of the motorcycle. [0041] Fig. 12 is a rear view showing the main frame cover according to the invention, in which overhang portions 3 6m, 36n protruding to the sides are formed on the lower portion of both sides 36j, 36k of the main frame cover 36, and a plurality of fin-shaped prot2nisions 36b extending in the back-front direction and from both sides 36j, 36k to the side is formed on the overhang portions 36m, 3 6n. Further, reference numeral 3 6q represents a switch insertion hole in which a main switch is inserted, reference numeral '36r' represents a slit-shaped opening, and reference numeral ^36s' represents a main body attachment hole for attaching the rear center of the main frame cover 3 6 to the main body frame 11 (see Fig. 1). [0042] As shown in Figs. 1 and 8, in a motorcycle 10 including the main frame side covers 37, 38, the lower covers 43, 44, which function as a pair of left and right leg shields disposed in front of the rider's legs, and the air cleaner £4 disposed between the leg shields, that is, between the left and right main frame side covers 37, 38 and the left and right lower covers 43, 44, the opening part 106 through which a running wind is taken into the left and right leg shields is disposed at the front of the left and right leg shields, the baffle plate llld reducing the flow velocity of the running wind is disposed at the left and right side walls Ilia, 111b of the air cleaner 64, and the baffle plate llld extends outside in the width direction of the motorcycle further than the opening part 106. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the flow velocity of the running wind taken into the leg shields from the opening part 106 and ensure the amount of intake air of the air cleaner 64. Further, it is possible to remove an inner shield disposed in the leg shield in the related art and reduce the number of parts. Therefore, it is possible to reduce cost of the motorcycle 10. [0043] Further, as shown in Fig. 9, since the engagement holes lllv, lllv are formed in the baffle plate llld and the engagement pawls 37c, 38c that are engaged with the engagement holes lllv, lllv are formed on the leg shields, it is possible to support the leg shields to the baffle plate llld by engaging the engagement pawls 3 7c, 38c of the leg shields with the engagement holes lllv, lllv of the baffle plate llld. It is possible to reduce the number of parts, cost, and weight as compared with particularly providing supporting members supporting the leg shields or providing fastener members fastening the supporting members to the leg shields. Further, since the engagement pawls 37c, 38c are just engaged with the engagement holes lllv, lllv, it is possible to improve assemblability. [0044] Further, as shown in Fig. 4, since the baffle plate llld is formed with the stepped portion lllh by bending a portion of the baffle plate, it is possible to increase rigidity of the baffle plate llld of the air cleaner 64, strongly support the leg shields, and prevent resonance of the leg shields. [0045] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 8, although the baffle plate llld extends outside in the width direction of the motorcycle from the air cleaner 64, the baffle plate may extend inside from the inner surfaces of the left and right main frame side covers 37, 38 in the width direction of the motorcycle. [Industrial Applicability] [0046] An air cleaner according to the invention is suitable for use in a motorcycle. [Brief Description of the Drawings] [0047] [Fig. 1] Fig. 1 is a side view of a saddle-ride type vehicle employing a grab rail configuration according to the invention. [Fig. 2] Fig. 2 is a front view of a motorcycle according to the invention. [Fig. 3] Fig. 3 is a side view showing an air cleaner according to the invention. [Fig. 4] Fig. 4 is a side view showing an air cleaner case body according to the invention. [Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is a front view showing the air cleaner case body according to the invention. [Fig. 6] Fig. 6 is a rear view of an air cleaner case cover according to the invention. [Fig. 7] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an air cleaner case cover according to the invention. [Fig. 8] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 8-8 shown in Fig. 2. [Fig. 9] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the air cleaner and the periphery thereof according to the invention. [Fig. 10] Fig. 10 is a side view showing a main frame side cover according to the invention. [Fig. 11] Fig. 11 is a side view showing a main frame cover according to the invention. [Fig. 12] Fig. 12 is a rear view showing the main frame cover according to the invention. [Description of Reference Numerals] [0048] 10... saddle-ride type vehicle 37, 38, 43, 44... leg shield 64... air cleaner 106... opening part [Document Name] Scope of Claims [Claim 1] An air cleaner structure of a motorcycle comprising: a pair of left and right leg shields disposed in front of each rider's leg; and an air cleaner disposed between the leg shields^ wherein: an opening part through which a running wind is taken inside the left and right leg shields is formed at the front ends of the left and right leg shields; and the air cleaner has a baffle plate reducing the flow velocity of the running wind and formed at both left and right sidewalls, and the baffle plate extends outside in a width direction of the motorcycle further than the opening part. [Claim 2] The air cleaner structure of a motorcycle according to claim 1, wherein each engagement hole is formed in the baffle plate and each engagement pawl that is engaged with the engagement hole is formed on the each of leg shields. [Claim 3] The air cleaner structure of a motorcycle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the baffle plate has a stepped portion formed by bending a portion of the baffle plate.

Full Text

[Document Name] Specification
[Title of the Invention] AIR CLEANER STRUCTURE OF MOTORCYCLE
[Technical Field]
[0001]
The present invention relates to an improvement of an air cleaner structure of a motorcycle. [Background Art] [0002]
An air cleaner structure of a motorcycle which is disposed between left and right leg shields have been known in the related art {e.g. see Patent Document 1)
[Patent Document 1] JP-A No. 2003-320977 [00031
Figs. 4 to 6 and 8 of Patent Document 1 are described hereafter.
An air cleaner 18 (see paragraph [0014] in the specification) is disposed between left and right leg shields 33, 33, and each inner shield 40 is attached to inner side of each of the leg shields 33, 33. Further, the inner shield 40 is attached to the main body frame by each main pipe side cover 32 and inner shields 40, 4 0 at the left and right are disposed around an opening at the front of the main body. [0004]
The inner shields 40, 4 0 reduce the open area of the upper portion of the opening at the front of the main body. Therefore, the flow velocity of the running wind flowing inside through the opening is decreased and the amount of air sucked by the air cleaner 18 is increased by attaching the inner shields 40, 40.

[Disclosure of the Invention]
[Problem to be Solved by the Invention]
[0005]
However, installing the leg shields 33, 33, the main pipe side covers 32, 32, and the inner shields 40, 40 to form a cover at the front of the main body increases the number of parts and mal<:es the attachm.ent difficult thereby increasing cost.> An object of the invention is to provide an air cleaner structure of a motorcycle that is easy to be attached and reduces the cost while ensuring the amount of intake air of an air cleaner without increasing the number of parts of a motorcycle.
[Means for Solving the Problem]
[oooe]
According to the invention in claim 1, there is provided an air cleaner structure of a motorcycle including a pair of left and right leg shields disposed in front of each rider's leg and an air cleaner disposed between the leg shields, characterized in that an opening part through which a running wind is taken inside the left and right leg shields is formed at the front ends of the left and right leg shields, and the air cleaner has a baffle plate reducing the flow velocity of the running wind at both left and right sidewalls, and the baffle plate extends outside in a width direction of the motorcycle further than the opening part.
[0007]
In the operation, since the baffle plate disposed at both left and right sidewalls of the air cleaner extends outside in the width direction of the motorcycle further than the opening part of the leg shields, gaps between the baffle plate and the

leg shields are decreased and the channel for the running wind is bent, such that the flow direction of the running wind changes and the flow velocity of the running wind taken inside the leg shield is reduced. Accordingly, air can be easily sucked into the air cleaner.
Further, by the baffle plate of the air cleaner, an inner shield as in the related art is not needed. [0008]
The invention in claim 2 is characterized in that each engagement hole is formed in the baffle plate and each engagement pawl that is engaged with the engagement hole is formed on each of the leg shields.
In the operation, the baffle plate supports the leg shields by engaging the engagement pawls of the leg shields with the engagement holes of the baffle plate. Therefore, it is possible to remove a specific supporting member for supporting the leg shields or a fastener member for fastening the supporting member to the leg shields.
Further, the engagement pawls of the leg shields can be easily engaged with the engagement holes of the baffle plate. [0009]
The invention in claim 3 is characterized in that the baffle plate has a stepped portion formed by bending a portion of the baffle plate.
In the operation, rigidity of the baffle plate is increased by the stepped portion and the leg shields are strongly supported by the high-rigidity baffle plate. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010]
In the invention according to claim 1, the opening part through which a running wind is taken inside the left and right leg shields is formed at the front ends of the left and right leg shields, the baffle plate reducing the flow velocity of the running wind is formed at both left and right sidewalls of the air cleaner, and the baffle plate extends outside in the width direction of the motorcycle further than the opening part. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the flow velocity of the running wind taken inside the leg shields through the opening part and ensure the amount of intake air of the air cleaner. Accordingly, it is possible to remove an inner shield disposed inside of the leg shield in the related art and reduce the number of parts. Therefore, it is possible to reduce cost of the motorcycle. [0011]
In the invention according to claim 2, since the engagement holes are formed in the baffle plate and the engagement pawls that are engaged with the engagement holes are formed in the leg shields, it is possible to support the leg shields with the baffle plate by engaging the engagement pawls of the leg shields with the engagement holes of the baffle plate. It is possible to reduce the number of parts, cost, and weight as compared with particularly providing supporting members supporting the leg shields or providing fastener members fastening the supporting members to the leg shields.
Further, since the engagement pawls are just engaged with the engagement holes, it is possible to improve assemblability.

[0012]
In the invention according to claim 3, since the baffle plate has a stepped portion formed by bending a portion of the baffle plate, it is possible to increase rigidity of the baffle plate of the air cleaner, strongly support the leg shields, and prevent resonance of the leg shields.
[Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]
[0013]
Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described hereafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. Further, the reference numerals assigned in the drawings are to simplify the description.
Fig. 1 is a side view of a saddle-ride type vehicle equipped with an air cleaner according to the invention. The saddle-ride type vehicle 10 is a scooter type motorcycle, in which a front fork 13 is steerably attached to a head pipe 12 forming the front of a main body frame 11, a handlebar 14 is attached to the upper end of the front fork 13 and a front wheel 16 is attached to the lower end. A crankcase 21 of an engine 20 is attached to a main frame 17 extending down rearward from the head pipe 12 and a pivot plate 18 extending down from the rear end of the main frame 17. A swing arm 23 that is swingable up/down is attached to the pivot plate 18 through a pivot shaft 22 and a rear wheel 24 is attached to the rear end of the swing arm 23. A pair of left and right seat rails 25, 26 (reference numeral ^25' on a front side is only shown) extends up rearward from the rear portion of the main frame 17 and a seat 27 is attached on the seat rails 25, 26. A pair of left and right

subframes 31, 32 (reference numeral ^31' on a front side is only shown) is connected to the pivot plate 18 and the middle portions of the seat rails 25, 26, respectively, and a pair of left and right rear cushion units 33, 33 (reference numeral '33' at a side is only shown) is connected to the rear end of the swing arm 23 and the middle portions of the seat rails 25, 26, respectively. [0014]
The main body frame 11 includes the head pipe 12, main frame 17, pivot plate 18, seat rails 25, 26, and subfraraes 31, 32.
The front of the head pipe 12 is covered with a front cover 35, both sides of the head pipe 12 and the main frame 17 and the upper side of the front of the main frame 17 are covered with a main frame cover 36, and the lower portions of both sides of the main frame cover 36 are covered with the upper portions of a pair of left and right main frame side covers 37, 38 (reference numeral '37' on a front side is only shown), which function as upper leg shields. Further, a pair of left and right lower covers 43, 44 {reference numeral M3' on a front side is only shown), which functions as lower leg shields while covering both sides of a cylinder 41 of the engine 20 and both sides of the rear portion of the main frame 17, is connected to the lower edges of the main frame side covers 37, 38. [0015]
The engine 20 is a driving source that substantially extends horizontally back and forth, a cylinder block 51 is attached to the front end of the crankcase 21, a cylinder head 52 is attached to the cylinder block 51, the front end of the cylinder head 52 is covered with a head cover 53, and a

transmission 55 is integrally installed to the rear portion of
the crankcase 21.
[0016]
The cylinder head 52 is connected with an intake system 57 and an exhaust system 58 at the upper portion and the lower portion, respectively.
The intake system 57 includes a throttle body 62 connected to the cylinder head 52 through an intake manifold 61 and an air cleaner 64 connected to the throttle body 62 through a connecting tube (not shown) , and the upper portion of the air cleaner G4. is supported by the front portion of the main frame 17.
The exhaust system 58 includes an exhaust pipe 6& connected to the cylinder head 52 and a muffler 67 connected to the rear end of the exhaust pipe 66. [0017]
A grab rail 68 that a pillion passenger sitting at the rear portion of the seat 27 grabs is attached to the rear ends of the seat rails 25, 26.
A center cover 71, which is connected with the main frame cover 36, main frame side covers 37, 38, and lower covers 43, 44, a pair of left and right body side covers 72, 73 {reference numeral '72' on a front side is only shown) covering both sides of the seat rails 25, 26, and a pair of left and right rear side covers 74, 76 (reference numeral '74' on a front side is only shown) are disposed under the seat 27. Further, a tail lamp 77 is disposed between the rear portions of the left and right rear side covers 74, 76 and a rear fender 78 covering the upper portion of the rear wheel 24 is disposed between the lower

portions of the left and right rear side covers 74, 76. [0018]
Herein, reference numeral '85' represents a handle cover covering the handlebar 14, reference numeral'86' represents a front fender covering the upper portion of the front wheel 16, reference numeral '87' represents a headlamp disposed to be exposed under the front cover 35, reference numerals 'SS, 88' {reference numeral '88' on a front side is only shown) represent an a pair of left and right steps for a rider protruding to the sides from the crankcase 21, reference numerals '89, 89' (reference numeral '89' on a front side is only shown) represent steps for a pillion passenger attached to the subframes 31, 32 through step holders 91, reference numeral '92' represents an output shaft protruding to the side from the transmission 55, reference numeral '93' represents a driving sprocket attached to the output shaft 92, reference numeral ^94' represents a driven sprocket integrally mounted on the rear wheel 24, reference numeral '96' represents a chain wound around the driving sprocket 93 and the driven sprocket 94, reference numeral '97' represents a chain cover covering the upper portion of the chain 96, and reference numeral '98' represents a main stand attached to the main plate 18. [0019]
Fig. 2 is a front view of a motorcycle according to the invention, in which an opening part 10 6 through which a running wind is taken is formed by the front ends 35a, 37a, 38a, 43a, 44a of the front cover 35, left and right main frame side covers 37, 38, and left and right lower covers 43, 44, and the air cleaner

64 is disposed behind the opening part 106. [0020]
Fig. 3 is a side view showing the air cleaner according to the invention (a partial side view in which the arrow (FRONT) shows the front direction of the motorcycle). The air cleaner 64 includes an air cleaner case body 111, an air cleaner case cover 112 blocking the opening of the air cleaner case body 111, and an air cleaner element 113 fixed between the air cleaner case body 111 and the air cleaner case cover 112. Further, a portion of a connecting tube 114 connecting the air cleaner 64 with the throttle body 62 (see Fig. 1) is inserted in the air cleaner case body 111. [0021]
The air cleaner element 113 includes a filter paper 116 and a frame-shaped supporting member 117 supporting the filter paper 116, and the circumference of the supporting member 117 is inserted and fixed in ring-shaped grooves formed in abutting portions of the air cleaner case body 111 and the air cleaner case cover 112. [0022]
The inside of the air cleaner 64 is divided into a dirty side 121 formed at the air cleaner case cover 112 from the air cleaner element 113 and a clean side 122 formed at the air cleaner case body 111 from the air cleaner element 113. The dirty side 121 is communicated with an intake port (not shown) formed in the air cleaner case cover 112 and the clean side 122 is communicated with the inside of the throttle body 62 (see Fig. 1) through the connecting tube 114 of the air cleaner case body 111.

That is, air is sucked into the air cleaner 64 from the intake port in the upper rear portion of the air cleaner 64 and exhausted from the connecting tube 114 at the rear portion of the air cleaner 64. [0023]
Fig. 4 is a side view showing the air cleaner case body according to the invention. The air cleaner case body 111 has a plurality of ribs 111c that protrude outside in the width direction of the motorcycle and extend horizontally back and forth on both side walls Ilia, 111b (reference numeral ^llla' on a front side is only shown, the left and right direction of the motorcycle when the air cleaner 64 is attached to the main body of the motorcycle). Further, a baffle plate llld extending downward and outside in the width direction of the motorcycle is formed. Further, reference numerals ^llle, lllf (reference numeral ^llle' on a front side is only shown) represent a pair of left and right frame attaching portions formed at the upper portion of the air cleaner case body 111 to be attached to the main frame 17 (see Fig. 1), and reference numeral ^lllg' represents a bolt insertion hole.
The ribs 111c and the baffle plate llld increase rigidity of the air cleaner case body 111. [0024]
The baffle plate llld has a stepped portion lllh bending at the middle portion in the up-down direction. The rigidity of the baffle plate llld can be increased by the stepped portion lllh and correspondingly increases the rigidity of the air cleaner case body 111.

Further, the baffle plate Hid (called 'baffle plate') has a function of changing the flow direction of a running wind, v/hich will be described below. [0025]
Fig. 5 is a front view showing the air cleaner case body according to the invention. The air cleaner case body 111 has a main body chamber 125 forming the clean side 122 (see Fig. 3), an air-liquid separating chamber 126 having a labyrinth structure in the body main chamber 125 to separate oil mist from liquid-state oil in blow-by gas transported through a hose not shown from the inside of the crankcase 21 {see Fig. 1), and two body sub-chambers 127, 128 formed above the main body chamber 125. Further, reference numeral 'lllj' represents a ring-shaped groove formed, around the opening of the body main chamber 125, in an abutting face 111k with the air cleaner case cover 112 (see Fig. 3), and reference numeral '111m' represents a tube attachment hole for fitting the connecting tube 114 (see Fig. 3). [0026]
The baffle plate Illd changes the flow direction of running wind passing both sides and the lower portion of the air cleaner 64 (see Fig. 3) from the front to the rear (in the direction of passing through the surface of the paper front and back) and decreases the flow velocity of the running wind, while having a left protrusion lllr and a right protrusion Ills protruding to the left and right above a left stepped portion lllp and right stepped portion lllq from the stepped portion lllh, and a lower protrusion lilt disposed under the left stepped portion lllp and the right stepped portion lllq.

The left stepped portion Hip and the right stepped portion lllq each have an engaging hole lllv that is engaged with the lower ends of the main frame side covers 37, 38 (see Fig. 2). [0027]
Fig. 6 is a rear view of the air cleaner case cover according to the invention. The air cleaner case cover 112 has a cover main chamber 131 forming the dirty side 121 (see Fig. 3) and a pair of cover sub-chambers 132, 133 formed over the cover main chamber 131. Further, reference numeral ^112a' represents a ring-shaped groove formed, around the opening of the cover main chamber 131, in the abutting face 112b with the air cleaner case body 111 (see Fig. 3). [0028]
The cover main chamber 131 has main chamber-bulged portions 131A, 131B that are bulged upward and positioned outside the cover sub-chambers 132, 13 3 at the upper left and right sides.
The imaginary lines in the drawing represent the left and right upper edges lllx. Illy of the air cleaner case body 111 and the body sub-chambers 127, 128. [0029]
The upper portions of the upper edges lllz, Illy of the cover sub-frame 132, 133 form the intalte ports 64A, 64b of the air cleaner 64, which are exposed to the outside in the rear direction of the motorcycle. Since the body sub-chamber 127 is disposed across the cover sub-chamber 132 and the main chamber-bulged portion 131A, such that the cover sub-chamber 132 are communicated with the main chamber-bulged portion 131A. Further, since the body sub-chamber 128 is disposed across the cover sub-

chamber 133 and the main chamber-bulged portion 131B, the cover sub-chamber 133 is communicated with the main chaitiber-bulged portion 131B.
That is, intake channels 64C, 64D from the intake ports 64A, 64B to the cover main chamber 131 are formed by the cover sub-chambers 132, 133 and the body sub-chambers 127, 128. [0030]
Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the air cleaner case cover according to the invention. The air cleaner case cover 112 has the intake ports 64A, 64B at the upper portion on the rear surface (the rear one ^64B' only shown) . Further, reference numeral ^112d' represents a drain hole for discharging oil and water remaining inside the cover main chamber 131. [0031]
Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 8-8 shown in Fig. 2, in which the air cleaner 64 is disposed between the left and right main frame side covers 37, 38, and the baffle plate llld mounted to the air cleaner 64, in detail, the left protrusion lllr and the right protrusion Ills, which protrude to the left and right, protrude outside in the width direction of the motorcycle further than the front ends 37a, 38a forming the opening part 106 of the main frame side covers 37, 38. Rererence numerals ^141, 142' in the drawing represent straight lines extending in the back and forth direction of the motorcycle through the front ends 3 7a, 3 8a. [0032]
As described above, by extending the baffle plate llld of the air cleaner 64 further than the width of the opening part 106

to the outside in the width direction of the motorcycle, it is possible to reduce the gaps 144, 145 in the width direction of the motorcycle between the baffle plate llld and the inner surfaces of the main frame side covers 37, 38 and bend the left and right air channel 146, 147 from the opening part 106 to the rear portion of the air cleaner 64. Further, it is possible to change the flow direction of the running wind taken from the opening part 106 and decrease the flow velocity of the running wind. [0033]
As shown in Figs. 6 to 8, since the intake ports 64A, 64B of the air cleaner 64 are formed in the upper portion on the rear surface of the air cleaner 64, it is possible to reduce pressure drop at the rear portion of the air cleaner 64 by decreasing the flow velocity of the running wind taken from the opening part 106 as described above. Accordingly, air can be easily sucked into the intake ports 64A, 64B from the rear portion of the air cleaner 64, such that it is possible to increase the amount of intake air to the air cleaner 64 and ensure the necessary amount of intake air. [0034]
Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the air cleaner and the periphery thereof according to the invention, which shows a cross section cut along a vertical plan extending in the width direction of the motorcycle, and seen from the front of the motorcycle (cross-sectional view taken along the line 9-9 shown in Fig. 1). [0035]

The stepped portion lllh formed on the baffle plate llld extending left and right from the air cleaner 64, in detail, the left stepped portion lllp and the right stepped portion lllq each formed with an engagement hole lllv longitudinally opened and the lower ends of the left and right main frame side covers 37, 38 have engagement protrusions 37c, 38c extending downward, such that the engagement protrusions 3 7c, 3Be are inserted in and engaged with the engagement holes lllv, lllv. [0036]
As described above, since the engagement protrusions 37c, 3 8c are engaged with the engagement holes lllv, lllv, it is possible to support the lower ends of the main frame side covers 37, 38 by using the air cleaner 64, such that a supporting member for supporting the lower ends of the main frame side covers 37, 3 8 is not particularly needed. Further, the engagement prevents resonance of the main frame side covers 37, 38. Furthermore, since the engagement holes lllv, lllv are formed in the left stepped portion lllp and the right stepped portion lllq of the high-rigidity stepped portion lllh, it is possible to strongly support the lower ends of the main frame side covers 37, 38 and further prevent resonance of the main frame side covers 37, 38.
Further, it is possible to improve the aesthetic appearance of the sides of the main body by covering the engagement portion of the engagement protrusions 3 7c, 38c with the engagement holes lllv, lllv with the lower covers 43, 44. [0037]
Fig. 10 is a side view showing the main frame side cover according to the invention. In the main frame side cover 37, the

engagement protrusion 3 7c protruding downward is formed at the middle portion of the lower end 3 7d in the back-front direction of the motorcycle, a side opening 37e extending down to the rear is formed in the center portion of the side, and a plurality of attachment bosses 37f that is attached to the main frame cover 3 6 (see Fig. 1) is formed on the rear surface.
The main frame side cover 38 (see Fig. 8) is a part having a symmetrical shape to the main frame side cover 3 7 and the basic shape is the same as the main frame side cover 37, and accordingly, is not described herein. [0038]
Fig. 11 is a side view showing the main frame cover according to the invention. The main frame cover 36 has, on a side, a plurality of side openings 36a sequentially formed downward rearward in a straight line, a plurality of fin-shaped protrusions 36b disposed in parallel with the side openings 36a and protruding to the side under the plurality of side openings 36a, and a plurality of side cover attachment portions 36d each having a screw insertion hole 3 6c in which a screw is inserted to attach the main frame side covers 37, 38 (see Figs. 9 and 10). Further, reference numeral ^36f' represents a main body attachment hole for attachment to the main body frame 11 (see Fig. 1) and a plurality of reference numeral '36g' represents front cover attachment holes for attaching the front cover 3 5 (see Fig.
1) . [0039]
The plurality of side openings 36a are formed around the intake ports 64A, 64B (see Fig. 6) of the air cleaner 64 (see Fig.

3) and the air taken inside the main frame cover 3 6 through the plurality of side openings 36a of the main frame cover 36 is sucked inside from the intake ports 64A, 64B of the air cleaner 64, such that it is possible to increase the amount of intake air of the air cleaner 64 .
The sides of the plurality of side openings 36a are covered by the main frame side cover 3 7, such that the aesthetic appearance can be improved. [0040]
A portion of each of the plurality of fin-shaped protrusions 36b is exposed to the outside from a side opening 37e formed in the main frame side cover 37. Therefore, it is possible to consider functional image in the aesthetic appearance of the sides of the motorcycle and improve the commercial value of the motorcycle. [0041]
Fig. 12 is a rear view showing the main frame cover according to the invention, in which overhang portions 3 6m, 36n protruding to the sides are formed on the lower portion of both sides 36j, 36k of the main frame cover 36, and a plurality of fin-shaped prot2nisions 36b extending in the back-front direction and from both sides 36j, 36k to the side is formed on the overhang portions 36m, 3 6n. Further, reference numeral 3 6q represents a switch insertion hole in which a main switch is inserted, reference numeral '36r' represents a slit-shaped opening, and reference numeral ^36s' represents a main body attachment hole for attaching the rear center of the main frame cover 3 6 to the main body frame 11 (see Fig. 1).

[0042]
As shown in Figs. 1 and 8, in a motorcycle 10 including the main frame side covers 37, 38, the lower covers 43, 44, which function as a pair of left and right leg shields disposed in front of the rider's legs, and the air cleaner £4 disposed between the leg shields, that is, between the left and right main frame side covers 37, 38 and the left and right lower covers 43, 44, the opening part 106 through which a running wind is taken into the left and right leg shields is disposed at the front of the left and right leg shields, the baffle plate llld reducing the flow velocity of the running wind is disposed at the left and right side walls Ilia, 111b of the air cleaner 64, and the baffle plate llld extends outside in the width direction of the motorcycle further than the opening part 106. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the flow velocity of the running wind taken into the leg shields from the opening part 106 and ensure the amount of intake air of the air cleaner 64. Further, it is possible to remove an inner shield disposed in the leg shield in the related art and reduce the number of parts. Therefore, it is possible to reduce cost of the motorcycle 10. [0043]
Further, as shown in Fig. 9, since the engagement holes lllv, lllv are formed in the baffle plate llld and the engagement pawls 37c, 38c that are engaged with the engagement holes lllv, lllv are formed on the leg shields, it is possible to support the leg shields to the baffle plate llld by engaging the engagement pawls 3 7c, 38c of the leg shields with the engagement holes lllv, lllv of the baffle plate llld. It is possible to reduce the

number of parts, cost, and weight as compared with particularly providing supporting members supporting the leg shields or providing fastener members fastening the supporting members to the leg shields.
Further, since the engagement pawls 37c, 38c are just engaged with the engagement holes lllv, lllv, it is possible to improve assemblability. [0044]
Further, as shown in Fig. 4, since the baffle plate llld is formed with the stepped portion lllh by bending a portion of the baffle plate, it is possible to increase rigidity of the baffle plate llld of the air cleaner 64, strongly support the leg shields, and prevent resonance of the leg shields. [0045]
In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 8, although the baffle plate llld extends outside in the width direction of the motorcycle from the air cleaner 64, the baffle plate may extend inside from the inner surfaces of the left and right main frame side covers 37, 38 in the width direction of the motorcycle. [Industrial Applicability] [0046]
An air cleaner according to the invention is suitable for use in a motorcycle. [Brief Description of the Drawings] [0047]
[Fig. 1] Fig. 1 is a side view of a saddle-ride type vehicle employing a grab rail configuration according to the invention.

[Fig. 2] Fig. 2 is a front view of a motorcycle according to the invention.
[Fig. 3] Fig. 3 is a side view showing an air cleaner according to the invention.
[Fig. 4] Fig. 4 is a side view showing an air cleaner case body according to the invention.
[Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is a front view showing the air cleaner case body according to the invention.
[Fig. 6] Fig. 6 is a rear view of an air cleaner case cover according to the invention.
[Fig. 7] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an air cleaner case cover according to the invention.
[Fig. 8] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 8-8 shown in Fig. 2.
[Fig. 9] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the air cleaner and the periphery thereof according to the invention.
[Fig. 10] Fig. 10 is a side view showing a main frame side cover according to the invention.
[Fig. 11] Fig. 11 is a side view showing a main frame cover according to the invention.
[Fig. 12] Fig. 12 is a rear view showing the main frame cover according to the invention. [Description of Reference Numerals] [0048]
10... saddle-ride type vehicle
37, 38, 43, 44... leg shield
64... air cleaner
106... opening part

[Document Name] Scope of Claims [Claim 1]
An air cleaner structure of a motorcycle comprising:
a pair of left and right leg shields disposed in front of each rider's leg; and
an air cleaner disposed between the leg shields^
wherein: an opening part through which a running wind is taken inside the left and right leg shields is formed at the front ends of the left and right leg shields; and
the air cleaner has a baffle plate reducing the flow velocity of the running wind and formed at both left and right sidewalls, and the baffle plate extends outside in a width direction of the motorcycle further than the opening part. [Claim 2]
The air cleaner structure of a motorcycle according to claim 1,
wherein each engagement hole is formed in the baffle plate and each engagement pawl that is engaged with the engagement hole is formed on the each of leg shields. [Claim 3]
The air cleaner structure of a motorcycle according to claim 1 or 2,
wherein the baffle plate has a stepped portion formed by bending a portion of the baffle plate.

Documents:

http://ipindiaonline.gov.in/patentsearch/GrantedSearch/viewdoc.aspx?id=gfD/u0mjxHRyN0fJFgkg7g==&loc=egcICQiyoj82NGgGrC5ChA==

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Patent Number

269786

Indian Patent Application Number

429/CHE/2009

PG Journal Number

46/2015

Publication Date

13-Nov-2015

Grant Date

06-Nov-2015

Date of Filing

26-Feb-2009

Name of Patentee

HONDA MOTOR CO.,LTD.

Applicant Address

1-1,MINAMIOYAMA 2-CHOMEMINATO -KUTOKYO.

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	NAKANISHI, TAKAFUMI	C/O HONDA R&D CO.,LTD 4-1,CHUO 1-CHOME WAKO-SHI SAITAMA 351-0193.
2	SATO,SHOICHIRO,	C/O HONDA R&D CO.,LTD., 4-1,CHUO 1-CHOME,WAKO-SHI,SAITAMA 351-0193

PCT International Classification Number

F02M35/00

PCT International Application Number

N/A

PCT International Filing date

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1	2008-066005	2008-03-14	Japan