Horizontally opposed type engine for motorcycle

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a horizontally-opposed type engine for a motorcycle, in which a pair of left and right cylinder heads are connected to a pair of left and right cylinder blocks in such a manner that combustion chambers are formed between each of the cylinder blocks containing a plurality of cylinder bores disposed in parallel with the axial lines thereof extending substantially in the horizontal direction and pistons slidably fitted in the cylinder bores; a crank shaft is disposed in such a manner as to be perpendicular to the axial lines of the cylinder bores; and the engine is mounted on the motorcycle with the axial line of the crank shaft extending in the longitudinal direction.

[0004] 2. Description of Background Prior Art

[0005] The horizontally-opposed type engine of this type has been generally configured such that exhaust passages are provided in cylinder heads protruded on the left and right sides of a motorcycle in such a manner as to be simply opened downwardly.

[0006] It may be desirable to make a bank angle of a motorcycle at a relatively large value; however, in the horizontally-opposed type engine, since exhaust pipes are connected to the bottom surfaces of cylinder heads protruded on both sides of the motorcycle, the bank angle of the motorcycle is restricted by the presence of the exhaust pipes.

[0007] In view of the foregoing, the present invention has been made, and an object of the present invention is to provide a horizontally-opposed type engine, which is capable of reducing the restriction to the bank angle given by the exhaust pipes, thereby easily ensuring the bank angle of the motorcycle.

[0008] To achieve the above object, according to the present invention, there is provided a horizontally-opposed type engine for a motorcycle, in which a pair of left and right cylinder heads are connected to a pair of left and right cylinder blocks in such a manner that combustion chambers are formed between each of the cylinder blocks containing a plurality of cylinder bores disposed in parallel with the axial lines thereof extending substantially in the horizontal direction and pistons slidably fitted in the cylinder bores; a crank shaft is disposed in such a manner as to be perpendicular to the axial lines of the cylinder bores; and the engine is mounted on the motorcycle with the axial line of the crank shaft extending in the longitudinal direction, the engine being characterized in that a plurality of exhaust passages for introducing exhaust gas from the combustion chambers are provided in each of the cylinder heads in such a manner as to be tilted toward the central side of the motorcycle in the width direction and to be opened downwardly.

[0009] With this configuration, since the exhaust pipes connected to the exhaust passages can be disposed near the center of the motorcycle in the width direction, it is possible to moderate the restriction to the bank angle of the motorcycle given by the exhaust pipes, and to easily ensure the bank angle of the motorcycle.

[0010] According to the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the invention described above, exhaust pipes connected to the exhaust passages are disposed in such a manner as to be tilted toward the central side of the motorcycle in the width direction as extending downwardly from each of the cylinder heads. With this configuration, it is possible to further moderate the restriction to the bank angle of the motorcycle given by the exhaust pipes, and to more easily ensure the bank angle of the motorcycle.

[0011] According to the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the invention described above, exhaust valves for communicating or cutting-off the exhaust passages to or from the combustion chambers corresponding to the exhaust passages are disposed in each of the cylinder heads over a plane passing through the axial lines of the cylinder bores. With this configuration, it is possible to make relatively large a distance between each of the combustion chambers and the opening end of the associated one of the exhaust passages opened to the bottom surface of the cylinder head, and to make relatively gentle the curving of the exhaust passages within the plane perpendicular to the axial line of the crank shaft although the exhaust passages are opened while being tilted to the central side of the motorcycle in the width direction and hence to suppress the increase in exhaust resistance.

[0012] According to the present invention, in addition the configuration of the invention described above, cover portions for covering connection portions of the exhaust passages to the exhaust pipes from outside are integrally formed on head covers connected to the cylinder heads, respectively. With this configuration, it is possible to improve the appearance characteristics of the connecting portions of the exhaust passages to the exhaust pipes. Further, since the exhaust pipes are separated apart from the cover portion as being directed downwardly, even if the head cover is made from a synthetic resin, it is possible to avoid occurrence of thermal degradation of the cover portion.

[0013] Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

[0014] The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention, and wherein:

[0015] FIG. 1 is a side view of a horizontally-opposed type engine for mounting on a motorcycle;

[0016] FIG. 2 is a front view seen along an arrow 2 of FIG. 1;

[0017] FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line 3—3 of FIG. 1;

[0018] FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken on line 4—4 of FIG. 3;

[0019] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view seen along line 5—5 of FIG. 4;

[0020] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view seen along line 6—6 of FIG. 4;

[0021] FIG. 7 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line 7—7 of FIG. 4;

[0022] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view seen along line 8—8 of FIG. 4;

[0023] FIG. 9 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line 9—9 of FIG. 4;

[0024] FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken on line 10—10 of FIG. 8;

[0025] FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken on line 11—11 of FIG. 3;

[0026] FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken on line 12—12 of FIG. 11;

[0027] FIG. 13 is a schematic view, seen from the rear side, of a transmission case;

[0028] FIG. 14 is an enlarged sectional view taken on line 14—14 of FIG. 13.

[0029] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] FIGS. 1 to 14 show one embodiment of the present invention. Referring first to FIGS. 1 and 2, a four-cycle/multi-cylinder (e.g., six-cylinder) horizontally-opposed type engine is mounted on a motorcycle. An engine main body E of the engine includes a left engine block B_Ldisposed on the left side when the motorcycle is directed forwardly in the running direction thereof, and a right engine block B_Rdisposed on the right side in when the motorcycle is directed forwardly in the running direction thereof.

[0031] Referring particularly to FIGS. 3 and 4, the left engine block B_Lincludes a left cylinder block 23_Land a left cylinder head 24_Lconnected to the left cylinder block 23_L. The left cylinder block 23_Lhas a left side cylinder bore row 22_Lincluding a plurality (e.g., three) of cylinder bores 21_Ldisposed in parallel. The left cylinder head 24_Lhas combustion chambers 26_Leach of which is formed between the associated one of the cylinder bores 21_Land a piston 25_Lslidably fitted in the cylinder bore 21_L. A left crank case 27_Lis formed integrally with the side, opposed to the left cylinder head 24_L, of the cylinder block 23_L. The right engine block B_Rincludes a right cylinder block 23_Rand a right cylinder head 24_Rconnected to the right cylinder block 23_R. The right cylinder block 23_Rhas a right side cylinder bore row 22_Rincluding a plurality (e.g., three) of cylinder bores 21_Rdisposed in parallel. The right cylinder head 24_Rhas combustion chambers 26_Reach of which is formed between the associated one of the cylinder bores 21_Rand a piston 25_Rslidably fitted in the cylinder bore 21_R. A right crank case 27_Ris formed integrally with the side, opposed to the right cylinder head 24_R, of the cylinder block 23_R.

[0032] The left and right engine blocks B_Land B_Rare opposed to each other with the axial lines of the cylinder bores 21_Land 21_Rdirected substantially in the horizontal direction. The left crank case 27_Lof the left engine block B_Lis fastened to the right crank case 27_Rof the right engine block B_Rin such a manner as to form a crank chamber 28 therebetween.

[0033] The pistons 25_Land 25_Rin the left and right engine blocks B_Land B_Rare commonly connected to a crank shaft 29 via connecting rods 30_Land 30_R, respectively. The crank shaft 29 is disposed such that one end side is located on the front side of the motorcycle in the longitudinal direction of the motorcycle and the axial line of the crank shaft 29 extends in the longitudinal direction of the motorcycle. The crank shaft 29 is supported by one of the left and right crank cases 27_Land 27_R(left crank case 27_Lin this embodiment). To be more specific, the crank shaft 29 is rotatably supported by journal walls 31 integrally formed on the left crank case 27_Lat a plurality of locations spaced in the axial direction of the crank shaft 29. Furthermore, bearing caps 32 are fastened to the journal walls 31 with a pair of bolts 33, respectively.

[0034] Each of the cylinder bores 21_Rconstituting the cylinder bore row 22_Ron the right engine block B_Rside is offset forwardly in the longitudinal direction of the motorcycle from the associated one of the opposed cylinder bores 21_Lconstituting the cylinder bore row 22_Lon the left engine block B_Lside by a first offset amount L1.

[0035] Referring particularly to FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, the left cylinder head 24_Lincludes pairs of intake passages 34_Land exhaust passages 35_Lcommunicating with the combustion chambers 26_L. Each pair of the intake passages 34_Land the exhaust passages 35_Lare provided for the associated one of the combustion chambers 26_L. The left cylinder head 24_Lalso includes intake valves 36_Leach being adapted to open/close the associated one of the intake passages 34_Land exhaust valves 37_Leach being adapted to open/close the associated one of the exhaust passages 35_L.

[0036] The intake valves 36_Land the exhaust valves 37_L, which extend in the direction parallel to the axial line of the crank shaft 29, are offset upwardly from a plane 38_Lpassing through the axial lines of the cylinder bores 21_Land the axial line of the crank shaft 29 in such a manner that the exhaust valves 37_Lare offset forwardly from the intake valves 36_Lin the longitudinal direction of the motorcycle. The left cylinder head 24_Lalso includes ignition plugs 39_Lfacing toward the central portion of an associated one of the combustion chambers 26_Lat a position located between an associated one of the pairs of the intake valves 36_Land exhaust valve 37_Lon an opposite side from the disposition side of the intake valves 36_Land the exhaust valves 37_Lwith respect to the plane 38_L. In other words, the ignition plugs are located on the lower side of the plane 38_L.

[0037] Each of the intake valves 36_Land the exhaust valves 37_Lis mounted to the left cylinder head 24_Lin such a manner as to be tilted at an acute angle with respect to the plane 38_L. On the opposite side from the disposition side of the intake valves 36_Land the exhaust valves 37_Lwith respect to the plane 38_L, i.e., on the lower side of the plane 38_L, the left cylinder head 24_Lhas plug mounting holes 40_Lfor mounting the ignition plugs 39_Lin a state where the ignition plugs 39_Lare tiled at an acute angle with respect to the plane 38_L. In other words, the ignition plugs 39_Lare mounted to the left cylinder head 24_Lin such a manner as to be tilted downwardly with respect to the plane 38_L.

[0038] On the projection chart crossing the axial lines of the cylinder bores 21_Lat right angles, the intake passages 34_Lare provided in the left cylinder head 24_Lin such a manner as to cross the plane 38_Lsubstantially at right angles, and are opened to one side surface of the left cylinder head 24_Lon the disposition side of the intake valves 36_Land the exhaust valves 37_Lwith respect to the plane 38_L, i.e., on the upper side of the plane 38_L. The exhaust passages 35_Lare opened to the other side surface of the left cylinder head 24_Lon an opposite side from the disposition side of the intake valves 36_Land the exhaust valves 37_Lwith respect to the plane 38_L, i.e., on the lower side of the plane 38_L. To be more specific, the exhaust passages 35_Lare curved to be swelled toward one end side of the crank shaft 29 or the front side of the motorcycle in order to bypass the ignition plugs 39_L, that is, the plug mounting holes 40_Lfor mounting the ignition plugs 39_L.

[0039] Each of the exhaust passages 35_Lis formed in such a manner as to be tilted downwardly toward the central portion of the motorcycle in the width direction and to be opened to the other side surface, i.e., the lower surface of the left cylinder head 24_L. An exhaust system 43_Lis provided which is composed exhaust pipes 41_Leach of which is in communication with an associated one of the exhaust passages 35_L, a catalyst converter 42, an exhaust muffler (not shown), and the like. Each of the exhaust pipes 41_Lof the exhaust system 43_Lis tilted such that it is closer to the central portion of the motorcycle in the width direction since it is separated apart downwardly from the left cylinder head 24_L, and is connected to an opening at the outer end of the associated one of the exhaust passages 35_L.

[0040] The center of the opening at the outer end of each exhaust passage 35_Lis offset forwardly in the longitudinal direction of the motorcycle from a center C_Lof an associated one of the combustion chambers 26_Lby a second offset amount L2.

[0041] A single cam shaft 46_L, which is in parallel to the crank shaft 29 and has an axial line perpendicular to the opening/closing operational lines of the intake valves 36_Land the exhaust valves 37_L, is disposed on the disposition side of the intake valves 36_Land the exhaust valves 37_Lwith respect to the plane 38_L. In other words, the single cam shaft 46_Lis on the upper side of the plane 38_L. On the other hand, the upper ends of the intake valves 36_Land the exhaust valves 37_Lbiased in the valve closing direction, i.e., upwardly, by springs are in contact with valve lifters 47_Lwhich are supported by the left cylinder head 24_Lslidably in the direction of the operational axial lines of the valves 36_Land 37_L. The cam shaft 46_Lincludes intake side cams 48_Lin contact with the valve lifters 47_Lassociated with the intake valves 36_L. Exhaust side cams 49_Lare in contact with the valve lifters 47_Lassociated with the exhaust valves 37_LIn other words, the intake valves 36_Land the exhaust valves 37_Lare directly opened/closed by the intake side cams 48_Land the exhaust side cams 49_Lof the cam shaft 46_L, respectively.

[0042] A plurality (for example, four) of portions, spaced in the axial line direction, of the cam shaft 46_Lare rotatably supported by cam bearing portions 50_Lprovided on the left cylinder head 24_Land a cam holder 51_Lcommonly fastened to the cam bearing portions 50_L. Of the four cam bearing portions 50_L, three are each provided on the left cylinder head 24_Lin such a manner as to be disposed between a pair of the intake valves 36_Land the exhaust valves 37_Lprovided for each combustion chamber 26_L. The remaining cam bearing portion 50_Lis provided on the left cylinder head 24_Lin such a manner as to be located outside of the combustion chamber 26_Ldisposed at the outermost end on one end side of the cam shaft 46_L(front end side of the motorcycle).

[0043] An oil passage 52_Lhaving both ends closed is coaxially provided in the cam shaft 46_L. As shown in FIG. 3, the cam shaft 46_Lhas oiling holes 53_Lat positions corresponding to the cam bearing portions 50_L. The oiling holes 53_Lare formed in such a manner as to extend from the inside to the outside of the cam shaft 46_L. Accordingly, lubricating oil is supplied from the interior of the cam shaft 46_Lto the cam bearing portions 50_Land the cam holder 51_L. Furthermore, an oil groove 54_Lfacing to the outer surface of the cam shaft 46_Lis provided in the cam bearing portion 50_Ldisposed at the outermost end on one end side of the cam shaft 46_L, and an oiling passage 55_Lprovided in the left cylinder head 24_Land the left cylinder block 23_Lis in communication with the oil groove 54_L. Accordingly, oil is supplied from the oiling passage 55_Linto the oil passage 52_Lin the cam shaft 46_Lvia the oil groove 54_Land the oiling hole 53_L.

[0044] Each of the intake side cams 48_Land the exhaust side cams 49_Lhas an oiling hole (not shown) communicating with the oil passage 52_Lin the cam shaft 46_L. The outer end of the oiling hole is opened to the outer surface of an associated one of the intake side cams 48_Land the exhaust side cams 49_L. Accordingly, lubricating oil is also supplied to a slide-contact portion between each of the intake side cams 48_Land the exhaust side cams 49_Land the valve lifters 47_Lprovided for each of the intake valves 36_Land the exhaust valves 37_L.

[0045] The left cylinder head 24_Lis fastened at a plurality of locations to the left cylinder block 23_L. On the opposite side from the disposition side of the intake valves 36_Land the exhaust valves 37_Lwith respect to the plane 38_L, i.e., on the lower side of the plane 38_L, the left cylinder head 24_Lhas a plurality (for example, four) of through-holes 56_Lspaced in the axial line direction of the cam shaft 46_L. Of the four through-holes 56_L, two are each disposed between adjacent ones of the combustion chambers 26_L. Fastening bolts 57_Lfor fastening the left cylinder head 24_Lto the left cylinder block 23_Lare inserted in the through-holes 56_L.

[0046] Each through-hole 56_Lis adjacent, on one end side (left side in FIG. 7) of the cam shaft 46_L, to an associated one of the exhaust passages 35_Lbypassing the ignition plugs 39_Lprovided for the combustion chambers 26_L. The through-hole 56_Lhas a positional relationship such that a distance L4 between a center of the through-hole 56_Land a center C_Lof the associated combustion chamber 26_Lis larger than a value L3 (L3<L4). The value L3 is half a distance (2L3) between the centers C_Lof adjacent ones of the combustion chambers 26_L.

[0047] On the disposition side of the intake valves 36_Land the exhaust valves 37_Lwith respect to the plane 38_L, i.e., on the upper side of the plane 38_L, the left cylinder head 24_Lhas a plurality (for example, four) of through-holes 58_Lspaced in the axial line direction of the cam shaft 46_L. Of the four through-holes 58_L, two are each disposed between adjacent ones of the combustion chambers 26_L. Fastening bolts 59_Lfor fastening the left cylinder head 24_Lto the left cylinder block 23_Lare inserted in the through-holes 58_L. Each through-hole 58_L, i.e., fastening bolt 59_Lis disposed at a position where it is partially covered by the cam shaft 46_L.

[0048] A left head cover 60_Lis fastened to the left cylinder head 24_Lin such a manner that a valve system chamber 61_Lfor containing the cam shaft 46_Land the cam holder 51_Lis formed between the left head cover 60_Land the left cylinder head 24_L. Since the cam shaft 46_Lis disposed upwardly from the plan 38_Lcontaining the axial lines of the cylinder bores 21_L, the valve system chamber 61_Lis also formed between the left head cover 60_Land the left cylinder head 24_Lin such a manner as to be offset upwardly from the plane 38_L.

[0049] A cover portion 62_Lis formed integrally with the left head cover 60_L. Portions of the exhaust pipes 41_Lof the exhaust system 43_Lconnected to the exhaust passages 35_L, and the ignition plugs 39_Ldisposed downwardly therefrom are covered from the outside by the cover portion 62_L.

[0050] Referring particularly to FIGS. 8 and 9, the right cylinder head 24_Rincludes pairs of intake passages 34_Rand exhaust passages 35_Rcommunicating with the combustion chambers 26_R, each pair being provided for an associated one of the combustion chambers 26_R. The right cylinder head 24_Ralso includes intake valves 36_Reach being adapted to open/close an associated one of the intake passages 34_Rand exhaust valves 37_Reach being adapted to open/close the associated one of the exhaust passages 35_R.

[0051] The intake valves 36_Rand the exhaust valves 37_R, which extend in the direction parallel to the axial line of the crank shaft 29, are offset upwardly from a plane 38_Rpassing through the axial lines of the cylinder bores 21_Rand the axial line of the crank shaft 29 in such a manner that the exhaust valves 37_Rare offset forwardly from the intake valves 36_Rin the longitudinal direction of the motorcycle. Ignition plugs 39_R, each of which faces to the central portion of an associated one of the combustion chambers 26_R, are mounted to the right cylinder head 24_Ron a lower side of the plane 38_R.

[0052] Each of the intake valves 36_Rand the exhaust valves 37_Ris tilted at an acute angle with respect to the plane 38_R. On the lower side from the plane 38_R, the right cylinder head 24_Rhas plug mounting holes 40_Rfor mounting the ignition plugs 39_Rin a state where the ignition plugs 39_Rare tilted at an acute angle with respect to the plane 38_R. The ignition plugs 39_Rare thus mounted to the right cylinder head 24_Rin such a manner as to be tilted downwardly with respect to the plane 38_R.

[0053] On the projection chart crossing the axial lines of the cylinder bores 21_Rat right angles, the intake passages 34_Rare provided in the right cylinder head 24_Rin such a manner as to cross the plane 38_Rsubstantially at right angles, and are opened to one side surface of the right cylinder head 24_Ron the upper side of the plane 38_R. The exhaust passages 35_Rare opened to the other side surface of the right cylinder head 24_Ron the lower side from the plane 38_R. To be more specific, the exhaust passages 35_Rare curved to be swelled toward one end side of the crank shaft 29 in the axial direction or the front side of the motorcycle in order to bypass the ignition plugs 39_R, that is, the plug mounting holes 40_R.

[0054] Each of the exhaust passages 35_Ris formed in such a manner as to be tilted downwardly toward the central portion of the motorcycle in the width direction and to be opened to the lower surface of the right cylinder head 24_R. An exhaust system 43_Ris provided which is composed of exhaust pipes 41_R, each of which is in communication with an associated one of the exhaust passages 35_R, a catalyst converter (not shown), an exhaust muffler (not shown), and the like. Each of the exhaust pipes 41_Rof the exhaust system 43_Ris tilted in such a manner as to be closer to the central portion of the motorcycle in the width direction since being separated apart downwardly from the right cylinder head 24_R, and is connected to an opening at the outer end of the associated one of the exhaust passages 35_R.

[0055] The center of the opening at the outer end of each exhaust passage 35_Ris offset forwardly in the longitudinal direction of the motorcycle from a center C_Rof an associated one of the combustion chambers 26_Rby the second offset amount L2.

[0056] The upper ends of the intake valves 36_Rand the exhaust valves 37_Rbiased in the valve closing direction by springs are in contact with valve lifters 47_Rsupported by the right cylinder head 24_R. Intake side cams 48_Rare in contact with the valve lifters 47_Rassociated with the intake valves 36_Rand exhaust side cams 49_Rare in contact with the valve lifters 47_Rassociated with the exhaust valves 37_R. The intake side cams 48_Rare provided on a single cam shaft 46_Rwhich is disposed on the upper side of the plane 38_R. The cam shaft 46_Ris in parallel to the crank shaft 29 and has an axial line perpendicular to the opening/closing operational axial lines of the intake valves 36_Rand the exhaust valves 37_R. In other words, the intake valves 36_Rand the exhaust valves 37_Rare directly opened/closed by the intake side cams 48_Rand the exhaust side cams 49_Rof the cam shaft 46_R, respectively.

[0057] A plurality (for example, four) of portions, spaced in the axial line direction, of the cam shaft 46_Rare rotatably supported by cam bearing portions 50_Rprovided on the right cylinder head 24_Rand a cam holder 51_Rcommonly fastened to the cam bearing portions 50_R. Of the four cam bearing portions 50_R, three are each provided on the right cylinder head 24_Rin such a manner as to be disposed between the pair of the intake valves 36_Rand the exhaust valves 37_Rprovided for each combustion chamber 26_R, and the remaining cam bearing portion 50_Ris provided on the right cylinder head 24_Rin such a manner as to be located outside the combustion chamber 26_Rdisposed at the outermost end on one end side of the cam shaft 46_R(front end side of the motorcycle).

[0058] As shown in FIG. 3, the cam shaft 46_Rhas oiling holes 53_Rat positions corresponding to the cam bearing portions 50_R. The oiling holes 53_Rare formed in such a manner as to extend from an inside to an outside of the cam shaft 46_R. Lubricating oil is supplied from an oil passage 52_Rformed in the cam shaft 46_Rto the cam bearing portions 50_Rand the cam holder 51_Rvia the oiling holes 53_R. Furthermore, an oil groove 54_Rfacing to the outer surface of the cam shaft 46_Ris provided in the second cam bearing portion 50_Rfrom the outermost end on one end side of the cam shaft 46_R, and an oiling passage 55_Rprovided in the right cylinder head 24_Rand the right cylinder block 23_Ris in communication with the oil groove 54_R.

[0059] Each of the intake side cams 48_Rand the exhaust side cams 49_Rhas an oiling hole (not shown) in communication with the oil passage 52_Rin the cam shaft 46_R. Lubricating oil is thus also supplied to a slide-contact portion between each of the intake side cams 48_Rand the exhaust side cams 49_Rand an associated one of the valve lifters 47_Rprovided for each of the intake valves 36_Land the exhaust valves 37_L.

[0060] On the lower side of the plane 38_R, the right cylinder head 24_Rhas a plurality (for example, four) of through-holes 56_Rwhich are spaced in the axial line direction of the cam shaft 46_R. Of the four throughholes 56_R, two are each disposed between adjacent ones of the combustion chambers 26_R. Fastening bolts 57_Rfor fastening the right cylinder head 24_Rto the right cylinder block 23_Rare inserted in the through-holes 57_R.

[0061] Each through-hole 56_Ris adjacent, on one end side (right side in FIG. 9) of the cam shaft 46_R, to an associated one of the exhaust passages 35_Rbypassing the ignition plugs 39_Rprovided for the combustion chambers 26_R. The through-hole 56_Rhas a positional relationship such that a distance L4 between a center of the through-hole 56_Rand a center C_Rof the associated combustion chamber 26_Ris larger than a value L3 (L3<L4). The value L3 is half a distance between the centers C_Rof adjacent ones of the combustion chambers 26_R.

[0062] On the upper side of the plane 38_R, the right cylinder head 24_Rhas a plurality (for example, four) of through-holes 58_Rspaced in the axial line direction of the cam shaft 46_R. Of the four through-holes 58_R, two are each disposed between adjacent ones of the combustion chambers 26_R. Fastening bolts 59_Rfor fastening the right cylinder head 24_Rto the right cylinder block 23_Rare inserted in the through-holes 58_R. Each through-hole 58_R, that is, fastening bolt 59_Ris disposed at a position where it is partially covered by the cam shaft 46_R.

[0063] Referring particularly to FIG. 10, of the plurality (for example, four) of the through-holes 58_R, the through-hole 58_Rdisposed at the outermost end on one end side of the cam shaft 46_Ris provided in the cam bearing portion 50_R, disposed at the outermost end on the one end side of the cam shaft 46_R, of the four cam bearing portions 50_R. The oil groove 54_Ris provided in the cam bearing portion 50_Radjacent to the above-described cam bearing portion 50_Rdisposed at the outermost end on the one end side of the cam shaft 46_R.

[0064] Furthermore, a distance L5 between a center of the through-hole 58_Rdisposed at the outermost end on the one end side of the cam shaft 46_Rand the center C_Rof the combustion chamber 26_Rdisposed at the outermost end on the one end side of the cam shaft 46_Ris set to be smaller than the value L3 (LS<L3). The value L3 is, as described above, half the distance between the centers C_Rof adjacent ones of the combustion chambers 26_R.

[0065] A right head cover 60_Ris fastened to the right cylinder head 24_Rin such a manner that a valve system chamber 61_Rfor containing the cam shaft 46_Rand the cam holder 51_Ris formed between the right head cover 60_Rand the right cylinder head 24_R. The valve system chamber 61_Ris formed between the right head cover 60_Rand the right cylinder head 24_Rin such a manner as to be offset upwardly from the plane 38_R.

[0066] A cover portion 62_Ris formed integrally with the right head cover 60_R. Portions of the exhaust pipes 41_Rof the exhaust system 43_Rconnected to the exhaust passages 35_R, and the ignition plugs 39_Rdisposed downwardly therefrom are covered from the outside by the cover portion 62_R.

[0067] With respect to the intake passages 34_Land the exhaust passages 35_Lprovided in the left cylinder head 24_Land the intake passages 34_Rand the exhaust passages 35_Rprovided in the right cylinder head 24_Ras described above, the relative positional relationship between the intake passages 34_Land the exhaust passages 35_Lalong the axial line direction of the crank shaft 29 in the left cylinder head 24_Lis set to be nearly equal to the relative positional relationship between the intake passages 34_Rand the exhaust passages 35_Ralong the axial line direction of the crank shaft 29 in the right cylinder head 24_R.

[0068] A throttle body 63, an intake manifold 64 and an intake system 66 including fuel injection valves 65 provided for each of the combustion chambers 26_Land 26_Rare disposed over a location between both of the cylinder heads 24_Land 24_R. The intake manifold 64 is connected to the intake passages 34_Land 34_Rof both of the cylinder heads 24_Land 24_R.

[0069] Secondary air supply passages 44_Leach of which is in communication with the exhaust passage 35_Lare provided in the cylinder head 24_Land the cylinder block 23_Lof the left engine block B_L, and secondary air supply passages 44_Reach of which is in communication with the exhaust passage 35_Rare provided in the cylinder head 24_Rand the cylinder block 23_Rof the right engine block B_R. The secondary air supply passages 44_Lare connected to control valves (not shown) via check valves 45 provided in the cylinder block 23_L, and the secondary air supply passages 44_Rare similarly connected to control valves (not shown) via check valves 45 provided in the cylinder block 23_R.

[0070] Referring particularly to FIG. 11, a transmission mechanism 68_Lis provided between one end portion of the cam shaft 46_Lon the left engine block B_Lside and one end portion of the crank shaft 29. The transmission mechanism 68_Lis adapted to reduce a rotational power of the crank shaft 29 to half and transmit the reduced rotational power to the cam shaft 46_L. A transmission mechanism 68_Ris provided between one end portion of the cam shaft 46_Ron the right engine block B_Rside and one end portion of the crank shaft 29. The transmission mechanism 68_Ris adapted to reduce a rotational power of the crank shaft 29 to half and transmit the reduced rotational power to the cam shaft 46_R.

[0071] The transmission mechanism 68_L(or 68_R) is configured such that an endless chain 71_L(or 71_R) is wound around a drive sprocket 69_L(or 69_R) fixed on the one end portion of the crank shaft 29 and a driven sprocket 70_L(or 70_R) fixed on the one end portion of the cam shaft 46_L(or 46_R). As described above, each of the cylinder bores 21_Rconstituting the cylinder bore row 22_Ron the right engine block B_Rside is offset forwardly in the longitudinal direction of the motorcycle from each of the cylinder bores 21_Lconstituting the cylinder bore row 22_Lon the left engine block B_Lside by the first offset amount L1. Correspondingly, the transmission mechanism 68_Ron the right engine block B_Rside is offset forwardly in the longitudinal direction of the motorcycle from the transmission mechanism 68_Lon the left engine block B_Lside. In this case, a gap L6 between both the transmission mechanisms 68_Land 68_Ris set to be smaller than the first offset amount 1 (L6<L1).

[0072] A transmission chamber 72_Lfor containing the transmission mechanism 68_Lis formed in the front end portion of the left engine block B_Lalong the longitudinal direction of the motorcycle in such a manner as to extend from the head cover 60_Lto the crank case 27_Lby way of the cylinder head 24_Land the cylinder block 23_L. To be more specific, one end of the transmission chamber 72_Lfaces the valve system chamber 61_Land the other end thereof faces the crank shaft 29. Similarly, a transmission chamber 72_Rfor containing the transmission mechanism 68_Ris formed in the front end portion of the right engine block B_Ralong the longitudinal direction of the motorcycle in such a manner as to extend from the head cover 60_Rto the crank case 27_Rby way of the cylinder head 24_Rand the cylinder block 23_R. To be more specific, one end of the transmission chamber 72_Rfaces the valve system chamber 61_Rand the other end thereof faces one end of the crank shaft 29. Accordingly, the other end portions of both the transmission chambers 72_Land 72_Rare commonly formed in such a manner as to face the one end of the crank shaft 29. An opening 73 facing to the other end portions of both the transmission chambers 72_Land 72_Ris provided in the left and right crank cases 27_Land 27_R, and is covered with a lid member 74 fastened to the left and right crank cases 27_Land 27_R.

[0073] In a space on the other end side of the transmission chambers 72_Land 72_R, a pulse rotor 75 is fixed to the one end portion of the crank case 29 at a position outside both of the sprockets 68_Land 68_R. A sensor 76 facing to the outer periphery of the pulse rotor 75 is mounted on one of the left and right crank cases 27_Land 27_R(left crank case 27_Lin this embodiment). The sensor 76 is adapted to detect the passing of teeth provided on the outer periphery of the pulse rotor 75. In this way, the rotational position of the crank shaft 29 is detected by the sensor 76.

[0074] A pulse rotor 77 is fixed to the one end portion of one of the cam shafts 46_Land 46_R(cam shaft 46_Lin this embodiment) at a position outside the driven sprocket 70_L. A sensor (not shown) for detecting the rotational position of the cam shaft 46_Lis mounted to the left cylinder head 24_Lin such a manner as to face the outer periphery of the pulse rotor 77.

[0075] The crank shaft 29 is rotated in the rotational direction shown by an arrow 78 in FIG. 11. At the left side transmission mechanism 68_L, a chain tensioner 79_Lis elastically, slidably in contact with the forward movement portion, i.e., the lower side running portion of the chain 71_Lrunning counterclockwise from the drive sprocket 69_Lto the driven sprocket 70_L, and a chain guide 80_Lis slidably in contact with the backward movement portion, i.e., the upper side running portion of the chain 71_Lrunning counterclockwise from the driven sprocket 70_Lto the drive sprocket 69_L.

[0076] The chain tensioner 79_Lis extended in the running direction of the chain 71_L. One end portion of the chain tensioner 79_Lis turnably supported by the bearing cap 32, which is closest to the transmission mechanism 68_L, for rotatably supporting the crank shaft 29 in co-operation with the plurality of journal walls 31, via a supporting shaft 81_Lhaving an axial line parallel to the rotational axial line of the crank shaft 29. A tensioner lifter 82_L, which is in contact with an intermediate portion of the chain tensioner 79_Lin the longitudinal direction while pressing the chain tensioner 79_Lonto the chain 71_L, is mounted to the left cylinder block 23_L.

[0077] The chain guide 80_Lis extended in the running direction of the chain 71_L. One end portion of the chain guide 80_Lis supported via a bolt 83_Lon the journal wall 31 closest to the transmission mechanism 68_L; and an intermediate portion and the other end portion of the chain guide 80_Lare in contact with and supported by the left cylinder block 23_Land the left cylinder head 24_L, respectively.

[0078] At the right side transmission mechanism 68_R, a chain tensioner 79_Ris elastically, slidably in contact with the forward movement portion, i.e., the upper side running portion of the chain 71_Rrunning counterclockwise from the drive sprocket 69_Rto the driven sprocket 70_R, and a chain guide 80_Ris slidably in contact with the backward movement portion, i.e., the lower side running portion of the chain 71_Rrunning counterclockwise from the driven sprocket 70_Rto the drive sprocket 69_R.

[0079] The chain tensioner 79_Ris extended in the running direction of the chain 71_R. One end portion of the chain tensioner 79_Ris turnably supported by the journal wall 31, which is closest to the transmission mechanisms 68_Land 68_R, is formed integrally with the left crank case 27_L, via a supporting shaft 81_Rhaving an axial line parallel to the rotational axial line of the crank shaft 29. A tensioner lifter 82_R, which is in contact with an intermediate portion of the chain tensioner 79_Rin the longitudinal direction while pressing the chain tensioner 79_Ronto the chain 71_R, is mounted to the right cylinder block 23_R.

[0080] The chain guide 80_Ris extended in the running direction of the chain 71_R. One end portion of the chain guide 80_Ris supported via a bolt 83_Ron a supporting portion 84 formed integrally with the right crank case 27_R; and an intermediate portion and the other end portion of the chain guide 80_Rare in contact with and supported by the right cylinder block 23_Rand the right cylinder head 24_R, respectively.

[0081] One end portion of the transmission chamber 72_L(or 72_R) for containing the transmission mechanism 68_L(or 68_R) is in communication with the valve system chamber 61_L(or 61_R), and the valve system chamber 61_L(or 61_R) is disposed on the upper side of the plane 38_L(or 38_R) containing the axial line of the crank shaft 29 and the axial lines of the cylinder bores 21_L(or 21_R). Accordingly, oil supplied from the interior of the valve system chamber 61_L(or 61_R) into the one end of the transmission chamber 72_L(or 72_R) can be introduced to the other end portion, facing the one end of the crank shaft 29, of the transmission chamber 72_L(or 72_R). A return hole 85 for communicating the bottoms of the other end portions of both of the transmission chambers 72_Land 72_Rto the crank chamber 28 is provided in the left and right crank cases 27_Land 27_R.

[0082] Referring particularly to FIG. 12, a plurality of ribs 88 in contact with and connected to the plurality of journal walls 31 formed integrally with the left crank case 27_Lare formed integrally with the right crank case 27_Rin such a manner as to surround the bearing caps 32. The return hole 85 is formed in a region extending from the journal wall 31 facing both of the transmission chambers 72_Land 72_Rto the rib 88 in contact with and connected to the above journal wall 31. To be more specific, the return hole 85 is composed of a recess 86 provided in the above journal wall 31 in such a manner as to be opened toward the above rib 88 side and a recess 87 provided in the above rib 88 in such a manner as to be opened toward the above journal wall 31 side.

[0083] The bearing cap 32 is, as described above, fastened to the journal wall 31 with the pair of bolts 33, and the return hole 85 is extended in the fastening direction of the bearing cap 32 to the journal wall 31, i.e., the axial line direction of the bolts 33.

[0084] The return hole 85 is formed between the crank cases 27_Land 27_Rin such a manner as to be offset toward the left crank case 27_Lside. To be more specific, of the recesses 86 and 87 constituting the return hole 85, the recess 86 provided in the journal wall 31 is formed longer in the axial line direction of the bolts 33 than the recess 87 formed in the rib 88.

[0085] A mission case 90 is continued to the left and right engine blocks B_Land B_Rin such a manner as to extend downwardly from the crank cases 27_Land 27_Rand also extend rearwardly in the longitudinal direction of the motorcycle from the cylinder blocks 23_Land 23_R. In the same manner as the above-described return hole 85, a passage hole 89 is provided in such a manner as to extend from the bottom of the journal wall 31 disposed between the return hole 85 and the interior of the mission case 90 to the bottom of the rib 88 in contact with and connected to the journal wall 31. Accordingly, oil returning from the transmission chambers 72_Land 72_Rinto the crank chamber 28 via the return hole 85 is introduced in the mission case 90 by way of the passage hole 89.

[0086] As described above, oil in the valve system chamber 61_Land 61_Ris returned to the crank chamber 28 side via the transmission chambers 72_Land 72_Ron one end sides of the cam shafts 64_Land 64_R. Since the cam shafts 64_Land 64_Rare disposed substantially in the horizontal direction, it may be desirable to allow the return of oil from the other end sides of the cam shafts 64_Land 64_Rto the crank chamber 28 side in the valve system chambers 61_Land 61_R. To meet the above requirement, a return passage 91_L(or 91_R) having one end in communication with the interior of the valve system chamber 61_L(or 61_R) on the other end side of the cam shaft 64_L(or 64_R) and having the other end in communication with the crank chamber 28 is provided in the left cylinder head 24_L(or right cylinder head 24_R) and the left cylinder block 23_L(or right cylinder block 23_R).

[0087] Referring particularly to FIGS. 13 and 14, a water pump 94 including a pump shaft 95 directly connected to the crank case 29 is disposed on the back face of the mission case 90. A casing 96 of the water pump 94 is composed of a pump body 97 for rotatably supporting the pump shaft 95, and a pump cover 98 is fastened to the pump body 97 in such a manner as to cover an impeller 99 fixed to the pump shaft 95.

[0088] The pump body 97 is formed integrally with the mission case 90. The pump cover 98 is fastened to the pump body 97 with a pump chamber 100 formed between the pump cover 98 and the pump body 97. The pump shaft 95 is rotatably supported by the pump body 97 in a state where one end thereof projects in the pump chamber 100. An engagement plate 95ato be engaged with an engagement recess 29aprovided in the other end of the crank shaft 29 is projectingly provided at the other end of the pump shaft 95. In other words, one end side of the crank shaft 29 is connected to the cam shafts 64_Land 64_Rvia the transmission mechanisms 68_Land 68_R, while the other end side of the crank shaft 29 is directly connected to the pump shaft 95 of the water pump 94.

[0089] The impeller 99 is disposed in the pump chamber 100 and is fixed to the one end of the pump shaft 95. Over the impeller 99, a containing portion 101 in communication with the central portion of the pump chamber 100 is formed in the upper portion of the pump cover 98.

[0090] A wax type thermostat 102, which is additionally provided on the water pump 94, is contained in the containing portion 101 in a state where it is held between the pump body 97 and the pump cover 98.

[0091] The thermostat 102 is of a known type, and includes a supporting plate 103 held between the pump body 97 and the pump cover 98, a thermostat valve 104, and a bypass valve 105.

[0092] A first suction port 106 opened toward one end of the containing portion 101 is provided in the upper portion of the pump body 97 in such a manner as to be openable/closable by the thermostat valve 104. A second suction port 107 opened toward the other end of the containing portion 101 is provided in the pump cover 98 in such a manner as to be openable/closable by the bypass valve 105. A discharge port 108 for discharging cooling water discharged depending on rotation of the impeller 99 is provided in the pump cover 98. The discharge port 108 is in communication with the pump chamber 100.

[0093] A water jacket 109_L(or 109_R) is provided on the left cylinder block 23_L(or right cylinder block 23_R), and a water jacket 110_L(or 110_R) in communication with the water jacket 109_L(or 109_R) is provided on the cylinder block 23_L(or 23_R). The discharge port 108 of the water pump 94 is in communication with the water jackets 109_Land 109_Rvia cooling water supply pipes 111 connected to the left and right cylinder blocks 23_Land 23_R.

[0094] A cooling water discharge pipe 112_L(or 112_R) for discharge cooling water from the water jackets 110_L(or 110_R) is connected to the left cylinder block 24_L(or right cylinder head 24_R). The cooling water discharge pipes 112_Land 112_Rare connected to the second suction port 107 of the water pump 94, and are also connected to inlets of radiators 113_Land 113_R, respectively.

[0095] The radiators 113_Land 113_Rare disposed over the left and right engine blocks B_Land B_R, i.e., both of the cylinder bore rows 22_Land 22_R. The outlets of both of the radiators 113_Land 113_Rare connected to the first suction port 106 of the water pump 94.

[0096] According to such a cooling water circuit, in a state where the temperature of cooling water is low before the engine is warm, the thermostat 102 closes the thermostat valve 104 and opens the bypass valve 105. Therefore, cooling water discharged from the discharge port 108 of the water pump 94 is not sucked from the water jackets 109_L, 110_L, 109_Rand 110_Rinto the water pump 94 by way of the radiators 113_Land 113_R. On the other hand, as the temperature of cooling water becomes higher along with termination of warming of the engine, the thermostat 102 opens the thermostat valve 104 and closes the bypass valve 105. Therefore, cooling water discharged from the discharge port 108 of the water pump 94 is sucked from the water jackets 109_L, 110_L, 109_Rand 110_Rinto the water pump 94 by way of the radiators 113_Land 113_R. In other words, a bottom bypass type cooling water circuit using the thermostat 102 is formed among the water pump 94, the water jackets 109_L, 109_R, 110_Land 110_Rand the radiators 113_Land 113_R.

[0097] A jiggle valve 114 for releasing air in the water pump 94 onto the first suction port 106 side is mounted on the upper portion of the supporting plate 103 of the thermostat 102 disposed over the impeller 99.

[0098] Referring particularly to FIG. 13, a main shaft 115 linked with the crank shaft 29, a counter shaft 116 with a plurality of gear trains capable of being selectively established provided between the main shaft 115 and the counter shaft 116, and an output shaft 117 linked with the counter shaft 116 via a one-way clutch (not shown) are rotatably supported by the mission case 90. Each of the shafts 115, 116 and 117 has an axial line parallel to that of the crank shaft 29. The output shaft 117 for transmitting power to the rear wheel side of the motorcycle projects rearwardly from the back face of the mission case 90.

[0099] A shifter shaft 119 for axially movably supporting a plurality of shifters 118 for selectively establishing the gear trains between the main shaft 115 and the counter shaft 116 is supported by the mission case 90 at a position below and between the main shaft 115 and the counter shaft 116. A shift drum 120 for selectively moving one of the shifters 118 is supported by the mission case 90 at a position adjacent to the shifter shaft 119 in such a manner as to be rotatable on its axis.

[0100] A motor 121 having a rotational axial line parallel to the axial line of the crank shaft 29 is mounted on the back face of the mission case 90 at a position above and between the crank shaft 29 and the output shaft 117. An intermediate shaft 122 is supported by the mission case 90 at a position between the crank shaft 29 and the motor 121. A gear train (not shown), which allows transmission of rotational power from the motor 121 to the crank shaft 29 but does not allow transmission of power from the crank shaft 29 to the motor 121, is provided between the motor 121 and the crank shaft 29 with the intermediate shaft 122 interposed therebetween. Therefore, the power of the motor 121 is transmitted to the crank shaft 29 upon start-up of the engine.

[0101] A power transmission mechanism 123 actuated upon backward movement is provided between the motor 121 and the output shaft 117. The mechanism 123 is adapted to transmit rotational power from the motor 121 to the output shaft 117 on the basis of a driver's operation for backward movement and to rotate the output shaft 117 in a reverse direction upon forward movement. The power transmission mechanism 123 actuated for backward movement cuts off the power transmission from the output shaft 117 to the motor 121 upon operation which is not for backward movement.

[0102] An electric generator 124 linked with the crank shaft 29 is mounted on the back face of the mission case 90 in parallel to the axial line of the crank shaft 29. A clutch 125 coaxial with the main shaft 115, which is capable of switching the connection/disconnection between the crank shaft 29 and the main shaft 115, is disposed on the back face of the mission case 90. In other words, the electric generator 124 and the clutch 125 are disposed on the back face of the mission case 90 in parallel to the water pump 94 coaxial with the crank shaft 29.

[0103] An oil pump 126 connected to the main shaft 115 via a power transmission mechanism 128 such as a chain is provided in the lower portion of the mission case 90. Oil discharged from the oil pump 126 is supplied to respective portions to lubricate the engine main body E via an oil filter 127 (see FIG. 2) provided on the front surface side of the mission case 90. The oiling passages 55_Land 55_Rprovided in the left and right cylinder blocks 23_Land 23_Rand the left and right cylinder heads 24_Land 24_Rfor introducing oil to portions of the cam shafts 46_Land 46_Rto be lubricated are connected to the oil filter 127.

[0104] Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, a body frame (not shown) of the motorcycle has steps 130_Land 130_Ron which the driver's feet are to rest. The steps 130_Land 130_Rare mounted on left and right portions positioned behind and below the left and right cylinder heads 24_Land 24_Rof the engine main body E in such as manner as to project leftwardly and rightwardly therefrom. The inner end of each of the steps 130_Land 130_Ris offset a distance L7 inwardly in the width direction of the motorcycle from the opening formed at the outer end of each of the exhaust passages 35_Land 35_Rprovided in the cylinder heads 24_Land 24_R.

[0105] To prevent the action of the driver's feet on the steps 130_Land 130_Rfrom being obstructed by the left and right cylinder heads 24_Land 24_Rand the left and right head covers 60_Land 60_R, the lower rear corners thereof are cut off as shown by reference numeral 131.

[0106] The function of this embodiment will now be described. In the horizontally-opposed type multi-cylinder (for example, six cylinder) engine, a pair of left and right cylinder bore rows 22_Land 22_Rdisposed on both sides of the crank shaft 29 extending substantially in the horizontal direction; the left cylinder bore row 22_L(or right cylinder bore row 22_R) is composed of a plurality (for example, three) of the cylinder bores 21_L(or 21_R) disposed in parallel; and the cam shaft 46_L(or 46_R) corresponding to the cylinder bore row 22_L(or 22_R) is disposed on an upper side of the plane 38_L(or 38_R) containing the axial lines of the cylinder bores 21_L(or 21_R) and the axial line of the crank shaft 29. Accordingly, the valve system mechanism containing the cam shaft 46_L(or 46_R) is offset upwardly from the axial lines of the cylinder bores 21_L(or 21_R), so that the cylinder head 24_L(or 24_R) can be formed in such a manner as to ensure a space under the portion corresponding to the valve system mechanism. In other words, a relatively large space can be ensured under the cylinder head 24_L(or 24_R).

[0107] When the horizontally-opposed type multi-cylinder engine is mounted on a motorcycle in such a manner that the axial line of the crank shaft 29 extends along the longitudinal direction of the motorcycle and the cylinder heads 24_Land 24_Rproject on both sides of the motorcycle in the width direction, it is possible to ensure a sufficient space for allowing the driver's feet to extend forward at a position under the cylinder heads 24_Land 24_Rand to set a bank angle α of the motorcycle at a relatively large value.

[0108] The pairs of the intake valves 36_L(or 36_R) and the exhaust valves 37_L(or 37_R), each pair being disposed for each cylinder bore 21_L(or 21_R), i.e., for each combustion chamber 26_L(or 26_R), are disposed in parallel in such a manner as to be offset upwardly from the plane 38_L(or 38_R), and are directly opened/closed by the intake side cams 48_L(or 48_R) and the exhaust cams 49_L(or 49_R) provided on the cam shaft 46_L(or 46_R). Accordingly, the valve system mechanism for driving the intake valves 36_L(or 36_R) and the exhaust valves 37_L(or 37_R) can be significantly simplified. Furthermore, since the cam shafts 46_Land 46_Rare disposed for the cylinder bore rows 22_Land 22_R, respectively, the cylinder heads 24_Land 24_Rcan be made compact. Since the intake valves 36_L(or 36_R) and the exhaust valves 37_L(or 37_R) are disposed in the cylinder head 24_L(or 24_R) in such a manner as to be tiled at an acute angle with respect to the plane 38_L(or 38_R), it is possible to form the ceiling of each of the combustion chambers 26_L(or 26_R) into a pent-roof or semi-spherical shape and hence to set the S/V ratio at a relatively small value.

[0109] On the opposite side from the disposition side of the intake valves 36_L(36_R) and the exhaust valves 37_L(or 37_R) with respect to the plane 38_L(or 38_R), i.e., on the lower side of the plane 38_L(or 38_R), the ignition plugs 39_L(39_R) are mounted to the cylinder head 24_L(or 24_R). Each of the ignition plugs 39_L(39_R) face toward the combustion chamber 26_L(or 26_R). Furthermore, in this case, since the intake valves 36_L(or 36_R) and the exhaust valves 37_L(or 37_R) are tilted at an acute angle with respect to the plane 38_L(or 38_R), it is possible to ensure a relatively wide space on the side opposite to the disposition side of the intake valves 36_L(or 36_R) and the exhaust valves 37_L(or 37_R) with respect to the plane 38_L(or 38_R), i.e., the lower side of the plane 38_L(or 38_R). Therefore, it is easy to make the ignition plugs 39_L(or 39_R) face toward the central portions of the combustion chambers 26_L(or 26_R) while avoiding interference with the intake valves 36_L(or 36_R) and the exhaust valves 37_L(or 37_R) and to increase the degree of freedom of disposition of the ignition plugs 39_L(or 39_R).

[0110] The ignition plugs 39_L(or 39_R) are tilted at an acute angle with respect to the plane 38_L(or 38_R). With regard to the tilting angle of the ignition plugs 39_L(or 39_R), since the intake valves 36_L(or 36_R) and the exhaust valves 37_L(or 37_R) are tilted at an acute angle with respect to the plane 38_L(or 38_R), it is possible to make the ignition plugs 39_L(or 39_R) face to the central portions of the combustion chambers 26_L(or 26_R) while avoiding the interference with the cam shafts 46_L(or 46_R) without setting the tilting angle of the ignition plugs 39_L(or 39_R) at a large value.

[0111] The cylinder head 24_L(or 24_R) includes the intake passages 34_L(or 34_R) opened toward the side surface of the cylinder head 24_L(or 24_R) on the upper side of the plane 38_L(or 38_R). Furthermore, the cylinder head 24_L(or 24_R) also includes the exhaust passages 35_L(or 35_R) opened toward the other side surface of the cylinder head 24_L(or 24_R) on the lower side of the plane 38_L(or 38_R). In other words, since the intake valves 34_L(or 34_R) and the exhaust valves 35_L(or 35_R) are provided in such a manner as to be opened toward the side surfaces of the cylinder head 24_L(or 24_R) on both sides of the plane 38_L(or 28_R), it is easy to connect the intake system 66 and the exhaust system 43_L(or 43_R) to the cylinder head 24_L(or 24_R).

[0112] On the projection chart perpendicular to the axial lines of the cylinder bores 21_L(or 21_R), the intake passages 34_L(or 34_R) are provided in the cylinder head 24_L(or 24_R) in such a manner as to cross the plane 38_L(or 38_R) substantially at right angles. In other words, since the intake valves 34_L(or 34_R) extend substantially in a straight line while being relatively gently curved toward the combustion chambers 26_L(or 26_R), it is possible to reduce the intake resistance at the intake passages 34_L(or 34_R) and hence to enhance the charging efficiency.

[0113] The exhaust passages 35_L(or 35_R) are provided in the cylinder head 24_L(or 24_R) in such a manner as to be curved or swelled to one end side of the cam shaft 46_L(or 46_R), i.e., the front side of the motorcycle, in order to bypass the ignition plugs 39_L(or 39_R). As a result, the flow resistance in the exhaust passages 35_L(or 35_R) is larger than that of the intake passages 34_L(or 34_R); however, no problems arise because the exhaust gas from the combustion chambers 26_L(or 26_R) is pressurized.

[0114] Since the cam shaft 46_L(or 46_R) is disposed over the axial line of the cylinder bore row 22_L(or 22_R) and the exhaust passages 35_L(or 35_R) bypass the ignition plugs 39_L(or 39_R) by curving toward the front side of the motorcycle, it is easy to ensure space for allowing the driver's feet to extend forward at a position behind and below the horizontally-opposed type engine mounted on the motorcycle.

[0115] While the exhaust passages 35_L(or 35_R) are downwardly opened toward the lower side surface of the cylinder head 24_L(or 24_R), the ignition plugs 39_L(or 39_R) are also mounted to the cylinder head 24_L(or 24_R) in such a manner as to be tilted downwardly. Accordingly, in the horizontally-opposed type multi-cylinder engine mounted on the motorcycle, it is possible to improve the appearance of the ignition plugs 39_L(or 39_R) and the surrounding area, to easily discharge water which has permeated in the vicinity of the ignition plugs 39_L(39_R) on the outer surface side of the cylinder head 24_L(or 24_R), and to easily lay out the exhaust pipes 41_L(41_R) connected to the exhaust passages 35_L(or 35_R).

[0116] Furthermore, since the cover portion 62_L(or 62_R) for covering the ignition plugs 29_L(or 29_R) from the outside is formed integrally with the left head cover 60_L(or right head cover 60_R) which is connected to the left cylinder head 24_L(or right cylinder head 24_R) with the valve system chamber 61 L (or 61 R) for containing the cam shaft 46_L(46_R), it is possible to further improve the appearance of the ignition plugs 39_L(or 39_R) and the surrounding area.

[0117] Since the exhaust passages 35_L(or 35_R) are provided in the cylinder head 24_L(or 24_R) in such a manner as to be tilted toward the central side of the motorcycle in the width direction and to be downwardly opened to allow the exhaust pipes 41_L(or 41_R) connected to the exhaust passages 35_L(or 35_R) to be disposed near the center portion of the motorcycle in the width direction, it is possible to loosen the restriction of the bank angle α of the motorcycle due to the exhaust pipes 41_L(or 41_R) and hence to easily ensure the above bank angle α.

[0118] Furthermore, since the exhaust pipes 41_L(or 41_R) are tilted in such a manner that they become closer to the central side of the motorcycle in the width direction, since they are separated apart downwardly from the cylinder head 24_L(or 24_R) and are connected to the exhaust passages 35_L(or 35_R), it is possible to further loosen the restriction of the bank angle α of the motorcycle due to the exhaust pipes 41_L(or 41_R) and hence to more easily ensure the above bank angle α.

[0119] Since the exhaust valves 37_L(37_R) are disposed on the upper side of the plane 38_L(or 38_R) while the exhaust passages 35_L(or 35_R) are opened toward the bottom surface of the cylinder head 24_L(or 24_R), it is possible to relatively increase the distance between each of the combustion chambers 26_L(or 26_R) and the opening end of an associated one of the exhaust passages 35_L(or 35_R) opened toward the bottom surface of the cylinder head 24_L(or 24_R). Furthermore, a relatively gentle curving of the exhaust passages 35_L(35_R) within the plane perpendicular to the axial line of the crank shaft 29 can be made even though the exhaust passages 35_L(or 35_R) are opened while being tilted to the central side of the motorcycle in the width direction. This allows suppression of the increase in exhaust resistance.

[0120] The cover portion 62_L(or 62_R) formed integrally with the left head cover 60_L(right head cover 60_R) functions to cover connecting portions of the exhaust passages 35_L(or 35_R) of the exhaust pipes 41_L(or 41_R) from outside. This makes it possible to improve the appearance of the connecting portions of the exhaust passages 35_L(or 35_R) of the exhaust pipes 41_L(or 41_R). Furthermore, since the exhaust pipes 41_L(or 41_R) are separated apart from the cover portion 62_L(or 62_R) since directed downwardly, even if the head cover 60_L(or 60_R) is made from a synthetic resin, it is possible to avoid occurrence of thermal degradation of the cover portion 62_L(or 62_R).

[0121] With respect to the intake passages 34_Land the exhaust passages 35_Lprovided in the left cylinder head 24_Land the intake passages 34_Rand the exhaust passages 35_Rprovided in the right cylinder head 24_R, the relative positional relationship between the intake passages 34_Land the exhaust passages 35_Lalong the axial line direction of the crank shaft 29 is set to be nearly equal to the relative positional relationship between the intake passages 34_Rand the exhaust passages 35_Ralong the axial line direction of the crank shaft 29. This makes it possible to simplify the structure of the intake system 66 and the exhaust systems 43_Land 43_R.

[0122] A plurality of the through-holes 56_L(56_R) spaced in the axial direction of the cam shaft 46_L(or 46_R) are formed in the cylinder head 24_L(or 24_R) on the lower side of the plane 38_L(or 38_R) to fasten the cylinder head 24_L(or 24_R) to the cylinder block 23_L(or 23_R). The fastening bolts 57_L(or 57_R) are inserted in the through-holes 56_L(or 56_R). Furthermore, each through-hole 56_L(or 56_R) is adjacent, on one end side of the cam shaft 46_L(or 46_R), to an associated one of the exhaust passages 35_L(or 35_R) bypassing the ignition plugs 39_L(or 39_R) provided in the combustion chambers 26_L(or 26_R). The through-hole 56_L(or 56_R) has a positional relationship such that a distance L4 between a center of the through-hole 56_L(or 56_R) and a center C_L(or C_R) of an associated combustion chamber 26_L(or 26_R) is larger than a value L3. The value L3 is half a distance between the centers C_L(or C_R) of adjacent ones of the combustion chambers 26_L(or 26_R). This makes it possible to make the curving of the exhaust passages 35_L(or 35_R) bypassing the ignition plugs 39_L(or 39_R) relatively small. Therefore, the flow resistance of the exhaust passages 35_L(or 35_R) are prevented from being excessively increased.

[0123] On the disposition side of the intake valves 36_Rand the exhaust valves 37_Rwith respect to the plane 38_R, the right cylinder head 24_Rhas a plurality of the through-holes 58_Rwhich are spaced in the axial line direction of the cam shaft 46_R. Of the plurality of the through-holes 58_R, the central side through-holes 58_Rare each disposed between adjacent ones of the combustion chambers 26_R. A distance L5 between a center of the through-hole 58_Rdisposed at the outermost end on one end side of the cam shaft 46_Rand the center C_Rof the combustion chamber 26_Rdisposed at the outermost end on the one end side of the cam shaft 46_Ris set to be smaller than the value L3. The value L3 is, as described above, half the distance between the centers C_Rof adjacent ones of the combustion chambers 26_R. Accordingly, the end portion of the cylinder head 24_Ron the one end side of the cam shaft 46_Rcan be made as close to the center C_Rof the combustion chamber 26_R, which is disposed at the outermost end on the curved side of the exhaust passages 35_Rbypassing the ignition plugs 39_R, as possible. This makes the length of the cylinder head 24_Ralong the axial direction of the cam shaft 46_Ras small as possible.

[0124] The cam shaft 46_L(or 46_R) is rotatably supported at a plurality of locations spaced in the axial direction of the cam shaft 46_L(or 46_R) by the cam bearing portions 50_L(or 50_R) provided on the cylinder head 24_L(or 24_R) and the cam holder 51_L(or 51_R) fastened to the cam bearing portions 50_L(or 50_R). The transmission mechanism 68_L(or 68_R), which reduces rotational power of the crank shaft 29 to half and transmits the reduced rotational power to the cam shaft 46_L(or 46_R), is provided between the crank shaft 29 and the cam shaft 46_L(or 46_R). The oil passage 52_L(or 52_R), which is capable of supplying oil from the oiling passage 55_L(or 55_R) provided in the cylinder head 24_L(or 24_R) and the cylinder block 23_L(or 23_R), is provided in the cam shaft 46_L(or 46_R). On the left cylinder head 24_Lside, oil is supplied from the oil groove 54_Lprovided in the cam bearing portion 50_Ldisposed at the outermost end on the one end side of the cam shaft 46_Linto the oil passage 52_Lin the cam shaft 46_Lvia the oiling hole 53_Lformed in the cam shaft 46_L. On the right cylinder head 24_Rside, the oil groove 54_Rfor supplying oil into the oil passage 52_Rin the cam shaft 46_Rvia the oiling hole 53_Rformed in the cam shaft 46_Ris formed in the cam bearing portion 50_Rwhich is provided in the cylinder head 24_Rcorrespondingly to the combustion chamber 26_Rclosest to the transmission mechanism 68_Ramong the plurality of combustion chambers 26_Rdisposed in the axial direction of the cam shaft 46_R.

[0125] With this disposition of the oil groove 54_R, it is possible to supply oil into the oil passage 52_Rin the cam shaft 46_Rwithout restriction of the disposition of the fastening bolts 57_Rand 59_Rfor fastening the right cylinder head 24_Rto the right cylinder block 23_R.

[0126] The cam bearing portion 50_Rclosest to the transmission mechanism 68_Ramong the plurality of the cam bearing portions 50_Rprovided on the right cylinder head 24_Rhas the through-hole 58_Rinto which the fastening bolt 59_Ramong the fastening bolts 57_Rand 59_Rfor fastening the cylinder head 24_Rto the cylinder block 23_Ris to be inserted. As a result, the fastening bolt 59_Rbetween the transmission mechanism 68_Rand the combustion chamber 26_Ris made as close to the combustion chamber 26_Ras possible, so that it is possible to shorten the length of the cylinder head 24_Ralong the axial line direction of the cam shaft 46_R.

[0127] The transmission mechanism 68_Rcorresponding to the cam shaft 46_Ron the right cylinder head 24_Rside is offset forwardly along the axial line direction of the crank shaft 29 from the transmission mechanism 68_Lcorresponding to the cam shaft 46_Lon the left cylinder head 24_L. In other words, the outermost end on one end side of the cam shaft 46_Ris offset forwardly from that of the cam shaft 46_L, and the transmission mechanism 68_Ris connected to the outermost end on the one end side of the cam shaft 46_R. The above through-hole 58_Rand the above oil groove 54_Rare provided in two of the plurality of the cam bearing portions 50_Rprovided on the cam shaft 46_R. Accordingly, it is possible to shorten the length between the transmission mechanism 68_Rand the combustion chamber 26_Rand hence to more effectively shorten the length of the multi-cylinder engine along the axial line direction of the cam shaft 46_L(or 46_R).

[0128] The pair of the cylinder bore rows 22_Land 22_Rare offset from each other in the axial line direction of the crank shaft 29. Furthermore, the transmission mechanisms 68_Land 68_Rare disposed in such a manner that the gap L6 therebetween is smaller than the first offset amount L1 between the cylinder bore rows 22_Land 22_R. Accordingly, it is possible to set the gap between the transmission mechanisms 68_Land 68_Rat a smaller value, and hence to decrease the length of the engine main body E along the axial line direction of the cam shaft 46_L(46_R).

[0129] Furthermore, since both the transmission mechanisms 68_Land 68_Rare provided between one end portion of the crank shaft 29 and one end portion of the cam shaft 46_Land between one end portion of the crank shaft 29 and the one end portion of the cam shaft 46_R, respectively, it is possible to more freely set the gap between the transmission mechanisms 68_Land 68_R.

[0130] The outer end opening of each of the exhaust passages 35_L(or 35_R) opened toward the bottom surface of the left cylinder head 24_L(or right cylinder head 24_R) is offset toward one end side of the cam shaft 46_L(or 46_R), i.e., toward the transmission mechanism 68_L(or 68_R) from the center C_L(or C_R) of an associated one of the combustion chambers 26_L(or 26_R). Accordingly, the exhaust systems 43_Land 43_Rrespectively connected to the exhaust passages 35_Land 35_Rcan be disposed by making effective use of the space between the transmission mechanisms 68_Land 68_R, so that the entire engine including the exhaust systems 43_Land 43_Rcan be made compact.

[0131] Since the transmission mechanisms 68_Land 68_Rare disposed on the front portion of the engine main body E, a relatively large space is formed at a location positioned behind and below the left and right cylinder heads 24_Land 24_R, the steps 130_Land 130_Ron which the driver's feet are to rest can be disposed behind the left and right cylinder heads 24_Land 24_Rwithout any difficulty. Furthermore, since the inner end portion of each of the steps 130_Land 130_Ris offset inwardly from the outer end opening of each of the exhaust passages 35_Land 35_Rin the width direction of the motorcycle, the projecting amounts of the steps 130_Land 130_Rin the width direction of the motorcycle is made as small as possible, so that the restriction of the steps 130_Land 130_Rto the bank angle α can be suppressed.

[0132] The transmission mechanism 68_L(or 68_R) performs power transmission using the chain 71_L(or 71_R). The transmission chamber 72_L(72_R), having one end in communication with the valve system chamber 61_L(or 61_R) and the other end facing toward one end of the crank shaft 29 and containing the transmission mechanism 68_L(or 68_R), extends from the head cover 60_L(or 60_R) to the crank case 27_L(or 27_R) via the cylinder head 24_L(or 24_R) and the cylinder block 23_L(or 23_R). The other end of the transmission chamber 72_L(or 72_R) is in communication with the crank chamber 28.

[0133] Unlike a belt-type transmission mechanism, the transmission chamber 72_L(or 72_R) containing the transmission mechanism 68_L(or 68_R) allows oil to flow therethrough. Accordingly, it is possible to eliminate the necessity of provision of any means for preventing leakage of oil from the crank case 27_L(or 27_R) side onto the transmission chamber 72_L(or 72_R) side. More specifically, the necessity of provision of a seal structure on the crank case 27_L(or 27_R) is eliminated. Therefore, the engine is made as compact as possible.

[0134] Furthermore, since the cam shaft 46_L(or 46_R) is disposed over the crank shaft 29, oil in the valve system 61_L(or 61_R) is allowed to flow onto the crank shaft 29 side at the lower level through the transmission chamber 72_L(or 72_R). As a result, oil in the valve system chamber 61_L(or 61_R) is easily returned to the crank case 27_L(or 27_R) side.

[0135] In addition, the return hole 85 is provided in the left and right crank cases 27_Land 27_Rto communicate the bottom portions of the other ends of the transmission chambers 72_Land 72_Rinto the crank chamber 28. Accordingly, it is not required to provide oil return passages specialized for the cylinder blocks 23_Land 23_Rand the cylinder heads 24_Land 24_Rfor returning oil from at least the transmission chambers 72_Land 72_Rinto the crank chambers 28. Therefore, the cylinder blocks 23_Land 23_Rand the cylinder blocks 24_Land 24_Rcan be made compact and reduced in weight.

[0136] The crank shaft 29 is rotatably supported by a plurality of the journal walls 31 formed integrally with the left crank case 27_Land a plurality of bearing caps 32 fastened to the journal walls 31. The return hole 85 is extended in the fastening direction of the bearing caps 32 to the journal walls 31. Accordingly, it is possible to make the opening area of the return hole 85 relatively wide without reducing the supporting rigidity of the crank shaft 29. Therefore, the return of oil into the crank chamber 28 is enhanced.

[0137] The return hole 35 is formed in the left and right crank cases 27_Land 27_Rin such a manner as to be offset toward the left crank case 27_Lside. Accordingly, it is possible to increase the opening area of the return hole 85 avoiding a reduction in rigidity of the crank case on which the journal walls 31 are not integrally formed, i.e., the right crank case 27_R. Therefore, the return of the oil is further enhanced.

[0138] In the transmission mechanism 68_Lprovided between the left side cam shaft 46_Land the crank shaft 29, the chain tensioner 79_Lextending along the running direction of the chain 71_Lis elastically, slidably in contact with the chain 71_L. One end of the chain tensioner 79_Lin the longitudinal direction is turnably supported by the bearing cap 32 closest to the transmission mechanism 68_Lamong a plurality of the bearing caps 32. With this configuration, it is possible to moderate the restriction in the rotatably supporting position of the chain tensioner 79_Land to confine the behavior of the chain 71_Lby setting the length of the chain tensioner 79_Lat a relatively large value.

[0139] Since the transmission mechanism 68_Lis provided between one end portion of the cam shaft 46_Land one end portion of the crank shaft 29, it is not required to take into account the disposition of the rotatably supporting portion of the chain tensioner 79_Lat a position where the chain tensioner 79_Ldoes not interfere with a crank weight of the crank shaft 29. This makes it possible to simply set the rotatably supporting position of the chain tensioner 79_L.

[0140] Since one end of the chain tensioner 79_Lfor the transmission mechanism 68_Lon the cylinder block 23_Lside on which the journal walls 31 are integrally formed is rotatably supported by the bearing cap 32 closest to the transmission mechanism 68_L, it is possible to simply set the rotatably supporting position of the chain tensioner 79_Lby making effective use of one of the bearing caps 32 necessarily provided for the horizontally-opposed type multi-cylinder engine.

[0141] The pump shaft 95 of the water pump 94 is directly connected to the other end of the crank shaft 29 with one end side connected to the transmission mechanisms 68_Land 68_R, i.e., the rear end of the crank shaft 29 along the longitudinal direction of the motorcycle, and the water pump 94 is directly driven by the crank shaft 29. Accordingly, it is possible to eliminate the necessity of a gear, a chain, a belt, etc. required for driving the conventional water pump, and therefore simplify the drive mechanism of the water pump 94.

[0142] The pulse rotor 75 for detecting a rotational position of the crank shaft 29 is fixed to one end portion of the crank shaft 29. By use of the pulse rotor 75, it is possible to easily detect a rotational position of the crank shaft 29 with no obstruction by the water pump 94.

[0143] Since the water pump 94 is disposed on the rear side in the longitudinal direction of the motorcycle, a piping system for cooling water, connected to the water pump 94, can be disposed at an inconspicuous position.

[0144] Since the radiators 113_Land 113_Rare respectively disposed over the engine blocks B_Land B_R, i.e., over the cylinder bore rows 22_Land 22_R, pipes for cooling water between the engine and the radiators 113_Land 113_Rare made nearly equal on the left and right sides or are even shortened.

[0145] Since the electric generator 124 and the clutch 125 are disposed in parallel with the water pump 94, it is not required to increase the length of the crank shaft 29 for disposing the electric generator 124 and the clutch 125 in spite of the fact that the water pump 94 is directly driven by the crank shaft 29. Accordingly, it is possible to make the engine compact in the axial direction of the crank shaft 29.

[0146] The casing 96 of the water pump 94 is composed of the pump body 97 for rotatably supporting the pump shaft 95, and the pump cover 98 connected to the pump body 97 in such a manner as to cover the impeller 99 fixed to the pump shaft 95. The thermostat 102 held between the pump body 97 and the pump cover 98 is contained in the containing portion 101 formed in the pump cover 98. As a result, in the case of additionally providing the thermostat 102 in the water pump 94, it is possible to reduce the number of parts, and hence to reduce the cost and weight and the number of assembling steps.

[0147] The first suction port 106 opened toward one end of the containing portion 101 is provided in the pump body 97 in such a manner as to be in communication with the radiators 113_Land 113_R. The second suction port 107 opened toward the other end of the containing portion 101 for introducing water from the engine not by way of the radiators 113_Land 113_Ris provided in the pump cover 98. The thermostat 102 having the thermostat valve 104 for opening/closing the first suction port 106 and the bypass valve 105 for opening/closing the second suction port 107 is contained in the containing portion 101. Accordingly, when the temperature of cooling water is low, the thermostat valve 104 is closed and the bypass valve 105 is opened, while as the temperature of cooling water is increased, the thermostat valve 104 is opened and the bypass valve 105 is closed. In this way, the bottom-bypass type cooling water circuit can be simply obtained.

[0148] Since the discharge port 108 for discharging cooling water discharged depending on rotation of the impeller 99 is provided in the pump cover 98, it is possible to simply obtain a circuit for introducing cooling water from the water pump 94.

[0149] Since the thermostat 102 is disposed over the impeller 99, it is possible to release air in the water pump 94 by means of the jiggle valve 114 of the thermostat 102.

[0150] As described above, according to the present invention, since the exhaust pipes connected to the exhaust passages can be disposed near the center of the motorcycle in the width direction, it is possible to moderate the restriction to the bank angle of the motorcycle given by the exhaust pipes, and to easily ensure the bank angle of the motorcycle.

[0151] According to the present invention, it is possible to further moderate the restriction to the bank angle of the motorcycle given by the exhaust pipes, and to more easily ensure the bank angle of the motorcycle.

[0152] According to the present invention, it is possible to make the distance between each of the combustion chambers and the opening end of the associated one of the exhaust passages opened to the bottom surface of the cylinder head relatively large, and to make a relatively gentle curve of the exhaust passages within the plane perpendicular to the axial line of the crank shaft although the exhaust passages are opened while being tilted to the central side of the motorcycle in the width direction and hence to suppress the increase in exhaust resistance.

[0153] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the appearance characteristics of the connecting portions of the exhaust passages to the exhaust pipes. Further, since the exhaust pipes are separated apart from the cover portion as being directed downwardly, even if the head cover is made from a synthetic resin, it is possible to avoid occurrence of thermal degradation of the cover portion.

[0154] The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.