ENGINE AND VEHICLE

Abstract

 A decompression mechanism is disposed between both ends of a cam shaft in the axial direction of the cam shaft. The decompression mechanism includes a weight and a decompression cam. The weight is supported in a rotatable manner on the cam shaft. The decompression cam switches between a state of coming into contact with a valve mechanism and a state of not coming into contact with the valve mechanism in response to the rotation of the weight. The weight includes an inner ring contact portion. The inner ring contact portion is disposed in line with an inner ring of a bearing in the axial direction of the cam shaft. The inner ring contact portion is located on the inside in the radial direction of the inner peripheral surface of an outer ring of the bearing.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an engine equipped with a decompression mechanism, and to a vehicle.

[0002] When starting an engine, the engine needs to be rotated with an external force until the start is completed. For example, the engine may be rotated using a starter motor or using a kick starter. Conversely, resistance to the rotation increases because the air inside the cylinders is compressed during the compression stroke of the engine. In order to reduce this resistance, a decompression mechanism is known that reduces the pressure inside the cylinders during the compression stroke while the engine is being rotated using the external force.

[0003] For example, the decompression mechanism disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2008-128171 includes a decompression cam that alternates between an active state and a release state due to the rotation of a weight. This decompression mechanism is supported by a sprocket on a cam chain. As a result, there is a problem that the cam shaft that includes the decompression mechanism needs to be longer in the axial direction.

[0004] An engine disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2009-180104 includes a decompression mechanism that is disposed at a location between both end portions of a cam shaft. As a result, the cam shaft that includes the decompression mechanism can be made more compact in the axial direction in comparison to a case in which the decompression mechanism is disposed outside of the cam shaft.

[0005] However, when the decompression mechanism is disposed between both ends of the cam shaft, the cam shaft itself tends to become longer in the axial direction. There is a problem that the engine becomes large if the cam shaft is longer in the axial direction.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a compact engine and a vehicle provided with the engine.

[0007] This object is solved by an engine according to claim 1 and a vehicle according to claim 6. Advantageous further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims and described in the specification.

[0008] An engine according to the present invention is equipped with a cylinder head, an exhaust valve, a valve mechanism, a cam shaft, a bearing, and a decompression mechanism. The exhaust valve is housed inside the cylinder head. The valve mechanism opens and closes the exhaust valve. The cam shaft drives the valve mechanism by coming into contact with the valve mechanism. The bearing includes an inner ring and an outer ring and supports the cam shaft in a rotatable manner on the cylinder head. The inner ring comes into contact with the cam shaft. The outer ring comes into contact with the cylinder head. The decompression mechanism is disposed between both ends of the cam shaft in the axial direction of the cam shaft. The decompression mechanism includes a weight and a decompression cam. The weight is supported in a rotatable manner on the cam shaft. The decompression cam switches between a state of coming into contact with the valve mechanism and a state of not coming into contact with the valve mechanism in response to the rotation of the weight. The weight includes an inner ring contact portion. The inner ring contact portion is disposed in line with the inner ring in the axial direction of the cam shaft. The inner ring contact portion is located on the inside in the radial direction of an inner peripheral surface of the outer ring.

[0009] The inventors of the present application studied configurations for making the cam shaft as compact as possible in the axial direction while disposing the decompression mechanism between both ends of the cam shaft. Among these configurations, the inventors studied disposing the weight and the bearing that supports the cam shaft nearer to each other in the axial direction. As a result, the cam shaft could be made more compact in the axial direction. However in this case, the inventors found that if the weight is not prevented from sliding in the axial direction, the bearing and the weight could come into contact with each other. While it could be considered that a member such as a washer could be provided between the bearing and the weight in order to prevent the weight and the bearing from coming into contact with each other, the provision of such a member would hinder the ability to make the cam shaft more compact.

[0010] Accordingly, the inventors focused on providing the bearing with an inner ring that does not rotate relative to the cam shaft and an outer ring that rotates relative to the cam shaft. The inventors found that damage due to contact could be prevented by providing an inner ring contact portion on the weight. That is, the inner ring contact portion is located on the inside in the radial direction from the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring so that the inner ring contact portion does not come into contact with the outer ring. As a result, damage due to contact with the outer ring can be prevented. Further, since the inner ring rotates with the cam shaft in the same way as the weight, damage can be prevented even if the weight comes into contact with the inner ring.

[0011] At least a portion of the inner ring contact portion is preferably disposed nearer the center of rotation of the weight than the center of rotation of the cam shaft as seen from the axial direction of the cam shaft. In this case, because the movement amount of the inner ring contact portion when the weight rotates is small, the inner ring contact portion can be increased within the range in which the inner ring contact portion does not come into contact with the outer ring. Further, the mass of the weight can be increased by increasing the size of the inner ring contact portion.

[0012] At least a portion of the inner ring contact portion is preferably disposed between the center of rotation of the weight and the cam shaft as seen from the axial direction of the cam shaft. In this case, the location of the center of gravity of the weight is nearer the center of rotation of the weight whereby opening of the weight due to gravity can be prevented. Further, the inner ring contact portion can be disposed nearer the center of rotation of the weight.

[0013] A nearer portion of the inner ring contact portion, which is disposed nearer the center of rotation of the weight than the center of gravity of the weight as seen from the axial direction of the cam shaft, is preferably larger than a distant portion of the inner ring contact portion, which is disposed further away from the center of rotation of the weight than the center of gravity of the weight. In this case, opening of the weight due to gravity can be prevented due to the location of the center of gravity of the weight being nearer the center of rotation of the weight. Further, the inner ring contact portion can be disposed nearer the center of rotation of the weight.

[0014] The engine is preferably further equipped with a sprocket and a cam chain. The sprocket is attached to the cam shaft. The cam chain is wound around the sprocket. The cam shaft includes a first end portion and a second end portion. The sprocket is attached to the first end portion. The bearing is disposed nearer the first end portion than the second end portion in the axial direction of the cam shaft. Generally, a bearing tends to be larger when a cam chain is provided. Therefore, because the inner ring of the bearing is large when the inner ring contact portion is provided, freedom of design of the inner ring contact portion can be improved.

[0015] A vehicle according to the present invention includes the above engine.

[0016] According to the present invention, a compact engine and a vehicle provided with the engine can be provided.

FIG. 1 is a side view of a vehicle.

FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of an engine.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a cylinder head on a plane perpendicular to a cam shaft.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a cam shaft assembly.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the cam shaft assembly.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the cam shaft assembly.

FIG. 7 illustrates a weight in a closed state.

FIG. 8 illustrates a weight in an open state.

FIGS. 9 depicts enlargements of an exhaust cam.

FIG. 10 is side view of the cam shaft assembly.

FIG. 11 illustrates the cam shaft assembly as seen from the axial direction of the cam shaft.

FIG. 12 illustrates the weight as seen from the axial direction of the cam shaft.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the weight.

FIG. 14 is side view of the cam shaft assembly as seen from the direction of arrow XIV in FIG. 10.

FIG. 15 illustrates a flange, the weight, and a return spring as seen from the axial direction of the cam shaft.

FIG. 16 illustrates a cylinder head while a head cover is removed.

FIG. 17 illustrates a weight according to a modified example.

[0017] The following is an explanation of a vehicle 1 according to the embodiments with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a side view of the vehicle 1. The vehicle 1 is a scooter-type motorcycle. The vehicle 1 includes a vehicle body 2, a front wheel 3, a rear wheel 4, a handle 5, and a seat 6. The vehicle body 2 includes a flat foot board 2a. The vehicle body 2 supports the front wheel 3 and the rear wheel 4. The handle 5 and the seat 6 are attached to the vehicle body 2. The flat foot board 2a is disposed in front of and under the seat 6.

[0018] The vehicle 1 includes an engine 7 according to the embodiments. FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the engine 7. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the engine 7 includes a crankshaft 11, a crankcase 12, a cylinder body 13, a cylinder head 14, and a head cover 19. The cylinder body 13 is connected to the crankcase 12. The cylinder body 13 may be integrated with the crankcase 12 or may be a separate body. The cylinder body 13 houses a piston 15. The piston 15 is coupled to the crankshaft 11 via a connecting rod 16. The crankshaft 11 is connected to a transmission 8.

[0019] The cylinder head 14 is connected to the cylinder body 13. The cylinder head 14 includes a combustion chamber 17. A spark plug 18 is attached to the cylinder head 14. A distal end portion of the spark plug 18 is disposed so as to face the combustion chamber 17. The head cover 19 is attached to the cylinder head 14.

[0020] The engine 7 includes a valve mechanism 25 and a cam shaft 26. The valve mechanism 25 and the cam shaft 26 are housed in the cylinder head 14. The cam shaft 26 drives the valve mechanism 25 by coming into contact with the valve mechanism 25.

[0021] The cam shaft 26 is supported on the cylinder head 14. The cylinder head 14 includes a first supporting wall 141 and a second supporting wall 142. The first supporting wall 141 and the second supporting wall 142 are disposed so as to be aligned in the axial direction of the cam shaft 26 (referred to below as "cam shaft direction"). The first supporting wall 141 supports the cam shaft 26. The first supporting wall 141 supports the cam shaft 26 via a first bearing 27. The second supporting wall 142 supports the cam shaft 26. The second supporting wall 142 supports the cam shaft 26 via a second bearing 28. The first bearing 27 and the second bearing 28 are supported in the cylinder head 14 in a manner that allows the cam shaft 26 to rotate. The outer diameter of the first bearing 27 is larger than the outer diameter of the second bearing 28. The first supporting wall 141 may support the cam shaft 26 without the first bearing 27. The second supporting wall 142 may support the cam shaft 26 without the second bearing 28.

[0022] The cam shaft 26 includes a first cam shaft end portion 261 and a second cam shaft end portion 262. The first bearing 27 is disposed nearer the first cam shaft end portion 261 in the cam shaft direction than the second cam shaft end portion 262. The second bearing 28 is disposed nearer the second cam shaft end portion 262 in the cam shaft direction than the first cam shaft end portion 261.

[0023] A cam chain 29 is wound around the cam shaft 26 and the crankshaft 11. Specifically, a first sprocket 31 is attached to the cam shaft 26. The first sprocket 31 is attached to the first cam shaft end portion 261. A second sprocket 32 is attached to the crankshaft 11. The cam chain 29 is wound around the first sprocket 31 and the second sprocket 32.

[0024] The rotation of the crankshaft 11 is transmitted to the cam shaft 26 via the cam chain 29 whereby the cam shaft 26 rotates. The cam shaft 26 includes a suction cam 263 and an exhaust cam 264. The suction cam 263 and the exhaust cam 264 are disposed in a line in the cam shaft direction. The cam shaft 26 rotates whereby the suction cam 263 and the exhaust cam 264 rotate. The suction cam 263 and the exhaust cam 264 come into contact with the valve mechanism 25 and the valve mechanism 25 is driven by the rotation of the suction cam 263 and the exhaust cam 264.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the cylinder head 14 on a plane perpendicular to the cam shaft 26. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the engine 7 includes an exhaust valve 23 and a suction valve 24. The cylinder head 14 includes a suction port 21 and an exhaust port 22 that communicate with the combustion chamber 17. The exhaust valve 23 and the suction valve 24 are housed in the cylinder head 14. The suction valve 24 opens and closes the suction port 21. The exhaust valve 23 opens and closes the exhaust port 22. The valve mechanism 25 opens and closes the suction valve 24 and the exhaust valve 23.

[0026] A suction valve spring 241 is attached to the suction valve 24. The suction valve spring 241 urges the suction valve 24 in a direction that causes the suction valve 24 to close the suction port 21. An exhaust valve spring 231 is attached to the exhaust valve 23. The exhaust valve spring 231 urges the exhaust valve 23 in a direction that causes the exhaust valve 23 to close the exhaust port 22.

[0027] The valve mechanism 25 includes an exhaust rocker shaft 33 and an exhaust rocker arm 34. The exhaust rocker shaft 33 is disposed parallel to the cam shaft 26. The exhaust rocker shaft 33 is supported on the cylinder head 14. The exhaust rocker arm 34 is supported on the exhaust rocker shaft 33 in a manner that enables swinging around the exhaust rocker shaft 33. The exhaust rocker arm 34 is provided in a manner that allows the exhaust valve 23 to operate. The exhaust rocker arm 34 includes an arm body 341, an exhaust roller 342, and an exhaust valve compressing portion 343.

[0028] The arm body 341 is supported on the exhaust rocker shaft 33 in a manner that enables swinging. One end of the arm body 341 supports the exhaust roller 342 in a rotatable manner. The other end of the arm body 341 supports the exhaust valve compressing portion 343. The exhaust roller 342 comes into contact with the exhaust cam 264 and rotates due to the rotation of the exhaust cam 264. A distal end of the exhaust valve compressing portion 343 faces a stem end 232 of the exhaust valve 23.

[0029] When the exhaust roller 342 is pushed upward due to the exhaust cam 264, the exhaust valve compressing portion 343 presses down on the stem end 232 of the exhaust valve 23 due to the swinging of the exhaust rocker arm 34. As a result, the exhaust valve 23 is pressed down and the exhaust port 22 is opened. When the exhaust roller 342 is not pushed upward by the exhaust cam 264, the exhaust valve 23 is pressed upward by the exhaust valve spring 231 and the exhaust port 22 is closed.

[0030] The valve mechanism 25 includes a suction rocker shaft 35 and a suction rocker arm 36. The suction rocker shaft 35 is disposed parallel to the cam shaft 26. The suction rocker shaft 35 is supported on the cylinder head 14. The suction rocker arm 36 is supported on the suction rocker shaft 35 in a manner that enables swinging around the suction rocker shaft 35. The suction rocker arm 36 is provided in a manner that allows the suction valve 24 to operate. The suction rocker arm 36 includes an arm body 361, a suction roller 362, and a suction valve compressing portion 363.

[0031] The arm body 361 is supported on the suction rocker shaft 35 in a manner that enables swinging. One end of the arm body 361 is supports the suction roller 362 in a rotatable manner. The other end of the arm body 361 supports the suction valve compressing portion 363. The suction roller 362 comes into contact with the suction cam 263 and rotates due to the rotation of the suction cam 263. A distal end of the suction valve compressing portion 363 faces a stem end 242 of the suction valve 24.

[0032] When the suction roller 362 is pushed upward due to the suction cam 263, the suction valve compressing portion 363 presses down on the stem end 242 of the suction valve 24 due to the swinging of the suction rocker arm 36. As a result, the suction valve 24 is pressed down and the suction port 21 is opened. When the suction roller 362 is not pushed upward by the suction cam 263, the suction valve 24 is pressed upward by the suction valve spring 241 and the suction port 21 is closed.

[0033] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the engine 7 includes a decompression mechanism 40. FIG. 4 is an enlargement of an assembly (referred to as "cam shaft assembly" below) including the cam shaft 26, the decompression mechanism 40, and the first bearing 27. The decompression mechanism 40 is disposed between the first cam shaft end portion 261 and the second cam shaft end portion 262 in the cam shaft direction. The decompression mechanism 40 is disposed between the first supporting wall 141 and a second supporting wall 142 of the cylinder head 14.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the cam shaft assembly. FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the cam shaft assembly. As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the decompression mechanism 40 includes a flange 41, a weight 42, a decompression cam 43, a decompression pin 44, and a return spring 45.

[0035] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the flange 41 is separate from the cam shaft 26 and is fixed to the cam shaft 26. Specifically, the flange 41 includes a hole 411. The cam shaft 26 is inserted into the hole 411 of the flange 41 and the flange 41 is fixed to the cam shaft 26 by press-fitting. The flange 41 is disposed between the weight 42 and the exhaust cam 264 in the cam shaft direction.

[0036] The flange 41 includes a first convex portion 412 and a second convex portion 413. A pivot pin 46 is attached to the first convex portion 412. A hole 414 is provided in the second convex portion 413. The decompression cam 43 is inserted into the hole 414 of the second convex portion 413.

[0037] The weight 42 is disposed between the first bearing 27 and the flange 41 in the cam shaft direction. The weight 42 is supported on the cam shaft 26 in a rotatable manner between a closed state and an open state.

[0038] FIGS. 7 and 8 are cross-sectional views along line A-A in FIG. 4. FIG. 7 illustrates the weight 42 in the closed state. FIG. 8 illustrates the weight 42 in the open state.

[0039] The decompression cam 43 is supported in a rotatable manner on the flange 41. Specifically, the weight 42 is supported in a rotatable manner on the flange 41 via the pivot pin 46. The weight 42 switches between the closed state and the open state by rotating around the pivot pin 46.

[0040] The decompression cam 43 is connected to the weight 42 via the decompression pin 44. As a result, the decompression cam 43 rotates in response to the rotation of the weight 42.

[0041] Specifically as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 6, the decompression cam 43 includes a head portion 431 and a shaft portion 432. The shaft portion 432 is inserted into the hole 414 of the flange 41. The head portion 431 is disposed between the flange 41 and the weight 42. The outer diameter of the head portion 431 is larger than the inner diameter of the hole 414 of the flange 41. The head portion 431 includes a groove portion 433. The groove portion 433 has a shape that is recessed from the end surface of the head portion 431. The groove portion 433 extends from the external peripheral surface of the head portion 431 toward the inside of the head portion 431. An end portion of the decompression pin 44 is disposed inside the groove portion 433. In the present embodiment, inside signifies the inside in the radial direction. Further, outside signifies outside in the radial direction.

[0042]  The shaft portion 432 includes a cam portion 434. The exhaust cam 264 includes a recessed portion 265, and the recessed portion 265 has a shape that is recessed from the external peripheral surface of the exhaust cam 264 toward the inside of the exhaust cam 264. FIGS. 9 depicts enlargements of the exhaust cam 264. FIG. 10 is side view of the cam shaft assembly.

[0043] The cam portion 434 is disposed inside the recessed portion 265 of the exhaust cam 264. A cross-section of the cam portion 434 has a shape that is circular with a portion cut out. As mentioned above, the decompression cam 43 rotates in response to the rotation of the weight 42. FIG. 9(A) illustrates the decompression cam 43 when the weight 42 is in the open state. FIG. 9(B) illustrates the decompression cam 43 when the weight 42 is in the closed state. The decompression cam 43 switches between a state of coming into contact with the exhaust roller 342 of the valve mechanism 25 and a state of not coming into contact with the exhaust roller 342, in response to the rotation of the weight 42.

[0044] Specifically as illustrated in FIG. 9(A), the entire cam portion 434 of the decompression cam 43 is disposed inside the recessed portion 265 when the weight 42 is in the open state. That is, the cam portion 434 is in a state of not protruding to the outside from the external peripheral surface of the exhaust cam 264 when the weight 42 is in the open state. As a result, the decompression cam 43 does not come into contact with the exhaust roller 342 when the weight 42 is in the open state.

[0045] When the weight 42 is in the closed state as illustrated in FIG. 9B, a portion of the cam portion 434 of the decompression cam 43 is disposed outside of the recessed portion 265. That is, a portion of the cam portion 434 is in a state of protruding to the outside from the external peripheral surface of the exhaust cam 264 when the weight 42 is in the closed state. As a result, the decompression cam 43 comes into contact with the exhaust roller 342 when the weight 42 is in the closed state.

[0046] The return spring 45 urges the weight 42 to return to the closed state from the open state. In the present embodiment, the return spring 45 is a coil spring. However, the return spring 45 may be another type of spring. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the return spring 45 includes a first spring end portion 451 and a second spring end portion 452. The first spring end portion 451 extends in the cam shaft direction. The second spring end portion 452 extends in a direction that is orthogonal to the cam shaft direction. The second spring end portion 452 extends in the circumferential direction of the return spring 45. The first spring end portion 451 is locked to the flange 41. The second spring end portion 452 is locked to the weight 42.

[0047] The following is a detailed description of the structure of the weight 42. As illustrated in FIG. 7, a straight line that passes through the center of rotation C1 of the cam shaft 26 and the center of rotation C2 of the weight 42 is assumed to be a vertical axis Y as seen from the axial direction of the cam shaft. A straight line that is orthogonal to the vertical axis Y and passes through the center of rotation C1 of the cam shaft 26 is assumed to be a horizontal axis X. The direction that extends from the center of rotation C1 of the cam shaft 26 toward the center of rotation C2 of the weight 42 among directions parallel to the vertical axis Y is assumed to be a first vertical direction y1. The direction opposite the first vertical direction y1 is assumed to be a second vertical direction y2. One direction among the directions parallel to the horizontal axis X is assumed to be a first horizontal direction x1. The direction opposite the first horizontal direction x1 is assumed to be a second horizontal direction x2.

[0048] A region located in the first vertical direction y1 from the horizontal axis X and in the first horizontal direction x1 from the vertical axis Y is assumed to be a first region A1. A region located in the second vertical direction y2 from the horizontal axis X and in the first horizontal direction x1 from the vertical axis Y is assumed to be a second region A2. A region located in the second vertical direction y2 from the horizontal axis X and in the second horizontal direction x2 from the vertical axis Y as seen from the cam shaft direction is assumed to be a third region A3. A region located in the first vertical direction y1 from the horizontal axis X and in the second horizontal direction x2 from the vertical axis Y is assumed to be a fourth region A4.

[0049] FIG. 7 illustrates the weight 42 as seen from the first cam shaft end portion 261 side from the cam shaft direction. Therefore, the aforementioned directions x1, x2, y1, and y2 and the regions A1 to A4 are defined when seen from the first cam shaft end portion 261 side in the cam shaft direction, but the aforementioned directions x1, x2, y1, and y2 and the regions A1 to A4 may also be defined when seen from the second cam shaft end portion 262 side in the cam shaft direction.

[0050] As illustrated in FIG. 7, the weight 42 has a shape that extends along the circumferential direction of the cam shaft 26. The weight 42 is disposed around the cam shaft 26 in the first region A1, the second region A2, and the fourth region A4. The weight 42 has a shape that straddles a plurality of regions among the first to fourth regions A1 to A4 in the circumferential direction of the cam shaft 26. The weight 42 does not include a portion that is disposed in the third region A3 as seen from the cam shaft direction.

[0051] Specifically, the weight 42 includes a first weight portion 47 and a second weight portion 48. The first weight portion 47 extends from the center of rotation C2 of the weight 42 in the circumferential direction of the cam shaft 26 and in the first horizontal direction x1. An end portion 471 in the circumferential direction of the first weight portion 47 is located in the first horizontal direction x1 from the vertical axis Y. That is, the entire first weight portion 47 is located in the first horizontal direction x1 from the vertical axis Y. The end portion 471 of the first weight portion 47 is disposed in the second region A2 as seen from the cam shaft direction.

[0052] The second weight portion 48 extends from the center of rotation C2 of the weight 42 in the circumferential direction of the cam shaft 26 and in the second horizontal direction x2. An end portion 481 in the circumferential direction of the second weight portion 48 is located in the second horizontal direction x2 from the vertical axis Y. That is, the entire second weight portion 48 is located in the second horizontal direction x2 from the vertical axis Y. The end portion 481 of the second weight portion 48 is disposed in the fourth region A4 as seen from the cam shaft direction.

[0053] The first weight portion 47 is longer than the second weight portion 48 in the circumferential direction of the cam shaft 26. That is, an angle from the center of rotation C2 of the weight 42 to the end portion 471 of the first weight portion 47 around the center of rotation C1 of the cam shaft 26 is greater than an angle from the center of rotation C2 of the weight 42 to the end portion 481 of the second weight portion 48.

[0054] The first weight portion 47 includes a first portion 421 and a second portion 422. The first portion 421 is disposed in the first region A1 as seen from the cam shaft direction. The second portion 422 is disposed in the second region A2 as seen from the cam shaft direction. The second weight portion 48 is disposed in the fourth region A4.

[0055] The weight 42 includes a pivot pin support portion 423. The pivot pin support portion 423 is disposed across the first portion 421 and the second portion 422. The pivot pin 46 is attached to the pivot pin support portion 423.

[0056] The exhaust cam 264 includes a cam lobe 267 that protrudes further to the outside than a base circle 266. A portion of the pivot pin 46 does not overlap the cam lobe 267 as seen from the cam shaft direction. That is, a portion of the pivot pin 46 is located outside of the external peripheral surface of the exhaust cam 264 as seen from the cam shaft direction. The pivot pin 46 further includes a portion located inside of the base circle 266 as seen from the cam shaft direction.

[0057] The decompression pin 44 is connected to the first weight portion 47. Specifically, the decompression pin 44 is connected to the second portion 422. The decompression pin 44 is disposed in the second region A2 as seen from the cam shaft direction. A distance between the center of rotation C2 of the weight 42 and the decompression pin 44 as seen from the cam shaft direction is equal to or greater than a distance between the center of rotation C2 of the weight 42 and the center of rotation C1 of the cam shaft 26.

[0058] FIG. 11 illustrates the cam shaft assembly as seen from the cam shaft direction. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the contour of the flange 41 as seen from the cam shaft direction includes a portion larger than the contour of the first bearing 27. Specifically, the first convex portion 412 protrudes to the outside of the external peripheral surface of the first bearing 27.

[0059] The first portion 421 of the weight 42 in the closed state includes a first protruding portion 424. The first protruding portion 424 protrudes to the outside of the external peripheral surface of the first bearing 27 as seen from the cam shaft direction. The external peripheral surface of the second portion 422 is located on the inside of the external peripheral surface of the first bearing 27 as seen from the cam shaft direction. The external peripheral surface of the second weight portion 48 is located on the inside of the external peripheral surface of the first bearing 27 as seen from the cam shaft direction.

[0060] The pivot pin support portion 423 includes a protruding portion 425 that protrudes to the outside of the external peripheral surface of the first bearing 27 as seen from the cam shaft direction. The maximum value of the protrusion length of the protruding portion 425 is greater than the maximum value of the protrusion length of the first protruding portion 424. That is, the protruding portion 425 protrudes more than the first protruding portion 424 in the radial direction of the first bearing 27. The protrusion length signifies the length of protrusion from the external peripheral surface of the first bearing 27 in the radial direction of the first bearing 27.

[0061] As illustrated in FIG. 11, the first bearing 27 includes an inner ring 271 and an outer ring 272. The inner ring 271 is in contact with the cam shaft 26. The outer ring 272 is in contact with the first supporting wall 141 of the cylinder head 14. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the weight 42 includes an inner ring contact portion 426. The inner ring contact portion 426 is disposed in line with the inner ring 271 in the cam shaft direction. The inner ring contact portion 426 protrudes toward the inner ring 271 from the surface of the weight 42 adjacent to the first bearing 27.

[0062] As illustrated in FIG. 11, the inner ring contact portion 426 is located further to the inside than the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring 272. The inner ring contact portion 426 is located further to the inside than the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring 272 regardless of whether the weight 42 is in the closed state or the open state. At least a portion of the inner ring contact portion 426 is disposed nearer the center of rotation C2 of the weight 42 than the center of rotation C1 of the cam shaft 26 as seen from the cam shaft direction. The inner ring contact portion 426 is located between the center of rotation C2 of the weight 42 and the cam shaft 26 as seen from the cam shaft direction. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the other portions of the weight 42 do not come into contact with the outer ring 272 in a state in which the inner ring contact portion 426 is in contact with the inner ring 271.

[0063]  Specifically, the inner ring contact portion 426 is disposed across the fourth region A4, the first region A1, and the second region A2 when the weight 42 is in the closed state. The inner ring contact portion 426 includes a first contact portion 426a, a second contact portion 426b, and a third contact portion 426c. The first contact portion 426a is disposed in the first region A1 when the weight 42 is in the closed state. The second contact portion 426b is disposed in the second region A2 when the weight 42 is in the closed state. The third contact portion 426c is disposed in the fourth region A4 when the weight 42 is in the closed state. The surface area of the first contact portion 426a is larger than the surface area of the second contact portion 426b as seen from the cam shaft direction. The surface area of the first contact portion 426a is larger than the surface area of the third contact portion 426c as seen from the cam shaft direction.

[0064] G1 in FIG. 12 indicates the location of the center of gravity of the weight 42. G2 indicates the location of the center of gravity of the weight 42 when there is no first protruding portion 424. Hatching is provided for the first protruding portion 424 in FIG. 12. The phrase "when there is no first protruding portion 424" signifies a state in which the hatched portions in FIG. 12 are removed. The chain double-dashed line in FIG. 12 indicates the external peripheral surface of the first bearing 27. As illustrated in FIG. 12, the center of gravity G1 of the weight 42 is disposed in the first region A1 as seen from the cam shaft direction. The distance between the center of gravity G1 of the weight 42 and the center of rotation C1 of the cam shaft 26 is greater than the distance between the center of gravity G1 of the weight 42 and the center of rotation C2 of the weight 42. The first protruding portion 424 includes a near portion 424a and a distant portion 424b that are, as seen from the cam shaft direction, respectively nearer to and further away from the center of rotation C2 of the weight 42 in the circumferential direction of the first bearing 27 than the location of the center of gravity G2 of the weight 42 if there were no first protruding portion 424. The amount of protrusion outward from the external peripheral surface of the first bearing 27 is greater in the near portion 424a than in the distant portion 424b.

[0065] As seen from the cam shaft direction, a portion of the inner ring contact portion 426 nearer the center of rotation C2 of the weight 42 than the center of gravity G1 of the weight 42 is larger than a portion of the inner ring contact portion 426 further away from the center of rotation C2 of the weight 42 than the center of gravity G1 of the weight 42. For example, the maximum width of the first contact portion 426a in the radial direction of the cam shaft 26 is greater than the maximum width of the second contact portion 426b in the radial direction of the cam shaft 26.

[0066] FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating the surface on the second cam shaft end portion 262 side of the weight 42. FIG. 14 is side view of the cam shaft assembly as seen from the direction of arrow XIV in FIG. 10. As illustrated in FIG. 13, the maximum thickness of the first portion 421 in the cam shaft direction is greater than the maximum thickness of the second portion 422 in the cam shaft direction. The maximum thickness of the second weight portion 48 in the cam shaft direction is greater than the maximum thickness of the second portion 422 in the cam shaft direction.

[0067] As illustrated in FIG. 13, the first portion 421 includes an inner diameter portion 421a and an outer diameter portion 421b. The inner diameter portion 421a is located on the inside of the outer diameter portion 421b. The thickness of the outer diameter portion 421b in the cam shaft direction is greater than the thickness of the inner diameter portion 421a in the cam shaft direction. The outer diameter portion 421b includes the aforementioned first protruding portion 424. Therefore, the maximum thickness of the first protruding portion 424 in the cam shaft direction is greater than the maximum thickness of the second portion 422 in the cam shaft direction. The maximum thickness of the first protruding portion 424 in the cam shaft direction is greater than the maximum thickness of the second weight portion 48 in the cam shaft direction. The thickness of the first protruding portion 424 in the cam shaft direction is greater than the thickness of the pivot pin support portion 423 in the cam shaft direction.

[0068] As illustrated in FIG. 10, a portion of the weight 42 overlaps the flange 41 as seen from the radial direction of the cam shaft 26. Specifically, the outer diameter portion 421b of the first portion 421 overlaps the flange 41 as seen from the radial direction of the cam shaft 26. The surface of the second weight portion 48 and the surface of the inner diameter portion 421a on the second cam shaft end portion 262 side face the surface of the flange 41 on the first cam shaft end portion 261 side. The aforementioned head portion 431 of the decompression cam 43 is disposed between the second portion 422 and the flange 41.

[0069] As illustrated in FIG. 13, the pivot pin support portion 423 includes a housing portion 423a and a boss portion 423b. The boss portion 423b protrudes from the housing portion 423a in the cam shaft direction. The thickness of the housing portion 423a in the cam shaft direction is less than the thicknesses of the first portion 421 and the second weight portion 48 in the cam shaft direction. Therefore, the housing portion 423a has a shape that is recessed in the cam shaft direction from the surface of the weight 42.

[0070] FIG. 15 is a view of the flange 41, the weight 42, and the return spring 45 as seen from the second cam shaft end portion 262 side. As illustrated in FIG. 15, the housing portion 423a houses the return spring 45. The boss portion 423b is inserted into the aforementioned return spring 45. A hole 423c is provided in the boss portion 423b. The pivot pin 46 is inserted into the hole 423c of the boss portion 423b.

[0071] As illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 15, the weight 42 includes a second locking portion 42b. The second locking portion 42b locks the second spring end portion 452 of the return spring 45. The second locking portion 42b is included in the first portion 421. Specifically, the second locking portion 42b is a stepped portion shaped with regard to the pivot pin support portion 423 in the first portion 421.

[0072] As illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15, the flange 41 includes a first locking section 42a. The first locking section 42a locks the first spring end portion 451 of the return spring 45. Specifically, the first locking section 42a is a portion of the first convex portion 412. The first locking section 42a is formed integrally with the flange 41. For example, the flange 41 is formed integrally to include the first locking section 42a using a manufacturing method such as sintering, forging, or casting.

[0073] FIG. 16 illustrates the cylinder head 14 in a state in which the head cover 19 is removed. As illustrated in FIG. 16, the cylinder head 14 includes a first bearing support hole 143. The first bearing support hole 143 supports the first bearing 27. The first bearing support hole 143 is provided in the first supporting wall 141. The first bearing support hole 143 includes a first recessed portion 144, a second recessed portion 145, and a third recessed portion 146. The first recessed portion 144, the second recessed portion 145, and the third recessed portion 146 are located on the side opposite the crankshaft 11 from the center of the first bearing support hole 143. The first recessed portion 144 has a shape that allows the passage of the first protruding portion 424 and the suction cam 263. The second recessed portion 145 has a shape that allows the passage of the exhaust cam 264. The third recessed portion 146 has a shape that allows the passage of the pivot pin support portion 423. A portion of the first recessed portion 144 may be located on the opposite side of the crankshaft 11 from the center of the first bearing support hole 143, and the other portion of the first recessed portion 144 may be located on the same side as the crankshaft 11 from the center of the first bearing support hole 143. Alternatively, a portion of the second recessed portion 145 may be located on the opposite side of the crankshaft 11 from the center of the first bearing support hole 143, and the other portion of the second recessed portion 145 may be located on the same side as the crankshaft 11 from the center of the first bearing support hole 143.

[0074] The inner ring contact portion 426 is provided in the weight 42 in the present embodiment. The inner ring contact portion 426 is located on the inside in the radial direction from the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring 272 so that the inner ring contact portion 426 does not come into contact with the outer ring 272. As a result, damage due to contact with the outer ring 272 can be prevented. Because the inner ring 271 rotates with the cam shaft 26 in the same way as the weight 42, damage can be prevented even if the weight 42 comes into contact with the inner ring 271.

[0075] At least a portion of the inner ring contact portion 426 is disposed nearer the center of rotation C2 of the weight 42 than the center of rotation C1 of the cam shaft 26 as seen from the cam shaft direction. As a result, because the movement amount of the inner ring contact portion 426 when the weight 42 rotates is small, the inner ring contact portion 426 can be increased within the range in which the inner ring contact portion 426 does not come into contact with the outer ring 272. The mass of the weight 42 can be increased by increasing the size of the inner ring contact portion 426.

[0076] A portion of the inner ring contact portion 426 is located between the center of rotation C2 of the weight 42 and the cam shaft 26 as seen from the cam shaft direction. As a result, the location of the center of gravity G1 of the weight 42 is nearer the center of rotation C2 of the weight 42 whereby opening of the weight 42 due to gravity can be prevented. The inner ring contact portion 426 can be disposed nearer the center of rotation C2 of the weight 42.

[0077] A near portion of the inner ring contact portion 426 nearer the center of rotation C2 of the weight 42 than the center of gravity G1 of the weight 42 as seen from the axial direction of the cam shaft is larger than a distant portion of the inner ring contact portion 426 further away from the center of rotation C2 of the weight 42 than the center of gravity G1 of the weight 42. As a result, the opening of the weight 42 due to gravity can be prevented due to the location of the center of gravity G1 of the weight 42 being nearer the center of rotation C2 of the weight 42. Further, the inner ring contact portion 426 can be disposed nearer the center of rotation C2 of the weight 42.

[0078] The first bearing 27 is disposed nearer the first cam shaft end portion 261 in the cam shaft direction than the second cam shaft end portion 262. Generally, a bearing tends to be larger when the cam chain 29 is provided. Therefore, because the inner ring 271 of the first bearing 27 is larger when the inner ring contact portion 426 is provided, freedom of design of the inner ring contact portion 426 can be improved.

[0079] Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described so far, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and various modifications may be made within the scope of the invention.

[0080] The shape of the weight 42 is not limited to the shape of the above embodiment and may be changed. Alternatively, the length in the circumferential direction of the weight can be made shorter than that of the weight 42 of the above embodiment. For example, a circumferential direction end portion 471 of the first weight portion 47 may be disposed in the first region A1. Alternatively, the length in the circumferential direction of the weight can be made shorter than that of the weight 42 of the above embodiment. For example, a circumferential direction end portion 471 of the first weight portion 47 may be disposed in the third region A3.

[0081] The first protruding portion 424 of the weight 42 may be omitted. That is, the first portion 421 may be located on the inside of the external peripheral surface of the first bearing 27 as seen from the cam shaft direction.

[0082] The weight 42 in the above embodiment is supported by the cam shaft 26 via the flange 41, but the weight 42 may also be supported directly by the cam shaft 26. The flange 41 is separate from the cam shaft 26 in the above embodiment and is fixed to the cam shaft 26 by press-fitting, but the flange 41 may be fixed with a fixing means other than press-fitting. Alternatively, the flange may be formed integrally with the cam shaft 26.

[0083] The center of gravity G1 of the weight 42 is not limited to the first region A1 and may be disposed in another region. For example, the center of gravity G1 of the weight 42 may be disposed in the second region A2.

[0084] The shape of the inner ring contact portion is not limited to the shape of the above embodiment and may be changed. FIG. 17 illustrates a weight 42 according to a modified example. As illustrated in FIG. 17, the inner ring contact portion 426 according to the modified example is located in the first region A1 and in the second region A2 and does not include a portion located in the third region A3.

[0085] Alternatively, the entire inner ring contact portion may be disposed nearer the center of rotation of the weight than the center of rotation of the cam shaft as seen from the shaft direction of the cam shaft. Alternatively, the entire inner ring contact portion may be located between the center of rotation of the weight and the cam shaft as seen from the cam shaft direction.

[0086] While a scooter-type motorcycle is mentioned as an example of the vehicle in the above embodiment, the vehicle according to the present invention is not limited to a scooter and may be another type of motorcycle such as a sports type, an off-road type, or a moped. The motorcycle is not limited to two wheels and includes a vehicle with three wheels. Moreover, while the vehicle according to the present invention is preferably a saddle-ridding vehicle such as a motorcycle, an all-terrain vehicle, or a snowmobile, the vehicle may also be a vehicle other than a saddle-ridding vehicle.

Claims

1. An engine (7) comprising:

a cylinder head (14);

an exhaust valve (23) housed inside the cylinder head (14);

a valve mechanism (25) for opening and closing the exhaust valve (23);

a cam shaft (26) for driving the valve mechanism (25) by coming into contact with the valve mechanism (25);

a bearing (27) for supporting the cam shaft (26) in a rotatable manner on the cylinder head (14) and including an inner ring (271) that comes into contact with the cam shaft (26) and an outer ring (272) that comes into contact with the cylinder head (14); and

a decompression mechanism (40) disposed between both ends of the cam shaft (26) in an axial direction of the cam shaft (26);

wherein the decompression mechanism (40) includes:

a weight (42) supported in a rotatable manner on the cam shaft (26), and

a decompression cam (43) configured to switch between a state of coming into contact with the valve mechanism (25) and a state of not coming into contact with the valve mechanism (25) in response to the rotation of the weight (42);

wherein the weight (42) includes an inner ring contact portion (426) disposed in line with the inner ring (271) in the axial direction of the cam shaft (26), and

wherein the inner ring contact portion (426) is located on the inside in a radial direction of the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring (272).

2. An engine according to claim 1, wherein:

at least a portion of the inner ring contact portion (426) is disposed nearer the center of rotation (C2) of the weight (42) than the center of rotation (C1) of the cam shaft (26) as seen from the axial direction of the cam shaft (26).

3. An engine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein:

at least a portion of the inner ring contact portion (426) is disposed between the center of rotation (C2) of the weight (42) and the cam shaft (26) as seen from the axial direction of the cam shaft (26).

4. An engine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein:

a nearer portion of the inner ring contact portion (426), which is disposed nearer the center of rotation (C2) of the weight (42) than a center of gravity (G1) of the weight (42), is larger than a distant portion of the inner ring contact portion, which is disposed further away from the center of rotation (C2) of the weight (42) than the center of gravity (G1) of the weight (42).

5. An engine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising:

a sprocket (31) attached to the cam shaft (26), and

a cam chain (29) wound around the sprocket (31),

wherein the cam shaft (26) includes a first end portion (261) and a second end portion (262);

the sprocket (31) is attached to the first end portion (262), and

wherein the bearing (27) is disposed nearer the first end portion (261) than the second end portion (262) in the axial direction of the cam shaft (26).

6. A vehicle (1) comprising the engine (7) according to any one of the claims 1 to 5.

Drawing