Indian Patents. 214009:A LID STRUCTURE FOR A VEHICLE

Title of Invention	A LID STRUCTURE FOR A VEHICLE
Abstract	The present invention relates to a lid structure for a vehicle which includes an oil supplying lid on a step floor, characterized in that said vehicle includes a checking lid, which can be opened and closed when said oil supplying lid is open, provided on said step floor in a neighboring relationship with said oil supplying lid.

Full Text	FORM 2 THE PATENTS ACT 1970 [39 OF 1970] & THE PATENTS RULES, 2003 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION [See Section 10; rule 13] "A lid structure for a vehicle HONDA GIKEN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA, a corporation of Japan, 1-1 Minamiaoyama 2-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan. The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed: This invention relates to a vehicle wherein an oil supplying lid is provided on a step floor. [0002] [Prior Art] Some vehicles such as a scooter, include a lid on a step floor on which the driver places its feet. As one of vehicles of the type mentioned, for example, the official gazette of Japanese Patent Laid-Open NO. 150768 "Structure of Elements around Lid for Maintenance for Scooter-Type Vehicle (hereinafter referred to as "prior art) is known. [0003] The prior art described above includes, as shown in Figs. 1, 3 and 6 of the official gazette mentioned above, a maintenance led 1 (as the reference numeral, that used in the official gazette is used. This similarly applies in the following description.) with which a recess 26 provided under a step floor 11 of a scooter 1. The lid 13 is screwed to the step floor 11. The recess 26 has, as shown in Fig. 6, a through-hole 22 perforated therein and has an electric equipment accommodation portion 24 formed therein adjacent to the through-hole 22. A plug wrench 21 is inserted into the through-hole 22 in order to check a spark plug for an engine. [0004] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention] According to the prior art described above, both of the through-hole 22 and the electric part accommodation portion 24 are closed up with the single maintenance lid 13. In other words, the single lid 13 plays a role of a lid for the through-hole 22 and also a role of a lid for the electric equipment accommodation portion 24. Accordingly, since the lid 13 increases in size and also in weight, the burden in operation increases. Besides, each time the lid 13 is opened, both the through-hole 22 and the electric equipment accommodation portion 24 open, which is cumbersome. Furthermore, since both of the through-hole 22 and the electric equipment accommodation portion 24 are covered up with the single lid 13 on the step floor 11 of a limited space, the degree of freedom in designing is restricted. [0005] In the prior art having such a configuration as described above, if the electric equipment accommodation portion 24 is replaced with, for example, an oil supplying port of a fuel tank, then each time the lid 13 is opened to supply oil, also the through-hole 22 is opened. Although the checking frequency of the spark plug for an engine is very low when compared with the oil supplying frequency, it is misleading and cumbersome to open the through-hole 22 each time oil is supplied. [0006] Furthermore, since the oil supplying frequency is comparatively high, it is cumbersome to remove the screwed lid 13 each time oil is supplied. Therefore, usually a locking apparatus which unlocks by a key operation is provided for the lid 13 in place of the screw fastening structure. A locking apparatus of such a comparatively large size that it is popped up by a key operation is popularly used as the locking apparatus. Accordingly, when the lid 13 is opened or closed, an increased operating force by the locking apparatus is required. Besides, since the locking apparatus projects downwardly from the lid 13, the space below the lid 13 decreases as much. As a result, the arrangement of the fuel tank is restricted and it becomes difficult to assure a tank capacity. [0007] Therefore, the object of the present invention resides in provision of a lid structure for a vehicle which facilitates an oil supplying operation and checking of the vehicle to maintain operation efficiency while the degree of freedom in designing is high. [0008] [Means for Solving the Problem] In order to attain the object described above, according to claim 1, a lid structure for a vehicle which includes an oil supplying lid on a step floor is characterized in that the vehicle includes a checking lid, which can be opened and closed when the oil supplying lid is open, provided on the step floor in a neighboring relationship with the oil supplying lid. [0009] Since the two lids of the oil supplying lid and the checking lid are provided in a neighboring relationship to each other on the step floor, upon supplying of oil, only the oil supplying lid may be opened. Since the oil supplying lid is opened only upon supplying of oil, it can be formed with a smell size and a light weight to the utmost, and therefore, an oil supplying operation is facilitated. Besides, since the oil supplying lid and the checking lid are provided separately, the degree of freedom in designing is augmented. Further, since, only when the oil supplying lid is opened, the checking lid can be opened and closed to restrict opening and closing of the checking lid so that, only when necessary for a checking operation, the checking lid is opened and closed, the checking lid need not be opened each time an oil supplying operation is to be preformed. Accordingly, supplying of oil does not suffer from misleading or cumbersome and the operation efficiency is high. [0010] According to claim 2, a lid structure for a vehicle which includes an oil supplying lid on a step floor is characterized in that the vehicle includes a fuel tank, whose oil supplying cap can be opposed to an open portion when the oil supplying lid is open, provided below the step floor and a locking apparatus is provided for the oil supplying cap such that, after the oil supplying lid engaged with the step floor is open and then the locking apparatus of the oil supplying cap is unlocked, the oil supplying cap can be turned and removed from the fuel tank. Since the oil supplying cap includes the locking apparatus which is compact and inexpensive, the oil supplying lid is light in weight and the operation efficiency is high, and besides, a space below the oil supplying lid can be assured. As a result, the restriction to the arrangement of the fuel tank is moderated and the tank capacity can be assured readily. Besides, the fuel tank or the oil supplying lid need not project upwardly from the step floor in order to assure the tank capacity. [0011] Claim 3 is characterized in that the oil supplying cap has a key insertion hole provided at a substantially central position thereof and has a cap turning knob portion provided at a diametrically outer position with respect to the key insertion hole thereof. Even in a state wherein a key is inserted in the key insertion hole, the knob portion can be held to turn the oil supplying cap. Accordingly, when compared with an alternative arrangement wherein an outer peripheral face of the cap is held and turned, the operability in oil supplying operation can be further raised. [0012] [Mode for Carrying out the Invention] An embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is to be noted that "front", "rear", "left", right,", "upper", and "lower" are defined as directions as viewed from the driver, and Fr denotes the front side, RR the rear side, L the left side, and R the right side. Further, the drawings should be viewed in the direction of the reference characters. [Brief Description of the Drawings] [Fig. 1] Fig. 1 is a left side elevational view of a motorcycle according to the present invention. [Fig. 2] Fig. 2 is a plan view showing a mounted state of a fuel pump according to the present invention. [Fig. 3]. Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing an attached state of the fuel pump according to the present invention. [Fig. 4] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of an engine according to the present invention. [Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is a plan view of the motorcycle according to the present invention. [Fig. 6] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the engine according to the present invention. [Fig. 7] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a rear portion of the motorcycle according to the present invention. [Fig. 8] Fig. 8 is a plan view of a rear portion of the motorcycle according to the present invention. [Fig. 9] Fig. 9 is a side elevational sectional view of elements around a step floor and a fuel tank according to the present invention. [Fig. 10] Figs. 10(a) and (b) are schematic views showing a configuration of an oil supplying cap according to the present invention. [Fig. 11] Fig. 11 is a side elevational sectional view of the oil supplying cap according to the present invention. [Fig. 12] Fig. 12 is a perspective view of essential part of elements around the step floor and an oil supplying lid according to the present invention. [Fig. 13] Fig. 13 is a perspective view (part 1) of essential part of elements around the step floor, oil supplying lid and oil supplying cap according to the present invention. [Fig. 14] Fig. 14 is a perspective view (part 2) of essential part of elements around the step floor, oil supplying lid and oil supplying cap according to the present invention. [Fig. 15] Fig. 15 is a perspective view of essential part of elements around the step floor and the checking lid according to the present invention. [Fig. 16] Fig. 16 is a plan view of the step floor according to the present invention. [Fig. 17] Fig. 17 is a perspective view of the checking lid according to the present invention. [Fig. 18] Fig. 18 is a sectional view taken along line 18-18 of FIG. 16. [Fig. 19] Fig. 19 is a schematic view showing a configuration of elements around a main switch attaching portion according to the present invention. [Fig. 20] Figs. 20(a) and (b) are schematic views showing a configuration of elements around a main switch according to the present invention. [Fig. 21] Figs. 21(a) through (c) are schematic views showing a configuration of a leg shield cover according to the present invention. [Fig. 22] Fig. 22 is a left side elevational view of a front half portion of the motorcycle according to the present invention. [Fig. 23] Figs. 23(a) and (b) are schematic views showing a configuration of a cable guide attaching structure according to the present invention. [0013] Fig. 1 is a left side elevational view of a motorcycle according to the present invention. The motorcycle 10 is a vehicle of the scooter type and includes, as principal components thereof, a body frame 11, a front fork 12 mounted on a head pipe 11a of the body frame 11, a front wheel 13 mounted on the front fork 12, a handle bar 14 connected to the front fork 12, a unit swing engine 15 mounted for upward and downward swinging movement at a rear portion of the body frame 11, a rear wheel 16 mounted on the unit swing engine 15, a rear cushion unit 17 on which a rear end portion of the unit swing engine 15 is suspended, an accommodation box (luggage box) 18 mounted at a rear upper portion of the body frame 11, and a seat 19 disposed for opening and closing movement above the accommodation box 18. [0014] The body frame 11 includes a die-cast front frame 11F having the head pipe 11a formed integrally therewith, and a die-cast rear frame 11R connected to the front frame 11F at a connection portion 11X. The unit swing engine 15 includes an engine 21 and a belt converter non-stage transmission 22 with a centrifugal clutch. The engine 21 is a water-cooled 4-cycle engine which includes a cylinder block 307, a cylinder head 308 and a head cover 311, that is, a cylinder portion, positioned between the accommodation box 18 and a fuel tank 42 and is inclined substantially with reference to a horizontal direction. [0015] Further, the body frame 11 of the motorcycle 10 is covered with a body cover 30. The body cover 30 includes a front cover 31 which covers a front portion of the head pipe 11a, a leg shield 32 which cover a rear portion of the front cover 31 on the opposite sides of the head pipe 11a and covers forwardly of leg portions of the driver, step floor (low foot-receiving plate) 33 for receiving the feet of the driver, a pair of left and right floor side covers 34 extending downwardly from an outer edge of the step floor 33, an under cover 35 which covers between lower edges of the floor side covers 34, a seat lower portion cover 36 which covers a front portion around a portion below the seat 19, a rear cover 37 which covers a rear lower portion of the seat 19 and covers over the rear wheel 16, and a pair of left and right side covers 38. [0016] The motorcycle 10 described above is configured such that (1) a main switch 41 (ignition key cylinder) is disposed at a portion of the leg shield 32, (2) a fuel tank 42 and a fuel pump 43 are disposed below the step floor 33, and (3) a tray not shown is provided at an upper end portion of a rear portion of the body frame 11 and a radiator reserve tank 44, a battery 45 and a control unit 46 are disposed in the tray. [0017] In the figure, reference character 51 denotes a handle grip, 52L a left brake lever, 53 a meter panel, 54 a mirror, 55 a left winker provided in pair on the left and the right, 56F a front side handle cover, 56R a rear side handle cover, 57 a headlamp, 58 a horn provided in the front cover 31, 59 a front fender mounted for rotation together with the front fork 12, 61 an engine hanger provided in pair on the left and the right, 62 a kick pedal for starting the engine, 63 an air cleaner provided on the left side of the body, 64 a carburetor, 65 an engine cooling radiator provided at the right end of a crankshaft 21a of the engine 21, 66 an exhaust pipe for the engine, 67 a muffler for exhaust gas provided on the right side of the body, 71 a main stand, 72 a rear fender, 73 a tail lamp, 74 a rear winker, 75 a carrier, and He a helmet. [0018] Fig. 2 is a plan view showing a mounted state of the fuel pump according to the present invention and shows that the electromagnetic fuel pump 43 is attached to an upper face of the under cover 35 by means of nuts 301, 301 and that a fuel filter 302 is connected to the fuel tank 42 (refer to Fig. 1) by a hose 321 and the fuel pump 43 is connected to the fuel filter 302 by a hose 303. It is to be noted that the leftward direction (direction of a blank arrow mark) is the front direction (front) of the vehicle (this similarly applies to the following figures). [0019] Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing a mounted state of the fuel pump according to the present invention and shows a state wherein the fuel pump 43 is viewed from obliquely forwardly upwards. Reference numeral 304 denotes a check valve for allowing fuel to flow only in one direction to the carburetor 64 (refer to Fig. 1) side. The fuel pump 43 is disposed at a lower portion on the right side of the cylinder head which is hereinafter described. Reference numeral 315 denotes an ignition coil. [0020] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the engine according to the present invention. The engine 21 includes a crankcase 306, a cylinder block 307 attached to a front portion of the crankcase 306, a cylinder head 308 attached to a front portion of the cylinder block 307, a head cover 311 which covers an end portion of the cylinder head 308, a carburetor 64 disposed above the crankcase 306, an intake pipe 312 extending from the carburetor 64 to the cylinder head 308 side, an intake manifold 313 having the intake pipe 312 connected thereto and attached to the cylinder head 308, a connecting tube 314 extending from the carburetor 64 and connecting to the air cleaner 63 (refer to Fig. 1), a plug cap 317 connected to the ignition coil 315 by a high tension cable 316, an ignition plug 318 covered with the plug cap 317, and a radiator 65 attached to a side face of the cranecase 3D6 . An engine hanger 61 includes a pair of left and right hanger plates 61a, 61b connected to each other by a pipe 61c. Reference numeral 319 denotes a breather tube. [0021] Fig. 5 is a plan view of the motorcycle according to the present invention (view as viewed from above the engine below the accommodation box) and shows that the carburetor 64 is disposed above the engine 21 and an end portion of a throttle cable 325 extending from the handle bar 14 (refer to Fig- 1) is connected to the carburetor 64 while a seat locK frame 326 on which a seat lock (not shown) for holding the seat 19 (refer to Fig. 1) is attached to a rear portion of the rear frame 11R and the radiator reserve tank 44 and the battery 45 are disposed below the seat lock frame 326. [0022] The reserve tank 44 and the battery 45 allow maintenance thereof oy "removind a maintenance lid (not shown) removably provided on a rear wall of the accommodation box 18 (refer to Fig. 1). Consequently, the maintenance facility of the reserve tank 44 and the battery 45 is improved. It is to be noted that reference numeral 328 denotes a band for securing the battery 45, 341 a positive terminal to which a fuse box 347 of the battery 45 is attached integrally, 342 a negative terminal, 343 a conductor connected to the negative terminal, and 345 a secondary air introducing tube connected to a lead valve 346 (refer to Fig. 4) attached to the head cover 311 for supplying air from the air cleaner 63 (refer to Fig. 1) to an exhaust air path of the engine 21. [0023] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the engine according to the present invention and shows that the radiator 65 is attached to a side portion of the engine 21. It is to be noted that reference numeral 348 denotes a radiator cover which covers a side portion of the radiator body and serves also as a wind introducing opening, and 351 a radiator cap. [0024] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a rear portion of the motorcycle according to the present invention (view as viewed from obliquely rearwardly upwards of the vehicle) and shows a state wherein the control unit (engine control unit) 46 is attached to a rear portion of the motorcycle 10 (refer to Fig. 1). It is to be noted that reference numerals 354, ... (... signifies a plural number. This similarly applies in the following description.) denote three bolts for attaching the control unit 46 to a rear frame portion 11Y which forms a rear portion of the rear frame 11R (refer to Fig. 1), reference numeral 356 denotes a wire harness, 357 a regulator coupler connected to the control unit 46, and 358 a COU coupler for connecting a CPU harness 361 branching from the wire harness 356 to the control unit 46. The regulator coupler 357 and the CPU coupler 358 are disposed separately on the left and the right of the body, respectively, to raise the degree of freedom of the layout and suppress an increase in scale of the couplers 357, and 358. [0025] Fig. 8 is a plan view of a rear portion of the motorcycle according to the present invention, and shows a state wherein the control unit 46 (refer to Fig. 7) is removed from a rear portion of the motorcycle 10 (refer to Fig. 1) and shows a state wherein the reserve tank 44 is connected to the radiator 65 (refer to Fig. 6) by a hose 363 and a battery disconnection relay 364 is disposed rearwardly of the battery 45. It is to be noted that reference numeral 366 denotes a stand unlock cable for canceling a locked state of the main stand 71 (a state wherein the main stand 71 is positioned downwardly and cannot be lifted), 367 a seat unlocking cable for canceling a locked state wherein the seat 19 (refer to Fig. 1) is kept closed, 368 a relay cable connected to the battery disconnection relay 364, and 371 a battery cable connected to the terminals 341 and 342 (refer to Fig. 5) of the battery 45. [0026] Fig. 9 is a side elevational sectional view of elements around the step floor and the fuel tank according to the present invention and shows that an open portion 81 extends upwardly and downwardly through the step floor 33 is perforated at a rear portion of the step floor 33 and an oil supplying lid 90 for opening and closing the open portion 81 is provided on the step floor 33 and that a fuel tank 42 whose oil supplying cap 100 can be opposed to the open portion 81 when the oil supplying lid 90 is opened is provided below the step floor 33. The oil supplying cap 100 in a state wherein it closes up the oil supplying port 42a of the fuel tank 42 projects upwardly from an upper face of the step floor 33. Therefore, the oil supplying lid 90 has an upwardly swollen shape. The oil supplying lid 90 can be set to a state wherein it closes up the open portion 81 by hooking a hooked portion 91 provided at a rear end portion thereof at the step floor 33. Reference numeral 92 denotes a "knob" for operating the hooked portion 91 to an open state. [0027] By the way, the fuel system including the fuel pump 43 and the fuel filter 302 is disposed at a position near to the cylinder head 308 and the head cover 311 of the engine 21 within a space surrounded by the under cover 35, which covers and protects a bottom portion of the fuel tank 42, the step floor 33 and left and right floor side covers 34. Therefore, the fuel system including the fuel pump 43 and the fuel filter 302 is covered with a thermal shield plate (shade) 35a so that it may not be influenced by heat of the engine 21 which has a comparatively high temperature. The thermal shield plate 35a is molded integrally with the under cover 35 made of a resin material and is assembled in a bent state so that it may be interposed between the fuel system including the fuel pump 43 and the fuel filter 302 and the engine 21. [0028] Figs. 10(a) and (b) are schematic views of the oil supplying cap according to the present invention, and Fig. 10(a) shows a structure in plan and Fig. 10(b) shows a structure in side elevation. The oil supplying cap 100 includes a locking apparatus 111 and has a key insertion hole 112 of the locking apparatus 111 at a substantially central position thereof, and further includes two cap turning knob portions 113, 113 provided at diametrically outer positions of the key insertion hole 112. Reference numeral 114 denotes a key for a main switch, and 115 an engaging projection. [0029] Fig. 11 is a side elevational section view of the oil supplying cap according to the present invention and shows that the locking apparatus 111 is provided on the oil supplying cap 100. The oil supplying cap 100 includes, as principal components thereof, a cap body 101, an inner cylinder 102 accommodated for rotation in the cap body 101, a plurality of tumbler disks 103, ... and a plurality of lock springs 104, ... provided on the inner cylinder 102, a lock plate 105 connected to the inner cylinder 102, a chamber 106 fitted on an operation end face of the cap body 101, a cover 107 fitted on the operation end face of the chamber 106, a seal cap 108 in which a portion remote from the operating portion of the cap body 101 is accommodated, and a cap valve 109. [0030] The locking apparatus 111 is formed as a combination structure of the inner cylinder 102, tumbler disks 103, ..., lock springs 104, ..., and lock plate 105. If a key 114 is inserted into the key insertion hole 112 shown in Fig. 10 and turns the inner cylinder 102, then the lock plate 105 can be rotated to place the locking apparatus 111 into an unlocking state. It is to be noted that, only when the locking apparatus 111 is in a locking state, the key 114 can be removed from the key insertion hole 112. The cap valve 109 is a breather valve in the fuel tank 42 (refer to Fig. 9). Reference numeral 121 denotes a compression spring, reference numerals 122 and 123 denote each a packing, reference numeral 124 denotes an O-snap ring, and 125 a retainer. [0031] Fig. 12 is a perspective view of essential part of elements around the step floor and the oil supplying lid according to the present invention and shows that the oil supplying lid 90 is provided at a rear portion at the center in the widthwise direction of the step floor 33 and a checking lid 130 in a state wherein it neighbors the oil supplying lid 90 is provided on the step floor 33. [0032] Fig. 13 is a perspective view (part 1) of essential part of elements around the step floor, oil supplying lid and oil supplying cap according to the present invention and shows that the oil supplying lid 90 is attached for opening and closing movement to the step floor 33 by means of a hinge 82. If the oil supplying lid 90 engaged with the step floor 33 is opened and the oil supplying cap 100 is exposed from the open portion 81 when the oil supplying lid 90 is opened, then the key 114 can be inserted into the key insertion hole 112 of the oil supplying cap 100. [0033] Fig. 14 is a perspective view (part 2) of essential part of elements around the step floor, oil supplying lid and oil supplying cap according to the present invention and shows a state wherein the oil supplying cap 100 is removed from the oil supplying port 42a of the fuel tank 42. The oil supplying port 42a includes two engaging recesses 42b, 42b. If the oil supplying cap 100 is turned and the engaging projections 115, 115 of the oil supplying cap 100 are disengaged from the engaging recesses 42b, 42b, then the oil supplying cap 100 can be removed from the fuel tank 42. [0034] Fig. 15 is a perspective view of essential part of elements around the step floor and the checking liquid according to the present invention and shows a state wherein the checking lid 130 is removed. The checking lid 130 is opened when the engine ignition plug 318 is to be checked. [0035] Fig. 16 is a plan view of the step floor according to the present invention and shows that the oil supplying lid 90 is provided at a rear portion at the center in the widthwise direction of the step floor 33 and the checking lid 130 which leftwardly neighbors the oil supplying lid 90 is provided on the step floor 33. [0036] Fig. 17 is a perspective view of the checking lid according to the present invention. The checking lid 130 has a horizontal flat lid portion 131 and a rear wall portion 135 extending upwardly from a rear end of the lid portion 131. The lid portion 131 serves also as part of the step floor 33 (refer to Fig. 16) and has an engaging portion 132 extending to the neighboring oil supplying lid 90 side, a finger hooking portion 133 of a reversed L-shape extending upwardly from an end portion of the engaging portion 132, and two arresting pawl portions 134, 134 extending downwardly from an edge of the lid portion 131, all formed integrally with each other. The finger hooking portion 133 is hooked and pulled up by a finger of a hand when the lid portion 131 is to be removed. The rear wall portion 135 has two arresting pawl portions 136, 136 extending downwardly from a rear end thereof and formed integrally therewith. [0037] Fig. 18 is a sectional view taken along line 18-18 of Fig. 16 and shows a state wherein a checking hole 83 of the step floor 33 is closed up with the checking lid 130. The checking lid 130 in the closed state is engaged with the step floor 33 with the arresting pawl portions 134, 134 thereof hooked with an edge portion 84 of the checking hole 83 and has the engaging portion 132 thereof placed on an upper face of the step floor 33. When the oil supplying lid 90 is closed, an edge portion 93 of the oil supplying lid 90 is placed into a state wherein it is fitted on the engaging portion 132. Accordingly, the checking lid 130 can be opened or closed when the oil supplying lid 90 is opened. [0038] A procedure of supplementing fuel into the fuel tank 42 is described with reference to Figs. 12 to 14. First, if a knob 92 is pulled in the direction of an arrow mark (1) to disengage the hooked portion 91 (refer to Fig. 9) and to open the oil supplying lid 90 in the direction of an arrow mark (2) in Fig. 12, then the oil supplying lid 90 engaged with the step floor 33 is opened. As a result, the oil supplying cap 100 is exposed from the open portion 81 when the oil supplying lid 90 is opened as seen in Fig. 13. [0039] Then, the key 114 is inserted into the key insertion hole 112 of the oil supplying cap 100 in Fig. 13 and then turned clockwise (arrow mark (3)) to place the locking apparatus 111 into an unlocking state, and then the knob portions 113, 113 are held to turn the oil supplying cap 100 counterclockwise (arrow mark (4)) to open the oil supplying cap 100. As described above, the oil supplying cap 100 has the key insertion hole 112 at a substantially central position thereof and includes the cap turning knob portions 113, 113 at diametrically outer positions of the key insertion hole 112. Even in a state wherein the key 114 is inserted in the key insertion hole 112, the cap turning knob portions 113, 113 can be held to turn the oil supplying cap 100. Accordingly, when compared with an alternative arrangement wherein an outer peripheral face of the oil supplying cap 100 is held and turned, the operability in oil supplying operation can be further raised. Further, since the locking apparatus 111 is of a simple type wherein the key 114 is inserted into the key insertion hole 112 to cancel the engagement of the key pawl, it is comparatively small in size and low in weight. Accordingly, a space below the oil supplying lid 90 can be assured. As a result, the restriction to the arrangement of the fuel tank 42 is moderated, and a tank capacity can be assured readily. [0040] Furthermore, since the locking apparatus 111 is proved on the oil supplying cap 100, a locking apparatus need not be provided for the oil supplying lid 90. Therefore, since the oil supplying lid 90 is reduced in weight, opening and closing operations of the oil supplying lid 90 are further facilitated. Accordingly, the oil supplying operation can be facilitated and the operation efficiency can be raised. In particular, since the oil supplying cap 100 includes the locking apparatus 111 which is compact and inexpensive, the oil supplying lid 90 is light in weight and the operation efficiency is high. Further, since the oil supplying lid 90 does not include a locking apparatus, the space below the oil supplying lid 90 can be assured as much. As a result, the restriction to the arrangement of the fuel tank 42 is moderated and the tank capacity can be assured readily. Besides, the fuel tank 42 or the oil supplying lid 90 need not project upwardly from the step floor 33 in order to assure the tank capacity. [0041] After the oil supplying lid 90 engaged with the step floor 33 is opened and the locking apparatus 111 of the oil supplying cap 100 is brought into an unlocking state in this manner, the oil supplying cap 100 can be turned and removed from the fuel tank 42 and fuel can be supplemented into the fuel tank 42. [0042] After the supplementation of fuel is completed, the engaging projections 115 of the oil supplying cap 100 are registered with the engaging recesses 42b of the oil supplying port 42a in Fig. 14 (arrow mark (5)) and the oil supplying cap 100 is turned clockwise. Then, the key 114 is turned counterclockwise (direction opposite to the arrow mark (3)) in Fig. 13 to place the locking apparatus 111 into a locking state. Then, after the key 114 is pulled off, the oil supplying lid 90 is closed. [0043] Now, a procedure of checking the ignition plug is described with reference to Figs. 12 and 15. First, the knob 92 is pulled in the direction of the arrow mark (1) in Fig. 12 to disengage the hooked portion 91 (refer to Fig. 9) and open the oil supplying lid 90 in the direction of the arrow mark (2) thereby to open the oil supplying lid 90 engaged with the step floor 33. Then, the arresting pawl portions 134, 134 and 136, 136 engaged with the step floor 33 are disengaged to open the checking lid 130 in Fig. 15. Then, maintenance or checking operation for the plug cap 317 and/or the engine ignition plug 318 is performed. [0044] After the maintenance or checking operation is completed, the arresting pawl portions 134, 134 and 136, 136 are engaged with the step floor 33 in Fig. 15 to close the checking lid 130. Thereafter, the oil supplying lid 90 is closed as shown in Fig. 12. In this manner, only when the oil supplying lid 90 is opened, the checking lid 130 can be opened and closed. Opening and closing of the checking lid 130 are restricted, and only when necessary, the checking lid 130 can be opened and closed. [0045] As apparent from the foregoing description, since the two lids of the oil supplying lid 90 and the checking lid 130 are provided in a neighboring relationship to each other on the step floor 33, upon supplying of oil, only the oil supplying lid 90 may be opened. Since the oil supplying lid 90 is opened only upon supplying of oil, it can be formed with a small size and a light weight to the utmost, and therefore, an oil supplying operation is facilitated. Besides, since the oil supplying lid 90 and the checking lid 130 are provided separately, the degree of freedom in designing is augmented. [0046] Furthermore, since, only when the oil supplying lid 90 is opened, the checking lid 130 can be opened and closed to restrict opening and closing of the checking lid 130 so that, only when necessary for a checking operation, the checking lid 130 is opened and closed, the checking lid 130 need not be opened each time an oil supplying operation is to be preformed. Accordingly, supplying of oil does not suffer from misleading or cumbersome and the operation efficiency is high. [0047] Fig. 19 is a perspective view of elements around a main switch attaching portion according to the present invention and shows a configuration within which the main switch 41 is attached to the head pipe 11a by means of a screw from the right side of the vehicle body. It is to be noted that this figure shows part of the main switch 41 in section. The main switch 41 is connected to a seat lock (not shown) by a seat unlocking cable 367. The seat lock for locking the seat 19 (refer to Fig. 1) can be placed into an unlocking state by operating the swing arm 141 to swing by a key operation of the main switch 41 and pulling out the seat unlocking cable 367. [0048] The seat unlocking cable 367 extends downwardly through a space defined by the front cover 31 and the leg shield 32 shown in Fig. 1 and passes, at this portion thereof, through a cable protector 143 in the form of a pipe. The cable protector 143 is attached to a right upper portion of the head pipe 11a by attaching the cable protector 143 to a stay 144 for attaching the horn 58 to the head pipe 11a by means of a clamp member 145. [0049] The main switch 41 includes an opening/closing shutter mechanism 151 for opening and closing a key insertion hole. The opening/closing shutter mechanism 151 includes a locking mechanism (not shown) for locking an opening and closing shutter for opening and closing the key insertion hole so that the opening and closing shutter may not be opened. The locking mechanism is a magnetic type locking mechanism. [0050] Figs. 20(a) and (b) are schematic views of elements around the main switch according to the present invention. Fig. 20(a) is a view when a front half portion of the motorcycle 10 is viewed from rightwardly rearwards of the vehicle body and shows that the main switch 41 (refer to Fig. 19) and the opening/closing shutter mechanism 151 (refer to Fig. 19) disposed at a right upper portion of the leg shield 32 are covered with a leg shield cover 160. By this, the projection of a rear portion of the head pipe 11a (refer to Fig. 19) is minimized and elements around the main switch 41 can be covered with the leg shield 32, and consequently, a good appearance is provided. [0051] An operation face of the shutter cover 152 can be observed through the opening 161 of the front of the leg shield cover 160. Reference character 52R denotes a right brake lever, 171 a front brake cable connected to the right brake lever 52R, 172 a starter switch, and 173 an idle mode changeover switch. [0052] Fig. 20(b) is a front elevational view of the main switch 41 and the opening/closing shutter mechanism 151. The opening/closing shutter mechanism 151 has a key insertion hole 154 and a shutter key insertion hole 155 perforated in an operation face 153 of the shutter cover 152. The key insertion hole 41a of the main switch 41 is opposed to the key insertion hole 154. The main switch 41 has a seat unlocking position "SEAT" provided between an off position "OFF" and an on position "ON" such that, by registering a key with the seat unlocking position "SEAT" and then inserting the key, the seat locking can be canceled through the swing arm 141 (refer to Fig. 19). [0053] Figs. 21(a) to (c) are schematic views of the leg shield cover according to the present invention, and Fig. 21(a) is a front elevational view of the leg shield cover 160, Fig. 21(b) a sectional view taken along line b-b of Figs. 21(a), and 21(c) a sectional view taken along line c-c of Fig. 21(a). The leg shield cover 160 is engaged with the leg shield 32 by placing it to a location around the opening 32a of the leg shield 32 and hooking the leg shield cover 160 to the edge of the opening 32a with arresting pawl portions 162, ..., and an attaching boss 164 is attached to the leg shield 32 by means of a screw 163 as shown in Fig. 21(c) . [0054] Fig. 22 is a left side elevational view of a front half portion of the motorcycle according to the present invention and shows that a front brake cable 171 and a speedometer cable 175 are passed through spaces in the front and rear side handle covers 56F and 56R, a space between the front cover 31 and the leg shield 32 and a space within the front fender 59. The front brake cable 171 is a wire cable for interconnecting a front brake 176 of the front wheel 13 side and the right side brake lever 52R (refer to Fig.20). The speedometer cable 175 is a wire cable for interconnecting a speed sensor 177 of the front wheel 13 side and the meter panel 53 of the handle bar side. [0055] The front feeder 59 has a cable guide 190 provided on an inner face thereof such that the front brake cable 171 and the speedometer cable 175 are guided by the cable guide 190. In the following, an attaching structure for the cable guide 190 is described. [0056] Figs. 23(a) and (b) are schematic views of the cable guide attaching structure according to the present invention, and Fig. 23 (a/ shows a side elevational cross section of the cable guide attaching structure and Fig. 23(b) shows a section in plan of the cable guide attaching structure. The front fender 59 indicated by a phantom line has a guide attaching portion 181 formed integrally at a portion in the proximity of a lower end thereof. The guide attaching portion 181 has a guide insertion port 184 of a tapered configuration as viewed in side elevation, a transverse guideway 185 connecting to a tapering portion of the guide insertion port 184 and extending rearwardly, and a longitudinal guideway 186 extending vertically perpendicularly intermediately of the longitudinal direction of the transverse guideway 185, all formed on a vertical wall portion 183 extending longitudinally substantially along a fender side wall 182. The width of the transverse guideway 185 and the width of the longitudinal guideway 186 are substantially equal to each other. Accordingly, projections 187, ... are formed at the four corners at which the transverse guideway 185 and the longitudinal guideway 186 cross each other. [0057] An attaching portion 192 of the cable guide 190 which is elongated and constructed as shown in Fig. 23(a) has a width dimension substantially equal to the width of the transverse guideway 185 or the longitudinal guideway 186. The attaching portion 192 can be fitted into the longitudinal guideway 186 to attach the cable guide 190 to the guide attaching portion 181. [0058] Fig. 24 is a sectional view taken along line 24-24 of Fig. 23 and shows that the cable guide 190 is provided on the inner face of the front fender 59 and the cables 171 and 175 are guided by threading the front brake cable 171 and the speedometer cable 175 into an annual guide portion 193 of the cable guide 190. Since the cable guide 190 is provided on the inner face of the front fender 59, the cable guide 190 cannot be visually observed from the outside of the front fender 59. Accordingly, the appearance is good. It is to be noted that reference numeral 188 denotes a coupling portion for integrally coupling the vertical wall portion 183 to the fender side wall 182. [0059] Figs. 25(a) and (b) are schematic views of the cable guide according to the present invention, and Fig. 25(a) shows a structure in plan of the cable guide 190 and Fig. 25(b) shows a structure in side elevation of the cable guide 190. The cable guide 190 is a molded resin part wherein a pull-out prevention portion 191 provided at a base end, an attaching portion 192 provided at an end of the pull-out prevention portion 191 and a guide portion 193 provided at an end of the attaching portion 192 are formed integrally. The thickness t of the attaching portion 192 is substantially equal to the thickness of the vertical wall portion 183 described hereinabove with reference to Fig. 24. In Fig. 25(b), the direction A2 of the guide portion 193 is perpendicular to the elongated direction A1 of the attaching portion 192. [0060] Figs. 26(a) to (c) are views illustrating an attaching procedure of the cable guide according to the present invention. In order to attach the cable guide 190, the front brake cable 171 and the speedometer cable 175 are threaded into the guide portion 193 in advance in Fig. 26(a). Then, the attaching portion 192 is inserted in a horizontal direction into the guide insertion port 184. Then in Fig. 26(b), the cable guide 190 is turned by 90" so that the attaching portion 192 is directed in a vertical direction. As a result, the attaching portion 192 can be set to the longitudinal guideway 186 as seen in Fig. 26(c). The thus set cable guide 190 is restricted from rotation by the projections 187, .... In this manner, the cable guide 190 can be attached to the front fender 59 easily. [0061] Since the cable guide 190 does not turn, it can hold the front brake cable 171 and the speedometer cable 175. Particularly, the cables 171 and 175 above the cable guide 190 can be held so as not to vibrate as seen in Fig.22, and as a result, the movable range of the cables 171 and 175 can be restricted to a small range. [0062] Fig. 27 is a left side elevational sectional view of elements around the headlamp according to the present invention and shows that an opening 201 formed to extend upwardly and downwardly between an upper end portion of the front cover 31 and an upper end portion of the leg shield 32 is substantially closed up with a shield upper cover 202. Describing more particularly, the front cover 31 has an edge portion 31a extending rearwardly from an upper end thereof and has a pawl portion 31b extending rearwardly from an inner face of the edge portion 31a. front portion of the shield upper cover 202 can be attached simply to the front cover 31 by inserting a front edge portion 203 at the front end of the shield upper cover 202 between the inner face of the edge portion 31a and the pawl portion 31b. [0063] Figs. 28(a) to (c) are views showing an attaching structure of the shield upper cover according to the present invention, and Fig. 28(a) is a view of a configuration wherein a front half portion of the opening 201 between the front cover 31 and the leg shield 32 is closed up with the shield upper cover 202, Fig. 28(b) a perspective view of the shield upper cover 202, and Fig. 28(c) a sectional view taken along line c-c of Fig. 28(b). In Fig. 28(b), the shield upper cover 202 has the front edge portion 2 03 formed at the front end thereof, has upwardly and downwardly offset arresting lugs 204, 204 formed on the opposite left and right sides of the rear end thereof and has arresting pawl portions 205, 205 (only the left one is shown) formed at the left and right side ends thereof. The arresting lugs 204, 204 are adapted to be hooked on the edge of the opening 201 on the leg shield 32 side shown in Fig. 28(c). [0064] As shown in Figs. 28(a) and (c), the shield upper cover 202 can be attached simply to the leg shield 32 by placing the shield upper cover 202 on the leg shield 32 and then hooking the arresting pawl portions 205 on an edge of an arresting hole 32b of the leg shield 32. As shown in Fig. 28(a), since a front portion of the opening 201 is closed up with the shield upper cover 202, only a rear portion of the opening 201 through which a pipe of the handle bar 14 should pass is open. [0065] In this manner, since cables such as the front brake cable 171 and the speedometer cable 175 shown in Fig. 22 can be threaded into the large opening 201 which is in a state not closed up with the shield upper cover 202, a cable assembling operability can be assured. After the cable assembling operation is completed, since the front half portion of the opening 201 is closed up with the shield upper cover 202, the appearance of the motorcycle 10 can be augmented. [0066] It is to be noted that, in the embodiment of the present invention described above, the vehicle 10 is not limited to a scooter type motorcycle, but may be, for example, a scooter type motor-tricycle or a scooter type four-wheel car. [0067] [Effects of the Invention] The present invention exhibits the following effects because it has the configuration described above. According to claim 1, since two lids of an oil supplying lid and a checking lid are provided in a neighboring relationship to each other on a step floor, upon supplying of oil, only the oil supplying lid may be opened. Since the oil supplying lid is opened only upon supplying of oil, it can be formed with a small size and a light weight to the utmost, and therefore, an oil supplying operation is facilitated. Besides, since the oil supplying lid and the checking lid are provided separately, the degree of freedom in designing is augmented. Further, since, only when the oil supplying lid is opened, the checking lid can be opened and closed to restrict opening and closing of the checking lid so that, only when necessary for a checking operation, the checking lid is opened and closed, the checking lid need not be opened each time an oil supplying operation is to be preformed. Accordingly, supplying of oil does not suffer from misleading or cumbersome and the operation efficiency is high. In this manner, a lid structure for a vehicle which facilitates an oil supplying operation and checking of the vehicle to maintain operation efficiency while the degree of freedom in designing is high can be provided. [0068] Claim 2 is characterized in that the fuel tank, whose oil supplying cap can be opposed to an open portion when an oil supplying lid provided on a step floor is open, is provided below the step floor and a locking apparatus is provided for the oil supplying cap such that, after the oil supplying lid engaged with the step floor is open and then the locking apparatus of the oil supplying cap is unlocked, the oil supplying cap can be turned and removed from the fuel tank. Since the oil supplying cap includes the locking apparatus which is compact and inexpensive, the oil supplying lid is light in weight and the operation efficiency is high, and besides, a space below the oil supplying lid can be assured. As a result, the restriction to the arrangement of the fuel tank is moderated and the tank capacity can be assured readily. Besides, the fuel tank or the oil supplying lid need not project upwardly from the step floor in order to assure the tank capacity. In this manner, a lid structure for a vehicle which facilitates an oil supplying operation and checking of the vehicle to maintain operation efficiency while the degree of freedom in designing is high can be provided. [0069] According to claim 3, the oil supplying cap has a key insertion hole provided at a substantially central position thereof and has a cap turning knob portion provided at a diametrically outer position with respect to the key insertion hole thereof. Therefore, even in a state wherein a key is inserted in the key insertion hole, the knob portion can be held to turn the oil supplying cap. Accordingly, when compared with an alternative arrangement wherein an outer peripheral face of the cap is held and turned, the operability in oil supplying operation can be further raised. [Description of Reference Numerals] 10 ... vehicle (motorcycle) , 3 3 ... step floor, 42 ... fuel tank, 81 ... open portion, 90 „. oil supplying lid, 130 ... checking lid, 318 ... ignition plug for engine, 100 ... oil supplying, cap, 111 ... locking apparatus, 112 ... key We Claim: 1. A lid structure for a vehicle which includes an oil supplying lid on a step floor, characterized in that said vehicle includes a checking lid, which can be opened and closed when said oil supplying lid is open, provided on said step floor in a neighboring relationship with said oil supplying lid. 2. A lid structure for a vehicle which includes an oil supplying lid on a step floor, wherein said vehicle includes a fuel tank, whose oil supplying cap can be opposed to an open portion when said oil supplying lid is open, provided below said step floor and a locking apparatus is provided for said oil supplying cap such that, after said oil supplying lid engaged with said step floor is open and then said locking apparatus of said oil supplying cap is unlocked, said oil supplying cap can be turned and removed from said fuel tank. 3. A lid structure for a vehicle as claimed in claim 2, wherein said oil supplying cap has a key insertion hole provided at a substantially central position thereof and has a cap turning knob portion provided at a diametrically outer position with respect to said key insertion hole thereof. 4. A lid structure for a vehicle substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dated this 7th day of December, 2001. (RAJAN AILAVADI) OF REMFRY & SAGAR AGENT FOR THE APPLICANTS [Name of Document] Abstract of the Disclosure [Abstract] [Object] To provide a lid structure for a vehicle which facilitates an oil supplying operation and checking of the vehicle to maintain operation efficiency while the degree of freedom in designing is high. [Solving Means] A, motorcycle 10 is a scooter which includes an oil supplying lid 90 on a step floor 33. A checking lid 130 which can be opened and closed when the oil supplying lid is opened is provided in a neighboring relationship to the oil supplying lid 90 on the step floor 33. [Selected Drawing] Fig. 12

Full Text

FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT 1970
[39 OF 1970]
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See Section 10; rule 13]
"A lid structure for a vehicle
HONDA GIKEN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA, a corporation of Japan, 1-1 Minamiaoyama 2-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed:

This invention relates to a vehicle wherein an oil supplying lid is provided on a step floor.
[0002]
[Prior Art]
Some vehicles such as a scooter, include a lid on a step floor on which the driver places its feet. As one of vehicles of the type mentioned, for example, the official gazette of Japanese Patent Laid-Open NO. 150768 "Structure of Elements around Lid for Maintenance for Scooter-Type Vehicle (hereinafter referred to as "prior art) is known.
[0003]
The prior art described above includes, as shown in Figs. 1, 3 and 6 of the official gazette mentioned above, a maintenance led 1 (as the reference numeral, that used

in the official gazette is used. This similarly applies in the following description.) with which a recess 26 provided under a step floor 11 of a scooter 1. The lid 13 is screwed to the step floor 11.
The recess 26 has, as shown in Fig. 6, a through-hole 22 perforated therein and has an electric equipment accommodation portion 24 formed therein adjacent to the through-hole 22. A plug wrench 21 is inserted into the through-hole 22 in order to check a spark plug for an engine.
[0004]
[Problems to be Solved by the Invention]
According to the prior art described above, both of the through-hole 22 and the electric part accommodation portion 24 are closed up with the single maintenance lid 13. In other words, the single lid 13 plays a role of a lid for the through-hole 22 and also a role of a lid for the electric equipment accommodation portion 24. Accordingly, since the lid 13 increases in size and also in weight, the burden in operation increases. Besides, each time the lid 13 is opened, both the through-hole 22 and the electric equipment accommodation portion 24 open, which is cumbersome. Furthermore, since both of the through-hole 22 and the electric equipment accommodation

portion 24 are covered up with the single lid 13 on the step floor 11 of a limited space, the degree of freedom in designing is restricted.
[0005]
In the prior art having such a configuration as described above, if the electric equipment accommodation portion 24 is replaced with, for example, an oil supplying port of a fuel tank, then each time the lid 13 is opened to supply oil, also the through-hole 22 is opened. Although the checking frequency of the spark plug for an engine is very low when compared with the oil supplying frequency, it is misleading and cumbersome to open the through-hole 22 each time oil is supplied.
[0006]
Furthermore, since the oil supplying frequency is comparatively high, it is cumbersome to remove the screwed lid 13 each time oil is supplied. Therefore, usually a locking apparatus which unlocks by a key operation is provided for the lid 13 in place of the screw fastening structure. A locking apparatus of such a comparatively large size that it is popped up by a key operation is popularly used as the locking apparatus. Accordingly, when the lid 13 is opened or closed, an increased operating force by the locking apparatus is

required. Besides, since the locking apparatus projects downwardly from the lid 13, the space below the lid 13 decreases as much. As a result, the arrangement of the fuel tank is restricted and it becomes difficult to assure a tank capacity.
[0007]
Therefore, the object of the present invention resides in provision of a lid structure for a vehicle which facilitates an oil supplying operation and checking of the vehicle to maintain operation efficiency while the degree of freedom in designing is high.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problem]
In order to attain the object described above, according to claim 1, a lid structure for a vehicle which includes an oil supplying lid on a step floor is characterized in that the vehicle includes a checking lid, which can be opened and closed when the oil supplying lid is open, provided on the step floor in a neighboring relationship with the oil supplying lid.
[0009]
Since the two lids of the oil supplying lid and the checking lid are provided in a neighboring relationship to each other on the step floor, upon supplying of oil,

only the oil supplying lid may be opened. Since the oil supplying lid is opened only upon supplying of oil, it can be formed with a smell size and a light weight to the utmost, and therefore, an oil supplying operation is facilitated. Besides, since the oil supplying lid and the checking lid are provided separately, the degree of freedom in designing is augmented.
Further, since, only when the oil supplying lid is opened, the checking lid can be opened and closed to restrict opening and closing of the checking lid so that, only when necessary for a checking operation, the checking lid is opened and closed, the checking lid need not be opened each time an oil supplying operation is to be preformed. Accordingly, supplying of oil does not suffer from misleading or cumbersome and the operation efficiency is high. [0010]
According to claim 2, a lid structure for a vehicle which includes an oil supplying lid on a step floor is characterized in that the vehicle includes a fuel tank, whose oil supplying cap can be opposed to an open portion when the oil supplying lid is open, provided below the step floor and a locking apparatus is provided for the oil supplying cap such that, after the oil supplying lid

engaged with the step floor is open and then the locking apparatus of the oil supplying cap is unlocked, the oil supplying cap can be turned and removed from the fuel tank.
Since the oil supplying cap includes the locking apparatus which is compact and inexpensive, the oil supplying lid is light in weight and the operation efficiency is high, and besides, a space below the oil supplying lid can be assured. As a result, the restriction to the arrangement of the fuel tank is moderated and the tank capacity can be assured readily. Besides, the fuel tank or the oil supplying lid need not project upwardly from the step floor in order to assure the tank capacity. [0011]
Claim 3 is characterized in that the oil supplying cap has a key insertion hole provided at a substantially central position thereof and has a cap turning knob portion provided at a diametrically outer position with respect to the key insertion hole thereof.
Even in a state wherein a key is inserted in the key insertion hole, the knob portion can be held to turn the oil supplying cap. Accordingly, when compared with an alternative arrangement wherein an outer peripheral face

of the cap is held and turned, the operability in oil supplying operation can be further raised.
[0012]
[Mode for Carrying out the Invention]
An embodiment of the present invention is described
below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is
to be noted that "front", "rear", "left", right,",
"upper", and "lower" are defined as directions as viewed
from the driver, and Fr denotes the front side, RR the
rear side, L the left side, and R the right side. Further,
the drawings should be viewed in the direction of the
reference characters.
[Brief Description of the Drawings] [Fig. 1]
Fig. 1 is a left side elevational view of a motorcycle according to the present invention. [Fig. 2]
Fig. 2 is a plan view showing a mounted state of a fuel pump according to the present invention. [Fig. 3].
Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing an attached

state of the fuel pump according to the present invention. [Fig. 4]
Fig. 4 is a perspective view of an engine according to the present invention. [Fig. 5]
Fig. 5 is a plan view of the motorcycle according to the present invention. [Fig. 6]
Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the engine according to the present invention. [Fig. 7]
Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a rear portion of the motorcycle according to the present invention. [Fig. 8]
Fig. 8 is a plan view of a rear portion of the motorcycle according to the present invention. [Fig. 9]
Fig. 9 is a side elevational sectional view of elements around a step floor and a fuel tank according to the present invention. [Fig. 10]
Figs. 10(a) and (b) are schematic views showing a configuration of an oil supplying cap according to the present invention.

[Fig. 11]
Fig. 11 is a side elevational sectional view of the oil supplying cap according to the present invention. [Fig. 12]
Fig. 12 is a perspective view of essential part of elements around the step floor and an oil supplying lid according to the present invention. [Fig. 13]
Fig. 13 is a perspective view (part 1) of essential part of elements around the step floor, oil supplying lid and oil supplying cap according to the present invention. [Fig. 14]
Fig. 14 is a perspective view (part 2) of essential part of elements around the step floor, oil supplying lid and oil supplying cap according to the present invention. [Fig. 15]
Fig. 15 is a perspective view of essential part of elements around the step floor and the checking lid according to the present invention. [Fig. 16]
Fig. 16 is a plan view of the step floor according to the present invention. [Fig. 17]
Fig. 17 is a perspective view of the checking lid

according to the present invention. [Fig. 18]
Fig. 18 is a sectional view taken along line 18-18 of FIG. 16. [Fig. 19]
Fig. 19 is a schematic view showing a configuration of elements around a main switch attaching portion according to the present invention. [Fig. 20]
Figs. 20(a) and (b) are schematic views showing a configuration of elements around a main switch according to the present invention. [Fig. 21]
Figs. 21(a) through (c) are schematic views showing a configuration of a leg shield cover according to the present invention. [Fig. 22]
Fig. 22 is a left side elevational view of a front half portion of the motorcycle according to the present invention. [Fig. 23]
Figs. 23(a) and (b) are schematic views showing a configuration of a cable guide attaching structure according to the present invention.

[0013]
Fig. 1 is a left side elevational view of a motorcycle according to the present invention.
The motorcycle 10 is a vehicle of the scooter type and includes, as principal components thereof, a body frame 11, a front fork 12 mounted on a head pipe 11a of the body frame 11, a front wheel 13 mounted on the front fork 12, a handle bar 14 connected to the front fork 12, a unit swing engine 15 mounted for upward and downward swinging movement at a rear portion of the body frame 11, a rear wheel 16 mounted on the unit swing engine 15, a rear cushion unit 17 on which a rear end portion of the

unit swing engine 15 is suspended, an accommodation box (luggage box) 18 mounted at a rear upper portion of the body frame 11, and a seat 19 disposed for opening and closing movement above the accommodation box 18. [0014]
The body frame 11 includes a die-cast front frame 11F having the head pipe 11a formed integrally therewith, and a die-cast rear frame 11R connected to the front frame 11F at a connection portion 11X.
The unit swing engine 15 includes an engine 21 and a belt converter non-stage transmission 22 with a centrifugal clutch. The engine 21 is a water-cooled 4-cycle engine which includes a cylinder block 307, a cylinder head 308 and a head cover 311, that is, a cylinder portion, positioned between the accommodation box 18 and a fuel tank 42 and is inclined substantially with reference to a horizontal direction. [0015]
Further, the body frame 11 of the motorcycle 10 is covered with a body cover 30. The body cover 30 includes a front cover 31 which covers a front portion of the head pipe 11a, a leg shield 32 which cover a rear portion of the front cover 31 on the opposite sides of the head pipe 11a and covers forwardly of leg portions of the driver,

step floor (low foot-receiving plate) 33 for receiving the feet of the driver, a pair of left and right floor side covers 34 extending downwardly from an outer edge of the step floor 33, an under cover 35 which covers between lower edges of the floor side covers 34, a seat lower portion cover 36 which covers a front portion around a portion below the seat 19, a rear cover 37 which covers a rear lower portion of the seat 19 and covers over the rear wheel 16, and a pair of left and right side covers 38.
[0016]
The motorcycle 10 described above is configured such that (1) a main switch 41 (ignition key cylinder) is disposed at a portion of the leg shield 32, (2) a fuel tank 42 and a fuel pump 43 are disposed below the step floor 33, and (3) a tray not shown is provided at an upper end portion of a rear portion of the body frame 11 and a radiator reserve tank 44, a battery 45 and a control unit 46 are disposed in the tray.
[0017]
In the figure, reference character 51 denotes a handle grip, 52L a left brake lever, 53 a meter panel, 54 a mirror, 55 a left winker provided in pair on the left and the right, 56F a front side handle cover, 56R a rear

side handle cover, 57 a headlamp, 58 a horn provided in the front cover 31, 59 a front fender mounted for rotation together with the front fork 12, 61 an engine hanger provided in pair on the left and the right, 62 a kick pedal for starting the engine, 63 an air cleaner provided on the left side of the body, 64 a carburetor, 65 an engine cooling radiator provided at the right end of a crankshaft 21a of the engine 21, 66 an exhaust pipe for the engine, 67 a muffler for exhaust gas provided on the right side of the body, 71 a main stand, 72 a rear fender, 73 a tail lamp, 74 a rear winker, 75 a carrier, and He a helmet. [0018]
Fig. 2 is a plan view showing a mounted state of the fuel pump according to the present invention and shows that the electromagnetic fuel pump 43 is attached to an upper face of the under cover 35 by means of nuts 301, 301 and that a fuel filter 302 is connected to the fuel tank 42 (refer to Fig. 1) by a hose 321 and the fuel pump 43 is connected to the fuel filter 302 by a hose 303. It is to be noted that the leftward direction (direction of a blank arrow mark) is the front direction (front) of the vehicle (this similarly applies to the following figures).

[0019]
Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing a mounted state of the fuel pump according to the present invention and shows a state wherein the fuel pump 43 is viewed from obliquely forwardly upwards.
Reference numeral 304 denotes a check valve for allowing fuel to flow only in one direction to the carburetor 64 (refer to Fig. 1) side.
The fuel pump 43 is disposed at a lower portion on the right side of the cylinder head which is hereinafter described. Reference numeral 315 denotes an ignition coil. [0020]
Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the engine according to the present invention. The engine 21 includes a crankcase 306, a cylinder block 307 attached to a front portion of the crankcase 306, a cylinder head 308 attached to a front portion of the cylinder block 307, a head cover 311 which covers an end portion of the cylinder head 308, a carburetor 64 disposed above the crankcase 306, an intake pipe 312 extending from the carburetor 64 to the cylinder head 308 side, an intake manifold 313 having the intake pipe 312 connected thereto and attached to the cylinder head 308, a connecting tube 314 extending from the carburetor 64 and connecting to

the air cleaner 63 (refer to Fig. 1), a plug cap 317 connected to the ignition coil 315 by a high tension cable 316, an ignition plug 318 covered with the plug cap 317, and a radiator 65 attached to a side face of the cranecase 3D6 .
An engine hanger 61 includes a pair of left and right hanger plates 61a, 61b connected to each other by a pipe 61c. Reference numeral 319 denotes a breather tube. [0021]
Fig. 5 is a plan view of the motorcycle according to the present invention (view as viewed from above the engine below the accommodation box) and shows that the carburetor 64 is disposed above the engine 21 and an end portion of a throttle cable 325 extending from the handle bar 14 (refer to Fig- 1) is connected to the carburetor 64 while a seat locK frame 326 on which a seat lock (not shown) for holding the seat 19 (refer to Fig. 1) is attached to a rear portion of the rear frame 11R and the radiator reserve tank 44 and the battery 45 are disposed below the seat lock frame 326. [0022]
The reserve tank 44 and the battery 45 allow maintenance thereof oy "removind a maintenance lid (not shown) removably provided on a rear wall of the

accommodation box 18 (refer to Fig. 1). Consequently, the maintenance facility of the reserve tank 44 and the battery 45 is improved.
It is to be noted that reference numeral 328 denotes a band for securing the battery 45, 341 a positive terminal to which a fuse box 347 of the battery 45 is attached integrally, 342 a negative terminal, 343 a conductor connected to the negative terminal, and 345 a secondary air introducing tube connected to a lead valve 346 (refer to Fig. 4) attached to the head cover 311 for supplying air from the air cleaner 63 (refer to Fig. 1) to an exhaust air path of the engine 21. [0023]
Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the engine according to the present invention and shows that the radiator 65 is attached to a side portion of the engine 21. It is to be noted that reference numeral 348 denotes a radiator cover which covers a side portion of the radiator body and serves also as a wind introducing opening, and 351 a radiator cap. [0024]
Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a rear portion of the motorcycle according to the present invention (view as viewed from obliquely rearwardly upwards of the

vehicle) and shows a state wherein the control unit (engine control unit) 46 is attached to a rear portion of the motorcycle 10 (refer to Fig. 1). It is to be noted that reference numerals 354, ... (... signifies a plural number. This similarly applies in the following description.) denote three bolts for attaching the control unit 46 to a rear frame portion 11Y which forms a rear portion of the rear frame 11R (refer to Fig. 1), reference numeral 356 denotes a wire harness, 357 a regulator coupler connected to the control unit 46, and 358 a COU coupler for connecting a CPU harness 361 branching from the wire harness 356 to the control unit 46.
The regulator coupler 357 and the CPU coupler 358 are disposed separately on the left and the right of the body, respectively, to raise the degree of freedom of the layout and suppress an increase in scale of the couplers 357, and 358. [0025]
Fig. 8 is a plan view of a rear portion of the motorcycle according to the present invention, and shows a state wherein the control unit 46 (refer to Fig. 7) is removed from a rear portion of the motorcycle 10 (refer to Fig. 1) and shows a state wherein the reserve tank 44

is connected to the radiator 65 (refer to Fig. 6) by a hose 363 and a battery disconnection relay 364 is disposed rearwardly of the battery 45. It is to be noted that reference numeral 366 denotes a stand unlock cable for canceling a locked state of the main stand 71 (a state wherein the main stand 71 is positioned downwardly and cannot be lifted), 367 a seat unlocking cable for canceling a locked state wherein the seat 19 (refer to Fig. 1) is kept closed, 368 a relay cable connected to the battery disconnection relay 364, and 371 a battery cable connected to the terminals 341 and 342 (refer to Fig. 5) of the battery 45. [0026]
Fig. 9 is a side elevational sectional view of elements around the step floor and the fuel tank according to the present invention and shows that an open portion 81 extends upwardly and downwardly through the step floor 33 is perforated at a rear portion of the step floor 33 and an oil supplying lid 90 for opening and closing the open portion 81 is provided on the step floor 33 and that a fuel tank 42 whose oil supplying cap 100 can be opposed to the open portion 81 when the oil supplying lid 90 is opened is provided below the step floor 33.

The oil supplying cap 100 in a state wherein it closes up the oil supplying port 42a of the fuel tank 42 projects upwardly from an upper face of the step floor 33. Therefore, the oil supplying lid 90 has an upwardly swollen shape. The oil supplying lid 90 can be set to a state wherein it closes up the open portion 81 by hooking a hooked portion 91 provided at a rear end portion thereof at the step floor 33. Reference numeral 92 denotes a "knob" for operating the hooked portion 91 to an open state. [0027]
By the way, the fuel system including the fuel pump 43 and the fuel filter 302 is disposed at a position near to the cylinder head 308 and the head cover 311 of the engine 21 within a space surrounded by the under cover 35, which covers and protects a bottom portion of the fuel tank 42, the step floor 33 and left and right floor side covers 34. Therefore, the fuel system including the fuel pump 43 and the fuel filter 302 is covered with a thermal shield plate (shade) 35a so that it may not be influenced by heat of the engine 21 which has a comparatively high temperature. The thermal shield plate 35a is molded integrally with the under cover 35 made of a resin material and is assembled in a bent state so that it may

be interposed between the fuel system including the fuel pump 43 and the fuel filter 302 and the engine 21. [0028]
Figs. 10(a) and (b) are schematic views of the oil supplying cap according to the present invention, and Fig. 10(a) shows a structure in plan and Fig. 10(b) shows a structure in side elevation.
The oil supplying cap 100 includes a locking apparatus 111 and has a key insertion hole 112 of the locking apparatus 111 at a substantially central position thereof, and further includes two cap turning knob portions 113, 113 provided at diametrically outer positions of the key insertion hole 112. Reference numeral 114 denotes a key for a main switch, and 115 an engaging projection. [0029]
Fig. 11 is a side elevational section view of the oil supplying cap according to the present invention and shows that the locking apparatus 111 is provided on the oil supplying cap 100.
The oil supplying cap 100 includes, as principal components thereof, a cap body 101, an inner cylinder 102 accommodated for rotation in the cap body 101, a plurality of tumbler disks 103, ... and a plurality of lock

springs 104, ... provided on the inner cylinder 102, a lock plate 105 connected to the inner cylinder 102, a chamber 106 fitted on an operation end face of the cap body 101, a cover 107 fitted on the operation end face of the chamber 106, a seal cap 108 in which a portion remote from the operating portion of the cap body 101 is accommodated, and a cap valve 109.
[0030]
The locking apparatus 111 is formed as a combination structure of the inner cylinder 102, tumbler disks 103, ..., lock springs 104, ..., and lock plate 105. If a key 114 is inserted into the key insertion hole 112 shown in Fig. 10 and turns the inner cylinder 102, then the lock plate 105 can be rotated to place the locking apparatus 111 into an unlocking state. It is to be noted that, only when the locking apparatus 111 is in a locking state, the key 114 can be removed from the key insertion hole 112.
The cap valve 109 is a breather valve in the fuel tank 42 (refer to Fig. 9). Reference numeral 121 denotes a compression spring, reference numerals 122 and 123 denote each a packing, reference numeral 124 denotes an O-snap ring, and 125 a retainer.
[0031]

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of essential part of elements around the step floor and the oil supplying lid according to the present invention and shows that the oil supplying lid 90 is provided at a rear portion at the center in the widthwise direction of the step floor 33 and a checking lid 130 in a state wherein it neighbors the oil supplying lid 90 is provided on the step floor 33. [0032]
Fig. 13 is a perspective view (part 1) of essential part of elements around the step floor, oil supplying lid and oil supplying cap according to the present invention and shows that the oil supplying lid 90 is attached for opening and closing movement to the step floor 33 by means of a hinge 82.
If the oil supplying lid 90 engaged with the step floor 33 is opened and the oil supplying cap 100 is exposed from the open portion 81 when the oil supplying lid 90 is opened, then the key 114 can be inserted into the key insertion hole 112 of the oil supplying cap 100. [0033]
Fig. 14 is a perspective view (part 2) of essential part of elements around the step floor, oil supplying lid and oil supplying cap according to the present invention and shows a state wherein the oil supplying cap 100 is

removed from the oil supplying port 42a of the fuel tank 42.
The oil supplying port 42a includes two engaging recesses 42b, 42b. If the oil supplying cap 100 is turned and the engaging projections 115, 115 of the oil supplying cap 100 are disengaged from the engaging recesses 42b, 42b, then the oil supplying cap 100 can be removed from the fuel tank 42. [0034]
Fig. 15 is a perspective view of essential part of elements around the step floor and the checking liquid according to the present invention and shows a state wherein the checking lid 130 is removed.
The checking lid 130 is opened when the engine ignition plug 318 is to be checked. [0035]
Fig. 16 is a plan view of the step floor according to the present invention and shows that the oil supplying lid 90 is provided at a rear portion at the center in the widthwise direction of the step floor 33 and the checking lid 130 which leftwardly neighbors the oil supplying lid 90 is provided on the step floor 33. [0036]
Fig. 17 is a perspective view of the checking lid

according to the present invention.
The checking lid 130 has a horizontal flat lid portion 131 and a rear wall portion 135 extending upwardly from a rear end of the lid portion 131.
The lid portion 131 serves also as part of the step floor 33 (refer to Fig. 16) and has an engaging portion 132 extending to the neighboring oil supplying lid 90 side, a finger hooking portion 133 of a reversed L-shape extending upwardly from an end portion of the engaging portion 132, and two arresting pawl portions 134, 134 extending downwardly from an edge of the lid portion 131, all formed integrally with each other. The finger hooking portion 133 is hooked and pulled up by a finger of a hand when the lid portion 131 is to be removed.
The rear wall portion 135 has two arresting pawl portions 136, 136 extending downwardly from a rear end thereof and formed integrally therewith. [0037]
Fig. 18 is a sectional view taken along line 18-18 of Fig. 16 and shows a state wherein a checking hole 83 of the step floor 33 is closed up with the checking lid 130.
The checking lid 130 in the closed state is engaged with the step floor 33 with the arresting pawl portions

134, 134 thereof hooked with an edge portion 84 of the checking hole 83 and has the engaging portion 132 thereof placed on an upper face of the step floor 33.
When the oil supplying lid 90 is closed, an edge portion 93 of the oil supplying lid 90 is placed into a state wherein it is fitted on the engaging portion 132. Accordingly, the checking lid 130 can be opened or closed when the oil supplying lid 90 is opened. [0038]
A procedure of supplementing fuel into the fuel tank 42 is described with reference to Figs. 12 to 14.
First, if a knob 92 is pulled in the direction of an arrow mark (1) to disengage the hooked portion 91 (refer to Fig. 9) and to open the oil supplying lid 90 in the direction of an arrow mark (2) in Fig. 12, then the oil supplying lid 90 engaged with the step floor 33 is opened. As a result, the oil supplying cap 100 is exposed from the open portion 81 when the oil supplying lid 90 is opened as seen in Fig. 13. [0039]
Then, the key 114 is inserted into the key insertion hole 112 of the oil supplying cap 100 in Fig.
13 and then turned clockwise (arrow mark (3)) to place the locking apparatus 111 into an unlocking state, and then

the knob portions 113, 113 are held to turn the oil supplying cap 100 counterclockwise (arrow mark (4)) to open the oil supplying cap 100.
As described above, the oil supplying cap 100 has the key insertion hole 112 at a substantially central position thereof and includes the cap turning knob portions 113, 113 at diametrically outer positions of the key insertion hole 112. Even in a state wherein the key 114 is inserted in the key insertion hole 112, the cap turning knob portions 113, 113 can be held to turn the oil supplying cap 100. Accordingly, when compared with an alternative arrangement wherein an outer peripheral face of the oil supplying cap 100 is held and turned, the operability in oil supplying operation can be further raised.
Further, since the locking apparatus 111 is of a simple type wherein the key 114 is inserted into the key insertion hole 112 to cancel the engagement of the key pawl, it is comparatively small in size and low in weight. Accordingly, a space below the oil supplying lid 90 can be assured. As a result, the restriction to the arrangement of the fuel tank 42 is moderated, and a tank capacity can be assured readily. [0040]

Furthermore, since the locking apparatus 111 is proved on the oil supplying cap 100, a locking apparatus need not be provided for the oil supplying lid 90. Therefore, since the oil supplying lid 90 is reduced in weight, opening and closing operations of the oil supplying lid 90 are further facilitated. Accordingly, the oil supplying operation can be facilitated and the operation efficiency can be raised. In particular, since the oil supplying cap 100 includes the locking apparatus 111 which is compact and inexpensive, the oil supplying lid 90 is light in weight and the operation efficiency is high.
Further, since the oil supplying lid 90 does not include a locking apparatus, the space below the oil supplying lid 90 can be assured as much. As a result, the restriction to the arrangement of the fuel tank 42 is moderated and the tank capacity can be assured readily. Besides, the fuel tank 42 or the oil supplying lid 90 need not project upwardly from the step floor 33 in order to assure the tank capacity. [0041]
After the oil supplying lid 90 engaged with the step floor 33 is opened and the locking apparatus 111 of the oil supplying cap 100 is brought into an unlocking

state in this manner, the oil supplying cap 100 can be turned and removed from the fuel tank 42 and fuel can be supplemented into the fuel tank 42. [0042]
After the supplementation of fuel is completed, the engaging projections 115 of the oil supplying cap 100 are registered with the engaging recesses 42b of the oil supplying port 42a in Fig. 14 (arrow mark (5)) and the oil supplying cap 100 is turned clockwise.
Then, the key 114 is turned counterclockwise
(direction opposite to the arrow mark (3)) in Fig. 13 to place the locking apparatus 111 into a locking state. Then, after the key 114 is pulled off, the oil supplying lid 90 is closed. [0043]
Now, a procedure of checking the ignition plug is described with reference to Figs. 12 and 15.
First, the knob 92 is pulled in the direction of the arrow mark (1) in Fig. 12 to disengage the hooked portion 91 (refer to Fig. 9) and open the oil supplying lid 90 in the direction of the arrow mark (2) thereby to open the oil supplying lid 90 engaged with the step floor 33.
Then, the arresting pawl portions 134, 134 and 136,

136 engaged with the step floor 33 are disengaged to open the checking lid 130 in Fig. 15. Then, maintenance or checking operation for the plug cap 317 and/or the engine ignition plug 318 is performed. [0044]
After the maintenance or checking operation is completed, the arresting pawl portions 134, 134 and 136, 136 are engaged with the step floor 33 in Fig. 15 to close the checking lid 130. Thereafter, the oil supplying lid 90 is closed as shown in Fig. 12.
In this manner, only when the oil supplying lid 90 is opened, the checking lid 130 can be opened and closed. Opening and closing of the checking lid 130 are restricted, and only when necessary, the checking lid 130 can be opened and closed. [0045]
As apparent from the foregoing description, since the two lids of the oil supplying lid 90 and the checking lid 130 are provided in a neighboring relationship to each other on the step floor 33, upon supplying of oil, only the oil supplying lid 90 may be opened. Since the oil supplying lid 90 is opened only upon supplying of oil, it can be formed with a small size and a light weight to the utmost, and therefore, an oil supplying operation is

facilitated. Besides, since the oil supplying lid 90 and the checking lid 130 are provided separately, the degree of freedom in designing is augmented.
[0046]
Furthermore, since, only when the oil supplying lid 90 is opened, the checking lid 130 can be opened and closed to restrict opening and closing of the checking lid 130 so that, only when necessary for a checking operation, the checking lid 130 is opened and closed, the checking lid 130 need not be opened each time an oil supplying operation is to be preformed. Accordingly, supplying of oil does not suffer from misleading or cumbersome and the operation efficiency is high.
[0047]
Fig. 19 is a perspective view of elements around a main switch attaching portion according to the present invention and shows a configuration within which the main switch 41 is attached to the head pipe 11a by means of a screw from the right side of the vehicle body. It is to be noted that this figure shows part of the main switch 41 in section.
The main switch 41 is connected to a seat lock (not shown) by a seat unlocking cable 367. The seat lock for locking the seat 19 (refer to Fig. 1) can be placed into

an unlocking state by operating the swing arm 141 to swing by a key operation of the main switch 41 and pulling out the seat unlocking cable 367. [0048]
The seat unlocking cable 367 extends downwardly through a space defined by the front cover 31 and the leg shield 32 shown in Fig. 1 and passes, at this portion thereof, through a cable protector 143 in the form of a pipe.
The cable protector 143 is attached to a right upper portion of the head pipe 11a by attaching the cable protector 143 to a stay 144 for attaching the horn 58 to the head pipe 11a by means of a clamp member 145. [0049]
The main switch 41 includes an opening/closing shutter mechanism 151 for opening and closing a key insertion hole. The opening/closing shutter mechanism 151 includes a locking mechanism (not shown) for locking an opening and closing shutter for opening and closing the key insertion hole so that the opening and closing shutter may not be opened. The locking mechanism is a magnetic type locking mechanism. [0050]
Figs. 20(a) and (b) are schematic views of elements

around the main switch according to the present invention.
Fig. 20(a) is a view when a front half portion of the motorcycle 10 is viewed from rightwardly rearwards of the vehicle body and shows that the main switch 41 (refer to Fig. 19) and the opening/closing shutter mechanism 151 (refer to Fig. 19) disposed at a right upper portion of the leg shield 32 are covered with a leg shield cover 160. By this, the projection of a rear portion of the head pipe 11a (refer to Fig. 19) is minimized and elements around the main switch 41 can be covered with the leg shield 32, and consequently, a good appearance is provided.
[0051]
An operation face of the shutter cover 152 can be observed through the opening 161 of the front of the leg shield cover 160. Reference character 52R denotes a right brake lever, 171 a front brake cable connected to the right brake lever 52R, 172 a starter switch, and 173 an idle mode changeover switch.
[0052]
Fig. 20(b) is a front elevational view of the main switch 41 and the opening/closing shutter mechanism 151.
The opening/closing shutter mechanism 151 has a key insertion hole 154 and a shutter key insertion hole 155

perforated in an operation face 153 of the shutter cover 152. The key insertion hole 41a of the main switch 41 is opposed to the key insertion hole 154.
The main switch 41 has a seat unlocking position "SEAT" provided between an off position "OFF" and an on position "ON" such that, by registering a key with the seat unlocking position "SEAT" and then inserting the key, the seat locking can be canceled through the swing arm 141 (refer to Fig. 19). [0053]
Figs. 21(a) to (c) are schematic views of the leg shield cover according to the present invention, and Fig. 21(a) is a front elevational view of the leg shield cover 160, Fig. 21(b) a sectional view taken along line b-b of Figs. 21(a), and 21(c) a sectional view taken along line c-c of Fig. 21(a).
The leg shield cover 160 is engaged with the leg shield 32 by placing it to a location around the opening 32a of the leg shield 32 and hooking the leg shield cover 160 to the edge of the opening 32a with arresting pawl portions 162, ..., and an attaching boss 164 is attached to the leg shield 32 by means of a screw 163 as shown in Fig. 21(c) . [0054]

Fig. 22 is a left side elevational view of a front half portion of the motorcycle according to the present invention and shows that a front brake cable 171 and a speedometer cable 175 are passed through spaces in the front and rear side handle covers 56F and 56R, a space between the front cover 31 and the leg shield 32 and a space within the front fender 59.
The front brake cable 171 is a wire cable for interconnecting a front brake 176 of the front wheel 13 side and the right side brake lever 52R (refer to Fig.20). The speedometer cable 175 is a wire cable for interconnecting a speed sensor 177 of the front wheel 13 side and the meter panel 53 of the handle bar side. [0055]
The front feeder 59 has a cable guide 190 provided on an inner face thereof such that the front brake cable 171 and the speedometer cable 175 are guided by the cable guide 190. In the following, an attaching structure for the cable guide 190 is described. [0056]
Figs. 23(a) and (b) are schematic views of the cable guide attaching structure according to the present invention, and Fig. 23 (a/ shows a side elevational cross section of the cable guide attaching structure and Fig.

23(b) shows a section in plan of the cable guide attaching structure.
The front fender 59 indicated by a phantom line has a guide attaching portion 181 formed integrally at a portion in the proximity of a lower end thereof. The guide attaching portion 181 has a guide insertion port 184 of a tapered configuration as viewed in side elevation, a transverse guideway 185 connecting to a tapering portion of the guide insertion port 184 and extending rearwardly, and a longitudinal guideway 186 extending vertically perpendicularly intermediately of the longitudinal direction of the transverse guideway 185, all formed on a vertical wall portion 183 extending longitudinally substantially along a fender side wall 182. The width of the transverse guideway 185 and the width of the longitudinal guideway 186 are substantially equal to each other. Accordingly, projections 187, ... are formed at the four corners at which the transverse guideway 185 and the longitudinal guideway 186 cross each other. [0057]
An attaching portion 192 of the cable guide 190 which is elongated and constructed as shown in Fig. 23(a) has a width dimension substantially equal to the width of the transverse guideway 185 or the longitudinal guideway

186. The attaching portion 192 can be fitted into the longitudinal guideway 186 to attach the cable guide 190 to the guide attaching portion 181. [0058]
Fig. 24 is a sectional view taken along line 24-24 of Fig. 23 and shows that the cable guide 190 is provided on the inner face of the front fender 59 and the cables 171 and 175 are guided by threading the front brake cable 171 and the speedometer cable 175 into an annual guide portion 193 of the cable guide 190.
Since the cable guide 190 is provided on the inner face of the front fender 59, the cable guide 190 cannot be visually observed from the outside of the front fender 59. Accordingly, the appearance is good.
It is to be noted that reference numeral 188 denotes a coupling portion for integrally coupling the vertical wall portion 183 to the fender side wall 182. [0059]
Figs. 25(a) and (b) are schematic views of the cable guide according to the present invention, and Fig. 25(a) shows a structure in plan of the cable guide 190 and Fig. 25(b) shows a structure in side elevation of the cable guide 190.
The cable guide 190 is a molded resin part wherein

a pull-out prevention portion 191 provided at a base end, an attaching portion 192 provided at an end of the pull-out prevention portion 191 and a guide portion 193 provided at an end of the attaching portion 192 are formed integrally. The thickness t of the attaching portion 192 is substantially equal to the thickness of the vertical wall portion 183 described hereinabove with reference to Fig. 24. In Fig. 25(b), the direction A2 of the guide portion 193 is perpendicular to the elongated direction A1 of the attaching portion 192. [0060]
Figs. 26(a) to (c) are views illustrating an attaching procedure of the cable guide according to the present invention.
In order to attach the cable guide 190, the front brake cable 171 and the speedometer cable 175 are threaded into the guide portion 193 in advance in Fig. 26(a). Then, the attaching portion 192 is inserted in a horizontal direction into the guide insertion port 184.
Then in Fig. 26(b), the cable guide 190 is turned by 90" so that the attaching portion 192 is directed in a vertical direction. As a result, the attaching portion 192 can be set to the longitudinal guideway 186 as seen in Fig. 26(c). The thus set cable guide 190 is restricted

from rotation by the projections 187, .... In this manner, the cable guide 190 can be attached to the front fender 59 easily. [0061]
Since the cable guide 190 does not turn, it can hold the front brake cable 171 and the speedometer cable 175. Particularly, the cables 171 and 175 above the cable guide 190 can be held so as not to vibrate as seen in Fig.22, and as a result, the movable range of the cables 171 and 175 can be restricted to a small range. [0062]
Fig. 27 is a left side elevational sectional view of elements around the headlamp according to the present invention and shows that an opening 201 formed to extend upwardly and downwardly between an upper end portion of the front cover 31 and an upper end portion of the leg shield 32 is substantially closed up with a shield upper cover 202.
Describing more particularly, the front cover 31 has an edge portion 31a extending rearwardly from an upper end thereof and has a pawl portion 31b extending rearwardly from an inner face of the edge portion 31a. front portion of the shield upper cover 202 can be attached simply to the front cover 31 by inserting a

front edge portion 203 at the front end of the shield upper cover 202 between the inner face of the edge portion 31a and the pawl portion 31b. [0063]
Figs. 28(a) to (c) are views showing an attaching structure of the shield upper cover according to the present invention, and Fig. 28(a) is a view of a configuration wherein a front half portion of the opening 201 between the front cover 31 and the leg shield 32 is closed up with the shield upper cover 202, Fig. 28(b) a perspective view of the shield upper cover 202, and Fig. 28(c) a sectional view taken along line c-c of Fig. 28(b).
In Fig. 28(b), the shield upper cover 202 has the front edge portion 2 03 formed at the front end thereof, has upwardly and downwardly offset arresting lugs 204, 204 formed on the opposite left and right sides of the rear end thereof and has arresting pawl portions 205, 205 (only the left one is shown) formed at the left and right side ends thereof. The arresting lugs 204, 204 are adapted to be hooked on the edge of the opening 201 on the leg shield 32 side shown in Fig. 28(c). [0064]
As shown in Figs. 28(a) and (c), the shield upper cover 202 can be attached simply to the leg shield 32 by

placing the shield upper cover 202 on the leg shield 32 and then hooking the arresting pawl portions 205 on an edge of an arresting hole 32b of the leg shield 32.
As shown in Fig. 28(a), since a front portion of the opening 201 is closed up with the shield upper cover 202, only a rear portion of the opening 201 through which a pipe of the handle bar 14 should pass is open. [0065]
In this manner, since cables such as the front brake cable 171 and the speedometer cable 175 shown in Fig. 22 can be threaded into the large opening 201 which is in a state not closed up with the shield upper cover 202, a cable assembling operability can be assured. After the cable assembling operation is completed, since the front half portion of the opening 201 is closed up with the shield upper cover 202, the appearance of the motorcycle 10 can be augmented. [0066]
It is to be noted that, in the embodiment of the present invention described above, the vehicle 10 is not limited to a scooter type motorcycle, but may be, for example, a scooter type motor-tricycle or a scooter type four-wheel car. [0067]

[Effects of the Invention]
The present invention exhibits the following effects because it has the configuration described above.
According to claim 1, since two lids of an oil supplying lid and a checking lid are provided in a neighboring relationship to each other on a step floor, upon supplying of oil, only the oil supplying lid may be opened. Since the oil supplying lid is opened only upon supplying of oil, it can be formed with a small size and a light weight to the utmost, and therefore, an oil supplying operation is facilitated. Besides, since the oil supplying lid and the checking lid are provided separately, the degree of freedom in designing is augmented.
Further, since, only when the oil supplying lid is opened, the checking lid can be opened and closed to restrict opening and closing of the checking lid so that, only when necessary for a checking operation, the checking lid is opened and closed, the checking lid need not be opened each time an oil supplying operation is to be preformed. Accordingly, supplying of oil does not suffer from misleading or cumbersome and the operation efficiency is high.
In this manner, a lid structure for a vehicle which

facilitates an oil supplying operation and checking of the vehicle to maintain operation efficiency while the degree of freedom in designing is high can be provided. [0068]
Claim 2 is characterized in that the fuel tank, whose oil supplying cap can be opposed to an open portion when an oil supplying lid provided on a step floor is open, is provided below the step floor and a locking apparatus is provided for the oil supplying cap such that, after the oil supplying lid engaged with the step floor is open and then the locking apparatus of the oil supplying cap is unlocked, the oil supplying cap can be turned and removed from the fuel tank.
Since the oil supplying cap includes the locking apparatus which is compact and inexpensive, the oil supplying lid is light in weight and the operation efficiency is high, and besides, a space below the oil supplying lid can be assured. As a result, the restriction to the arrangement of the fuel tank is moderated and the tank capacity can be assured readily. Besides, the fuel tank or the oil supplying lid need not project upwardly from the step floor in order to assure the tank capacity.
In this manner, a lid structure for a vehicle which

facilitates an oil supplying operation and checking of the vehicle to maintain operation efficiency while the degree of freedom in designing is high can be provided. [0069]
According to claim 3, the oil supplying cap has a key insertion hole provided at a substantially central position thereof and has a cap turning knob portion provided at a diametrically outer position with respect to the key insertion hole thereof. Therefore, even in a state wherein a key is inserted in the key insertion hole, the knob portion can be held to turn the oil supplying cap. Accordingly, when compared with an alternative arrangement wherein an outer peripheral face of the cap is held and turned, the operability in oil supplying operation can be further raised.
[Description of Reference Numerals]
10 ... vehicle (motorcycle) , 3 3 ... step floor, 42 ... fuel tank, 81 ... open portion, 90 „. oil supplying lid, 130 ... checking lid, 318 ... ignition plug for engine, 100 ... oil supplying, cap, 111 ... locking apparatus, 112 ... key

We Claim:
1. A lid structure for a vehicle which includes an oil supplying lid on a step floor, characterized in that said vehicle includes a checking lid, which can be opened and closed when said oil supplying lid is open, provided on said step floor in a neighboring relationship with said oil supplying lid.
2. A lid structure for a vehicle which includes an oil supplying lid on a step floor, wherein said vehicle includes a fuel tank, whose oil supplying cap can be opposed to an open portion when said oil supplying lid is open, provided below said step floor and a locking apparatus is provided for said oil supplying cap such that, after said oil supplying lid engaged with said step floor is open and then said locking apparatus of said oil supplying cap is unlocked, said oil supplying cap can be turned and removed from said fuel tank.
3. A lid structure for a vehicle as claimed in claim 2, wherein said oil supplying cap has a key insertion hole provided at a substantially central position thereof and has a cap turning knob portion provided at a diametrically outer position with respect to said key insertion hole thereof.
4. A lid structure for a vehicle substantially as hereinbefore
described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Dated this 7th day of December, 2001.
(RAJAN AILAVADI)
OF REMFRY & SAGAR
AGENT FOR THE APPLICANTS

[Name of Document] Abstract of the Disclosure [Abstract]
[Object] To provide a lid structure for a vehicle which facilitates an oil supplying operation and checking of the vehicle to maintain operation efficiency while the degree of freedom in designing is high. [Solving Means] A, motorcycle 10 is a scooter which includes an oil supplying lid 90 on a step floor 33. A checking lid 130 which can be opened and closed when the oil supplying lid is opened is provided in a neighboring relationship to the oil supplying lid 90 on the step floor 33. [Selected Drawing] Fig. 12

Documents:

1162-mum-2001-abstract(granted)-(23-1-2008).doc

1162-mum-2001-abstract(granted)-(23-1-2008).pdf

1162-mum-2001-cancelled pages(3-12-2007).pdf

1162-mum-2001-claims(7-12-2001).doc

1162-mum-2001-claims(7-12-2001).pdf

1162-mum-2001-claims(amended)-(3-12-2007).pdf

1162-mum-2001-claims(granted)-(23-1-2008).pdf

1162-mum-2001-claims(granted)-(3-1-2008).doc

1162-mum-2001-correspondence(18-12-2007).pdf

1162-mum-2001-correspondence(ipo)-(11-12-2006).pdf

1162-mum-2001-correspondence(ipo)-(25-3-2008).pdf

1162-mum-2001-description(complete)-(7-12-2001).pdf

1162-mum-2001-description(granted)-(23-1-2008).pdf

1162-mum-2001-drawing(7-1-2002).pdf

1162-mum-2001-drawing(7-12-2001).pdf

1162-mum-2001-drawing(granted)-(23-1-2008).pdf

1162-mum-2001-form 1(3-12-2007).pdf

1162-mum-2001-form 1(7-12-2001).pdf

1162-mum-2001-form 13(3-12-2007).pdf

1162-mum-2001-form 18(6-12-2005).pdf

1162-mum-2001-form 2(7-12-2001).doc

1162-mum-2001-form 2(7-12-2001).pdf

1162-mum-2001-form 2(granted)-(23-1-2008).pdf

1162-mum-2001-form 2(granted)-(3-1-2008).doc

1162-mum-2001-form 2(title page)-(granted)-(23-1-2008).pdf

1162-mum-2001-form 3(26-4-2002).pdf

1162-mum-2001-form 3(7-12-2001).pdf

1162-mum-2001-form 3(7-12-2007).pdf

1162-mum-2001-form 5(7-12-2001).pdf

1162-mum-2001-petition under rule 137(3-12-2007).pdf

1162-mum-2001-petition under rule 138(3-12-2007).pdf

1162-mum-2001-power of attorney(3-12-2007).pdf

1162-mum-2001-power of authority (8-3-2002).pdf

1162-mum-2001-specification(amended)-(3-12-2007).pdf

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Patent Number

214009

Indian Patent Application Number

1162/MUM/2001

PG Journal Number

13/2008

Publication Date

28-Mar-2008

Grant Date

23-Jan-2008

Date of Filing

07-Dec-2001

Name of Patentee

HONDA GIKEN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA

Applicant Address

1-1 MINAMIAOYAMA 2-CHOME, MINATO-KU, TOKYO, JAPAN

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	HIROYUKI ITO	C/O KABUSHIKI KAISHA HONDA GIJUTSU KENKYUSHO, 4-1, CHUO 1-CHOME, WAKO-SHI, SAITAMA

PCT International Classification Number

B62J35/00,B62J25/00

PCT International Application Number

N/A

PCT International Filing date

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1	2001-003124	2001-01-10	Japan