Title of Invention	A MOTORCYCLE WITH SECURELY SUPPORTED FUEL TANK
Abstract	[Document Name] Abstract [Abstract] [Object] To ensure the sufficient capacity of the fuel tank in a motorcycle in which a fuel tank is supported by a vehicle body frame including a head pipe which steer ably supports a steering handle, and a down frame which has at least an inclined portion which extends downward toward the rear from the head pipe, and behind which the fuel tank is disposed. [Solving Means] A fastened portion 28, which protrudes from an outer surface of a fuel tank 25, is fastened to an inclined portion 14a of a down frame 14 from a side thereof. [Selected Drawing] Fig. 5

Title of Invention

A MOTORCYCLE WITH SECURELY SUPPORTED FUEL TANK

Abstract

[Document Name] Abstract [Abstract] [Object] To ensure the sufficient capacity of the fuel tank in a motorcycle in which a fuel tank is supported by a vehicle body frame including a head pipe which steer ably supports a steering handle, and a down frame which has at least an inclined portion which extends downward toward the rear from the head pipe, and behind which the fuel tank is disposed. [Solving Means] A fastened portion 28, which protrudes from an outer surface of a fuel tank 25, is fastened to an inclined portion 14a of a down frame 14 from a side thereof. [Selected Drawing] Fig. 5

Full Text	[Document Name] Specification [Title of the Invention] Motorcycle [Technical Field] [0001] The present invention relates to a motorcycle in which a fuel tank is supported in a vehicle body frame including a head pipe which steerably supports a steering handle, and a down frame which has at least an inclined portion which extends downward toward the rear from the head pipe, behind which the fuel tank is disposed behind the inclined portion. [Background Art] [0002] With the disclosure by Patent Document 1, the following motorcycle is known. In the motorcycle, a fuel tank is disposed in a region surrounded by a single down frame, a pair of right and left side frames, and a pair of right and left lower fraines. The down frame extends downward toward the rear from a head pipe. The pair of side frames are respectively joined to both sides of an intermediate part of the down frame, and extend downward toward the rear. The pair of lower frames are joined 10 zhe lower end of the down frame, and extend toward the rear. The fuel tank is located behind the down frame. The fuel tank is supported by both of the lower frames via attachment pieces integrally protruded at the center in the width direction, of front and rear surfaces of the fuel tank. [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent No. 3648982 [Disclosure of the Invention] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention] [0003] However, in the motorcycle disclosed in Patent Document 1 described above, in order to avoid interference between the attachment piece protruded in the central position of the fuel tank in the width direction and the down frame disposed in the central position of a vehicle body in the width direction, a space is retained between the front surface of the fuel tank and the down frame. Thereby, the attachment piece are coupled with a stay at the down frame side. When the space is set between the front surface of the fuel tank and the down frame as described above, the capacity of the fuel tank may possibly be sacrificed, and then the above-described space may possibly be a dead space. [0004] The present invention has been made in consideration of the aforementioned problem. An object of the present invention is to provide a motorcycle in which a sufficient capacity of the fuel tank can be secured. [Means for Solving the Problems] [0005] In order to achieve the foregoing object, an invention according to claim 1 is characterized in the following points. The present invention provides a motorcycle in which a fuel tank is supported by a vehicle body frame including a head pipe which steerably supports a steering handle, and a down frame vhich has at least an inclined portion which extends downward toward the rear from the head pipe, and behind which the fuel tank is disposed. A portion protruding from an outer surface of the fuel tank is fastened to the inclined portion from a side thereof (the portion is hereinafter referred to as a fastened portion) . [0006] In addition to a configuration of the invention according to claim 1, an invention according to claim 2 is characterized in the following points. The fuel tank includes a plurality of tank-forming members each of which includes a flange portion hanging laterally outward so that the tank-forming members can be coupled to each other in a position offset to one of right and left sides from the center of the fuel tank in the width direction. A part of each flange portion is formed as the fastened portion. [0007] In addition to the configuration of the invention according to claim 1, an invention according to claim 3 is characterized by including the down frame includes the inclined portion; a rearward extending portion which passes below the fuel tank, and which extends rearward; and a curved portion which smoothly connects the inclined portion and the rearward extending portion to each other. The present invention is characterized in that the fuel tank includes a front surface and a lower surface which are respectively opposite to the inclined portion and the rearward extending portion of the down frame; and a curved surface facing the curved portion of the down frame. The first fastened portion, which is fastened to the inclined portion, protrudes from the front surface cf the fuel tank. Second and third fastened portions, which are respectively fastened to the rearward extending portion and to the curved portion, protrude respectively from the lower surface, and the curved surface of the fuel tank. Each of the fastened portions is fastened to its counterpart from a side. [0008] In addition to the configuration of the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3, an invention according to claim 4 is characterized in the following points. The vehicle body frame includes a pair of right and left side frames. Front ends of the right and left side frames are respectively joined to both sides of an intermediate part of the inclined portion of the down frame. The right and left side frames are inclined upward toward the rear as viewed from a side- The fuel tank is disposed in a region surrounded by the down frame and both of the side frames. [0009] In addition to the configuration of the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 4, an invention according to claim 5 is characterized in the following points. A fuel filler of the fuel tank is provided to the fuel tank at an opposite side to the fastened portions with respect to the center of the fuel tank in the width direction. An auxiliary other than the fuel tank is disposed in a vicinity of the fuel filler. [0010] In addition to the configuration of the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 5, an invention according to claim 6 is characterized in the following points, A side stand is disposed at one of the right and left sides of the vehicle body frame. An inclined surface facing obliquely upward is formed in an upper portion of a side surface of the outer surfaces of the fuel tank, the side surface facing that one of the right and left sides; and the fuel filler of the fuel tank is provided to the inclined surface. [0011] In addition to the configuration of the invention according to any one of claims 5 and 6, an invention according to claim 7 is characterized in the following points. An opening portion is provided to a portion, which faces the fuel filler, of a side surface of a vehicle body cover, and between the head pipe and a rider's seat. A lid capable of closing the opening portion is attached to the vehicle body cover. The lid can be opened by being rotated forward. [0012] Note that a coolant reserve tank 54 of an embodiment of the present invention corresponds to the auxiliary of the present invention, and tank halves 26 and 27 of the embodiment correspond to the tank-forming members of the present invention. [Effects of the Invention] [0013] The invention according to claim 1 makes it unnecessary to retain a space for avoiding interference between the inclined portion of the down frame of the vehicle body frame and the fuel tank, and makes it possible to form the front surface of the fuel tank to fit the down frame. Accordingly, the capacity cf the fuel tank can be ensured efficiently. [0014] The invention according to claim 2 makes it unnecessary to attach a special member, which is a member separate from the fuel tank, for attaching the fuel tank to the down frame. This is because the parts of the flange portions are formed as the fastened members. The flange portions are integrated into the plurality of tank-forming members forming the fuel tank, in a way that the tank-forming members are coupled to one another. Thus, it is made possible to reduce the number of parts. Moreover, processes of fixing the special member are made unnecessary. Accordingly, the costs can be reduced. [0015] The invention according to claim 3 makes it possible to firmly attach the fuel tank to the vehicle body frame by increasing spots for attaching the fuel tank. [0016] The invention according to claim 4 makes it possible to reliably support the fuel tank by holding both sides of the fuel tank with both of the side frames at a relatively high position. Concurrently, it is made possible to set a fastening position of the front surface of the fuel tank to the down frame at such a high position that interference thereof with the side frames does not occur. Thus, the fuel tank can be firmly attached to the vehicle body frame. [0017] The invention according to claim 5 makes it possible to dispose the auxiliary by using a dead space. In addition, the opening portion, which is provided to the vehicle body cover, can be used both when fuel is filled and when the auxiliary is maintained. [0018] The invention according to claim 6 makes it possible to reliably prevent fuel from overflowing cut of the fuel filler even when the vehicle body is returned to an upright state after the fuel tank is filled up in a state where the vehicle body is inclined by erecting the side stand. In addition, the fuel filler is located at the side toward which the vehicle body is inclined when parked with the side stand. Accordingly, this makes it easier to feed the fuel than otherwise. [0019] In the invention according to claim 7, high positions are avoided when disposing the fuel filler. Thus, it is made unnecessary to lift the fuel feeding nozzle high at the time of fuel feeding. This is because. In addition, it is made easier to recognize the position of the fuel filler from above as compared with a case where the lid opens upward. Interference of the fuel feeding nozzle with the lid can be avoided to the maximum, and the fuel feeding nozzle can be easily inserted from the opening portion into the fuel filler. Thus, fuel feeding is much easier. Moreover, the vehicle body cover can be prevented to the maximum from being soiled by fuel dropping from the fuel feeding nozzle when the fuel feeding nozzle is pulled out of the fuel filler. [Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention] [0020] Descriptions will be provided below for a mode for carrying out the present invention on the basis of an embodiment of the present invention, which is shown in the accompanying drawings. [0021] Figs. 1 to 7 are views showing the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1 is a side view of a scooter-type motorcycle; Fig. 2 is a side view of a vehicle body frame; Jig. 3 is a plan view of the vehicle body frame; Fig* 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of a fuel tank along the line 4-4 of Fig. 3; Fig. 5 is a partially-cutaway plan view of the fuel tank, for showing a state where the fuel tank is attached to a down frame; Fig. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the line 6-6 of Fig. 1; and Fig. 7 is a view in a direction indicated by the arrow 7 of Fig. 6. [0022] First, in Figs. 1 to 3, a vehicle body frame F of the scooter-type motorcycle includes a head pipe 13, a single down frame 14, a lower cross pipe 15, a pair of right and left rear frames 16 and 16, an upper cross pipe 17, a stay 18, and a pair of right and left side frames 19 and 19. The head pipe 13 steerably supports a front fork 11 which rotatably supports a front wheel WF, and a bar-shaped steering handle 12 linked to an upper portion of the front fork 11. The single down frame 14 extends downward toward the rear from the head pipe 13. The lower cross pipe 15 is joined perpendicularly to a rear end of the down frame 14, and extends laterally. The pair of right and left rear frames 16 and 16 extend upward toward the rear from both sides of the lower cross pipe 15, and supports a rider' s seat 20. The upper cross pipe 17 connects intermediate parts respectively of both of the rear frames 16 and 16 to each other. The stay 18 links rear portions respectively of both of the rear frames 16 and 16 to each other. Front ends of the right and left side frames 19 and 19 are joined to the down frame 14. The side frames 19 and 19 extend upward toward the rear, as viewed from a side. Rear ends of the side frames 19 and 19 are joined to the respective rear frames 16 and 16. [0023] The down frame 14 integrally includes an inclined portion 14a extending downward toward the rear from the head pipe 13; a curved portion 14b, a first end of which is continuous with a lower end of the inclined portion 14a, and which is curved rearward; and a rearward extending portion 14c which is continuous with a second end of the curved portion 14b, and which extends rearward. [0024] Each of the rear frames 16 and 16 includes a corresponding one of front inclined portions 16a, front ends of which are joined respectively to right and left ends of the lower cross pipe 15, and which extend upward toward the rear; and rearward inclined portions 16b which is curved rearward from upper ends of the respective inclined portions 16a, and which extends upward toward the rear. The rearward inclined portions 16b are inclined more gently than the front inclined portions 16a, and extend upward toward the rear. Curved portions 16c are formed in the rear frames 16 between the front inclined portions 16a and the rearward inclined portions 16b. The upper cross pipe 17 connects the curved portions 16c and 16c of the rear frames 16 and 16 to each other. [0025] The side frames 19 and 19 are formed in a way that the side frames 19 and 19 laterally spread respectively to the right and left sides with the front sides thereof joined to an intermediate part of the inclined portion 14a of the down frame 14. The side frames 19 and 19 are formed in a way that the side frames 19 and 19 are curved and extended rearward. Each of the rear ends of the side frames 19 and 19 is joined to a corresponding one of gussets 21 and 21 fixed to the curved portions 16c and 16c of the rear frames 16 and 16. [0026] Fig. 1 shows the following. In the vehicle body frame F, a power unit P is suspended in a way that the power unit P is vertically swingable. The power unit P includes an engine E and a belt-type continuously variable transmission M which continuously shifts power of the engine E, and which transmits the resultant power to a rear wheel WR. Rear cushions 22 and 22, which absorb the vertical swing of the power unit P, are provided between the rear frames 16 and 16 and the power unit P. [0027] A side stand 63 is rotatably supported on a bracket 62 attached to a left end of the lower cross pipe 15 of the vehicle body frame F. A main stand 64 is rotatably attached to a lower portion of the engine E. [0028] In the vehicle body frame F, a fuel tank 25, which is disposed behind the inclined portion 14a of the down frame 14, is supported. The fuel tank 25 is disposed in a region surrounded by the down frame 14 and both of the side frames 19 and 19. [0029] Referring to Fig. 4 in addition to Fig. 1, the fuel tank 25 is formed by coupling the pair of right and left tank halves 26 and 27, which are formed into bowl shapes, to each other. 27 The "tank halves 26 and 27 are coupled to each other in a way 28 that flange portions 26a and 27a thereof are superposed on each 29 other. The flange portions 26a and 27a are integrally provided 30 to the respective tank halves 26 and 27, and jut outward 31 respectively from opening edges of the tank halves 26 and 27. 32 [0030] The central position of the fuel tank 25 in the width direction is set on a plane C which passes through the center of the down frame 14 in the width direction. A surface where the tank halves 26 and 27 are coupled to each other, that is, the surface where the flange portions 26a and 27a are coupled to each other, is offset to one of the right and left sides from the center of the fuel tank 25 in the width direction. In this embodiment, the surface where the flange portions 26a and 27a is offset to the right side from the center of the fuel tank 25 in the width direction in a state where the motorcycle is viewed in a traveling direction thereof. The flange portions 26a and 27a are respectively arranged in positions facing the down frame 14 from the right side. [0031] Incidentally, the inclined portion 14a of the down frame 14 extends downward toward the rear from the head pipe 13 in front of the fuel tank 25. The rearward extending portion 14c of the down frame 14 extends towards the rear, passing below the fuel tank 25. The curved portion 14b is curved in a way that the curved portion 14b smoothly connects the inclined portion 14a and the rearward extending portion 14c to each other A portion of the fuel tank 25, which is opposite to the down frame 14, is formed along the down frame 14. That is, the fuel tank 25 is formed in a way that the fuel tank 25 has a front surface 25a and a lower surface 25b, which are respectively opposite to the inclined portion 14a and the rearward extending portion 14c of the down frame 14, and a curved surface 25c opposite to the curved portion 14b of the down frame 14. [0032] Referring to Fig. 5 in addition to Figs. 1 and 4, a plurality of spots of the fuel tank 25, which are situated along a circumferential direction of the flange portions 26a and 27a, are respectively formed as portions 28, 29 and 30 which face the down frame 14 from one side (the right side in this embodiment), and which are fastened to the down frame 14 from a side thereof. The fastened portion 28 protrudes from the front surface 25a of the fuel tank 25 so that the fastened portion 28 can be fastened, from a side, to the inclined portion 14a of the down frame 14. The fastened portion 29 protrudes from the lower surface 25b of the fuel tank 25 so that the fastened portion 29 can be fastened, from a side, to the rearward extending portion 14c of the down frame 14. The fastened portion 30 protrudes from the curved surface 25c of the fuel tank 25 so that the fastened portion 30 can be fastened, from a side, to the curved portion 14b of the down frame 14. [0033] Meanwhile, brackets 31, 32 and 33 provided with weld nuts are respectively welded to the fastened portions 28 to 30 of the inclined portion 14a, of the rearward extending portion 14c and of the curved portion 14b of the down frame 14 . The fastened portions 28 to 30 are fastened to the brackets 31 to 33 with bolts 34 to 36, respectively. [0034] A fastened portion 37 is formed in parts of the flange portions 26a and 27a, which parts correspond to an upper portion of a rear surface of the fuel tank 25. The fastened portion 37 is fastened, from a side, to a bracket 38 which is provided with a weld nut, and which is attached to the upper cress pipe 17 with a bolt 39. [0035] Referring back to Fig. 1, the vehicle body frame F, a front portion of the power unit P, and the fuel tank 25 are covered with a vehicle body cover 40 which is made of synthetic resin, and which is attached to the vehicle body frame F. [0036] The vehicle body cover 40 is formed by being continuously provided with a plurality of cover members made of synthetic resin. The vehicle body cover 40 includes a front cover portion 41, leg shield portions 42 and 42, step floor portions 43 and 43, skirt portions 44 and 44, a floor tunnel portion 45, and a pair of right and left body side covers 46 and 46. The front cover portion 41 covers a front portion of the head pipe 13 and an upper portion of the front wheel WF. The leg shield portions 42 and 42 are joined respectively to both of right and left sides of the front cover portion 41 in a way that the leg shield portions 42 and 42 respectively cover fronts of positions where legs of a rider are placed when the rider is seated on the rider' s seat 20. The step floor portions 43 and 43 extend rearward from lower ends of both of the respective leg shield portions 42 and 42. The skirt portions 44 and 44 hang downward from outer side edges of both of the respective step floor portions 43 and 43. The floor tunnel portion 45 swells upward from inner side edges of both of the respective step floor portions 43 and 43, covers the down frame 14 from above, and is disposed between the leg shield portions 42 and 42 . The pair of right and left body side covers 46 and 46 are arranged respectively under both sides of the rider's seat 20, are provided continuously with the floor tunnel portion 45, and extend rearward. [0037] The step floor portions 43 and 43 are respectively supported by right and left step stays 47 and 47. Front ends of the step stays 47 and 47 are respectively fixed to both ends of a floor support pipe 48 which penetrates the curved portion 14b of the down frame 14 in the right and left directions, and which is fixed to the down frame 14. Rear ends of both of the step stays 47 and 47 are respectively joined to both ends of the lower cross pipe 15. [0038] The floor tunnel portion 45 is disposed from a rear of the head pipe 13 toward a portion below a front of the rider's seat 20 in a position where the rider straddles the floor tunnel portion 45 when the rider is seated on the rider' s seat 20. The floor tunnel portion 45 is formed in a way that the floor tunnel portion 45 covers most of the down frame 14 as well as the fuel tank 25. [0039] A front fender 49, which covers the front wheel from above, is supported on the front fork 11. A rear fender 50 which is continuous with rear portions of the body side covers 46 and 4 6, and which covers the rear wheel WR from above, is supported on the body side covers 46 and 46. [0040] A headlight 51 is disposed in the front center portion of the front cover portion 41, and a tail light 52 is disposed in rear portions of both of the body side covers 46 and 46. [0041] Incidentally, a fuel filler 53 is provided to an upper portion of the tank half 27 of the fuel tank 25. The fuel filler 53 is located at the opposite side, with respect to the center of the fuel tank 25 in the width direction, to positions where the fastened portions 28 to 30 and 37 are provided. The fuel filler 53 is formed of a filling cylinder 59 fixed to the tank half 27 of the fuel tank 25 in a way that the fuel filler 53 protrudes upward from an upper surface of the fuel tank 25. [0042] The side stand 63 is disposed at a side (the left side in this embodiment) of the vehicle frame F in the right and left directions. An inclined surface 27b facing obliquely upward is formed in an upper portion of a side surface facing one of sides of an outer surface of the fuel tank 25, the side being situated where the side stand 63 is disposed. In this embodiment, the inclined surface 27b is formed in an upper portion of an outer side surface of the tank half 27. The filling cylinder 59 forming the fuel filler 53 is fixed to the inclined surface 27b in a way that the filling cylinder 59 is perpendicular to the inclined surface 27b. [0043] In addition, in a vicinity of the fuel filler 53, the coolant reserve tank 54, as an auxiliary other than the fuel tank 25, is disposed so that the coolant reserve tank 54 is located behind the fuel filler 53. The coolant reserve tank 54 is disposed by using a dead space caused by the filling cylinder 59, and is supported by a stay 57 provided to one of the side frames 19 and 19. [0044] An opening portion 55 is provided to a left side wall of the floor tunnel portion 45 in the vehicle body cover 40, between the head pipe 13 and the rider' s seat 20. Both of the fuel filler 53 of the fuel tank 25 and a water filler 58 of the coolant reserve tank 54 face the opening portion 55. The opening portion 55 is covered with a lid 56 which can be opened and closed. [0045] A fuel pump 60 is disposed so that the fuel pump 60 is located on a right side of a rear portion of the fuel tank 25 in a state of facing forward in the traveling direction of the motorcycle. The fuel pump 60 is supported by the inclined portion 16a of the right rear frame 16. [0046] In Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, in front of the opening portion 55, a plurality of attachment bosses 66... are integrally provided to an inner surface of the floor tunnel portion 45 in a way that the attachment bosses 66... protrude from the floor tunnel portions 45. A bracket 67 is attached to the attachment bosses 66.... The bracket 67 includes a flat plat portion 67a, a pair of upper and lower side plate portions 67b and 67b, a pair of upper and lower support arm portions 67c and 67c, and a linking plate portion 67d. The flat plate portion 67a is supported by the attachment bosses 66.... The side plate portions 67b and 67b are continuously provided respectively to upper and lower ends of the flat plate portion 67a in a way that the side plate portions 67b and 67b are perpendicular to the flat plate portion 67a. One end of each of the support arm portions 67c and 67c is continuously provided to the side plate portions 67b and 67b. The support arm portions 67c and 67c extend to the side of the opening portion 55. The linking plate portion 67d connects tip ends of both of the respective support arm portions 67c and 67c to each other. [0047] A hinge member 68 is rotatably supported on the bracket 67. The hinge member 68 includes a pair of curved arm portions 68a and 68a and a linking arm portion 68c. The curved arm portions 68a and 68a are formed to be curved into a substantially U-shape in horizontal planes, and are arranged outside of both of the side plates 67b and 67b of the bracket 67. First ends of the curved arm portions 68a and 68a are rotatably supported on the respective side plates 68b and 68b by support shafts 69 and 69 which share an axis with the curved arm portions 68a and 68a. The linking arm portion 68c is disposed between the linking plate portion 67d of the bracket and the lid 56, and connects second ends of the respective curved arm portions 68a and 68a to each other. [0048] Incidentally, the opening portion 55 and the lid 56 are formed to be long along the longitudinal direction of the motorcycle. A first end (a front end) of a support member 70 which is formed to be long along the longitudinal direction of the lid 56, and which is opposite to an inner surface of the lid 56, is fixed to the linking arm portion 68c of the hinge member 68. The support member 70 is attached to a plurality of bosses 71, 71... protruding from the inner surface of the lid 56. In other words, the lid 56 is rotatably supported on the bracket 67 fixed to the floor tunnel portion 45 of the vehicle body cover 40 via the hinge member 68. The lid 56 is rotatable between: a position where a peripheral edge portion of the lid 56 abuts on an outer surface of a peripheral edge portion of the opening portion 55 to close the lid 56; and a position where the lid 56 rotates to a front side of the opening portion 55 to open Lhe opening portion 55. In order to regulate the opening position of the lid 56, a stopper 72 is integrally provided on one of both of the curved arm portions 68a and 68a of the hinge member 68. The stopper 72 abuts on the flat plate portion 67a of the bracket 67 when the lid 56 rotates to open the opening portion 55. [0049] A guide member 73 is fixed to a second end (rear end) of the support member 70 in a state where the guide member 73 forms a fitting hole 14 together with the support member 70. A lock pin 76 is held with a holder 77 in a way that the lock pin 76 can be moved in the axial direction. A cap 75, which can be fit to the fitting hole 74, is attached to a first end of the lock pin 76. The holder 77 is fixed to an attachment portion 79 integrally provided to the inner surface of the floor tunnel portion 45 of the vehicle body cover 40 in the rear of the opening portion 55. In addition, a spring 78 is interposed between the lock pin 76 and the holder 77. The spring 78 urges the lock pin 76 in a direction of fitting the cap 75 to the fitting hole 74, [0050] Incidentally, in a state where the cap 75 is fitted to the fitting hole 74, the lid 56, with which the opening portion 55 is closed, is in a locked state where the lid 56 is prevented from rotating in the opening direction. The locked state is released by pulling an operation cable 80 with the operation of a cylinder lock (not shown) attached to the head pipe 13. The operation cable 80 is formed with an inner cable 82 being inserted into an outer cable 81 in a way that the inner cable 82 can be moved. An end of the outer cable 81 at a side of the lock pin 76 is fixed with a cable support member 83 fixed to the attachment portion 79. An end of the inner cable 82, which protrudes from the outer cable 81, is linked to a second end of the lock pin 76. When the operation cable 80 is pulled, the lock pin 76 moves against spring force of the spring 78, in a direction in which the cap 75 is caused to leave the fitting hole 74. Thus, it is made possible to operate the lid 56 to be opened. [0051] In addition, a plate spring 84 is attached to the linking plate portion 67d of the bracket 67. The plate spring 84 abuts on one end portion of the support member 70 fixed to the inner surface of the lid 56 in a state where the lid 56 is closed. The plate spring 84 exerts spring force rotationally energizing the lid 56 in the opening direction. Hence, in such an unlocked state where the cap 75 has left the fitting hole 74, the lid 56 slightly rotates forward with the spring force of the plate spring 84. Accordingly, at the time of feeding fuel and at the time of maintenance, the lid 56 can be rotated forward by grasping the rear portion thereof. [0052] The guide member 73 is provided with a guide surface 73a which abuts on the cap 75 on one end of the lock pin 76, and which thus presses the lock pin 76 to a position where the cap 75 is fitted to the fitting hole 74 at the time when the lid 56 in the opened state is rotated to the closed position. The lock pin 76 is urged to a side to be protruded by the spring force of the spring 78. [0053] Next, descriptions will be provided for an action of this embodiment. The single down frame 14 joined to the head pipe 13 integrally includes the inclined portion 14a, the rearward extending portion 14c, and the curved portion 14b. The inclined portion 14a extends downward toward the rear from the head pipe 13 in front of the fuel tank 25. The rearward extending portion 14c passes below the fuel tank 25, and extends rearward. The curved portion 14b smoothly connects the inclined portion 14a and the rearward extending portion 14c. The fuel tank 25 is supported by the down frame 14. Accordingly, it is made possible to not place limitation on the shape and the setting of the fuel tank 25. Moreover, it is not necessary to largely change the shape of the vehicle body frame F in response to a change in shape of the fuel tank 25. In addition, the fuel tank 25 can be supported by the down frame 14. [0054] The fastened member 28 protrudes from the front surface 25a among the outer surfaces of the fuel tank 25, the front surface 25a being opposite to the inclined portion 14a of the down frame 14. This fastened member 28 is fastened to the inclined portion 14a from a side thereof. Accordingly, it is not necessary to retain a space for avoiding interference between the inclined portion 14a of the down frame 14 and the fuel tank 25. Thereby, the front surface 25a of the fuel tank 25 can be formed along the down frame 14. Thus, the capacity of the fuel tank 25 can be ensured efficiently. [0055] In addition, the fuel tank 25 is formed of the pair of tank halves 26 and 27 respectively including the flange portions 26a and 27a which jut laterally outward in a way that the flange portions 26a and 27a are coupled to each other in a position offset to one of the right and left sides from the center of the fuel tank 25 in a width direction. A part of each of the flange portions 26a and 27a is formed as the fastened member 28 protruding from the front surface 25a of the fuel tank 25. Accordingly, it is not necessary to attach a special member which is separate from the fuel tank 25, and which is for attaching the fuel tank 25 to the down frame 14. Thus, it is made possible to reduce the number of parts. Moreover, work of fixing the special member to the fuel tank 25 is also not needed. Accordingly, costs can be reduced. [0056] The fuel tank 25 includes the front surface 25a and the lower surface 25b, which are respectively opposite to the inclined portion 14a and the rearward extending portion 14c of the down frame 14. The fuel tank 25 also includes the curved surface 25c opposite to the curved portion 14b of the down frame 14. The fastened portions 29 and 30, which are respectively fastened, from a side, to the rearward extending portion 14c and to the curved portion 14b, protrude from the lower surface 25b and the curved surface 25c of the fuel tank 25. Thereby, spots for attaching the fuel tank 25 are increased. Accordingly, it is made possible to firmly attach the fuel tank 25 to the vehicle body frame F. [0057] In addition, the fastened members 29 and 30 protrude respectively from the lower surface 25b and from the curved surface 25c of the fuel tank 25. The pair of tank halves 26 and 27 constituting the fuel tank 25 respectively include the flange portions 26a and 27a. The fastened members 29 and 30 are formed respectively of a part of the flange portion 26a and a part cf the flange portion 27a. Accordingly, the number of parts can be further reduced, and the costs can be further reduced. [0058] That is, the fuel tank 25 is formed along the down frame 14. The fastened members 28, 29 and 30 protrude to the outer surface of the fuel tank 25, respectively in the positions offset to one of the right and left sides from the center of the fuel tank 25 in the width direction. The fastened members 28, 29 and 30 are fastened to the down frame 14 from a side thereof. Accordingly, the fastened portions are not located between the fuel tank 25 and' the vehicle body frame F. Thereby, the size of the fuel tank 25 can be increased to the maximum in accordance with the shape of the vehicle body frame F. Thus, a dead space can be reduced to the minimum, and the capacity of the tank can be increased. [0059] In addition, the vehicle body frame F includes the pair of right and left side frames 19 and 19- The front ends of the right and left side frames 19 and 19 are respectively joined to both sides of the intermediate part of the inclined portion 14a of the down frame 14, are inclined upward toward the rear, and extend rearward, as viewed from a side. Moreover, the fuel tank 25 is disposed in the region surrounded by the down frame 14 and both of the side frames 19 and 19. Accordingly, the fuel tank 25 can be reliably supported by holding both sides of the fuel tank 25 with the respective side frames 19 and 19 at a relatively high position. Concurrently, it is made possible to set a position for fastening (a position of the fasrened portion 28) the front surface 25a of the fuel tank 25 to the down frame 14 at such a high position that interference thereof with the side frames 19 and 19 does not occur. Accordingly, the fuel tank 25 can be firmly attached to the vehicle body frame F. [0060] The fuel filler 53 of the fuel tank 25 is provided to the fuel tank 25 at a side opposite to the fastened portions 28 to 30 with respect to the center of the fuel tank 25 in the width direction. The coolant reserve tank 54, as the auxiliary other than the fuel tank 25, is disposed in a vicinity of the fuel filler 53. Accordingly, the coolant reserve tank 54 can be disposed by using the dead space, and the opening portion 55, which is provided to the vehicle body cover 40, can be used when fuel is filled and when the auxiliary is maintained. [0061] The side stand 63 is disposed at the left side of the vehicle body frame F. The inclined surface 27b facing obliquely upward is formed in the upper portion of the side surface facing the side of the side stand 63 among the outer surfaces of the fuel tank 25. The fuel filler 53 is provided to the inclined surface 27b. Accordingly, even when a vehicle body is returned to an upright state after the fuel tank 25 is filled up in a state where the vehicle body is inclined by erecting the side stand 63, the fuel can be reliably prevented from overflowing out of the fuel filler 53, In addition, the fuel filler 53 is located at a side toward which the vehicle body is inclined when parked with the side stand 63. Accordingly, this makes it easier to feed the fuel than otherwise. [0062] Furthermore, the opening portion 55 is provided to a portion, which faces the fuel filler, of the side surface of the floor tunnel portion 45 of the vehicle body cover 40 disposed between the head pipe 13 and the rider's seat 20. The lid 56 capable of closing the opening portion 55 is attached to the floor tunnel portion 45 in a state where the lid 56 can be rotated forward and be opened. Accordingly, high positions are avoided when placing the fuel feeder 53. Thus, it is not necessary to lift a fuel feeding nozzle high when feeing fuel. In addition, it is made easier to recognize the fuel filler 53 from above as compared with the case where the lid 56 opens upward. Furthermore, interference of the fuel feeding nozzle with the lid 56 can be avoided to the maximum. Thus, this makes it easy to insert the fuel feeding nozzle from the opening portion 55 into the fuel filler 53, and to feed fuel. Thus, the vehicle body cover 40 is prevented as much as possible from being soiled by fuel dropping from the fuel feeding nozzle when the fuel feeding nozzle is pulled out of the fuel filler 53. [0063] The coolant reserve tank 54 is disposed behind the fuel filler 53. Thereby, the lid 56 opens forward. Hence, this makes it easy to perform work of feeding a coolant to the coolant reserve tank 54. Accordingly, workability both of the fuel feeding and of the coolant feeding is enhanced. [0064] The descriptions have been provided above for the embodiment of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it is possible to make a variety of design changes without departing from the present invention described in the scope of claims. [Brief Description of the Drawings] [0065] [Fig. 1] Fig. 1 is a side view of a scooter-type motorcycle. [Fig, 2] Fig, 2 is a side view of a vehicle body frame. [Fig. 3] Fig. 3 is a plan view of the vehicle body frame. [Fig. 4] Fig. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of a fuel tank along the line 4-4 of Fig. 3. [Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is a partially cutaway plan view of the fuel tank, for showing a state where the fuel tank is attached to a down frame. [Fig. 6] Fig. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the line 6-6 of Fig. 1. [Fig. 7] Fig. 7 is a view in a direction indicated by the arrow 7 of Fig. 6. [Explanation of the Reference Numerals] [0066] 12... STEERING HANDLE 13... HEAD PIPE 14... DOWN FRAME 14a... INCLINED PORTION 14b... CURVED PORTION 14c... REARWARD EXTENDING PORTION 19... SIDE FRAME 2 5... FUEL TANK 2 5a... FRONT SURFACE OF FUEL TANK 2 5b... LOWER SURFACE OF FUEL TANK 25c... CURVED SURFACE OF FUEL TANK 26, 27... TANK HALF AS TANK-FORMING MEMBER 2 6a, 27a... FLANGE PORTION 27b... INCLINED SURFACE 28, 29, 30... FASTENED PORTION 53... FUEL FILLER 54... COOLANT RESERVE TANK AS AUXILIARY 55... OPENING PORTION 56... LID 63... SIDE STAND F... VEHICLE BODY FRAME [Document Name] Scope of Claims [Claim 1] A motorcycle in which a fuel tank (25) is supported by a vehicle body frame (F) including a head pipe (13) which steerably supports a steering handle (12) , and a down frame (14) which has at least an inclined portion which extends downward toward the rear from the head pipe, and behind which the fuel tank is disposed, the motorcycle wherein a fastened portion (28) protruding from an outer surface of the fuel tank (25) is fastened to an inclined portion (14a) from a side thereof. [Claim 2] The motorcycle according to claim 1, wherein the fuel tank (25) includes a plurality of tank-forming members (26 and 27) which respectively include flange portions (26a and 27a) jutting laterally outward so that the tank-forming portions (26a and 27a) are coupled to each other in a position offset to one of right and left sides from the center of the fuel tank (25) in the width direction, and a part of each of the flange portions (26a and 27a) is formed as the fastened portion (28). [Claim 3] The motorcycle according to claim 1, wherein the down frame (14) includes: the inclined portion (14a); a rearward extending portion (14c) which extends rearward, passing below the fuel tank (25), and; and a curved portion (14b) which smoothly connects the inclined portion (14a) and the rearward extending portion (14c) to each other, the fuel tank (25) includes: a front surface (25a) opposite to the inclined portion (14a) of the down frame (14) ; a lower surface (25b) opposite to the rearward extending portion (14c) of the down frame (14 ); and a curved surf ace (25c) opposite to the curved portion (14b) of the down frame (14), and the fastened portion (28) and additional fastened portions (29 and 30), which are respectively fastened to the inclined portion (14a), to the rearward extending portion (14c), and to the curved portion (14b) , protrude respectively from the front surface (25a), the lower surface (25b) and the curved surface (25c) of the fuel tank (25) , while each of the fastened portions is fastened to its counterpart from a side. [Claim 4] The motorcycle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the vehicle body frame (F) includes a pair of right and left side frames (19), front ends of which are respectively joined to both sides of an intermediate part of the inclined portion (14a) of the down frame (14), while the pair of right and left side frames (19) are inclined upward toward the rear, as viewed from a side, and the fuel tank (25) is disposed in a region surrounded by the down frame (14) and both of the side frames (19). [Claim 5] The motorcycle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a fuel filler (53) of the fuel tank (25) is provided to the fuel tank (25) at an opposite side to the fastened portions (28 to 30) with respect to the center of the fuel tank (25) in the width direction, and an auxiliary (54) other than the fuel tank (25) is disposed in a vicinity of the fuel filler (53) . [Claim 6] The motorcycle according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a side stand (63) is disposed at one of the right and left sides of the vehicle body frame (F), an inclined surface (27b), which faces obliquely upward, is formed in an upper portion of a side surface facing that one of the right and left sides in the outer surface of the fuel tank (25), and the fuel filler (53) of the fuel tank (25) is provided to the inclined surface (27b). [Claim 7] The motorcycle according to any one of claims 5 and 6, wherein an opening portion (55) is provided to a portion of a side surface of a vehicle body cover (40), the portion facing the fuel filler (53) , between the head pipe (13) and a rider' s seat (20), and a lid (56) capable of closing the opening portion (55) is attached to the vehicle body cover (40) in a state where the . lid (56) can be opened by being rotated forward.

Full Text

[Document Name] Specification [Title of the Invention] Motorcycle [Technical Field] [0001]
The present invention relates to a motorcycle in which a fuel tank is supported in a vehicle body frame including a head pipe which steerably supports a steering handle, and a down frame which has at least an inclined portion which extends downward toward the rear from the head pipe, behind which the fuel tank is disposed behind the inclined portion. [Background Art] [0002]
With the disclosure by Patent Document 1, the following motorcycle is known. In the motorcycle, a fuel tank is disposed in a region surrounded by a single down frame, a pair of right and left side frames, and a pair of right and left lower fraines. The down frame extends downward toward the rear from a head pipe. The pair of side frames are respectively joined to both sides of an intermediate part of the down frame, and extend downward toward the rear. The pair of lower frames are joined 10 zhe lower end of the down frame, and extend toward the rear. The fuel tank is located behind the down frame. The fuel tank is supported by both of the lower frames via attachment pieces integrally protruded at the center in the width direction, of front and rear surfaces of the fuel tank.
[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent No. 3648982 [Disclosure of the Invention] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention] [0003]
However, in the motorcycle disclosed in Patent Document

1 described above, in order to avoid interference between the attachment piece protruded in the central position of the fuel tank in the width direction and the down frame disposed in the central position of a vehicle body in the width direction, a space is retained between the front surface of the fuel tank and the down frame. Thereby, the attachment piece are coupled with a stay at the down frame side. When the space is set between the front surface of the fuel tank and the down frame as described above, the capacity of the fuel tank may possibly be sacrificed, and then the above-described space may possibly be a dead space. [0004]
The present invention has been made in consideration of the aforementioned problem. An object of the present invention is to provide a motorcycle in which a sufficient capacity of the fuel tank can be secured. [Means for Solving the Problems] [0005]
In order to achieve the foregoing object, an invention according to claim 1 is characterized in the following points. The present invention provides a motorcycle in which a fuel tank is supported by a vehicle body frame including a head pipe which steerably supports a steering handle, and a down frame vhich has at least an inclined portion which extends downward toward the rear from the head pipe, and behind which the fuel tank is disposed. A portion protruding from an outer surface of the fuel tank is fastened to the inclined portion from a side thereof (the portion is hereinafter referred to as a fastened portion) . [0006]
In addition to a configuration of the invention according to claim 1, an invention according to claim 2 is characterized

in the following points. The fuel tank includes a plurality of tank-forming members each of which includes a flange portion hanging laterally outward so that the tank-forming members can be coupled to each other in a position offset to one of right and left sides from the center of the fuel tank in the width direction. A part of each flange portion is formed as the fastened portion. [0007]
In addition to the configuration of the invention according to claim 1, an invention according to claim 3 is characterized by including the down frame includes the inclined portion; a rearward extending portion which passes below the fuel tank, and which extends rearward; and a curved portion which smoothly connects the inclined portion and the rearward extending portion to each other. The present invention is characterized in that the fuel tank includes a front surface and a lower surface which are respectively opposite to the inclined portion and the rearward extending portion of the down frame; and a curved surface facing the curved portion of the down frame. The first fastened portion, which is fastened to the inclined portion, protrudes from the front surface cf the fuel tank. Second and third fastened portions, which are respectively fastened to the rearward extending portion and to the curved portion, protrude respectively from the lower surface, and the curved surface of the fuel tank. Each of the fastened portions is fastened to its counterpart from a side. [0008]
In addition to the configuration of the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3, an invention according to claim 4 is characterized in the following points. The

vehicle body frame includes a pair of right and left side frames. Front ends of the right and left side frames are respectively joined to both sides of an intermediate part of the inclined portion of the down frame. The right and left side frames are inclined upward toward the rear as viewed from a side- The fuel tank is disposed in a region surrounded by the down frame and both of the side frames. [0009]
In addition to the configuration of the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 4, an invention according to claim 5 is characterized in the following points. A fuel filler of the fuel tank is provided to the fuel tank at an opposite side to the fastened portions with respect to the center of the fuel tank in the width direction. An auxiliary other than the fuel tank is disposed in a vicinity of the fuel filler. [0010]
In addition to the configuration of the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 5, an invention according to claim 6 is characterized in the following points, A side stand is disposed at one of the right and left sides of the vehicle body frame. An inclined surface facing obliquely upward is formed in an upper portion of a side surface of the outer surfaces of the fuel tank, the side surface facing that one of the right and left sides; and the fuel filler of the fuel tank is provided to the inclined surface. [0011]
In addition to the configuration of the invention according to any one of claims 5 and 6, an invention according to claim 7 is characterized in the following points. An opening

portion is provided to a portion, which faces the fuel filler, of a side surface of a vehicle body cover, and between the head pipe and a rider's seat. A lid capable of closing the opening portion is attached to the vehicle body cover. The lid can be opened by being rotated forward. [0012]
Note that a coolant reserve tank 54 of an embodiment of the present invention corresponds to the auxiliary of the present invention, and tank halves 26 and 27 of the embodiment correspond to the tank-forming members of the present invention.
[Effects of the Invention] [0013]
The invention according to claim 1 makes it unnecessary to retain a space for avoiding interference between the inclined portion of the down frame of the vehicle body frame and the fuel tank, and makes it possible to form the front surface of the fuel tank to fit the down frame. Accordingly, the capacity cf the fuel tank can be ensured efficiently. [0014]
The invention according to claim 2 makes it unnecessary to attach a special member, which is a member separate from the fuel tank, for attaching the fuel tank to the down frame. This is because the parts of the flange portions are formed as the fastened members. The flange portions are integrated into the plurality of tank-forming members forming the fuel tank, in a way that the tank-forming members are coupled to one another. Thus, it is made possible to reduce the number of parts. Moreover, processes of fixing the special member are made unnecessary. Accordingly, the costs can be reduced.

[0015]
The invention according to claim 3 makes it possible to firmly attach the fuel tank to the vehicle body frame by increasing spots for attaching the fuel tank. [0016]
The invention according to claim 4 makes it possible to reliably support the fuel tank by holding both sides of the fuel tank with both of the side frames at a relatively high position. Concurrently, it is made possible to set a fastening position of the front surface of the fuel tank to the down frame at such a high position that interference thereof with the side frames does not occur. Thus, the fuel tank can be firmly attached to the vehicle body frame. [0017]
The invention according to claim 5 makes it possible to dispose the auxiliary by using a dead space. In addition, the opening portion, which is provided to the vehicle body cover, can be used both when fuel is filled and when the auxiliary is maintained. [0018]
The invention according to claim 6 makes it possible to reliably prevent fuel from overflowing cut of the fuel filler even when the vehicle body is returned to an upright state after the fuel tank is filled up in a state where the vehicle body is inclined by erecting the side stand. In addition, the fuel filler is located at the side toward which the vehicle body is inclined when parked with the side stand. Accordingly, this makes it easier to feed the fuel than otherwise. [0019]
In the invention according to claim 7, high positions are

avoided when disposing the fuel filler. Thus, it is made unnecessary to lift the fuel feeding nozzle high at the time of fuel feeding. This is because. In addition, it is made easier to recognize the position of the fuel filler from above as compared with a case where the lid opens upward. Interference of the fuel feeding nozzle with the lid can be avoided to the maximum, and the fuel feeding nozzle can be easily inserted from the opening portion into the fuel filler. Thus, fuel feeding is much easier. Moreover, the vehicle body cover can be prevented to the maximum from being soiled by fuel dropping from the fuel feeding nozzle when the fuel feeding nozzle is pulled out of the fuel filler. [Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention] [0020]
Descriptions will be provided below for a mode for carrying out the present invention on the basis of an embodiment of the present invention, which is shown in the accompanying drawings. [0021]
Figs. 1 to 7 are views showing the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1 is a side view of a scooter-type motorcycle; Fig. 2 is a side view of a vehicle body frame; Jig. 3 is a plan view of the vehicle body frame; Fig* 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of a fuel tank along the line 4-4 of Fig. 3; Fig. 5 is a partially-cutaway plan view of the fuel tank, for showing a state where the fuel tank is attached to a down frame; Fig. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the line 6-6 of Fig. 1; and Fig. 7 is a view in a direction indicated by the arrow 7 of Fig. 6. [0022]

First, in Figs. 1 to 3, a vehicle body frame F of the scooter-type motorcycle includes a head pipe 13, a single down frame 14, a lower cross pipe 15, a pair of right and left rear frames 16 and 16, an upper cross pipe 17, a stay 18, and a pair of right and left side frames 19 and 19. The head pipe 13 steerably supports a front fork 11 which rotatably supports a front wheel WF, and a bar-shaped steering handle 12 linked to an upper portion of the front fork 11. The single down frame 14 extends downward toward the rear from the head pipe 13. The lower cross pipe 15 is joined perpendicularly to a rear end of the down frame 14, and extends laterally. The pair of right and left rear frames 16 and 16 extend upward toward the rear from both sides of the lower cross pipe 15, and supports a rider' s seat 20. The upper cross pipe 17 connects intermediate parts respectively of both of the rear frames 16 and 16 to each other. The stay 18 links rear portions respectively of both of the rear frames 16 and 16 to each other. Front ends of the right and left side frames 19 and 19 are joined to the down frame 14. The side frames 19 and 19 extend upward toward the rear, as viewed from a side. Rear ends of the side frames 19 and 19 are joined to the respective rear frames 16 and 16. [0023]
The down frame 14 integrally includes an inclined portion 14a extending downward toward the rear from the head pipe 13; a curved portion 14b, a first end of which is continuous with a lower end of the inclined portion 14a, and which is curved rearward; and a rearward extending portion 14c which is continuous with a second end of the curved portion 14b, and which extends rearward. [0024]

Each of the rear frames 16 and 16 includes a corresponding one of front inclined portions 16a, front ends of which are joined respectively to right and left ends of the lower cross pipe 15, and which extend upward toward the rear; and rearward inclined portions 16b which is curved rearward from upper ends of the respective inclined portions 16a, and which extends upward toward the rear. The rearward inclined portions 16b are inclined more gently than the front inclined portions 16a, and extend upward toward the rear. Curved portions 16c are formed in the rear frames 16 between the front inclined portions 16a and the rearward inclined portions 16b. The upper cross pipe 17 connects the curved portions 16c and 16c of the rear frames 16 and 16 to each other. [0025]
The side frames 19 and 19 are formed in a way that the side frames 19 and 19 laterally spread respectively to the right and left sides with the front sides thereof joined to an intermediate part of the inclined portion 14a of the down frame 14. The side frames 19 and 19 are formed in a way that the side frames 19 and 19 are curved and extended rearward. Each of the rear ends of the side frames 19 and 19 is joined to a corresponding one of gussets 21 and 21 fixed to the curved portions 16c and 16c of the rear frames 16 and 16. [0026]
Fig. 1 shows the following. In the vehicle body frame F, a power unit P is suspended in a way that the power unit P is vertically swingable. The power unit P includes an engine E and a belt-type continuously variable transmission M which continuously shifts power of the engine E, and which transmits the resultant power to a rear wheel WR. Rear cushions 22 and

22, which absorb the vertical swing of the power unit P, are provided between the rear frames 16 and 16 and the power unit P. [0027]
A side stand 63 is rotatably supported on a bracket 62 attached to a left end of the lower cross pipe 15 of the vehicle body frame F. A main stand 64 is rotatably attached to a lower portion of the engine E. [0028]
In the vehicle body frame F, a fuel tank 25, which is disposed behind the inclined portion 14a of the down frame 14, is supported. The fuel tank 25 is disposed in a region surrounded by the down frame 14 and both of the side frames 19 and 19. [0029]
Referring to Fig. 4 in addition to Fig. 1, the fuel tank
25 is formed by coupling the pair of right and left tank halves
26 and 27, which are formed into bowl shapes, to each other.
27 The "tank halves 26 and 27 are coupled to each other in a way
28 that flange portions 26a and 27a thereof are superposed on each
29 other. The flange portions 26a and 27a are integrally provided
30 to the respective tank halves 26 and 27, and jut outward
31 respectively from opening edges of the tank halves 26 and 27.
32 [0030]
The central position of the fuel tank 25 in the width direction is set on a plane C which passes through the center of the down frame 14 in the width direction. A surface where the tank halves 26 and 27 are coupled to each other, that is, the surface where the flange portions 26a and 27a are coupled to each other, is offset to one of the right and left sides from

the center of the fuel tank 25 in the width direction. In this embodiment, the surface where the flange portions 26a and 27a is offset to the right side from the center of the fuel tank 25 in the width direction in a state where the motorcycle is viewed in a traveling direction thereof. The flange portions 26a and 27a are respectively arranged in positions facing the down frame 14 from the right side. [0031]
Incidentally, the inclined portion 14a of the down frame 14 extends downward toward the rear from the head pipe 13 in front of the fuel tank 25. The rearward extending portion 14c of the down frame 14 extends towards the rear, passing below the fuel tank 25. The curved portion 14b is curved in a way that the curved portion 14b smoothly connects the inclined portion 14a and the rearward extending portion 14c to each other A portion of the fuel tank 25, which is opposite to the down frame 14, is formed along the down frame 14. That is, the fuel tank 25 is formed in a way that the fuel tank 25 has a front surface 25a and a lower surface 25b, which are respectively opposite to the inclined portion 14a and the rearward extending portion 14c of the down frame 14, and a curved surface 25c opposite to the curved portion 14b of the down frame 14. [0032]
Referring to Fig. 5 in addition to Figs. 1 and 4, a plurality of spots of the fuel tank 25, which are situated along a circumferential direction of the flange portions 26a and 27a, are respectively formed as portions 28, 29 and 30 which face the down frame 14 from one side (the right side in this embodiment), and which are fastened to the down frame 14 from a side thereof. The fastened portion 28 protrudes from the

front surface 25a of the fuel tank 25 so that the fastened portion 28 can be fastened, from a side, to the inclined portion 14a of the down frame 14. The fastened portion 29 protrudes from the lower surface 25b of the fuel tank 25 so that the fastened portion 29 can be fastened, from a side, to the rearward extending portion 14c of the down frame 14. The fastened portion 30 protrudes from the curved surface 25c of the fuel tank 25 so that the fastened portion 30 can be fastened, from a side, to the curved portion 14b of the down frame 14. [0033]
Meanwhile, brackets 31, 32 and 33 provided with weld nuts are respectively welded to the fastened portions 28 to 30 of the inclined portion 14a, of the rearward extending portion 14c and of the curved portion 14b of the down frame 14 . The fastened portions 28 to 30 are fastened to the brackets 31 to 33 with bolts 34 to 36, respectively. [0034]
A fastened portion 37 is formed in parts of the flange portions 26a and 27a, which parts correspond to an upper portion of a rear surface of the fuel tank 25. The fastened portion 37 is fastened, from a side, to a bracket 38 which is provided with a weld nut, and which is attached to the upper cress pipe 17 with a bolt 39. [0035]
Referring back to Fig. 1, the vehicle body frame F, a front portion of the power unit P, and the fuel tank 25 are covered with a vehicle body cover 40 which is made of synthetic resin, and which is attached to the vehicle body frame F. [0036]
The vehicle body cover 40 is formed by being continuously

provided with a plurality of cover members made of synthetic resin. The vehicle body cover 40 includes a front cover portion
41, leg shield portions 42 and 42, step floor portions 43 and
43, skirt portions 44 and 44, a floor tunnel portion 45, and
a pair of right and left body side covers 46 and 46. The front
cover portion 41 covers a front portion of the head pipe 13 and
an upper portion of the front wheel WF. The leg shield portions
42 and 42 are joined respectively to both of right and left sides
of the front cover portion 41 in a way that the leg shield
portions 42 and 42 respectively cover fronts of positions where
legs of a rider are placed when the rider is seated on the rider' s
seat 20. The step floor portions 43 and 43 extend rearward from
lower ends of both of the respective leg shield portions 42 and
42. The skirt portions 44 and 44 hang downward from outer side
edges of both of the respective step floor portions 43 and 43.
The floor tunnel portion 45 swells upward from inner side edges
of both of the respective step floor portions 43 and 43, covers
the down frame 14 from above, and is disposed between the leg
shield portions 42 and 42 . The pair of right and left body side
covers 46 and 46 are arranged respectively under both sides of
the rider's seat 20, are provided continuously with the floor
tunnel portion 45, and extend rearward.
[0037]
The step floor portions 43 and 43 are respectively supported by right and left step stays 47 and 47. Front ends of the step stays 47 and 47 are respectively fixed to both ends of a floor support pipe 48 which penetrates the curved portion 14b of the down frame 14 in the right and left directions, and which is fixed to the down frame 14. Rear ends of both of the step stays 47 and 47 are respectively joined to both ends of

the lower cross pipe 15. [0038]
The floor tunnel portion 45 is disposed from a rear of the head pipe 13 toward a portion below a front of the rider's seat 20 in a position where the rider straddles the floor tunnel portion 45 when the rider is seated on the rider' s seat 20. The floor tunnel portion 45 is formed in a way that the floor tunnel portion 45 covers most of the down frame 14 as well as the fuel tank 25. [0039]
A front fender 49, which covers the front wheel from above, is supported on the front fork 11. A rear fender 50 which is continuous with rear portions of the body side covers 46 and 4 6, and which covers the rear wheel WR from above, is supported on the body side covers 46 and 46. [0040]
A headlight 51 is disposed in the front center portion of the front cover portion 41, and a tail light 52 is disposed in rear portions of both of the body side covers 46 and 46. [0041]
Incidentally, a fuel filler 53 is provided to an upper portion of the tank half 27 of the fuel tank 25. The fuel filler 53 is located at the opposite side, with respect to the center of the fuel tank 25 in the width direction, to positions where the fastened portions 28 to 30 and 37 are provided. The fuel filler 53 is formed of a filling cylinder 59 fixed to the tank half 27 of the fuel tank 25 in a way that the fuel filler 53 protrudes upward from an upper surface of the fuel tank 25. [0042]
The side stand 63 is disposed at a side (the left side

in this embodiment) of the vehicle frame F in the right and left directions. An inclined surface 27b facing obliquely upward is formed in an upper portion of a side surface facing one of sides of an outer surface of the fuel tank 25, the side being situated where the side stand 63 is disposed. In this embodiment, the inclined surface 27b is formed in an upper portion of an outer side surface of the tank half 27. The filling cylinder 59 forming the fuel filler 53 is fixed to the inclined surface 27b in a way that the filling cylinder 59 is perpendicular to the inclined surface 27b. [0043]
In addition, in a vicinity of the fuel filler 53, the coolant reserve tank 54, as an auxiliary other than the fuel tank 25, is disposed so that the coolant reserve tank 54 is located behind the fuel filler 53. The coolant reserve tank 54 is disposed by using a dead space caused by the filling cylinder 59, and is supported by a stay 57 provided to one of the side frames 19 and 19. [0044]
An opening portion 55 is provided to a left side wall of the floor tunnel portion 45 in the vehicle body cover 40, between the head pipe 13 and the rider' s seat 20. Both of the fuel filler 53 of the fuel tank 25 and a water filler 58 of the coolant reserve tank 54 face the opening portion 55. The opening portion 55 is covered with a lid 56 which can be opened and closed. [0045]
A fuel pump 60 is disposed so that the fuel pump 60 is located on a right side of a rear portion of the fuel tank 25 in a state of facing forward in the traveling direction of the motorcycle. The fuel pump 60 is supported by the inclined

portion 16a of the right rear frame 16. [0046]
In Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, in front of the opening portion 55, a plurality of attachment bosses 66... are integrally provided to an inner surface of the floor tunnel portion 45 in a way that the attachment bosses 66... protrude from the floor tunnel portions 45. A bracket 67 is attached to the attachment bosses 66.... The bracket 67 includes a flat plat portion 67a, a pair of upper and lower side plate portions 67b and 67b, a pair of upper and lower support arm portions 67c and 67c, and a linking plate portion 67d. The flat plate portion 67a is supported by the attachment bosses 66.... The side plate portions 67b and 67b are continuously provided respectively to upper and lower ends of the flat plate portion 67a in a way that the side plate portions 67b and 67b are perpendicular to the flat plate portion 67a. One end of each of the support arm portions 67c and 67c is continuously provided to the side plate portions 67b and 67b. The support arm portions 67c and 67c extend to the side of the opening portion 55. The linking plate portion 67d connects tip ends of both of the respective support arm portions 67c and 67c to each other. [0047]
A hinge member 68 is rotatably supported on the bracket 67. The hinge member 68 includes a pair of curved arm portions 68a and 68a and a linking arm portion 68c. The curved arm portions 68a and 68a are formed to be curved into a substantially U-shape in horizontal planes, and are arranged outside of both of the side plates 67b and 67b of the bracket 67. First ends of the curved arm portions 68a and 68a are rotatably supported on the respective side plates 68b and 68b by support shafts 69

and 69 which share an axis with the curved arm portions 68a and 68a. The linking arm portion 68c is disposed between the linking plate portion 67d of the bracket and the lid 56, and connects second ends of the respective curved arm portions 68a and 68a to each other. [0048]
Incidentally, the opening portion 55 and the lid 56 are formed to be long along the longitudinal direction of the motorcycle. A first end (a front end) of a support member 70 which is formed to be long along the longitudinal direction of the lid 56, and which is opposite to an inner surface of the lid 56, is fixed to the linking arm portion 68c of the hinge member 68. The support member 70 is attached to a plurality of bosses 71, 71... protruding from the inner surface of the lid 56. In other words, the lid 56 is rotatably supported on the bracket 67 fixed to the floor tunnel portion 45 of the vehicle body cover 40 via the hinge member 68. The lid 56 is rotatable between: a position where a peripheral edge portion of the lid 56 abuts on an outer surface of a peripheral edge portion of the opening portion 55 to close the lid 56; and a position where the lid 56 rotates to a front side of the opening portion 55 to open Lhe opening portion 55. In order to regulate the opening position of the lid 56, a stopper 72 is integrally provided on one of both of the curved arm portions 68a and 68a of the hinge member 68. The stopper 72 abuts on the flat plate portion 67a of the bracket 67 when the lid 56 rotates to open the opening portion 55. [0049]
A guide member 73 is fixed to a second end (rear end) of the support member 70 in a state where the guide member 73 forms

a fitting hole 14 together with the support member 70. A lock pin 76 is held with a holder 77 in a way that the lock pin 76 can be moved in the axial direction. A cap 75, which can be fit to the fitting hole 74, is attached to a first end of the lock pin 76. The holder 77 is fixed to an attachment portion 79 integrally provided to the inner surface of the floor tunnel portion 45 of the vehicle body cover 40 in the rear of the opening portion 55. In addition, a spring 78 is interposed between the lock pin 76 and the holder 77. The spring 78 urges the lock pin 76 in a direction of fitting the cap 75 to the fitting hole 74, [0050]
Incidentally, in a state where the cap 75 is fitted to the fitting hole 74, the lid 56, with which the opening portion 55 is closed, is in a locked state where the lid 56 is prevented from rotating in the opening direction. The locked state is released by pulling an operation cable 80 with the operation of a cylinder lock (not shown) attached to the head pipe 13. The operation cable 80 is formed with an inner cable 82 being inserted into an outer cable 81 in a way that the inner cable 82 can be moved. An end of the outer cable 81 at a side of the lock pin 76 is fixed with a cable support member 83 fixed to the attachment portion 79. An end of the inner cable 82, which protrudes from the outer cable 81, is linked to a second end of the lock pin 76. When the operation cable 80 is pulled, the lock pin 76 moves against spring force of the spring 78, in a direction in which the cap 75 is caused to leave the fitting hole 74. Thus, it is made possible to operate the lid 56 to be opened. [0051]

In addition, a plate spring 84 is attached to the linking plate portion 67d of the bracket 67. The plate spring 84 abuts on one end portion of the support member 70 fixed to the inner surface of the lid 56 in a state where the lid 56 is closed. The plate spring 84 exerts spring force rotationally energizing the lid 56 in the opening direction. Hence, in such an unlocked state where the cap 75 has left the fitting hole 74, the lid 56 slightly rotates forward with the spring force of the plate spring 84. Accordingly, at the time of feeding fuel and at the time of maintenance, the lid 56 can be rotated forward by grasping the rear portion thereof. [0052]
The guide member 73 is provided with a guide surface 73a which abuts on the cap 75 on one end of the lock pin 76, and which thus presses the lock pin 76 to a position where the cap 75 is fitted to the fitting hole 74 at the time when the lid 56 in the opened state is rotated to the closed position. The lock pin 76 is urged to a side to be protruded by the spring force of the spring 78. [0053]
Next, descriptions will be provided for an action of this embodiment. The single down frame 14 joined to the head pipe 13 integrally includes the inclined portion 14a, the rearward extending portion 14c, and the curved portion 14b. The inclined portion 14a extends downward toward the rear from the head pipe 13 in front of the fuel tank 25. The rearward extending portion 14c passes below the fuel tank 25, and extends rearward. The curved portion 14b smoothly connects the inclined portion 14a and the rearward extending portion 14c. The fuel tank 25 is supported by the down frame 14. Accordingly, it is made

possible to not place limitation on the shape and the setting of the fuel tank 25. Moreover, it is not necessary to largely change the shape of the vehicle body frame F in response to a change in shape of the fuel tank 25. In addition, the fuel tank 25 can be supported by the down frame 14. [0054]
The fastened member 28 protrudes from the front surface 25a among the outer surfaces of the fuel tank 25, the front surface 25a being opposite to the inclined portion 14a of the down frame 14. This fastened member 28 is fastened to the inclined portion 14a from a side thereof. Accordingly, it is not necessary to retain a space for avoiding interference between the inclined portion 14a of the down frame 14 and the fuel tank 25. Thereby, the front surface 25a of the fuel tank 25 can be formed along the down frame 14. Thus, the capacity of the fuel tank 25 can be ensured efficiently. [0055]
In addition, the fuel tank 25 is formed of the pair of tank halves 26 and 27 respectively including the flange portions 26a and 27a which jut laterally outward in a way that the flange portions 26a and 27a are coupled to each other in a position offset to one of the right and left sides from the center of the fuel tank 25 in a width direction. A part of each of the flange portions 26a and 27a is formed as the fastened member 28 protruding from the front surface 25a of the fuel tank 25. Accordingly, it is not necessary to attach a special member which is separate from the fuel tank 25, and which is for attaching the fuel tank 25 to the down frame 14. Thus, it is made possible to reduce the number of parts. Moreover, work of fixing the special member to the fuel tank 25 is also not

needed. Accordingly, costs can be reduced. [0056]
The fuel tank 25 includes the front surface 25a and the lower surface 25b, which are respectively opposite to the inclined portion 14a and the rearward extending portion 14c of the down frame 14. The fuel tank 25 also includes the curved surface 25c opposite to the curved portion 14b of the down frame 14. The fastened portions 29 and 30, which are respectively fastened, from a side, to the rearward extending portion 14c and to the curved portion 14b, protrude from the lower surface 25b and the curved surface 25c of the fuel tank 25. Thereby, spots for attaching the fuel tank 25 are increased. Accordingly, it is made possible to firmly attach the fuel tank 25 to the vehicle body frame F. [0057]
In addition, the fastened members 29 and 30 protrude respectively from the lower surface 25b and from the curved surface 25c of the fuel tank 25. The pair of tank halves 26 and 27 constituting the fuel tank 25 respectively include the flange portions 26a and 27a. The fastened members 29 and 30 are formed respectively of a part of the flange portion 26a and a part cf the flange portion 27a. Accordingly, the number of parts can be further reduced, and the costs can be further reduced. [0058]
That is, the fuel tank 25 is formed along the down frame 14. The fastened members 28, 29 and 30 protrude to the outer surface of the fuel tank 25, respectively in the positions offset to one of the right and left sides from the center of the fuel tank 25 in the width direction. The fastened members

28, 29 and 30 are fastened to the down frame 14 from a side thereof. Accordingly, the fastened portions are not located between the fuel tank 25 and' the vehicle body frame F. Thereby, the size of the fuel tank 25 can be increased to the maximum in accordance with the shape of the vehicle body frame F. Thus, a dead space can be reduced to the minimum, and the capacity of the tank can be increased. [0059]
In addition, the vehicle body frame F includes the pair of right and left side frames 19 and 19- The front ends of the right and left side frames 19 and 19 are respectively joined to both sides of the intermediate part of the inclined portion 14a of the down frame 14, are inclined upward toward the rear, and extend rearward, as viewed from a side. Moreover, the fuel tank 25 is disposed in the region surrounded by the down frame 14 and both of the side frames 19 and 19. Accordingly, the fuel tank 25 can be reliably supported by holding both sides of the fuel tank 25 with the respective side frames 19 and 19 at a relatively high position. Concurrently, it is made possible to set a position for fastening (a position of the fasrened portion 28) the front surface 25a of the fuel tank 25 to the down frame 14 at such a high position that interference thereof with the side frames 19 and 19 does not occur. Accordingly, the fuel tank 25 can be firmly attached to the vehicle body frame F. [0060]
The fuel filler 53 of the fuel tank 25 is provided to the fuel tank 25 at a side opposite to the fastened portions 28 to 30 with respect to the center of the fuel tank 25 in the width direction. The coolant reserve tank 54, as the auxiliary other

than the fuel tank 25, is disposed in a vicinity of the fuel filler 53. Accordingly, the coolant reserve tank 54 can be disposed by using the dead space, and the opening portion 55, which is provided to the vehicle body cover 40, can be used when fuel is filled and when the auxiliary is maintained. [0061]
The side stand 63 is disposed at the left side of the vehicle body frame F. The inclined surface 27b facing obliquely upward is formed in the upper portion of the side surface facing the side of the side stand 63 among the outer surfaces of the fuel tank 25. The fuel filler 53 is provided to the inclined surface 27b. Accordingly, even when a vehicle body is returned to an upright state after the fuel tank 25 is filled up in a state where the vehicle body is inclined by erecting the side stand 63, the fuel can be reliably prevented from overflowing out of the fuel filler 53, In addition, the fuel filler 53 is located at a side toward which the vehicle body is inclined when parked with the side stand 63. Accordingly, this makes it easier to feed the fuel than otherwise. [0062]
Furthermore, the opening portion 55 is provided to a portion, which faces the fuel filler, of the side surface of the floor tunnel portion 45 of the vehicle body cover 40 disposed between the head pipe 13 and the rider's seat 20. The lid 56 capable of closing the opening portion 55 is attached to the floor tunnel portion 45 in a state where the lid 56 can be rotated forward and be opened. Accordingly, high positions are avoided when placing the fuel feeder 53. Thus, it is not necessary to lift a fuel feeding nozzle high when feeing fuel. In addition, it is made easier to recognize the fuel filler 53 from above

as compared with the case where the lid 56 opens upward. Furthermore, interference of the fuel feeding nozzle with the lid 56 can be avoided to the maximum. Thus, this makes it easy to insert the fuel feeding nozzle from the opening portion 55 into the fuel filler 53, and to feed fuel. Thus, the vehicle body cover 40 is prevented as much as possible from being soiled by fuel dropping from the fuel feeding nozzle when the fuel feeding nozzle is pulled out of the fuel filler 53. [0063]
The coolant reserve tank 54 is disposed behind the fuel filler 53. Thereby, the lid 56 opens forward. Hence, this makes it easy to perform work of feeding a coolant to the coolant reserve tank 54. Accordingly, workability both of the fuel feeding and of the coolant feeding is enhanced. [0064]
The descriptions have been provided above for the embodiment of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it is possible to make a variety of design changes without departing from the present invention described in the scope of claims.
[Brief Description of the Drawings] [0065]
[Fig. 1] Fig. 1 is a side view of a scooter-type motorcycle.
[Fig, 2] Fig, 2 is a side view of a vehicle body frame.
[Fig. 3] Fig. 3 is a plan view of the vehicle body frame.
[Fig. 4] Fig. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of a fuel tank along the line 4-4 of Fig. 3.
[Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is a partially cutaway plan view of the

fuel tank, for showing a state where the fuel tank is attached to a down frame.
[Fig. 6] Fig. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the line 6-6 of Fig. 1.
[Fig. 7] Fig. 7 is a view in a direction indicated by the arrow 7 of Fig. 6.
[Explanation of the Reference Numerals] [0066]
12... STEERING HANDLE 13... HEAD PIPE 14... DOWN FRAME 14a... INCLINED PORTION 14b... CURVED PORTION 14c... REARWARD EXTENDING PORTION 19... SIDE FRAME 2 5... FUEL TANK
2 5a... FRONT SURFACE OF FUEL TANK 2 5b... LOWER SURFACE OF FUEL TANK 25c... CURVED SURFACE OF FUEL TANK 26, 27... TANK HALF AS TANK-FORMING MEMBER 2 6a, 27a... FLANGE PORTION 27b... INCLINED SURFACE 28, 29, 30... FASTENED PORTION 53... FUEL FILLER
54... COOLANT RESERVE TANK AS AUXILIARY 55... OPENING PORTION 56... LID
63... SIDE STAND F... VEHICLE BODY FRAME

[Document Name] Scope of Claims [Claim 1]
A motorcycle in which a fuel tank (25) is supported by a vehicle body frame (F) including a head pipe (13) which steerably supports a steering handle (12) , and a down frame (14) which has at least an inclined portion which extends downward toward the rear from the head pipe, and behind which the fuel tank is disposed,
the motorcycle wherein a fastened portion (28) protruding from an outer surface of the fuel tank (25) is fastened to an inclined portion (14a) from a side thereof. [Claim 2]
The motorcycle according to claim 1, wherein
the fuel tank (25) includes a plurality of tank-forming members (26 and 27) which respectively include flange portions (26a and 27a) jutting laterally outward so that the tank-forming portions (26a and 27a) are coupled to each other in a position offset to one of right and left sides from the center of the fuel tank (25) in the width direction, and
a part of each of the flange portions (26a and 27a) is formed as the fastened portion (28). [Claim 3]
The motorcycle according to claim 1, wherein
the down frame (14) includes: the inclined portion (14a); a rearward extending portion (14c) which extends rearward, passing below the fuel tank (25), and; and a curved portion (14b) which smoothly connects the inclined portion (14a) and the rearward extending portion (14c) to each other,
the fuel tank (25) includes: a front surface (25a) opposite to the inclined portion (14a) of the down frame (14) ;

a lower surface (25b) opposite to the rearward extending portion (14c) of the down frame (14 ); and a curved surf ace (25c) opposite to the curved portion (14b) of the down frame (14), and
the fastened portion (28) and additional fastened portions (29 and 30), which are respectively fastened to the inclined portion (14a), to the rearward extending portion (14c), and to the curved portion (14b) , protrude respectively from the front surface (25a), the lower surface (25b) and the curved surface (25c) of the fuel tank (25) , while each of the fastened portions is fastened to its counterpart from a side. [Claim 4]
The motorcycle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein
the vehicle body frame (F) includes a pair of right and left side frames (19), front ends of which are respectively joined to both sides of an intermediate part of the inclined portion (14a) of the down frame (14), while the pair of right and left side frames (19) are inclined upward toward the rear, as viewed from a side, and
the fuel tank (25) is disposed in a region surrounded by the down frame (14) and both of the side frames (19). [Claim 5]
The motorcycle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein
a fuel filler (53) of the fuel tank (25) is provided to the fuel tank (25) at an opposite side to the fastened portions (28 to 30) with respect to the center of the fuel tank (25) in the width direction, and an auxiliary (54) other than the fuel tank (25) is disposed in a vicinity of the fuel filler (53) . [Claim 6]

The motorcycle according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein
a side stand (63) is disposed at one of the right and left sides of the vehicle body frame (F),
an inclined surface (27b), which faces obliquely upward, is formed in an upper portion of a side surface facing that one of the right and left sides in the outer surface of the fuel tank (25), and
the fuel filler (53) of the fuel tank (25) is provided to the inclined surface (27b). [Claim 7]
The motorcycle according to any one of claims 5 and 6, wherein
an opening portion (55) is provided to a portion of a side surface of a vehicle body cover (40), the portion facing the fuel filler (53) , between the head pipe (13) and a rider' s seat (20), and
a lid (56) capable of closing the opening portion (55) is attached to the vehicle body cover (40) in a state where the . lid (56) can be opened by being rotated forward.

Documents:

336-che-2007 amanded claims 29-03-2010.pdf

336-CHE-2007 AMANDED CLAIMS 30-11-2009.pdf

336-CHE-2007 AMANDED PAGES OF SPECIFICATION 29-03-2010.pdf

336-CHE-2007 CORRESPONDENCE OTHERS 29-03-2010.pdf

336-CHE-2007 CORRESPONDENCE OTHERS 30-11-2009.pdf

336-CHE-2007 DESCRIPTION(COMPLETE) 30-11-2009.pdf

336-CHE-2007 EXAMINATION REPORT REPLY RECIEVED 30-11-2009.pdf

336-CHE-2007 FORM-3 30-11-2009.pdf

336-CHE-2007 OTHER PATENT DOCUMENT 30-11-2009.pdf

336-che-2007-abstract.image.jpg

336-che-2007-abstract.pdf

336-che-2007-claims.pdf

336-che-2007-correspondnece-others.pdf

336-che-2007-description(complete).pdf

336-che-2007-drawings.pdf

336-che-2007-form 1.pdf

336-che-2007-form 18.pdf

336-che-2007-form 26.pdf

336-che-2007-form 3.pdf

336-che-2007-form 5.pdf

336-che-2007-priority document.pdf

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Patent Number

241011

Indian Patent Application Number

336/CHE/2007

PG Journal Number

25/2010

Publication Date

18-Jun-2010

Grant Date

15-Jun-2010

Date of Filing

20-Feb-2007

Name of Patentee

HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD

Applicant Address

1-1, MINAMI-AOYAMA 2-CHOME, MINATO-KU, TOKYO 107-8556, JAPAN

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	IMADA, NORIHIRO	C/O HONDA R&D CO., LTD, 4-1, CHUO 1-CHOME, WAKO-SHI, SAITAMA 351-0193, JAPAN
2	HARA, HIROKAZU	C/O HONDA R&D CO., LTD, 4-1, CHUO 1-CHOME, WAKO-SHI, SAITAMA 351-0193, JAPAN
3	HAYASHI, KAORU	C/O HONDA R&D CO., LTD, 4-1, CHUO 1-CHOME, WAKO-SHI, SAITAMA 351-0193, JAPAN

PCT International Classification Number

B62J35/00

PCT International Application Number

N/A

PCT International Filing date

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1	2006-042791	2006-02-20	Japan