CN113557194B

CN113557194B - Saddle-ride type vehicle

Info

Publication number: CN113557194B
Application number: CN202080019989.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 堀内哲; 岸裕司
Original assignee: Honda Motor Co Ltd
Current assignee: Honda Motor Co Ltd
Priority date: 2019-03-29
Filing date: 2020-03-27
Publication date: 2022-11-22
Anticipated expiration: 2040-03-27
Also published as: JP7182695B2; WO2020203801A1; CN113557194A; JPWO2020203801A1

Abstract

A saddle-ride type vehicle (11) is provided with: a fuel tank (44) supported by the vehicle frame (12) and having a fuel supply opening (44 a); a vehicle body cover (13) that at least partially covers the fuel tank (44) and that divides an opening (47) at a position facing the fuel fill opening (44 a); a cover (48) that opens and closes the opening (47); and a fuel cap (55) which is provided separately from the cover (48) and closes the fuel supply port (44 a). The fuel cap (55) swings around an axis (56) between an open position for opening the fuel supply port (44 a) and a closed position for closing the fuel supply port (44 a), and a link member (66) for linking the swinging of the fuel cap (55) and the opening and closing of the lid (48) is connected to the fuel cap (55) and the lid (48). Thus, a saddle riding type vehicle is provided which can ensure good appearance design and realize good operation performance during oil supply.

Description

Saddle-ride type vehicle

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a saddle-ride type vehicle, comprising: the fuel tank is supported by the frame and has a fuel filling opening, a vehicle body cover at least partially covering the fuel tank and dividing the opening at a position opposite to the fuel filling opening, a cover for opening and closing the opening, and a fuel cap which is arranged separately from the cover and blocks the fuel filling opening.

Background

Japanese patent laying-open No. 9-207852 discloses a scooter type vehicle having a rear frame cover covering the rear half of the vehicle body. A lid hole (opening) for refueling is formed in the rear frame cover. A cover is openably and closably disposed in the cover hole. A fuel cap is fitted to a fuel filler of the fuel tank inside the cap.

Documents of the prior art

Patent document

Patent document 1: japanese laid-open patent publication No. 9-207852

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

In the scooter type vehicle described in the same publication, since the lid is disposed separately from the fuel cap, the function and shape of the fuel cap are not limited, and the lid can be freely designed as a part of the rear frame cover. Therefore, the design of the scooter type vehicle can be improved. However, when refueling the fuel tank, the user must remove the fuel cap after opening the operating cover. The opening of the cover and the removal of the fuel cap must be performed separately.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a saddle-ride type vehicle capable of achieving good workability in oil supply while ensuring good design properties.

Means for solving the problems

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a saddle-ride type vehicle including: a fuel tank supported by the frame and having a fuel supply port; a vehicle body cover that at least partially covers the fuel tank and that defines an opening at a position facing the fuel fill inlet; a cover that opens and closes the opening; and a fuel cap provided separately from the cover and closing the fuel supply port, wherein the fuel cap swings around an axis between an open position where the fuel cap opens the fuel supply port and a closed position where the fuel cap closes the fuel supply port, and a link member that links the swing of the fuel cap and the opening and closing of the cap is coupled to the fuel cap and the cover.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the structure of the first aspect, the cap swings about a rotation axis different from the axis, the axis and the rotation axis are disposed on the same side with respect to a fuel fill inlet, and the link member connects the fuel cap and the cap on the opposite side with the fuel fill inlet therebetween.

According to a third aspect, in the structure of the second aspect, the axis and the rotation axis are parallel.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to any one of the first to third aspects, the saddle type vehicle includes a cap base that is attached to the fuel tank and is positioned on an outer periphery of the fuel filler opening, and the fuel cap and the lid are supported on the cap base.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the saddle type vehicle further includes a hinge arm that is separate from the cover, supports the cover, is provided rotatably about a rotation axis, and is coupled to the link member at a position separated from the rotation axis so as to be relatively rotatable.

According to a sixth aspect, in addition to the fifth aspect, the saddle type vehicle further includes: a first link shaft coupled to the fuel cap, the first link shaft being coupled to one end of the link member so as to be rotatable about a coupling axis that is separated from the axis by a first distance and is parallel to the axis; and a second link shaft coupled to the hinge arm and rotatably coupled to the other end of the link member about a coupling axis that is separated from the rotation axis by a second distance greater than the first distance and is parallel to the rotation axis.

According to a seventh aspect, in addition to the structure of the fifth or sixth aspect, the vehicle body cover includes a rear cover that has an outer surface flush-continuously with an outer edge of the cover and in which the opening is disposed rearward of the passenger seat, and the support body is disposed forward in the vehicle front-rear direction with respect to the fuel fill port.

According to an eighth aspect of the invention, in addition to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the saddle type vehicle further comprises a lock mechanism that restricts the fuel cap at the closed position or restricts the lid at a position that closes the opening.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the eighth aspect, the saddle type vehicle further comprises an elastic member that exerts an elastic force that drives either one of the fuel cap and the lid in the opening direction.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the eighth or ninth aspect, the lock mechanism includes a restricting body that is formed on a member that supports the fuel cap rotatably about the axis and restricts swinging of the fuel cap.

Effects of the invention

According to the first aspect, when the fuel tank is filled with fuel, the lid is opened, and the fuel filler port is exposed from the opening to the space outside the vehicle body cover. The fuel cap swings about the axis to open the fuel supply port. In this case, the lid and the fuel cap are formed separately, and therefore the lid can be freely designed as a part of the vehicle body cover. The design of the saddle-ride type vehicle can be improved. On the other hand, since the swinging of the fuel cap is interlocked with the opening and closing operation of the lid, the opening of the vehicle body cover is opened and the fuel filler of the fuel tank is opened in accordance with either the swinging of the fuel cap or the opening and closing operation of the lid. Although the cap and the fuel cap are separate bodies, the cap and the fuel cap can be opened by one action. Thus, it is possible to achieve good workability in oil supply while ensuring good design properties.

According to the second aspect, the opening directions of the fuel cap and the lid are aligned with respect to the fuel fill port, and therefore, the configuration of the link mechanism formed by the fuel cap, the hinge arm, and the link member can be simplified. When the fuel fill inlet is opened, the fuel cap and the lid are centered in one direction with respect to the fuel fill inlet, and therefore a sufficiently large space can be secured in the other direction of the fuel fill inlet. The fuel filler gun can easily approach the fuel filler opening from the outside of the vehicle body cover.

According to the third aspect, the cover is rotatable about the rotation axis at an angle different from the swing angle of the fuel cap. The rotation angle of the lid can be set independently of the swing angle of the fuel cap. As a result, the appearance of the cover can be designed more freely. The design of the saddle-ride type vehicle can be further improved.

According to the fourth aspect, the cap base can unitize the fuel cap, the cap, and the link member. The cap base, the fuel cap, the cap, and the link member can be assembled in advance and assembled to the fuel tank. Therefore, the workability of assembly can be improved.

According to the fifth aspect, the cover is supported by the hinge arms when the cover is assembled. Therefore, after the hinge arm is disposed inside the vehicle body cover, the cover can be fixedly attached to the hinge arm from outside the vehicle body cover. The degree of freedom in the shape of the lid can be increased as compared with the case where the lid is assembled inside the vehicle body cover after being coupled to the fuel cap in advance. Thus, the appearance of the cover can be designed more freely. The design of the saddle-ride type vehicle can be further improved.

According to the sixth aspect, in the link mechanism constituted by the fuel cap, the hinge arm, and the link member, the rotational angle of the hinge arm is reduced with respect to the rotational angle of the fuel cap. In this way, the opening angle of the fuel cap and the opening angle of the cover can be adjusted relatively. Force can be efficiently transmitted from the fuel cap to the hinge arm.

According to the seventh aspect, the fuel gun can easily access the fuel fill port from behind the vehicle. The workability of oil supply is improved.

According to the eighth aspect, since the cap and the fuel cap are coupled by the link member, the fuel cap can be restricted to the closed position and the cap closes the opening by restricting only one of the swing of the fuel cap and the opening and closing operation of the cap. The number of parts can be reduced as compared with the case where the locking mechanism is provided separately to the fuel cap and the lid. If the restriction is released in either of the fuel cap and the lid, the fuel cap can be swung from the closed position, and the lid can open the opening. Good workability can be achieved.

According to the ninth aspect, when the fuel cap or the lid is released from the restriction of the lock mechanism, the fuel cap is driven to the open position by the action of the elastic force, and the lid is driven in the opening direction to open the opening. Since the fuel cap and the lid are coupled by the link member, the fuel cap and the lid can be driven in the opening direction by the common elastic member of the fuel cap and the lid. The number of parts can be reduced as compared with the case where the elastic member is provided separately on the fuel cap and the lid.

According to the tenth aspect, the restricting body that restricts the swing of the fuel cap is integrated with the member that swingably supports the fuel cap, and the restricting position of the fuel cap can be favorably managed. The fuel cap can be satisfactorily sealed from the fuel filler opening.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a side view schematically showing the overall structure of a scooter type vehicle as a specific example of a saddle type vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. (first embodiment)

Fig. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the rear of the vehicle schematically showing the shape of the rear cover. (first embodiment)

Fig. 3 is a conceptual diagram schematically showing the switch unit embedded in the inner cover. (first embodiment)

Fig. 4 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of the vehicle rear end schematically showing the structure of the fuel cap unit.

(first embodiment)

Fig. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the fuel cap unit. (first embodiment)

Fig. 6 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of the fuel cap unit. (first embodiment)

Fig. 7 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of the fuel cap unit, corresponding to a part of fig. 4. (first embodiment)

Fig. 8 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of the fuel cap unit including the slider at the second position, corresponding to fig. 7. (first embodiment)

Fig. 9 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of the fuel cap unit including the fuel cap swung to the opening direction, corresponding to fig. 8. (first embodiment)

Fig. 10 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of the vehicle rear end, corresponding to fig. 4, schematically showing the configuration of the fuel cap unit when the fuel lid is opened. (first embodiment)

Fig. 11 corresponds to fig. 10, and is a conceptual diagram schematically showing the case of oil supply. (first embodiment)

Fig. 12 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of the fuel cap unit including the lock claw that abuts the stopper when the fuel lid is closed, corresponding to fig. 9. (first embodiment)

Description of the reference numerals

11 8230a saddle type vehicle (minitype motorcycle)

12 method 8230a vehicle frame

13 8230a vehicle body cover

23 8230a passenger seat

43 8230a rear shell cover

44 8230and fuel tank

44a 8230and oil supply port

47 8230opening

48 \8230acover (fuel cover)

55 8230and fuel cap

56 \ 8230and its axis

57 \ 8230and cap base

57b 8230and carrier

62 \ 8230and rotary axis

63 \ 8230and hinge arm

64 8230a connecting axis

65 \ 8230and connecting axis

66' \ 8230and connecting rod part

67 folder 8230a first connecting rod shaft

69 8230a second connecting rod shaft

89' \ 8230and elastic component (torsion spring)

101 \ 8230and locking mechanism

111% -8230a limiter

DS1 (8230); first distance

DS2 (8230); second distance

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, front-back, left-right, and up-down refer to directions as viewed from an occupant of the motorcycle.

First embodiment

Fig. 1 schematically shows an overall structure of a scooter (scooter) 11 as a specific example of a saddle type vehicle (motorcycle). The scooter 11 includes a frame 12 and a body cover 13 attached to the frame 12. The frame 12 is formed of a head pipe 14, a down pipe 15 extending downward from the head pipe 14, a cross frame 16 joined to a rear end of the down pipe 15 and extending in the vehicle width direction, and a pair of right and left side frames 17 joined to both ends of the cross frame 16 and extending in a front-low and rear-high manner from the cross frame 16. The front fork 18 and the steering handle 19 are rotatably supported by the head pipe 14. The front fork 18 supports a front wheel WF rotatably about an axle 21.

The vehicle body cover 13 includes: a front cowl 22a covering the head pipe 14 and the down tube 15 from the front, an inner cover 22b coupled to the front cowl 22a and covering the head pipe 14 and the down tube 15 from the rear, a floor (floor step) 22c coupled to a lower end of the inner cover 22b and extending parallel to the ground, and a body cover 22d coupled to a rear end of the floor 22c and covering the side frames 17. The vehicle body cover 22d supports the passenger seat 23 above the rear wheel WR. In the vehicle body cover 22d, the storage box 24 is supported by the side frame 17. The storage box 24 is opened and closed by the passenger seat 23.

The swing type power unit 25 is supported between the side frames 17 on the vehicle body frame 12 so as to be swingable in the vertical direction. The power unit 25 is coupled to the side frame 17 via a link 26. The power unit 25 includes an internal combustion engine 27 that generates power based on fuel, and a transmission 28 that is connected to the internal combustion engine 27 and transmits the power of the internal combustion engine 27 to the rear wheel WR at a linearly changing speed ratio.

The rear wheel WR is supported at the rear end of the power unit 25 to be rotatable about the axle 29. A rear damper unit 31 is mounted between the rear end of the power unit 25 and the rear ends of the side frames 17. The power unit 25 functions as a suspension device that is connected to the rear wheel WR so as to be swingable with respect to the frame 12.

The engine main body 32 of the engine 27 includes: a crankcase 34 that houses a crankshaft rotatably about a rotation axis 33, a cylinder block 35 that is coupled to the crankcase 34 and guides a linear reciprocating motion of a piston along a cylinder axis C that tilts forward, a cylinder head 36 that is coupled to the cylinder block 35 and forms a combustion chamber with the piston, and a head cover 37 that is coupled to the cylinder head 36 and covers a valve mechanism assembled to the cylinder head 36. An intake system 38 for introducing a mixture gas into the combustion chamber and an exhaust system 39 for discharging a burned gas from the combustion chamber are connected to the cylinder head 36. The transmission 28 includes a continuously variable transmission (not shown) housed in a transmission case 41 integrated with the crankcase 34 of the engine body 32.

The vehicle body cover 22d includes a rear cowl (43), and the rear cowl 43 is disposed behind the passenger seat 23 and supports the tail lamp 42. The fuel tank 44 is supported on the side frames 17 inside the rear housing cover 43. The fuel tank 44 is at least partially covered by the body cover 13. The fuel tank 44 includes a filler neck (filler neck) 45 that partitions the fuel fill port 44a. A fuel cap unit (fuel cap unit) 46 for plugging the fuel supply port 44a is attached to the filler neck portion 45. Details of the fuel cap unit 46 will be described later. A fuel pump (not shown) is mounted in the fuel tank 44. The fuel in the fuel tank 44 is supplied to the fuel injection device of the internal combustion engine 27 by the action of the fuel pump.

As shown in fig. 2, an opening 47 is defined in the rear housing cover 43 at a position behind the passenger seat 23 and facing the fuel tank 44. A fuel lid (fuel lid) 48 is disposed on the opening 47. The fuel lid 48 covers the opening 47 from the outside of the rear casing cover 43. The fuel lid 48 opens and closes the opening 47. The opening and closing operation of the fuel lid 48 is realized in the space outside the rear housing cover 43. When the fuel lid 48 closes the opening 47, the outer edge of the fuel lid 48 and the outer surface of the rear housing cover 43 are planarly continuous.

As shown in fig. 3, a switch unit 49 is mounted on the inner cover 22b below the steering handle 19. The switch unit 49 is disposed at a position that is easily reached by the hand of the occupant seated in the occupant seat 23. The switch unit 49 includes a key cylinder 52 that rotatably supports a key plug (key plug) 51, and the key plug 51 receives a key in a key hole 51 a. When the angle of the keyway 51a is aligned with the "OFF" position, access to the key relative to the keyway 51a is permitted. When the angle of the key hole 51a is aligned with the "ON" position, the electrical system of the vehicle is switched ON. When the angle of the key hole 51a exceeds the "ON" position and is aligned with the "IGNITION" position, a starter motor of the internal combustion engine 27 starts.

The "SEAT FUEL" position is set between the "ON" position and the "OFF" position. Operation of the seesaw switch 53 is permitted when the angle of the keyhole 51a is aligned with the "SEAT FUEL" position. In the seesaw switch 53, when the "FUEL" side is pressed, the FUEL lid 48 opens the opening 47. When the SEAT side is pressed, the locking of the occupant SEAT 23 is released. The user can access the storage box 24 in response to the opening of the passenger seat 23. As shown in fig. 1, the "SEAT" side of the seesaw switch 53 is coupled to the fuel cap unit 46 by a cable 54. Beyond the "SEAT function" position, the seesaw switch 53 is locked. If the seesaw switch 53 is locked, the depression of the seesaw switch 53 is prevented on both the "SEAT" side and the "FUEL" side.

As shown in fig. 4, the fuel cap unit 46 is provided separately from the fuel lid 48, and includes a fuel cap 55 that closes the fuel fill port 44a of the fuel tank 44. The fuel cap 55 is supported by a cap base (cap base) 57 so as to be swingable about an axis 56 between an open position for opening the fuel fill port 44a and a closed position for closing the fuel fill port 44a. The cap base 57 is fitted to the filler neck 45 around the oil supply port 44a. The cap base 57 is fixed to the fuel tank 44 by screws 58.

A fuel tray (fuel tray) 59 is disposed between the fuel cap unit 46 and the fuel tank 44. The fuel tray 59 expands around the filler neck 45, blocking the space between the filler neck 45 and the rear cover 43. Water and dust entering from the opening 47 are collected by the fuel tray 59. The fuel tray 59 may be molded from, for example, a resin material.

The fuel cap unit 46 includes a link mechanism 61 that links the opening and closing of the fuel lid 48 and the operation of the fuel cap 55. The link mechanism 61 includes: a hinge arm 63 supported by the fuel tank 44 rotatably about the rotation axis 62 and supporting the fuel lid 48; and a link member 66 having one end rotatably coupled to the fuel cap 55 about a coupling axis 64 parallel to the axis 56 and the other end rotatably coupled to the hinge arm 63 about a coupling axis 65 parallel to the rotation axis 62. The link member 66 links the opening and closing operation of the fuel cap 48 with the swinging of the fuel cap 55. The link member 66 may be molded from a resin material, for example.

As shown in fig. 5 and 6, one end of the link member 66 is coupled to the fuel cap 55 via a first link shaft 67 so as to be relatively rotatable about the coupling axis 64. The first link shaft 67 is constituted by a bushing fixed to the fuel cap 55 by a screw 68. The bush is made of, for example, a resin molded body having good abrasion resistance and sliding properties. As the resin material, for example, POM (polyacetal) resin can be used. The linking axis 64 is a first distance DS1 from the axis 56.

The other end of the link member 66 is coupled to the hinge arm 63 via a second link shaft 69 so as to be relatively rotatable about the coupling axis 65. The second link shaft 69 is constituted by a bush fixed to the hinge arm by a screw 71. The bush is made of, for example, a resin molded body having good abrasion resistance and sliding properties. As the resin material, for example, POM (polyacetal) resin can be used. The linking axis 65 is spaced from the rotational axis 62 by a second distance DS2 that is greater than the first distance DS 1.

The hinge arm 63 is coupled to the cap base 57 via a bush 72 so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis 62. The bushing 72 is fixed to the cap base 57 by a screw 73. The bushing 72 is made of, for example, a resin molded body having good abrasion resistance and sliding properties. As the resin material, for example, POM (polyacetal) resin can be used.

The rotation axis 62 of the hinge arm 63 is different from the axis 56 of the fuel cap 55, and extends parallel to the axis 56. The hinge arm 63 has: a connecting body 63a that extends in a position away from the rotation axis 62 toward the vehicle rear while facing the inner surface of the fuel lid 48; the two curved arms 63b extend forward of the vehicle while being curved so as to protrude downward from the connecting body 63a, and have distal ends connected to the cap base 57 via bushings 72 so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis 62. The hinge arm 63 may be formed of, for example, a resin material. The cap base 57 is partially disposed between the curved arms 63 b.

As shown in fig. 4, the fuel lid 48 is formed with: a first coupling body 48a projecting from an inner surface facing the hinge arm 63 and received by a front edge of the coupling body 63a of the hinge arm 63; and a second coupling body 48b that protrudes from the inner surface facing the hinge arm 63 at a position rearward of the first coupling body 48a in the vehicle, and is received by the rear edge of the coupling body 63a of the hinge arm 63. The second coupling body 48b may be formed by bosses disposed on both sides of the coupling body 63a, for example. A hook 75 is formed on the first coupling body 48a, and the hook 75 has a claw projecting from the flat surface 74 received by the coupling body 63a and extending rearward. A screw hole 77 is formed in the second coupling body 48b, the screw hole 77 passing through the flat surface 76 received by the coupling body 63a and having an internal thread engraved on an inner surface. The fuel lid 48 may be formed of the same material as the rear housing cover 43.

The first coupling body 48a is received by a first seating surface 78 of the coupling body 63a formed in the hinge arm 63. A slit 79 to receive the hook 75 of the first coupling body 48a is formed on the first seating surface 78. When the first coupling body 48a is positioned with respect to the first seat surface 78, the hook 75 in the slit 79 engages with the coupling body 63 a. The first coupling body 48a is prevented from shaking relative to the first seat surface 78. The hook 75 maintains the contact of the first seating surface 78 and the first coupling body 48 a.

The second coupling body 48b is received by a second seating surface 81 formed on the coupling body 63a of the hinge arm 63. A circular hole 83 is formed in the second seat surface 81, and the circular hole 83 receives a shaft portion of the screw 82 screwed into the screw hole 77 of the second coupled body 48 b. The second coupling body 48b is coupled to the hinge arm 63 by a screw 82. Thus, the fuel lid 48 is coupled to the hinge arm 63 by the hook 75 and the screw 82.

Formed on the fuel lid 48 are: a top plate 48c fastened to the hinge arm 63 by the first and

second coupling bodies

48a and 48b, covering the hinge arm 63 from above while providing a sense of unity with the rear housing cover 43 at the front end of the opening 47; and a concealing plate 48d which is bent from the top plate 48c, covers the second coupling body 48b and the screw 82 from the rear while providing a sense of unity with the rear housing cover 43 at the rear end of the opening 47.

As shown in fig. 6, the cap base 57 has: a surrounding plate 57a surrounding the neck 45 of the filler neck and screwed to the fuel tank 44; and a support body 57b that is continuous from the surrounding plate 57a, extends in one direction so as to be spaced outward from the outer edge of the fuel fill inlet 44a, and is connected to the fuel cap 55 and the hinge arm 63. The support body 57b has a pair of wall bodies 84 standing from a plane including the surface of the enclosing plate 57a while being spaced from each other. Here, the support body 57b is disposed forward in the vehicle longitudinal direction with respect to the fuel fill inlet 44a. Therefore, when the fuel fill inlet 44a is opened, the fuel cap 55 is positioned on the vehicle front side with respect to the fuel fill inlet 44a. The fuel lid 48 is located on the vehicle front side with respect to the opening 47 when the opening 47 is opened.

The fuel cap 55 includes a cap body 55a coupled to a pivot shaft 85 so as to be swingable about an axis 56. The cap body 55a includes: a circular plate body 86 having a diameter larger than the oil fill opening 44a and extending outward of the outer edge of the oil fill opening 44 a; the connecting arm 87 extends from the disc body 86 toward the front of the vehicle, and has a through hole 87a at the front end thereof for rotatably receiving the pivot shaft 85. The pivot shaft 85 penetrates the two wall bodies 84 and is fixed to the cap base 57 by a flange 85a and a C-clip 88.

A pair of cylindrical bodies 55b projecting outward coaxially with the pivot shaft 85 are formed on the coupling arm 87. A torsion spring 89 is mounted on each cylindrical body 55b. One end of the torsion spring 89 is coupled to the cap base 57. The other end of the torsion spring 89 is coupled to the fuel cap 55. The torsion spring 89 exerts an elastic force that drives the fuel cap 55 in the opening direction about the axis 56. Here, the torsion spring 89 exerts an elastic force that drives the fuel cap 55 to the open position at which the fuel fill port 44a is maximally opened.

As shown in fig. 7, a limiter 91 protruding from the outer surface so as to be away from the axis 56 is formed on the coupling arm 87. An abutment surface 92 is formed on the cap base 57 on a track of the limiter 91 that displaces about the axis 56. The abutment surface 92 restricts the swing of the cap main body 55a in the opening direction about the axis 56. When the fuel cap 55 swings, the limiter 91 abuts against the abutment surface 92, thereby setting the open position of the fuel cap 55.

A cylindrical wall 93 rising toward the fuel tank 44 coaxially with the neck 45 of the neck is formed on the circular plate 86 at the closed position of the fuel cap 55. A fuel liner 94 is fitted inside the cylindrical wall 93. The fuel packing 94 has a thick body 94a closely contacting the tip end of the filler neck 45 around the fuel filler opening 44a, and a corrugated body 94b extending outward from the thick body 94 a. The corrugated body 94b is coupled to the circular plate body 86 by a gasket holder 95 fitted into the inside of the cylindrical wall 93. The fuel liner 94 is molded by, for example, a rubber material. The cap main body 55a may be formed of, for example, an aluminum material. The pad holder 95 may be formed of, for example, aluminum.

The thick wall body 94a of the fuel liner 94 is supported by the push member 96. The urging member 96 sandwiches the fuel liner 94 with the filler neck portion 45 in the closed position of the fuel cap 55. The pushing member 96 is guided by a guide shaft 97 protruding from the circular plate body 86, and is displaceable in the linear direction of the central axis of the cap main body 55a. A C-clip 98 is fixedly attached to the front end of the guide shaft 97. The C-clip 98 prevents the push member 96 from falling off the guide shaft 97.

A coil spring 99 is sandwiched between the pushing member 96 and the circular plate body 86 around the guide shaft 97. The coil spring 99 exerts an elastic force that applies a driving force to the urging member 96 in a direction away from the circular plate body 86 toward the C-clip 98. In the closed position of the fuel cap 55, the fuel liner 94 is pressed against the tip of the filler neck 45 with a certain pressure by the elastic force of the coil spring 99. When the fuel liner 94 is released from the restriction of the filler neck portion 45, the urging member 96 is pressed against the C-clip 98 by the elastic force of the coil spring 99.

A lock mechanism 101 that restricts the fuel cap 55 to the closed position is incorporated in the fuel cap unit 46. The lock mechanism 101 includes: the slide 102 has a locking claw 102a at one end, and a pair of opposing walls 104 formed in the cap body 55a and demarcating a guide path 103 for linearly guiding the displacement of the slide 102. The slider 102 is linearly displaced along the surface of the fuel cap 55. The lock claw 102a is displaced between a first position Pf, at which it projects outward from the outer periphery of the disk body 86 to the maximum extent, and a second position Ps, at which it retreats from the first position Pf toward the outer periphery of the disk body 86, in accordance with the displacement of the slider 102. The other end of the slider 102 protrudes outward from the edge of the cap main body 55a.

A pressing plate 105 that closes the guide passage 103 from above is coupled to the upright wall 104. Pressing plate 105 is received by step 104a descending from the upper end of upright wall 104, and is pressed against step 104a by caulking piece 104b bent upward from step 104a.

A protruding piece 102b that contacts the edge of the pressing plate 105 from the outside along the guide passage 103 is formed at the other end of the slider 102. The tab 102b restricts the advance of the slider 102 by coming into contact with the edge of the pressing plate 105. At this time, the locking claw 102a is positioned at the first position Pf projecting outward from the outer periphery of the circular plate 86 to the maximum extent. The protruding piece 102b blocks the guide passage 103 at the outer edge of the fuel cap 55.

The slider 102 is partitioned into a housing space 107 for the coil spring 106. The coil spring 106 is disposed in the guide passage 103 in a compressed state between the slider 102 and the cap main body 55a. The coil spring 106 is in contact with the slider 102 at one end close to the locking claw 102a and in contact with the cap main body 55a at the other end remote from the locking claw 102a. A wall 108 is formed on the cap main body 55a, and the wall 108 is disposed in the housing space 107 and supports the other end of the coil spring 106. The coil spring 106 exerts an elastic force that holds the lock claw 102a in the first position Pf along the guide path 103.

The lock mechanism 101 includes a stopper 111 disposed at a position deviated from the trajectory of the fuel cap 55 reciprocating between the open position and the closed position and coupled to the fuel tank 44. The restricting body 111 is capable of restricting the locking claw 102a in the first position Pf about the axis 56 against the elastic force of the torsion spring 89. The lock claw 102a in the first position Pf engages with the stopper 111 to hold the fuel cap 55 in the closed position. The locking claw 102a of the second position Ps is disengaged from the restricting body 111, allowing the fuel cap 55 to swing about the axis 56 between the closed position and the open position. The stopper 111 is formed on the cap base 57 rearward of the fuel fill inlet 44a in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

The lock mechanism 101 further includes an operating member 113, and the operating member 113 is supported by a support body 57b of the cap base 57 so as to be swingable about a hinge axis 112 parallel to the axis 56. The operation member 113 is disposed between the one wall 84 and the connecting arm 87. A shaft body 113a is formed on the operation member 113 coaxially with the hinge axis 112. The shaft body 113a penetrates the wall body 84 from the inside and is prevented from coming off by the C-clip 114.

A stopper 115 is formed on the operating member 113, and the stopper 115 receives the front end of the cable 54 at a position separated from the hinge axis 112 in the centrifugal direction. The stopper piece 115 is formed by, for example, a cylinder having a central axis parallel to the hinge axis 112. The front end of the cable 54 is coupled to the stopper piece 115.

The cable 54 is guided by a sheath (sheath) 116 supported by the cap base 57 and is capable of relative displacement in the axial direction with respect to the cap base 57. When the "FUEL" side is pressed by the seesaw switch 53, the cable 54 is stretched. The operating member 113 swings about the hinge axis 112 in the first direction FR. A first stopper 117a is formed in the operation member 113, and the first stopper 117a abuts against an edge of the wall body 84 when swinging in the first direction FR to restrict swinging in the first direction FR. The first stopper 117a defines an unlocked position of the operating member 113.

A coil spring 118 is fitted to the cable 54 in a compressed state between the operating member 113 and the cap base 57. The coil spring 118 exerts an elastic force that drives the operating member 113 in the second direction SE opposite to the first direction FR about the hinge axis 112. When the depression of the "FUEL" side is released by the seesaw switch 53, the operation member 113 swings in the second direction SE about the hinge axis 112 by the elastic force of the coil spring 118. The operating member 113 is provided with a second stopper 117b that abuts against an edge of the wall body 84 when swinging in the second direction SE to restrict swinging in the second direction SE. The second stopper 117b defines the lock position of the operating member 113. The elastic force of the coil spring 118 holds the operating member 113 in the lock position.

An engaging piece 119 that has a central axis parallel to the hinge axis 112 and protrudes from the operating member 113 is formed on the operating member 113 at a position away from the hinge axis 112 in the centrifugal direction. The click piece 119 is formed by, for example, a cylindrical body having a central axis parallel to the hinge axis 112. The engagement piece 119 is disposed on an extension of the guide passage 103 when the fuel cap 55 is in the closed position. The engaging piece 119 is displaced in the linear direction of the guide path 103 in accordance with the operation of the operating member 113. When the operating member 113 is located at the lock position about the hinge axis 112, the engaging piece 119 is closest to the guide passage 103 on the cap main body 55a. When the operating member 113 is located at the unlocked position about the hinge axis 112, the engaging piece 119 is farthest away from the guide passage 103 on the cap main body 55a.

In the operating member 113, an engaging piece 119 coupled to the locking claw 102a is disposed in a first angular region around the hinge axis 112. The distance between the center axis of the engaging piece 119 and the hinge axis 112 is set to the first length LG1. On the other hand, the stopper piece 115 coupled to the cable 54 is disposed in a second angle region displaced from the first angle region by a specific angle α about the hinge axis 112. The distance between the central axis of the stopper piece 115 and the hinge axis 112 is set to a second length LG2 greater than the first length LG1.

A hook 121 is formed at the other end of the slider 102, and when the fuel cap 55 is positioned at the closed position, the hook 121 is coupled to the engagement piece 119, and when the fuel cap 55 is displaced from the closed position in the opening direction, the hook 121 is released from the engagement piece 119. When the fuel cap 55 is in the closed position, if the operating member 113 swings from the lock position to the unlock position, the lock claw 102a retreats from the first position Pf and is displaced to the second position Ps where it is separated from the stopper 111.

During oil supply, in the scooter type motorcycle 11, a key is inserted into the key hole 51a of the key plug 51. The angle of the keyhole 51a is aligned with the "SEAT FUEL" position. Then, the "FUEL" side is pressed by the seesaw switch 53. The cable 54 is stretched in the axial direction against the elastic force of the coil spring 118. Then, as shown in fig. 8, the operating member 113 rotates about the hinge shaft 112 in the first direction FR. According to the swing of the operation member 113, the engagement piece 119 is separated from the guide passage 103 in the extension of the guide passage 103. The slider 102 is retracted against the elastic force of the coil spring 106 by the displacement of the engaging piece 119. Thus, the driving force is transmitted to the locking claw 102a. As a result, the lock claw 102a retreats from the first position Pf toward the second position Ps. The driving force opens the lock claw 102a from engagement with the regulating body 111. The locking claw 102a is disengaged from the restricting body 111. Allowing the fuel cap 55 to be actuated in the opening direction. The operation member 113 stops at the unlock position.

Since the torsion spring 89 urges the fuel cap 55 in the opening direction about the axis 56, the fuel cap 55 swings from the closed position in the opening direction. Then, as shown in fig. 9, the hook 121 is disengaged from the engagement piece 119 in response to the swinging of the fuel cap 55. The slider 102 is released from the restriction of the operating member 113. Therefore, the slider 102 advances by the action of the coil spring 106, and the lock claw 102a is pressed again at the first position Pf.

When the fuel cap 55 swings in the opening direction about the axis 56, as shown in fig. 10, the limiter 91 abuts against the abutment surface 92 of the cap base 57. The abutment surface 92 restricts the swing of the fuel cap 55 about the axis 56 in the opening direction. Thus, the open position of the fuel cap 55 is determined. The fuel fill port 44a of the fuel tank 44 is maximally opened.

The fuel cap 55 generates a driving force in a tangential direction about the axis 56 by the action of the torsion spring 89. A component of the driving force is transmitted to the hinge arm 63 along the axial direction of the link member 66. Thus, a driving force is applied to the hinge arm 63 about the rotation axis 62. The fuel lid 48 opens the opening 47 in conjunction with the opening operation of the fuel cap 55.

When the fuel cap 55 reaches the open position, the fuel lid 48 reaches the open position to maximally open the opening 47. The fuel lid 48 in the open position is located above the passenger seat 23. When the fuel lid 48 is maximally opened, the horizontal plane HP passing through the lower end portion of the fuel lid 48 is located above the occupant seat 23. At this time, the second coupling body 48b of the fuel lid 48 and the screw 82 are covered by the hiding plate 48d from the rear, but the screw 82 is exposed downward. As shown in fig. 11, the operator can easily insert the fuel gun 122 into the fuel fill port 44a from behind through the opening 47.

When the lock claw 102a is released from the restriction of the restricting body 111, the seesaw switch 53 can be released from the operation force of the user. Then, the operating member 113 is released from the tensile force of the cable 54, and therefore, the operating member 113 is rotated in the second direction SE about the hinge shaft 112 by the action of the coil spring 118. The operating member 113 is returned to the lock position.

When the oil supply is completed, the operator of the oil supply pulls out the oil supply gun 122 from the oil supply port 44a. The fuel cap 48 is then closed about the axis of rotation 62. The operator applies an operating force to the fuel cap 48 with his or her hand. The hinge arm 63 generates a driving force in a tangential direction about the rotation axis 62. A component of the driving force is transmitted to the cap main body 55a of the fuel cap 55 in the axial direction of the connecting rod part 66. Thus, the fuel cap 55 is given driving force about the axis 56. The fuel cap 55 closes the fuel fill port 44a in conjunction with the closing operation of the fuel lid 48.

When the fuel fill port 44a is closed, if the fuel cap 55 swings to the closed position, the lock claw 102a in the first position Pf collides with the stopper 111. At this time, if an operation force is further applied from the fuel lid 48 to the operator, a driving force is generated toward the second position Ps on the lock claw 102a based on the inclined surface of the regulating body 111. The slider 102 is retreated against the elastic force of the coil spring 106. The locking claw 102a is disengaged from the inclined surface of the restricting body 111. The fuel cap 55 swings further and reaches the closed position. The oil supply port 44a is closed. The lock claw 102a is released from the restriction of the restricting body 111, and therefore, the slider 102 advances again by the action of the coil spring 106, and the lock claw 102a is restored to the first position Pf. The lock claw 102a engages with the stopper 111. Even if the fuel lid 48 is released from the operating force of the operator, the restricting body 111 restricts the fuel cap to the closed position.

When the fuel cap 55 is restrained in the closed position, the fuel liner 94 is sandwiched between the urging member 96 and the filler neck portion 45. The pushing member 96 is given a pressing force toward the neck portion 45 by the action of the coil spring 99. Therefore, the fuel packing 94 is in close contact with the pushing member 96 and the filler neck 45. Good airtightness is ensured between the fuel cap 55 and the filler neck 45. When the fuel cap 55 is swung to the closed position, the operation member 113 is held at the lock position by the action of the coil spring 118, and therefore the hook 121 is engaged with the engagement piece 119 of the operation member 113 again.

In the present embodiment, the fuel lid 48 and the fuel cap 55 are formed separately, and therefore the fuel lid 48 can be freely designed as a part of the vehicle body cover 13. The design of the scooter 11 is improved. On the other hand, since the swing of the fuel cap 55 is interlocked with the opening and closing operation of the fuel lid 48, if the swing of the fuel cap 55 is operated, the opening 47 of the vehicle body cover 13 is opened, and the fuel filler 44a of the fuel tank 44 is opened. Although the fuel lid 48 and the fuel cap 55 are separate bodies, the fuel lid 48 and the fuel cap 55 can be opened by one operation. Thus, good workability in oil supply is achieved while ensuring good design properties.

Further, the fuel lid 48 and the fuel cap 55 are coupled by the link member 66, and therefore, when the fuel cap 55 reaches the closed position, the fuel lid 48 closes the opening 47. The fuel cap 55 can be positioned in the closed position according to the closure of the fuel lid 48. The fuel lid 48 does not close the opening 47 if the fuel cap 55 is not fitted to the fuel-supply port 44a. Thus, the fitting of the fuel cap 55 is simply confirmed from the observation of the fuel lid 48. Forgetting to close the fuel cap 55 can be prevented.

In the scooter type motorcycle 11 of the present embodiment, the fuel lid 48 is rotated about a rotation axis 62 which is different from the axis 56 of the fuel cap 55 and extends in parallel with the axis 56. The fuel lid 48 is rotated about the rotation axis 55 at an angle different from the swing angle of the fuel cap 55. The rotation angle of the fuel lid 48 can be set independently of the swing angle of the fuel cap 55. As a result, the appearance of the fuel lid 48 can be designed more freely. The design of the scooter 11 can be further improved.

When the fuel cap 48 is assembled, the fuel cap 48 is supported by the hinge arms 63. Therefore, after the hinge arm 63 is disposed inside the vehicle body cover 13, the fuel lid 48 can be fixed to the hinge arm 63 from outside the vehicle body cover 13. The degree of freedom in the shape of the fuel lid 48 is increased as compared with the case where the fuel lid 48 is assembled inside the vehicle body cover 13 after being coupled to the fuel cap 55 in advance. Thus, the appearance of the fuel lid 48 can be designed more freely. The design of the scooter 11 can be further improved.

The fuel cap 55 and the fuel lid 48 are supported by a cap base 57 which is fitted to the fuel tank 44 and is extended around the fuel supply port 44a. The cap base 57 unitizes the fuel cap 55, the hinge arm 63, and the link member 66. The cap base 57, the fuel cap 55, the hinge arm 63, and the link member 66 can be assembled in advance and assembled to the fuel tank 44. Therefore, the workability of assembly can be improved.

The cap base 57 includes a support 57b, and the support 57b is extended in one direction so as to be spaced outward from the outer edge of the fuel fill inlet 44a, and is connected to the fuel cap 55 and the hinge arm 63. At this time, the link member 66 connects the hinge arm 63 and the fuel cap 55 on the opposite side of the fuel fill port 44a and the support body 57b. The fuel cap 55 and the fuel lid 48 are opened in the same direction with respect to the fuel fill port 44a, and therefore the configuration of the link mechanism 61 formed by the fuel cap 55, the hinge arm 63, and the link member 66 is simplified. When the fuel fill port 44a is opened, the fuel cap 55 and the fuel lid 48 are concentrated in one direction with respect to the fuel fill port 44a, and therefore, a sufficiently large space is secured in the other direction of the fuel fill port 44a. The fuel filler gun 122 can easily access the fuel filler opening 44a from the outside of the vehicle body cover 13.

The link mechanism 61 of the present embodiment includes: a first link shaft 67 coupled to the fuel cap 55 and rotatably connected to one end of the link member 66 about a connection axis 64 spaced apart from the axis 56 by a first distance DS1 and parallel to the axis 56; and a second link shaft 69 coupled to the hinge arm 63, and rotatably coupling the other end of the link member 66 to a coupling axis 65 which is spaced apart from the rotation axis 62 by a second distance DS2 greater than the first distance DS1 and is parallel to the rotation axis 62. In the link mechanism 61 including the fuel cap 55, the hinge arm 63, and the link member 66, the rotation angle of the hinge arm 63 is reduced with respect to the rotation angle of the fuel cap 55. In this way, the opening angle of the fuel cap 55 and the opening angle of the fuel lid 48 can be adjusted relatively. Force can be efficiently transmitted from the fuel cap 55 to the hinge arm 63.

In the present embodiment, the support body 57b of the cap base 57 is disposed forward in the vehicle front-rear direction with respect to the fuel fill inlet 44a. As a result, the fuel gun 122 can easily approach the fuel fill inlet 44a from the rear of the vehicle. The workability of oil supply is improved.

The scooter 11 is further provided with a lock mechanism 101 for restricting the fuel cap 55 in the closed position. Since the fuel lid 48 and the fuel cap 55 are coupled by the link member 66, the fuel cap 55 is restricted to the closed position by restricting only the swing of the fuel cap 55, and the fuel lid 48 closes the opening 47. The number of parts is reduced as compared with the case where the fuel cap 55 and the fuel lid 48 are provided with the lock mechanism separately. If the restriction is released in the fuel cap 55, the fuel cap 55 can swing from the closed position, and the fuel lid 48 opens the opening 47. Good workability is achieved.

The scooter type motorcycle 11 further includes a torsion spring 89 that exerts an elastic force to drive the fuel cap 55 in the opening direction. When the fuel cap 55 is released from the restriction of the lock mechanism, the fuel cap 55 is driven to the open position by the elastic force, and the fuel lid 48 is driven in the open direction to open the opening 47. Since the fuel cap 55 and the fuel lid 48 are coupled by the link member 66, the fuel cap 55 and the fuel lid 48 are driven in the opening direction by the common elastic member of the fuel cap 55 and the fuel lid 48. The number of parts is reduced as compared with the case where the elastic member is provided separately for the fuel cap 55 and the fuel lid 48.

The lock mechanism 101 of the present embodiment includes a stopper 111 formed on a cap base 57 that supports the fuel cap 55 so as to be rotatable about the axis 56, and the stopper 111 regulates the swing of the fuel cap 55. Since the fuel cap 55 and the regulating body 111 are supported by the same member, the regulating position of the fuel cap 55 can be managed more favorably than a case where the fuel cap 55 and the regulating body 111 are supported by separate members. The airtightness of the fuel cap 55 with respect to the fuel fill port 44a is satisfactorily ensured.

Claims

1. A saddle-ride type vehicle is provided with:

a fuel tank (44) supported by the vehicle frame (12) and having a fuel supply opening (44 a);

a vehicle body cover (13) that at least partially covers the fuel tank (44) and that defines an opening (47) at a position facing the fuel fill inlet (44 a);

a cover (48) that opens and closes the opening (47);

a fuel cap (55) provided separately from the cover (48) and closing the fuel supply port (44 a),

the saddle-ride type vehicle (11) is characterized in that,

the fuel cap (55) is swung about an axis (56) between an open position opening the fuel supply port (44 a) and a closed position blocking the fuel supply port (44 a),

a link member (66) for linking the swing of the fuel cap (55) and the opening/closing operation of the lid (48) is connected to the fuel cap (55) and the lid (48),

the cap (48) is configured to swing around a rotation axis (62) different from the axis (56), the axis (56) and the rotation axis (62) are arranged on the same side relative to the oil supply port (44 a),

further provided with a hinge arm (63), wherein the hinge arm (63) is separate from the cover (48), supports the cover (48), and is rotatably provided around a rotation axis (62),

a first link shaft (67) that connects the link member (66) and the fuel cap (55) and a second link shaft (69) that connects the link member (66) and the hinge arm (63) are located on the opposite side of the axis (56) and the rotation axis (62) across the oil supply port (44 a).

2. The saddle-ride type vehicle according to claim 1,

the axis (56) and the axis of rotation (62) are parallel.

3. The saddle-ride type vehicle according to claim 1 or 2,

the fuel tank is provided with a cap base (57), the cap base (57) is mounted on the fuel tank (44) and is positioned on the periphery of the fuel filling opening (44 a), and the fuel cap (55) and the cap (48) are supported on the cap base (57).

4. The saddle-ride type vehicle according to claim 1 or 2,

the first link shaft (67) is connected to one end of the link member (66) so as to be rotatable about a first connection axis (64) that is separated from the axis (56) by a first distance (DS 1) and is parallel to the axis (56);

the second link shaft (69) is rotatably connected to the other end of the link member (66) about a second connecting axis (65) that is spaced apart from the rotation axis (62) by a second distance (DS 2) that is greater than the first distance (DS 1) and is parallel to the rotation axis (62).

5. The saddle-ride type vehicle according to claim 4,

the vehicle body cover (13) is provided with a rear cover (43), the rear cover (43) is provided with the opening (47) behind a passenger seat (23), has an outer surface flush-continuously with the outer edge of the cover (48), and a support body (57 b) connected to the fuel cap (55) and the hinge arm (63) is arranged forward in the vehicle front-rear direction with respect to the fuel filler opening (44 a).

6. The saddle-ride type vehicle according to any one of claims 1, 2, and 5,

a lock mechanism (101) is further provided for restricting the fuel cap (55) at the closed position or restricting the cover (48) at a position for closing the opening (47).

7. The saddle-ride type vehicle according to claim 6,

the fuel injector is further provided with an elastic member (89), and the elastic member (89) exerts an elastic force that drives either the fuel cap (55) or the cover (48) in the opening direction.

8. The saddle-ride type vehicle according to claim 7,

the lock mechanism (101) is provided with a restricting body (111), and the restricting body (111) is formed on a member that supports the fuel cap (55) so as to be rotatable about the axis (56) and restricts the swinging of the fuel cap (55).