JP2004115100A - Cap device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a cap device with which a breaking load due to external force can be correctly specified within a predetermined range in vertical and radially various directions. <P>SOLUTION: A fuel cap 10 transmits rotational torque to a casing body 20 via a torque member 90 by rotating a control handle 45 for closing an inlet. A weak portion 98 is provided along the inner periphery of the member 90. The weak portion 98 is formed to be annular of weak grooves 98a and thinned portions provided therebetween. When the external force is applied to a lid 40 or the like, the cap breaks at the weak portion 98 to keep sealability of a gasket GS. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a cap device that is detachably attached to a tank opening.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, as a cap device of this type, a technology disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-329861 (Patent Document 1) is known. FIG. 38 is a partially cutaway view showing a fuel cap of an automobile according to the prior art. The fuel cap 200 includes a casing main body 202 and a lid 210 mounted on a flange portion 204 at an upper portion of the casing main body 202. The flange portion 204 includes an outer annular portion 206 for attaching the lid 210 and a connecting portion 208 for connecting the casing body 202 side. The connecting portion 208 has a fragile portion formed from the notch 209. The fragile portion is a starting point at which the connecting portion 208 is broken when the flange portion 204 is received from the various directions via the lid 210. In the above configuration, when a large external force is applied to the periphery of the fuel cap 200 due to an automobile collision or the like, the fuel cap 200 breaks at the fragile portion and maintains the sealing property to the outside of the fuel tank.
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-329861
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the fuel cap 200, since the breaking load and the direction need to be defined by the direction and depth of the notch in the narrow connecting portion 208, the breaking load at the fragile portion is determined over a wide range of vertical and radial directions. There was a problem that it was difficult to set within the range.
[0004]
An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems of the conventional technology, and an object of the present invention is to provide a cap device that can accurately set a breaking load at a fragile site in a predetermined range over various directions in the vertical and radial directions. I do.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems and Their Functions and Effects]
The present invention has been made to solve the above problems,
In a cap device having a cap that opens and closes a tank opening,
A closing body for closing the tank opening,
An operating mechanism for rotating the closing body,
A support member mounted on the closing body and rotatably supporting the operation mechanism,
With
The support member has a fragile portion that facilitates breaking of the support member when the operation mechanism receives an external force.
In the cap device according to the present invention, when a rotation torque is applied to the operating mechanism in the closing direction or the opening direction with the closing body attached to the tank opening, the closing body opens and closes the tank opening. A support member having a fragile portion is mounted on the closing body. The support member breaks at the fragile site when the operation mechanism receives an external force. Due to the breakage of the support member, the closing body does not receive significant damage due to external force, and maintains the sealing property.
[0007]
Since the support member is a member separate from the closing member, it is easy to optimize for suppressing the variation of the breaking load in various external force directions without being restricted by the shape of the closing member. .
[0008]
As a preferable mode of the support member, the support member can be constituted by a torque member for transmitting a rotation torque in a closing direction or an opening direction applied to the operation mechanism to the closing body. The torque member is a member for transmitting the rotation torque in the closing direction to the closing body within a range not exceeding a predetermined rotation torque, and can be easily realized without using additional components by using this.
[0009]
Further, the torque member and the outer peripheral portion of the closing member are provided with a plate mounting mechanism that rotatably supports the torque member with respect to the closing member, and the weak portion is disposed on the inner peripheral portion of the plate mounting mechanism. Can be. The fragile portion may be configured by a notch arranged on the circumference of the torque member and formed so as to make a part of the torque member thin. This notch should be a part that can be broken by a predetermined load in either the entire circumference of the cap or the vertical direction by arranging it on a part of the circumference together with the lightened part of the torque member. Can be.
[0010]
Further, the cap includes a lid having an operating mechanism and covering an upper portion of the closing body, the torque member includes a lid connecting portion that rotatably supports the lid, and the fragile portion includes the lid. It is possible to adopt a configuration in which it is arranged between the body connecting portion and the plate mounting mechanism.
[0011]
Further, the torque member includes an upper circle portion, an outer ring portion annularly surrounding an outer peripheral portion of the upper circle portion, and a connecting portion connecting the upper circle portion and the outer ring portion. The connecting portion can be formed in a column shape in which the mechanical strength is smaller than that of the upper circular portion and the outer ring portion.
[0012]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below to further clarify the configuration and operation of the present invention described above.
[0013]
(1) Schematic Configuration of Fuel Cap 10 FIG. 1 is a partially cutaway view of a cap device provided with a fuel cap 10 (cap) according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, a fuel cap 10 is mounted on a filler neck FN having an inlet FNb (tank opening) for replenishing fuel to a fuel tank (not shown), and a casing main body made of a synthetic resin material such as polyacetal. 20 (closed body), an inner lid 30 for closing the upper opening of the casing body 20 to form the valve chamber 24, a pressure regulating valve 35 housed in the valve chamber 24, and a nylon or the like mounted on the upper part of the casing body 20. A lid 40 formed of a synthetic resin material, an operation handle 45 mounted on the upper surface of the lid 40, a clutch mechanism 60 and a torque transmission mechanism 80 (connection mechanism), a tether mechanism 100, and an upper part of the casing body 20 A gasket GS is provided on the outer periphery and seals between the casing body 20 and the filler neck FN.
[0014]
In the configuration of the fuel cap 10, as shown in FIG. 2, the operation handle 45 is gripped with a finger to raise and rotate, and the fuel cap 10 is inserted and removed from the filler neck FN to open and close the injection port FNb. be able to. In addition, even if an external force in the opening direction is applied to the lid 40 or the operation handle 45, which is the upper portion of the fuel cap 10, the fuel cap 10 idles and prevents the fuel cap 10 from coming off the filler neck FN.
[0015]
(2) Configuration of Each Part Next, the configuration of each part of the fuel cap 10 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail.
[0016]
(2) -1 Casing body 20
In FIG. 1, a casing body 20 includes a substantially cylindrical outer tube 21 and a valve chamber forming body 22 integrally provided inside the outer tube 21. The valve chamber forming body 22 houses a positive pressure valve and a negative pressure valve acting as the pressure regulating valve 35. The inner lid 30 forms the valve chamber 24 by being welded to the upper part of the valve chamber forming body 22 using an ultrasonic welding method.
[0017]
A gasket GS is provided on the lower surface of the upper flange 21b of the casing body 20. That is, the gasket GS is interposed between the seal holding portion 21a of the flange 21b and the injection port FNb of the filler neck FN, and when the fuel cap 10 is tightened into the injection port FNb, the gasket GS is positioned on the seat surface of the filler neck FN. It is pressed to perform a sealing action.
[0018]
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the casing side engaging portion 20a of the casing body 20 and the filler neck FN. A casing-side engaging portion 20a is formed in a lower portion of the outer periphery of the outer tube 21. On the other hand, an opening side engaging portion FNc is formed on the inner peripheral portion of the filler neck FN. A neck-side notch FNd into which the casing-side engaging portion 20a can be inserted in the axial direction is formed on a part of the inner peripheral side of the opening-side engaging portion FNc. Therefore, the fuel cap 10 is rotated by a predetermined angle (about 90 °) in a state where the casing side engaging portion 20a is aligned with the neck side insertion notch FNd and the fuel cap 10 is inserted into the filler inlet FNb of the filler neck FN. Then, the fuel cap 10 is attached to the filler neck FN by engaging the casing side engaging portion 20a with the opening side engaging portion FNc.
[0019]
(2) -2 Inner lid 30
As shown in FIG. 1, the inner lid 30 has a flange 32 formed on an outer peripheral portion thereof. The lower end of the flange 32 is joined to the upper part of the valve chamber forming body 22 by ultrasonic welding.
[0020]
(2) -3 Configuration of Lid 40 Lid 40 is provided with an upper wall 41 and a side wall 43 formed on an outer peripheral portion of the upper wall 41, and is integrally formed in a cup shape. A support protrusion 43 a is provided on the inner side of the lower portion of the side wall 43. The support protrusions 43a are provided at six locations at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the side wall 43. The cover 40 is rotatably attached to the casing body 20 via the torque member 90 by engaging the support protrusion 43 a with the outer peripheral portion of the torque member 90 of the torque transmission mechanism 80. The assembly structure of the lid 40 will be described later in detail.
[0021]
FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the lid 40. The lid 40 is formed from polyamide (PA), polyethylene (PP), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and polycarbonate (PC). In addition, as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 2, the lid 40 is formed of a conductive resin material so as to form a part of the ground path. That is, as the conductive resin material, a metal filler (for example, a filler such as stainless steel, nickel, chromium, zinc, copper, aluminum, gold, silver, magnesium, titanium, or a combination thereof) can be used to increase conductivity. Has been granted. The content of the metal filler is 1 to 30% by weight. If the amount is less than 1% by weight, conductivity cannot be obtained. If the amount exceeds 30% by weight, the viscosity of the resin is increased when the lid 40 is injection-molded, and clogging or accumulation of metal filler occurs. However, this causes a problem in injection molding.
[0022]
Further, a display section DP is formed on the surface of the upper wall 41 of the lid 40. The display unit DP is a display of a description of a function, notes, a line of description, a history, a barcode, and the like, and is marked by laser irradiation. In order to perform such laser irradiation, 0.01 to 3% by weight of carbon is added. This is because if the amount is less than 0.01% by weight, marking is not performed by laser irradiation, whereas if the amount exceeds 3% by weight, the energy of the laser is absorbed by the entire lid 40 and is transmitted to the display unit DP. This is because partial coloring cannot be performed.
[0023]
(2) -4 Configuration of Operation Handle 45 FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing parts on the upper part of the fuel cap. The operation handle 45 includes a rectangular handle body 46 whose corner is chamfered. The handle body 46 is formed in a semicircular shape having an operation recess 46a formed by recessing a central portion of the outer periphery. The operation recess 46a is a recess into which a finger is inserted so that the operation can be easily performed when the operation handle 45 is in the storage position in which the operation handle 45 is tilted (see FIG. 1).
[0024]
(2) -5 Shaft support mechanism 50
The operation handle 45 is rotatably mounted on the upper wall 41 of the lid 40 by a pivot mechanism 50. The shaft support mechanism 50 includes shaft supports 51 and 52 projecting from the upper wall 41 of the lid 40 and shafts formed on the operation handle 45 and rotatably supported by the shaft supports 51 and 52. And supported portions 55 and 56.
[0025]
(2) -5-1 Shaft support portions 51, 52
FIG. 6 is a front view showing a state where the operation handle 45 is detached from the lid 40. The shaft support portions 51 and 52 are members for rotatably supporting the operation handle 45, and are provided in a pair around the lid 40. The shaft support 51 includes a leg 51a and a shaft 51b protruding from a side of the leg 51a, and supports the operation handle 45 so as to be rotatable around the shaft 51b. The shaft support 52 includes a leg 52a and a shaft 52b on the upper portion of the leg 52a. A shaft hole 52f is formed in a side portion of the shaft portion 52b.
[0026]
(2) -5-2 Shaft supported parts 55, 56
The shaft supported portions 55 and 56 are formed from the lower portion to the central portion of the operation handle 45, and have a function of supporting the operation handle 45 via the shaft support portions 51 and 52 of the lid 40. The shaft supported portion 55 includes an opening 55a in which a lower portion and one side of the operation handle 45 are opened, and a shaft hole 55b having a circular cross section connected to the opening 55a in the axial direction. The opening 55 a and the shaft hole 55 b are formed so as to support the shaft 51 b of the shaft support 51.
[0027]
Further, the shaft supported portion 56 has an opening 56a, and a pin mounting hole 56g connected to the opening 56a is formed. 7 is an enlarged front view showing the vicinity of the shaft supported portion 56 in FIG. 6, and FIG. 8 is a view seen from the direction of arrow 8 in FIG. A pin mounting hole 56g connected to the opening 56a is formed on the side of the opening 56a. The pin mounting hole 56g penetrates the side of the operation handle 45. A pin 56h is fitted into the pin mounting hole 56g. An insertion support portion 56i inserted into the shaft hole 52f is formed at the tip of the pin 56h.
[0028]
(2) -5-3 Assembling of Operation Handle 45 FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of assembling the operation handle 45 to the lid 40. In order to assemble the operation handle 45 to the lid 40 by the shaft support mechanism 50, after the shaft support 51 is fitted to the shaft supported portion 55, the shaft support 52 is inserted into the opening 56a of the shaft supported portion 56. Then, the pin 56h is inserted into the pin mounting hole 56g, and the insertion support portion 56i is fitted into the shaft hole 52f. As a result, the operation handle 45 is rotatably assembled to the lid 40 via the pivot mechanism 50.
[0029]
(2) -5-4 Urging mechanism 57
FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 7, and FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing a state before the operation handle 45 of FIG. 10 is assembled. The operation handle 45 is urged by the urging mechanism 57 in the storage posture direction. The biasing mechanism 57 includes a cam 58 protruding from a side of the shaft support 52 and a cam support 59 provided on the operation handle 45. In FIG. 11, the cam surface 58a of the cam 58 is formed by an axis O1, a substantially semicircular arc surface 58b having a radius r1, a center O2 eccentric from the axis O1, and a curved convex surface 58c having a radius r2. . The cam support portion 59 is bifurcated so as to sandwich the cam surface 58a between the cam support elastic piece 59a and the cam support protrusion 59b. The cam support elastic piece 59a is a cantilever so that it elastically bends when following the cam surface 58a with the rotation of the operation handle 45. A cam guide surface 59c having a shape following the arc surface 58b is formed inside the cam support elastic piece 59a. On the other hand, the cam support protrusion 59b is formed integrally with the handle main body 46, and is disposed substantially parallel to the cam support elastic piece 59a.
[0030]
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the turning operation of the operation handle 45. The operation handle 45 is supported by the pivot mechanism 50 so as to rotate within a range of 90 °. That is, the operation handle 45 is moved from the storage position pressed against the upper wall 41 of the lid 40 shown in FIG. After the progress of FIG. 12B, the user takes the upright operation posture shown in FIG. 12C. When not in the storage position, the operation handle 45 is urged by the urging mechanism 57 in the direction toward the storage position (the direction of the arrow in FIG. 12B). That is, when the operation handle 45 is at an angle between the operation position and the storage position, the cam support elastic piece 59a presses the arc surface 58b of the cam 58 with a spring force, so that the cam support elastic piece 59a faces the center O2. Generates pressing force. Since the pressing force is eccentric with respect to the axis O1, which is the center of rotation of the operation handle 45, a moment M1 is generated in the counterclockwise direction. This moment M1 is a force for rotating the operation handle 45 about the axis O1. Therefore, the operation handle 45 is urged in the counterclockwise direction from the operation posture to the storage posture to the storage posture.
[0031]
(2) -6 Clutch mechanism 60
FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view showing the fuel cap 10, FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a non-connected state of the clutch mechanism 60, and FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a connected state. The clutch mechanism 60 is a mechanism for transmitting or not transmitting the rotational torque applied to the operation handle 45 to the torque transmission mechanism 80. The clutch mechanism 60 includes a clutch member 70, a clutch spring 92 formed on the torque member 90, and a clutch arm 93. And cam surfaces 62 formed on the lower surface on both sides of the operation handle 45.
[0032]
(2) -6-1 Clutch member 70
In FIG. 13, the clutch member 70 is integrally formed by injection molding, and includes a clutch main body 71. The clutch body 71 includes a disk-shaped upper wall 72 and a side wall 73 extending downward from the outer periphery of the disk 72. An inner side surrounded by the upper wall 72 and the side wall 73 has a storage recess 71a (see FIG. 14).
[0033]
The upper wall 72 is provided with an annular projection 72a. As shown in FIG. 14, the annular projection 72a prevents the both from contacting each other, and facilitates the vertical movement of the clutch member 70. On the upper wall 72 shown in FIG. 13, buttons 74, 74 are provided so as to project at a position 180 ° with respect to the center of the clutch member 70. The buttons 74, 74 are disposed so as to be able to protrude and retract from the through holes 41 a formed in the lid 40.
[0034]
(2) -6-2 Clutch biasing section 61
On the upper surface of the torque member 90, three clutch springs 92 are formed at 120 ° in the circumferential direction. The clutch spring 92 applies a vertical spring force to the clutch member 70. The clutch spring 92 includes an arm 92a that is flush with the upper surface of the torque member 90 and extends in the circumferential direction, and a pressing protrusion 92b that projects from the upper surface of the torque member 90 at the tip of the arm 92a. The clutch spring 92 is a cantilever, and is formed so that one end thereof is tilted in the notch 92 c on the upper surface of the torque member 90, thereby acting to urge the clutch member 70 upward. .
[0035]
FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the operation handle 45 and the button 74 of the clutch member 70. The upper surface of the button 74 of the clutch member 70 is an inclined pressing surface 74a. On the lower surface on both sides of the operation handle 45, cam surfaces 62 for pressing the pressing surface 74a are formed. The cam surface 62 is formed so as to push the button 74 of the clutch member 70 when the operating handle 45 is in the operating position, and not to push the button 74 when in the storing position.
[0036]
When the operating handle 45 is rotated from the storage position shown in FIG. 14 to the operation position shown in FIG. 15 by the structure of the clutch urging portion 61, the cam surface 62 presses the pressing surfaces 74a of the buttons 74, 74, and the clutch 74 is pressed. The member 70 is depressed against the urging force of the clutch spring 92 to move down to the lower position. On the other hand, when the member 70 is returned to the stowed position, the force applied to the buttons 74, 74 is released. 92 returns to the original upper position.
[0037]
(2) -6-3 First clutch unit 63
FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity along line 17-17 in FIG. 15, and FIG. The first clutch unit 63 is a mechanism for transmitting the rotational torque in the closing direction applied from the operation handle 45 in any of the operation posture and the storage posture.
[0038]
A first clutch tooth body 75 is formed on the entire inner circumference of the side wall 73 of the clutch member 70. The first clutch tooth body 75 is provided with an engaging surface 75a formed in a right angle plane along the radial direction, and an inclined surface 75b inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the engaging surface 75a, and formed in a substantially right triangle in cross section. Have been.
[0039]
On the other hand, a clutch arm 93 that engages with the first clutch teeth 75 is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the torque member 90. The clutch arms 93 are arranged on the outer periphery of the upper portion of the torque member 90 and at a position of 120 ° in the circumferential direction. The clutch arm 93 includes an arm 93a provided along the circumferential direction, and an engagement end 93b provided at a tip of the arm 93a. The engagement end 93b is formed as a surface extending in the radial direction so as to mesh with the engagement surface 75a. Even when the clutch member 70 is at the upper position (FIG. 18A) or the lower position (FIG. 18B) with respect to the torque member 90, the engagement surface 75a always maintains the meshing relationship. And is formed thicker than the engagement end 93b.
[0040]
As shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B, when the clutch member 70 rotates clockwise, the engagement between the engagement surface 75a and the engagement end 93b causes the torque member 90 to rotate integrally in the clockwise direction. Be in a transmission state. In this torque transmission state, the engagement surface 75a of the clutch member 70 contacts the engagement end 93b regardless of whether the operation handle 45 is in the operation posture of FIG. 18A or the operation posture of FIG. 18B. So maintained.
[0041]
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 18C, when the clutch member 70 rotates counterclockwise, the inclined surface 75b of the first clutch tooth body 75 is disengaged following the outer surface of the arm 93a, and the torque member 90 is turned off. Do not rotate. As described above, the first clutch teeth 75 and the clutch arm 93 always mesh with each other in the clockwise direction (closing direction) to transmit the rotational torque, while not transmitting the rotational torque in the counterclockwise direction (opening direction). It constitutes a direction clutch.
[0042]
(2) -6-4 Second clutch unit 65
FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the second clutch unit 65. The second clutch unit 65 is a mechanism that transmits the rotational torque applied from the operation handle 45 in the opening direction only when the vehicle is in the operation posture.
[0043]
A second clutch tooth 76 is formed on the entire outer periphery of the lower surface of the upper wall 72 of the clutch member 70. The second clutch tooth body 76 includes an engagement surface 76a formed substantially vertically, and a slope 76b inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the engagement surface 76a, and is formed in a substantially right-angled triangle in cross section.
[0044]
On the other hand, on the upper surface of the torque member 90, a second clutch engaging portion 94 that engages with the second clutch tooth body 76 is formed. The second clutch engagement portions 94 are respectively arranged at positions 120 ° in the circumferential direction above the torque member 90. The second clutch engagement portion 94 is formed on the claw by a vertical engagement surface 94a that meshes with the engagement surface 76a and an inclined slope 94b that hits the slope 76b.
[0045]
FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the operation of the second clutch unit 65. As shown in FIG. 20A, when the clutch member 70 is located above by the spring force of the clutch spring 92 of the clutch mechanism 60, the engagement surface 76a of the clutch member 70 It does not engage with the engagement surface 94a. Therefore, even if the clutch member 70 rotates, the torque member 90 does not rotate.
[0046]
As shown in FIG. 20 (B), when the clutch member 70 is positioned downward against the spring force of the clutch spring 92 of the clutch mechanism 60, the engagement surface 76a of the second clutch tooth body 76 is engaged with the second clutch engaging member. The engaging portion 94 is engaged with the engaging surface 94a. When the clutch member 70 rotates in the counterclockwise direction (opening direction), the torque member 90 also integrally rotates in the same direction. As described above, the second clutch teeth 76 and the second clutch engagement portion 94 transmit the rotation torque in the counterclockwise direction only when the second clutch tooth body 76 and the second clutch engagement portion 94 are at the position below the torque member 90, while transmitting the rotation torque in the clockwise direction. This constitutes a one-way clutch that does not transmit.
[0047]
(2) -7 Configuration of Torque Member 90 FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing the torque member 90. The torque member 90 is formed by forming a central convex portion and an engaging portion on a two-stage disk formed of resin. That is, the torque member 90 includes the torque plate main body 91. The torque plate main body 91 includes an upper circular portion 91a, an outer ring portion 91b disposed outside and below the upper circular portion 91a, and a connecting portion 91c for connecting the outer ring portion 91b at three places. The upper circle portion 91a is provided with a clutch spring 92 constituting the above-described clutch mechanism 60, and further provided with a clutch arm 93 on the outer peripheral side thereof.
[0048]
(2) -7-1 Attaching Structure of Torque Member 90 As shown in FIG. 22, an engaging claw 97 constituting a part of the plate mounting mechanism is formed on the inner peripheral side of the outer ring portion 91 b of the torque member 90. ing. The engaging claw 97 is a tongue piece formed in the center direction of the torque member 90, and is formed so as to be elastically deformable in the axial direction. On the upper surface of the engaging claw 97, a fragile groove 97a forming a fragile portion described later is formed. FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the upper portion of the casing main body 20. An engagement recess 21c is formed on the outer periphery of the upper part of the outer tube body 21 of the casing body 20. By pressing the engagement claws 97 into the engagement recesses 21c, the torque member 90 is rotatably mounted on the outer periphery of the upper portion of the casing body 20.
[0049]
An engagement recess 91d that forms a lid connecting portion is formed on the outer periphery of the outer ring portion 91b. The engagement recess 91d has a support projection 43a formed on the inner wall of the side wall 43 of the lid 40. The cover 40 is rotatably supported by the torque member 90 by the engagement of the cover 40 (see FIG. 1).
[0050]
(2) -7-2 Torque transmission mechanism 80
The torque transmission mechanism 80 shown in FIG. 1 provides a sense of moderation when a rotational torque of a predetermined value or more is applied to the operation handle 45 during the operation of closing the injection port FNb with the fuel cap 10, and the fuel cap 10 This mechanism allows the user to confirm that the filler neck FN has been attached by the rotation torque.
[0051]
FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing the torque transmission mechanism 80, and FIG. 25 is a plan view showing the torque transmission mechanism 80. A main body side engaging portion 25 which forms a part of a torque transmission mechanism 80 described later is formed in an upper inner peripheral portion of the outer tube 21. The main body side engaging portion 25 is formed over the entire inner circumference of the outer tube 21, and has a first engaging surface 25 a inclined substantially in the circumferential direction and a second engaging surface formed substantially along the radial direction. 25b form a mountain shape.
[0052]
A cylindrical inner ring portion 91e is formed below the upper circular portion 91a of the torque member 90, and three elastic torque pieces 95 are provided at the outer periphery of the inner ring portion 91e and at a position of 120 ° in the circumferential direction. Is formed. As shown in FIG. 25, the elastic torque piece 95 is formed by an arched cantilever having the support end 95a as a fulcrum, and a torque one-side engaging portion 96 is protrudingly provided on the outer peripheral side, so that the torque one-side engaging A space 95c is formed on the inner peripheral side of the portion 96. One surface of the torque one-side engaging portion 96 is formed on the first engaging surface 96a, and the other surface is formed on the second engaging surface 96b. The first engaging surface 96 a is formed so as to abut on the first engaging surface 25 a of the main body side engaging portion 25 in a vertical plane with respect to the clockwise rotation of the torque member 90, and the center is formed by the main body side engaging portion 25. 26, the torque one-side engaging portion 96 is elastically deformed so as to narrow the space 95c as shown in FIG. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 27, the second engagement surface 96b is formed so as to come into contact with the second engagement surface 25b of the main body side engaging portion 25 by a counterclockwise rotation, and the torque member 90 and the casing main body And 20 so as to rotate together.
[0053]
(2) -7-3 Breaking Mechanism of Torque Member 90 As shown in FIG. 28A, a fragile portion 98 is provided between the outer periphery of the upper circle portion 91a of the torque member 90 and the connecting portion 91c. A fragile groove 98a constituting a part of the (fragile portion) is formed. The weak grooves 98a are formed at three places along the circumferential direction, and these weak grooves 98a are provided along the circumference connecting the notches between the connecting portions 91c in the circumferential direction. A weak portion is also formed on the upper surface of the engaging claw 97 in an arc shape by the weak groove 97a. The connecting portion 91c is formed in a column shape or a leg shape that makes the mechanical strength of the connecting portion 91c smaller than that of the upper circular portion 91a and the outer ring portion 91b.
[0054]
Now, as shown in FIG. 28B, when a large external force is applied to the lid 40 or the operation handle 45 due to a vehicle collision or the like, the weak portion 98 supporting the lid 40 starts from the weak portion 98. The outer peripheral portion is separated, or the engaging claw 97 is separated from the engaging recess 21c. In addition, when a large external force is applied to the engagement claw 97 supporting the lid 40, the engagement claw 97 is broken starting from the weak groove 97a. Further, the mechanical strength of the connecting portion 91c is smaller than that of the other portions, so that the connecting portion 91c serves as a starting point for breaking. At this time, the seal holding portion 21a of the casing body 20 supporting the gasket GS is not damaged, so that the sealing performance is not impaired. In addition, forming the fragile portion 98 and the fragile groove 97a of the engaging claw 97 in the torque member 90 does not limit the shape of the seal holding portion 21a and the like, rather than forming the fragile portion on the upper part of the casing body 20. Optimization for setting the breaking load in various external force directions is also easy.
[0055]
(2) -8 Tether mechanism 100
29 is a sectional view showing the vicinity of the tether mechanism 100, FIG. 30 is a plan view showing the tether mechanism 100, and FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the tether mechanism 100. The tether mechanism 100 is for preventing the fuel cap 10 from being lost or dropped at the time of refueling, and includes a tether rotation support 101, a connecting member 110, and a support end 120. As shown in FIG. 29, the tether rotation support 101 is rotatably supported at one end of the support wall 99 of the torque member 90. That is, the tether rotation support 101 is formed in an annular shape along the entire circumference of the support wall portion 99, and is formed in a U-shaped cross section by the outer ring wall 102, the bottom wall 103, and the inner ring wall 104, The space between them is an annular recess 101a. The outer ring wall 102 is formed higher than the inner ring wall 104. On the inner wall of the outer ring wall 102, an engagement protrusion 102a is provided to protrude. As shown in FIG. 30, the engagement projections 102a are provided at six locations at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. As shown in FIG. 29, the engagement claws 99a of the support wall 99 project into the annular recess 101a. At this time, the tether rotation support 101 is rotatably supported by the torque member 90 by engaging with the engagement protrusion 102a.
[0056]
The tether mechanism 100 is integrally formed by injection molding from a thermoplastic elastomer (TPEE) or a thermoplastic resin (PP or the like). As shown in FIG. 30, one end of the connection member 110 is connected to the tether rotation support 101 at an angle of a predetermined angle α (5 ° to 180 °). The connecting member 110 includes a connecting member main body 112 and a bent portion 114. The bent portion 114 is formed near the first connection end 110a which is one end of the connection member 110. The bent portion 114 is substantially S-shaped by connecting the U-shaped shape in the opposite direction, is formed on the same plane as the tether rotation support 101, and applies a force in the direction of the arrow d1 shown in FIG. When received, the connecting member main body 112 is bent so as to be along the outer periphery of the lid 40.
[0057]
In FIG. 31, a support end 120 is formed at a second connection end 110b which is the other end of the connection member 110. The support end 120 has a plate-like shape extending in a fan shape toward the tip, and is formed in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the connecting member 110, that is, twisted by 90 °. A locking projection 122 is provided on the support end 120 so as to project therefrom. As shown in FIG. 34, the locking projection 122 is rotatably supported by a support portion FLa formed on the back surface side of the fuel filler lid FL. The fuel cap 10 is suspended via the connecting member 110 fixed to the support end 120 when the fuel filler lid FL is opened and detached from the filler neck FN. In this state, when the fuel cap 10 is released from the hand, the support end 120 is twisted by 90 ° with respect to the tether rotation support 101, and the cover 40 of the fuel cap 10 is turned toward the outer plate of the vehicle. It hangs down at a position away from the panel, and in this state, refueling can be performed. That is, since the fuel cap 10 can be arranged at a position away from the vehicle body panel at the time of refueling, the fuel cap 10 does not interfere with the refueling gun, and the fuel attached to the casing body 20 does not stain the vehicle body panel.
[0058]
Further, when the fuel cap 10 is removed and inserted into the inlet FNb of the filler neck FN of the fuel cap 10 and the operation handle 45 is rotated in the closing direction as shown in FIG. Since the connecting member 110 is rotatable with respect to the member 90 (FIG. 29) and the connecting member 110 does not receive a large force from the fuel filler lid FL or the fuel cap 10 and is in a substantially straight line without slack, the fuel cap 10 does not hinder the opening / closing operation. At this time, the connecting member 110 is bent at the bent portion 114 so that the connecting member main body 112 follows the outer periphery of the lid 40.
[0059]
Subsequently, when the fuel filler lid FL (FIG. 34) is tightened, the connecting member main body 112 is pushed in the longitudinal direction from the state of FIG. 32 in conjunction with the fuel filler lid FL. Then, the force in the longitudinal direction with respect to the connecting member main body 112 is converted into a force in a direction d1 for rotating the tether rotation support 101 in the counterclockwise direction, and the tether rotation support 101 smoothly rotates. As shown, the connecting member body 112 surrounds the lid 40. As described above, the connecting member main body 112 is housed in the space inside the refueling lid FL so as to surround the lid body 40, and there is no problem in opening and closing the refueling lid FL.
[0060]
Further, as shown in FIG. 29, the tether rotation support 101 of the tether mechanism 100 is supported by the torque member 90 formed of polyacetal and has a smooth surface. The opening / closing operation of the fuel cap 10 is not hindered. In addition, since the torque member 90 is formed of polyacetal having excellent swelling resistance, a change in shape such that its outer diameter becomes large is small, and the rotation performance of the tether rotation support 101 is not reduced. Furthermore, since the tether rotation support 101 is formed of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPEE) or a thermoplastic resin (PP) having flexibility, the bending at the bending portion 114 can be performed reliably.
[0061]
(3) Assembling work of fuel cap 10 To assemble the fuel cap 10, first, as shown in FIG. 9, an operating handle 45 is attached to the lid 40. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1, a pressure regulating valve 35 is assembled to the valve chamber 24 of the casing body 20, and the flange 32 of the inner lid 30 is ultrasonically welded to the upper part of the valve chamber forming body 22. Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 23, the engagement claws 97 of the torque member 90 are pressed into the engagement recesses 21c of the casing main body 20, and the torque member 90 is assembled to the casing main body 20. Further, after the button 74 of the clutch member 70 is aligned with the through hole 41a of the lid 40 and the clutch member 70 is assembled to the lid 40, the support projection 43a of the lid 40 is engaged with the engagement recess 91d. By doing so, the lid 40 is assembled to the torque member 90. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 29, the tether rotation support 101 of the tether mechanism 100 is pressed into the engagement claws 99 a of the support wall 99 to attach the tether mechanism 100 to the torque member 90. Thereby, the fuel cap 10 is completed.
[0062]
(4) Operation of Fuel Cap 10 Next, the opening / closing operation when the operation of opening / closing the inlet FNb of the filler neck FN with the fuel cap 10 is performed will be described.
[0063]
(4) -1 Closing Operation of Fuel Cap 10 In a state where the injection port FNb is opened by the fuel cap 10, as shown in FIG. Rotating around the shaft supports 51 and 52 shown in FIG. 14 against the spring force of the mechanism 57 (see FIG. 10) and the clutch spring 92 (see FIG. 20). The rotation of the operation handle 45 causes the cam surface 62 to press the pressing surface 74 a of the button 74 of the clutch member 70. As shown in FIG. 15, the clutch member 70 moves downward against the urging force of the clutch spring 92 of the torque member 90.
[0064]
Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 3, the casing side engaging portion 20a of the casing body 20 is positioned in the neck side insertion notch FNd of the filler neck FN and inserted in the axial direction. Then, a clockwise force is applied to the operation handle 45 to rotate the fuel cap 10. The force in the rotation direction of the operation handle 45 is transmitted to the clutch member 70 via the lid 40, the through hole 41 a of the lid 40, and the button 74 of the clutch member 70 to rotate the clutch member 70. As shown in FIG. 18A, the engagement surface 75a of the first clutch tooth 75 of the clutch member 70 is always engaged with the engagement end 93b of the clutch arm 93 of the torque member 90. The torque member 90 rotates with the rotation of the clutch member 70. Even if the user does not shift the operation handle 45 to the operation posture, that is, even if the user holds the operation posture, the engagement end 93b is engaged with the engagement surface 75a as shown in FIG. Thus, the rotational torque is transmitted from the clutch member 70 to the torque member 90.
[0065]
With the rotation of the torque member 90, the first engagement surface 96a of the torque one-side engagement portion 96 of the torque member 90 is moved to the first engagement surface 96a of the body-side engagement portion 25 of the casing body 20 at the engagement position shown in FIG. Press the engagement surface 25a. As a result, the operation handle 45, the lid 40, the clutch member 70, the torque member 90, and the casing main body 20 rotate integrally, advance in a direction to close the inlet FNb, and the casing-side engaging portion 20a (see FIG. 3). The force for engaging with the opening-side engaging portion FNc increases. When the reaction force generated by the engaging force exceeds a predetermined rotational torque, the torque one-side engaging portion 96 passes over the main body-side engaging portion 25 via the state shown in FIG.
[0066]
At this time, the first engaging surface 96a of the torque one-side engaging portion 96 is pressed in the radial direction by the reaction force from the first engaging surface 25a, and the elastic torque piece 95 is elastically deformed so as to reduce the width of the space 95c. Thus, the torque one-side engaging portion 96 gets over the main body-side engaging portion 25. Thereby, the user can confirm a sense of moderation. In this state, the fuel cap 10 is in a state of being closed with a predetermined tightening torque at the inlet FNb.
[0067]
Then, when the finger is released from the operation handle 45, the operation handle 45 applies the spring force of the cam support elastic piece 59a sandwiching the cam 58 (see FIG. 36) and the spring force of the clutch spring 92 via the button 74. Then, it is rotated about the shaft support portions 51 and 52 and returned to the storage position.
[0068]
(4) -2 The closed state of the fuel cap 10 In the state of FIG. 1, the operation handle 45, the lid 40, and the clutch member 70 are connected to the torque member 90 and the casing body 20 in the opening direction (counterclockwise). It is not constrained and becomes idle. Therefore, even when the lid 40 and the operation handle 45 receive an external force in the opening direction due to a collision or the like, the lid 40 and the operation handle 45 idle and do not transmit the rotational torque to the casing body 20 through the torque transmission mechanism 80, so that the sealing performance is not impaired.
[0069]
(4) -3 Opening operation of the fuel cap 10 On the other hand, in order to open the fuel cap 10, as shown in FIG. Thus, the cam surface 62 at the lower center of the operation handle 45 presses the pressing surface 74a of the button 74 of the clutch member 70, and the clutch member 70 moves downward. In this state, when the operation handle 45 is rotated counterclockwise, as shown in FIG. 20B, the engagement surface 76a of the second clutch tooth body 76 is engaged with the engagement surface 94a of the second clutch engagement portion 94. , The torque member 90 rotates in the same direction as the clutch member 70 rotates counterclockwise.
[0070]
In this state, as shown in FIG. 27, the second engagement surface 96b of the torque one-side engagement portion 96 engages with the second engagement surface 25b of the main body-side engagement portion 25. Since the second engagement surface 96b and the second engagement surface 25b abut substantially in the radial direction and do not generate a force in the center direction that causes the elastic torque piece 95 to reduce the space of the space 95c, the torque one-side engagement is performed. The portion 96 transmits the rotational torque applied to the operation handle 45 to the casing main body 20 without going over the main body side engaging portion 25. As a result, the operation handle 45, the lid 40, the clutch member 70, the torque member 90, and the casing main body 20 integrally rotate counterclockwise.
[0071]
Then, the casing side engaging portion 20a is disengaged from the opening side engaging portion FNc of the filler neck FN, and the casing main body 20 is released from the restraining force on the filler neck FN. Then, the fuel cap 10 can be removed from the filler neck FN by pulling out the fuel cap 10 in the axial direction.
[0072]
(4) -4 Operation of the urging mechanism 57 of the operation handle 45 FIG. 35 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an operation of returning the operation handle 45 by the clutch spring 92, and FIG. 36 is an operation for returning the operation handle 45 by the urging mechanism 57. FIG. To open and close the fuel cap 10, the operation handle 45 is rotated from the storage position to the operation position. At this time, the operation handle 45 is returned to the storage position by the spring force of the urging mechanism 57 and the clutch spring 92. This is performed against the rotational torque in the direction. The reason that the rotational torque in such a direction of returning is always energized is as follows.
{Circle around (1)} When the vehicle is running, the operation handle 45 is tilted down to reduce the protruding height from the lid 40, so that the operation handle 45 is hardly subjected to external force.
{Circle around (2)} During running of the vehicle, flapping of the operation handle 45 is suppressed, and generation of abnormal noise is suppressed.
[0073]
The two resin springs, the urging mechanism 57 and the clutch spring 92, are used for applying the rotational torque in the returning direction described above for the following reason.
[0074]
FIG. 37 is a graph illustrating the relationship between the rotation torque applied to the operation handle and the rotation angle. In FIG. 37, the broken line indicates the rotational torque by the biasing mechanism 57, the dashed line indicates the rotational torque by the clutch spring 92, and the solid line indicates the total rotational torque applied to the operation handle 45. As can be seen from FIG. 37, the biasing mechanism 57 sets the rotational torque to a large value at a small angle of 45 ° or less, and the clutch spring 92 sets the rotational torque to a large value at a large angle from 45 ° to 90 °.
[0075]
The reason for setting the value of the rotation torque in this way is as follows. Since the spring force of the urging mechanism 57 depends on the shape of the cam surface 58a of the cam 58, it is difficult to create a cam shape that generates a large rotational torque over a wide operation range. Further, the clutch spring 92 needs to move the torque member 90 with a large stroke in order to generate a rotational torque in a wide operation range. Furthermore, when only one resin spring is used to generate a rotational torque in a wide operation range, the resin spring needs to be largely bent, and is easily broken due to aging. Therefore, by using two resin springs, it is possible to obtain a rotational torque for stable return over a wide range from 0 to 90 °.
[0076]
(5) Other Functions and Effects of the Fuel Cap 10
According to the fuel cap 10, in addition to the above-described effects, the following effects can be obtained.
[0078]
(5) -1 In the process of closing the fuel cap 10, as shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, when the torque one-side engaging portion 96 of the torque member 90 gets over the main body-side engaging portion 25 of the casing main body 20. Since a sense of moderation can be confirmed and it is understood that the fuel cap 10 is tightened with a predetermined torque, the fuel cap 10 can be tightened with a constant torque regardless of the elasticity of the gasket GS or the like.
[0079]
(5) -2 In the state where the fuel cap 10 closes the injection port FNb as shown in FIG. 1, the clutch member 70 is in a state in which it is not interlocked with the casing body 20 in the opening direction by the clutch mechanism 60. The operation handle 45 idles with respect to the casing main body 20 even when it receives a force in the opening direction due to an unexpected external force. Therefore, the casing body 20 does not receive the external force applied to the operation handle 45 as a rotational force, and can maintain a state in which the inlet FNb is closed. Therefore, the fuel cap 10 can maintain the seal without being loosened even when an unexpected external force is applied.
[0080]
(5) -3 As shown in FIG. 1, when the fuel cap 10 is mounted on the filler neck FN, the operation handle 45 is in the storage position by the force of the spring, and from the standing operation position at the time of opening / closing operation. Since it is returned, it is difficult to receive an external force at the time of a vehicle collision or the like, and does not apply a loosening force to the fuel cap 10. In addition, even when the operation handle 45 is enlarged, the storage space is a position where the operation handle 45 is tilted to the upper wall 41 of the lid 40 in the storage posture, so that the storage space around the fuel filler can be reduced.
[0081]
(5) -4 As shown in FIG. 24, the main body side engaging portions 25 of the torque transmission mechanism 80 are formed at equal intervals over the entire circumference of the inner lid 30, so that the position of the operation handle 45 must be changed. Therefore, the rotational torque can be transmitted to the casing body 20 immediately, and the uniform rotational torque can be transmitted irrespective of the position of the torque one-side engaging portion 96.
[0082]
(5) -5 When the fuel cap 10 is closed, the operation handle 45 is idle in the opening direction, and the user can rotate the operation handle 45 to a desired position, so that the open / close operability is improved. .
[0083]
(5) -6 As shown in FIG. 1, the operation handle 45 can be visually recognized as being in the storage position when the fuel cap 10 is closed, and it is easily understood that the operation handle 45 can be opened and closed by raising it. The operability is superior to the button operation configuration described in the above technology.
[0084]
(5) -7 As shown in FIG. 18, the first clutch portion 63 transmits the rotational torque even if the operation handle 45 does not assume the operation posture, so that the user shifts the operation handle 45 to the operation posture. , The tank opening can be closed by the casing body 20. Further, the first clutch portion 63 (FIG. 18) and the second clutch portion 65 (FIG. 20) idle in the opening direction when the operation handle 45 is in the retracted position, so that the casing body 20 is rotated by an external force. And there is no loss of sealing performance.
[0085]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, the following modifications are possible.
[0086]
In the above embodiment, the clutch spring 92 for disengaging the clutch member 70 shown in FIG. 20 is formed integrally with the torque member 90. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. Various means such as coil springs can be used as long as they are biased in between, and may be formed integrally or separately.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a partially cutaway explanatory view showing a cap device provided with a fuel cap 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory view partially broken away showing a cap device which is being rotated by causing the operation handle 45 to be gripped with a finger and raised.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a relationship between a casing-side engaging portion 20a of a casing body 20 and a filler neck FN.
FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a lid 40.
FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing parts on the upper part of the fuel cap.
FIG. 6 is a front view showing a state where an operation handle 45 is detached from a lid 40.
7 is an enlarged front view showing the vicinity of a shaft supported portion 56 in FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is a view as seen from the direction of arrow 8 in FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an operation of attaching the operation handle 45 to the lid 40.
FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along the line 10-10 in FIG. 7;
11 is a cross-sectional view showing a state before the operation handle 45 of FIG. 10 is assembled to the shaft support 52. FIG.
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a rotation operation of the operation handle 45.
FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view showing the fuel cap 10;
FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a non-coupled state of the clutch mechanism 60.
FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a coupling state of the clutch mechanism 60.
FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a relationship between the operation handle 45 and a button 74 of the clutch member 70.
FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of FIG. 15 taken along line 17-17.
FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an operation of the first clutch unit 63.
FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a second clutch unit 65.
FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an operation of a second clutch unit 65.
21 is a perspective view showing a torque member 90. FIG.
FIG. 22 is an enlarged perspective view showing a main part of the torque member 90.
FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the upper part of the casing body 20.
FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing a torque transmission mechanism 80.
FIG. 25 is a plan view showing the torque transmission mechanism 80.
FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an operation following FIG. 25;
FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an operation following FIG. 26;
FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a fragile portion 98 of the torque member 90.
FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the tether mechanism.
FIG. 30 is a plan view showing a tether mechanism.
FIG. 31 is a perspective view illustrating a tether mechanism.
FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the tether mechanism.
FIG. 33 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation following FIG. 32;
FIG. 34 is a perspective view showing the rear part of an automobile in which fuel is removed by removing a fuel cap from a filler neck FN.
35 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the operation handle 45. FIG.
36 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the operation handle 45. FIG.
FIG. 37 is a graph illustrating the relationship between the rotation torque applied to the operation handle and the rotation angle.
FIG. 38 is a partially cutaway view showing a fuel cap of an automobile according to the related art.
[Explanation of symbols]
10. . . Fuel cap 20. . . Casing body (closed body)
20a. . . Casing side engaging portion 21. . . Outer tube 21a. . . Seal holding part 21b. . . Flange 21c. . . Engagement recess 22. . . Valve chamber forming body 24. . . Valve chamber 25. . . Main body side engaging portion 25a. . . First engagement surface 25b. . . Second engagement surface 30. . . Inner lid 32. . . Flange 35. . . Pressure regulating valve 40. . . Lid 41. . . Upper wall 41a. . . Through hole 41b. . . Lower surface 43. . . Side wall 43a. . . Support projection 45. . . Operation handle 46. . . Handle body 46a. . . Operation recess 50. . . Shaft support mechanism 51. . . Shaft support 51. . . The shaft supports 51a. . . Leg 51b. . . Shaft 52. . . Shaft supports 52a. . . Leg 52b. . . Shaft 52f. . . Shaft hole 55. . . The shaft supported portions 55a. . . Opening 55b. . . Shaft hole 56. . . Shaft supported portions 56a. . . Opening 56g. . . Pin mounting hole 56h. . . Pin 56i. . . Insertion support part 57. . . Biasing mechanism 58. . . Cam 58a. . . Cam surface 58b. . . Arc surface 58c. . . Curved convex surface 59. . . Cam support 59a. . . Cam supporting elastic piece 59b. . . Cam support ridge 59c. . . Cam guide surface 60. . . Clutch mechanism 61. . . Clutch biasing section 62. . . Cam surface 63. . . First clutch portion 65. . . Second clutch unit 70. . . Clutch member 71. . . The clutch body 71a. . . Storage recess 72. . . Upper wall 72a. . . Annular projection 73. . . Sidewall 74. . . Button 74a. . . Pressing surface 75. . . First clutch teeth 75a. . . Engagement surface 75b. . . Slope 76. . . The second clutch teeth 76a. . . Engagement surface 76b. . . Slope 80. . . Torque transmission mechanism 90. . . Torque member 91. . . Torque plate body 91a. . . Upper circle portion 91b. . . Outer ring portion 91c. . . Connecting portion 91d. . . Engagement recess 91e. . . Inner ring portion 92. . . Clutch spring 92a. . . Arm 92b. . . Pressing projection 92c. . . Notch 93. . . Clutch arms 93a. . . Arm 93b. . . Engagement end 94. . . The second clutch engaging portions 94a. . . Engagement surface 94b. . . Slope 95. . . Elastic torque pieces 95a. . . Support end 95c. . . Space 96. . . One-side torque engagement portion 96a. . . First engagement surface 96b. . . Second engagement surface 97. . . Engagement claw 98. . . Vulnerable part 98a. . . Fragile groove 99. . . Support wall 99a. . . Engagement claw 100. . . Tether mechanism 101. . . Tether rotating supports 101a. . . Annular recess 102. . . Outer ring wall 102a. . . Engagement projection 103. . . Bottom wall 104. . . Inner ring wall 110. . . Connecting members 110a. . . The first connection end 110b. . . Second connection end 112. . . Connecting member body 114. . . Bent portion 120. . . Support end 122. . . Locking projection DP. . . The display unit FL. . . Refueling lid FLa. . . Support FN. . . Filler neck FNb. . . Inlet (tank opening)
FNc. . . Opening side engaging portion FNd. . . Neck side notch GS. . . gasket

Claims (6)

In a cap device having a cap that opens and closes a tank opening,
A closing body for closing the tank opening,
An operating mechanism for rotating the closing body,
A support member mounted on the closing body and rotatably supporting the operation mechanism,
With
The support member has a fragile portion that facilitates breaking of the support member when the operation mechanism receives an external force;
A cap device characterized by the above-mentioned. The cap device according to claim 1,
The cap device, wherein the support member is a torque member for transmitting a rotational torque applied to the operation mechanism in a closing direction or an opening direction to the closing body. The cap device according to claim 2,
A cap provided with a plate mounting mechanism that rotatably supports the torque member with respect to the closing body, wherein the outer periphery of the torque member and the closure has a fragile portion disposed on an inner periphery of the plate mounting mechanism; apparatus. The cap device according to claim 3,
A lid having the operation mechanism and covering an upper portion of the closing body,
The cap device, wherein the torque member includes a lid connecting portion that rotatably supports the lid, and the fragile portion is disposed between the lid connecting portion and the plate mounting mechanism. In the cap device according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
The cap device, wherein the fragile portion is a notch formed on a circumference of the torque member and formed so as to make a part of the torque member thinner. The cap device according to claim 2,
The torque member includes an upper circle portion, an outer ring portion that annularly surrounds an outer peripheral portion of the upper circle portion, and a connection portion that connects the upper circle portion and the outer ring portion. A cap device formed by forming a portion having a columnar shape that makes the mechanical strength of the portion smaller than that of the upper circular portion and the outer ring portion.

Images