JP4149538B2 - Filler cap restraint code - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a filler cap removed from filler pipe of an automobile or the like so as not apart more than a predetermined range, relating constraint code linking the Firapai flop and filler cap.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A restraint cord that connects the filler pipe or the filler box containing the filler pipe and the filler cap so that the filler cap removed from the filler pipe of an automobile or the like is not more than a certain range (Japanese Patent Application No. 57-077226) Connecting member, lifting device of actual fair No. 04-052102, connecting member of actual fair No. 05-023385, connecting string member of actual fair No. 05-054452, connecting band of actual fair No. 07-002282, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 09- No. 002084, USP 4,526,289 retaining strap, USP 5,462,190 string-like flexible tether, USP 5,472,108 flexible string (flexible tether, etc.) are used. Although the form is various, it aims at prevention of the loss of the filler cap removed from the filler pipe at the time of refueling or forgetting tightening.
[0003]
If you start running without tightening the filler cap, gasoline leaks out of the fuel tank, which is dangerous, so each of the above-mentioned restraint cords has a very important role, but its purpose is simple, The main problem is that it can be manufactured easily and inexpensively and is easy to mount. In addition, since the filler cap must be rotated for tightening, the connection between the restraining cord and the filler cap is careful so that the filler cap can turn freely. The end of the remaining restraining cord is fixed to (1) the vicinity of the filler pipe or the filler box (Japanese Patent Application Nos. 57-077226, No. 05-023385, No. 05-054452, and No. 09-002084). , USP5,462,190, USP5,472,108) or (2) loop the loop provided at this end around the filler pipe (No. 04-052102, No. 05-023385, No. 07-002282, No. 07-002282, USP4 , 526, 289).
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Since the restraint cord is also a component of the automobile, it is preferable that the number of parts and the number of processing steps are smaller for the purpose of cost reduction. However, since the shape of the filler pipe or the filler box varies greatly depending on the vehicle type, the type of shape of the restraint cord (1) increases according to the vehicle type, and even when the same shape of the restraint cord can be used. There are many factors that lead to an increase in cost, such as a wide variety of attachment methods, and as a result, the restraint cords are expensive parts. In addition, the restraint cord (2) mainly reduces the cost by improving the mountability by restricting the mounting site to the filler pipe. However, if the mounting method is further simplified, it will easily come off. There was a possibility that the purpose of the restraint code could not be fully fulfilled.
[0005]
Therefore, as a means of improving the mounting ability, (2) types of restraint cords are premised on, and the restraint cords have shape characteristics that can be widely applied to a greater number of vehicle types and are easy to install but difficult to come off. As development, we decided to repeatedly examine the attachment site for the filler pipe.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
What was developed as a result of the study was a cord member that connects the filler pipe and the filler cap so that the filler cap removed from the filler pipe of an automobile or the like provided with a curling portion at the opening edge is not separated beyond a certain range, In a restraining cord of a filler cap that has an attachment end connected to the filler cap at one end of the cord body and an annular end that can be loosely fitted to the filler pipe at the other end of the cord body , the annular end has an inner peripheral length. It is longer than the outer peripheral length of the curling part, provided with a radially inward protruding piece, and the shortest horizontal distance X obtained by subtracting the length T of the protruding piece from the minimum inner diameter R of the annular end is smaller than the outer diameter C of the curling part. This is a filler cap restraint code. The restraint cord of the present invention is preferably manufactured as a resin molded product in which the cord body, the attachment end, the annular end, and the protruding piece are integrated, and at least the annular end may be flexible to allow a certain deformation. .
[0007]
The cord main body is a string-like or belt-like part, and the separation range between the attachment end and the annular end is within a certain range. The attachment end portion is not limited as long as it can be connected to the filler cap. For example, in order to restrict the turning of the restraining cord and rotate only the filler cap, the attachment end portion has an opening that can be loosely fitted to the center of rotation of the filler cap. Shape. In the case where the restraining cord may pivot integrally with the filler cap, the attachment end may be loosely fitted or fixed to any part of the filler cap.
[0008]
The annular end portion is an attachment portion that is loosely fitted to the filler pipe in a state where it is prevented from being detached. Note that "loosely" of the annular end with respect to filler pipe according to the present invention, means a state of fitting the annular end to the filler pipe to the extent pivotable, annular end inner peripheral or collision with the turning state One end may be in sliding contact with the filler pipe. The annular end portion of the size, shape but is free, the need to fit the filler pipe, an annular end portion circumferential length you long Ri by curling unit circumferential length. As a standard annular end, there may be mentioned the circularity of annular shape that have a large minimum inner diameter R NOTE Riwaka by curling the outer diameter C, it may be a multi-angular shape or elliptical shape.
[0009]
Protrusion, the size is not limited to the shape and number, as a base the square-shaped protrusion may be a triangle or a tappet-like. The annular end of the annular shape mentioned above, consider the case in which the protrusion of the rectangular shape to the annular end flush. In this case, the horizontal shortest distance X that the minimum inner diameter minus the length T from R protrusion of the annular end rather Is small Ri by at least curling the outer diameter C (C> X), and the shortest distance X is filler pipe outside the preferred the diameter F by Riwaka interference small Kusuru (F ≧ X). In the case of F ≧ X, since the annular end portion is fitted into the filler pipe from above, the normal projecting piece comes into contact with the outer surface of the filler pipe and faces upward. The annular end portion can be easily fitted into the filler pipe by temporarily extending the protrusion piece outwardly so that the shortest distance X is temporarily larger than the outer diameter C of the curling portion. Since the shortest distance X is at least smaller than the outer diameter C of the curling portion, the annular end portion in the fitted state is not likely to come out of the normal filler pipe.
[0010]
When the annular end portion is to be removed from the filler pipe by pulling the cord body, the annular end portion is inclined with the facing portion pressed against the outer surface of the filler pipe as a fulcrum. However, if the shortest distance X as described above is set, at least the tip of the protruding piece is hooked on the curling portion. At this time, the horizontal shortest distance X ′ from the tip of the protruding piece to the inner circumference of the facing annular end portion is in a relationship of X′≈F. Further, if F ≧ X, the projecting piece hooked on the curling part is lifted with the tip as a fulcrum, and the part of the annular end part provided with the projecting piece is expanded and another part of the annular end part is narrowed. Deformation is brought to the annular end. At this time, the narrowed annular end portion is pressed against the outer surface of the filler neck, has a length equal to the horizontal shortest distance X ′ (≈F), and is hooked on the curling portion. In this manner, the narrowed portion of the tip of the projecting piece or the annular end is hooked on the curling portion, and the annular end is prevented from coming off.
[0011]
The play such protrusion workings the effect of retaining preventing annular end by sufficiently (1) projecting pieces are allowed to protrude in the opposite direction to the loosely fitted direction of the filler pipe of the annular end portion The tilting of the projecting piece due to the lifting of the annular end portion should surely expand and deform the annular end portion. Further, (2) projecting pieces, when Ru provided at the connection site near the cord body and the annular end portion, in particular there is a protrusion on the connecting portion near the lift becomes the largest of the annular end by pulling the cord body becomes, the deformation of the tilting and annular end of the protruding piece is increased, retaining action so effectively manifested.
[0012]
If the projecting piece on the annular end is formed on the facing part of the connecting part between the cord body and the annular end part, the projecting part cannot be deformed by the projecting piece, but this facing part is the outer surface of the filler pipe. since the projecting pieces in contact with state falling up to be able to hook the tip curling portion, the annular end tilts as a fulcrum in a low position said facing portions from curling unit, a coding body and annular The connecting portion with the end portion is easily hooked to the curling portion, and a retaining action can be expected. For this reason, if a projecting piece is provided at each of the connecting portion and the facing portion between the cord body and the annular end portion, the annular end portion is likely to be deformed by the projecting piece formed in the vicinity of the connecting portion between the cord body and the annular end portion. Therefore, the retaining action is more effectively exhibited.
[0013]
Further, if provided with two projecting pieces radially symmetrical as described above, even if an attempt is made to pull out immediately above have the annular end, each protrusion tip is hooked on the curling portion, both projecting pieces The deformation of expanding the formed radial direction and narrowing the orthogonal direction of the radial direction is urged to the annular end portion, so that the narrowed annular end portion is also hooked on the curling portion, and the retaining action is achieved. work. Therefore, when a plurality of pairs of protruding pieces are provided symmetrically in the radial direction, the retaining action is enhanced. Thus, the restraining cord of the present invention deforms the flexible annular end by hooking the projecting piece on the curling portion, and makes the horizontal shortest distance X ′ smaller than the curling portion outer diameter C. In order to prevent it from falling out.
[0014]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 is a perspective view showing a restraining cord 3 of the present invention provided with two projecting pieces 1 and 2, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a use state of the restraining cord 3, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the state of FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the relationship between the filler pipe 4 and the annular end 5 after fitting. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the state of FIG. 5, and FIG. 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view equivalent to FIG. 3 showing a state where the cord main body 6 is pulled out from the state of FIG. 8 is a plan view showing the state of FIG. 7, and FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view corresponding to FIG. 3 showing a state in which the retainer is working when the annular end portion 5 is lifted up. 10 is a plan view showing the state of FIG.
[0015]
As shown in FIG. 1, the restraining cord 3 of this example can be loosely fitted to the filler pipe 4 at the other end of the cord body 6 with the attachment end portion 8 provided with an opening 7 at one end of the cord body 6. A resin-integrated molded product having an annular end 5, which is radially inward and opposite to the loose fitting direction from the annular end 5 toward the connecting portion 18 between the cord body 6 and the annular end 5 and the facing portion 19. Projection pieces 1 and 2 projecting from each other are formed. Attachment end 8 is provided an opening 7, as seen in FIG. 2, a pin is inserted in a loosely fitted state into the opening 7 is fixed by welding to the top of the filler cap 9, restraint cord 3 filler cap The rotation of 9 is not harmed.
[0016]
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the annular end portion 5 can be easily fitted into the filler pipe 4 when pushed upward to lift the upward projecting pieces 1 and 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the relationship between the annular end 5 and the filler pipe 4 is that the minimum inner diameter R of the annular end 5 is larger than the outer diameter C of the curling part, but the horizontal shortest connecting the tips of the projecting pieces 1 and 2. The distance X is smaller than the curling portion outer diameter C, and in the present example, the horizontal shortest distance X is slightly smaller than the filler pipe outer diameter F. When the annular end 5 is fitted into the filler pipe 4, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, since X <F, the projecting pieces 1 and 2 are both lightly inwardly biased in the filler. Abutting on the pipe 4, the connecting portion 18 and the facing portion 19 are separated from the filler pipe 4 at approximately equal distances. The horizontal shortest distance X ′ in this state is substantially equal to the filler pipe outer diameter F, and it can be seen that the annular end 5 does not come off from the filler pipe 4 in the normal state. Further, each of the projecting pieces 1 and 2 and the facing portion 19 are only slightly in contact with the outer surface of the filler pipe 4, so that the annular end 5 itself can freely turn with respect to the filler pipe 4.
[0017]
However, as shown in FIG. 7, when the cord main body 6 is pulled in the direction of the thick arrow, the facing portion 19 first comes into contact with the outer surface of the filler pipe 4, and the projecting piece 2 is screwed up so that the tip is directed upward. Hang on the curling part 10. When the cord body 6 is further pulled, the annular end portion 5 is tilted so as to lift the connection portion 18 with the facing portion 19 fixed below the curling portion 10 as a fulcrum. Then, when the projecting piece 1 is hooked on the curling portion 10, this projecting piece 1 rises with the distal end as a fulcrum, and as shown in FIG. The part 5 is deformed. Due to this deformation, the length connecting the tip ends of the projecting pieces 1 and 2 and the length connecting the orthogonal portions 20 and 20 of the annular end portion 5 orthogonal to the radial direction connecting the projecting pieces 1 and 2 are both the horizontal shortest distance X Since “(≈X ′). This horizontal shortest distance X” is substantially equal to the filler pipe outer diameter F and smaller than the curling part outer diameter C, the annular end 5 is hooked on the curling part over a wide range. It becomes like this, and the retaining is realized. The projecting pieces 1 and 2 are actually hooked to the curling portion, and in the vicinity of the orthogonal portions 20 and 20 that become the horizontal shortest distance X ″, the filler pipe 4 is tightened to prevent the annular end portion 5 from coming off. It will take on the action.
[0018]
In this example, the projecting pieces 1 and 2 are provided symmetrically in the radial direction at the connecting portion 18 and the facing portion 19 of the annular end portion 5, respectively. Stop action works. For example, let us consider a case where the annular end portion 5 is lifted so that the orthogonal portions 20 and 20 are provided and the connecting portion 18 and the facing portion 19 are equidistant from the filler pipe 4 respectively. In this case, as can be seen in FIG. 9, the horizontal shortest distance X (see FIG. 3) that originally connects the tips of the projecting pieces 1 and 2 is smaller than the outer diameter C of the curling portion. The tip is always hooked on the curling portion 10. Further lifting, each projecting piece 1, 2 tilts to push open the connecting part 18 and the facing part 19 with the tip hooked on the curling part 10 as a fulcrum, as seen in FIG. The annular end 5 is deformed. At this time, the horizontal shortest distance X "'connecting the tips of the projecting pieces 1 and 2 is equal to the horizontal shortest distance X"' connecting the orthogonal parts 20 and 20, and X "'≈F <C. The end portion 5 is hooked on the curling portion, and the retaining is realized.
[0019]
The shape and size of the annular end portion and the protruding piece in the restraining cord of the present invention are free. For example, as seen in FIG. 11 (perspective view equivalent to FIG. 1 in another example), triangular projecting pieces 11 and 11 may be used instead of the rectangular projecting piece in the above example, or FIG. As shown in FIG. 1 (a perspective view equivalent to FIG. 1), the two projecting pieces 12 and 12 may be arranged symmetrically in the vicinity of the connection portion between the annular end 5 to be lifted and the cord body 6. If the deformation of the annular end due to the projecting piece arranged at the connection portion between the lifted annular end and the cord main body is large, as shown in FIG. 13 (the perspective view corresponding to FIG. 1 in another example), the annular end 5 There may be only one projecting piece 13 that is flush with the other, and as shown in FIG. 14 (another example of FIG. You may provide four at equal intervals over 5 inner periphery.
[0020]
In addition to this, the shape of the annular end portion, may be used hexagonal annular end 16 as seen in FIG. 15 (FIG. 1 corresponding to a perspective view of another example), FIG. 16 (another example As shown in the perspective view of FIG. 1, an elliptical annular end portion 17 may be used.
[0021]
【The invention's effect】
The restraining cord of the present invention eliminates the need for processing the filler box or filler pipe so as not to leave the filler cap removed from the filler pipe of an automobile or the like beyond a certain range, and as a resin integrally molded product As a member that can be manufactured, the filler pipe and the filler cap can be easily combined. Since the annular end portion is loosely fitted to the filler pipe, the same shape of the restraint cord can be used for a large number of vehicle types although it is an integrally molded product made of resin, and cost reduction due to common use can be expected.
[0022]
Since the annular end portion is loosely fitted to the filler pipe, the restraint cord of the present invention also increases the degree of freedom of attachment between the filler cap and the filler pipe. In other words, since the annular end portion is loosely fitted to the filler pipe, the restraining cord can interfere with the rotation of the filler cap, even if the attachment end portion is pivotally attached to the filler cap, and even when fixed. Absent. As described above, the restraining cord of the present invention is an extremely cost-effective member while having a structure that can be manufactured inexpensively and easily.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a restraining cord of the present invention provided with two projecting pieces.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a usage state of the restraining cord.
FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an operation of fitting an annular end portion into a filler pipe.
4 is a plan view showing the state of FIG. 3. FIG.
FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view corresponding to FIG. 3 showing the relationship between the filler pipe and the annular end after fitting.
6 is a plan view showing the state of FIG. 5. FIG.
7 is a longitudinal sectional view corresponding to FIG. 3 showing a state in which the retaining is working when the cord body is pulled from the state of FIG. 5;
8 is a plan view showing the state of FIG.
FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view corresponding to FIG. 3 showing a state in which the retaining is working when the annular end portion is lifted directly upward.
10 is a plan view illustrating the state of FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is a perspective view corresponding to FIG. 1 of another example.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view corresponding to FIG. 1 of another example.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view corresponding to FIG. 1 of another example.
14 is a perspective view corresponding to FIG. 1 of another example.
FIG. 15 is a perspective view corresponding to FIG. 1 of another example.
16 is a perspective view corresponding to FIG. 1 of another example.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Protrusion piece near the connection part of an annular end part and a cord body 2 Protrusion piece 3 facing a connection part of an annular end part and a cord body 3 Restraint cord 4 Filler pipe 5 Annular end part 6 Cord body 7 Opening hole 8 Installation end Part 9 Filler cap
10 Curling part
11 Triangular protrusion
12 Projection piece in symmetrical position
13 Projection piece flush with annular end
14 Protrusions provided at regular intervals
16 Hexagonal annular end
17 Elliptical annular end
18 Connection area between cord body and annular end
19 Face to face connection
20 Orthogonal part

Claims (4)

It is a cord member that connects the filler pipe and the filler cap so that the filler cap removed from the filler pipe of an automobile or the like having a curling portion at the opening edge is not separated beyond a certain range, and the filler cap is attached to one end of the cord body. In the restraining cord of the filler cap having an annular end portion that can be loosely fitted to the filler pipe at the other end of the cord body , the annular end portion has an inner peripheral length longer than an outer peripheral length of the curling portion. , radially inwardly projecting pieces provided in, filler cap, characterized in that it has less than the outer diameter C of the curling portion of the horizontal shortest distance X from the minimum inner diameter R less the length T of the protrusion of the annular end portion Restraint code. The ring-shaped end portion has a shortest distance X slightly smaller than the filler pipe outer diameter F 1 Filler cap restraint code as described. Projecting pieces are constrained code according to claim 1 or 2 filler cap according to any one is protruded loosely opposite to the direction of the filler pipe of the annular end portion. The restraint cord of the filler cap according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the projecting piece is provided in the vicinity of a connection portion between the cord body and the annular end portion.

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