JP7186285B2 - saddle-riding vehicle - Google Patents

Description

The present invention comprises a fuel tank having a fuel filler opening, a fuel cap mounted on the fuel tank so as to be displaceable along a track about an axis and closing the fuel filler opening at a closed position, and a fuel cap disposed off the track. a lock position supported by a regulator coupled to the fuel tank and the fuel cap, protruding outward from the outer periphery of the fuel cap to engage with the regulator to hold the fuel cap in the closed position; The present invention relates to a saddle-ride type vehicle provided with a lock pawl that is displaced between release positions where it is disengaged from a restricting body.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-196951 discloses an operation knob that is swingably supported by a fuel cap and connected to a slider having a lock claw. When the operation knob is pulled up around the swing shaft, the lock claw retreats from the lock position and separates from the regulating body. Thus, the fuel cap is unlocked. If the operation knob is kept pulled up, the fuel cap is displaced around the axis in the opening direction. The fuel filler port is opened.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-196951

In Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2017-196951, since the fuel cap is provided with the operation portion for operating the lock claw, the fuel cap is required to have strength to support the operation portion, and the structure of the fuel cap is complicated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a saddle-riding vehicle capable of unlocking a fuel cap without providing an operating portion on the fuel cap.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a fuel tank having a fuel filler opening, a fuel cap displaceable along a track about an axis and closing the fuel filler opening at a closed position, and a fuel cap detached from the track. a first position supported by the fuel cap and projecting outward from the outer circumference of the fuel cap to engage with the restricting body to hold the fuel cap in the closed position; and a lock pawl displaceable between a second position in which the lock pawl is retracted from the first position and disengaged from the restricting body, wherein the lock is supported by a support that pivotably supports the fuel cap. An operating member is provided which is connected to the pawl and generates a driving force for releasing the locking pawl from engagement with the restrictor.

According to the second aspect, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect, the restricting body, the supporting body and the operating member are supported by the fuel tank.

According to the third aspect, in addition to the configuration of the first or second aspect, the fuel cap is connected with an elastic member that exerts an elastic force to drive the fuel cap in the opening direction.

According to the fourth aspect, in addition to the configuration of the third aspect, the elastic member exerts an elastic force that drives the fuel cap to the open position for opening the fuel filler port.

According to the fifth aspect, in addition to the configuration of the fourth aspect, the slider has one end coupled to the lock claw, linearly displaced along the surface of the fuel cap, and the other end protruding from the outer circumference of the fuel cap. a guide path formed in the fuel cap for guiding the displacement of the slider; and a guide path arranged on an extension of the guide path when the fuel cap is positioned at the closed position to correspond to the movement of the operating member. and an engaging piece that is displaced in the linear direction of the guide path, is connected to the locking claw, is connected to the engaging piece when the fuel cap is positioned at the closed position, and is connected to the engaging piece when the fuel cap is displaced from the closed position in the opening direction. A hook that is released from the engaging piece is further provided.

According to the sixth aspect, in addition to the configuration of the fifth aspect, the saddle-ride type vehicle protrudes from the surface of the slider, and when the lock pawl is positioned at the first position, the outer edge of the fuel cap is provided with the It has a projecting piece that closes the guideway.

According to the seventh aspect, in addition to the configuration of any one of the first to sixth aspects, the fuel tank is provided on the outer periphery of the fuel filler port, and the support is arranged on one side of the fuel filler port. A cap base on which the restricting body is arranged is supported on the other side of the fuel filler port.

According to the eighth aspect, in addition to the configuration of any one of the first to seventh aspects, the saddle-ride type vehicle is connected to the operating member to drive the operating member in accordance with axial displacement, It further comprises a cable for generating the driving force for opening the lock pawl.

According to the ninth aspect, in addition to the configuration of any one of the first to eighth aspects, the operation member is supported to be swingable around the hinge axis and connected to the lock claw in the first angular range. , is connected to the cable in a second angular region displaced from the first angular region about the hinge axis by a specific angle.

According to the tenth aspect, in addition to the configuration of the ninth aspect, the operation member is connected to the lock pawl at a position spaced apart from the hinge axis by the first length, and is connected to the cable at a spaced apart location at a second length that is greater than the length.

According to the first aspect, when the operation member is operated, the driving force is transmitted to the lock claw. The driving force releases the locking pawl from engagement with the restrictor. Thus, the fuel cap is unlocked. Movement of the fuel cap in the opening direction is permitted. The filling port can be opened. Although the operation member generates a driving force for opening the lock claw, it does not apply a driving force to the fuel cap around the axis. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the operating force from being applied to the fuel cap in the opening direction before the lock claw is released. The strength required for the locking pawl can be reduced. On the other hand, if the operating member is installed on the fuel cap, even if the engagement between the locking claw and the restricting body is maintained, the operating force is applied to the fuel cap from the operating member. The lock claw is required to have strength to withstand the applied operating force. Such strength requirements lead to an increase in the weight of the lock claw. In addition, since the operating member is arranged at a position separated from the fuel cap, the structure of the fuel cap is not complicated, and the surface of the fuel cap can be tailored to a simple structure.

According to the second aspect, since the fuel cap and the restrictor are supported by the fuel tank, the lock claw on the fuel cap and the restrictor can be positioned with good accuracy. Engagement and release of the lock pawl with respect to the regulating body can be satisfactorily realized.

According to the third aspect, when the locking claw is disengaged from the regulating body, the elastic force drives the fuel cap in the opening direction. Therefore, even if the lock claw protrudes outward from the outer circumference of the fuel cap again, the engagement between the lock claw and the regulating body is not established. Release of the locking pawl can be maintained.

According to the fourth aspect, the elastic force allows the fuel cap to reach the open position for opening the fuel filler port. In this way, the opening of the fuel filler port can be realized even if no operating force is applied to the fuel cap around the axis.

According to the fifth aspect, when the fuel cap is in the closed position, the hook is connected to the catch piece. When the engaging piece is displaced according to the movement of the operating member, the displacement of the engaging piece is transmitted from the hook to the lock claw. The lock pawl is driven from the first position toward the second position. The engagement between the lock claw and the regulating body is released. The elastic force drives the fuel cap in the opening direction. When the fuel cap swings in this way, the hook is released from the engaging piece. The operating member is isolated from movement of the fuel cap. Therefore, the fuel cap can be opened to the open position with a small movement of the operating member.

According to the sixth aspect, since the guide path of the slider is blocked by the projecting piece at the outer edge of the fuel cap, entry of water from the guide path toward the inside of the fuel cap can be prevented.

According to the seventh aspect, the cap base can unitize the fuel cap, the regulating body, the locking claw and the operating member. The fuel cap, regulating body, lock pawl and operating member can be assembled in advance and assembled to the fuel tank. Therefore, workability of assembly can be improved.

According to the eighth aspect, the driving force is generated by the operating member according to the axial displacement of the cable. The operating member can be operated remotely. The opening of the fuel cap can be well restricted.

According to the ninth aspect, axial displacement of the cable is converted into swinging motion of the operating member. Swinging of the operating member is converted into displacement of the lock claw. Therefore, it is not necessary to match the direction of the cable with the direction of displacement of the lock claw, and the degree of freedom in arranging the cable can be increased.

According to the tenth aspect, the pulling force of the cable is converted into the driving force of the lock claw. Since the cable is separated from the hinge axis by a second length that is greater than the first length, the torque of the locking pawl can be amplified with respect to the pulling force of the cable. Manipulating force applied to the cable can be reduced.

FIG. 1 is a side view schematically showing the overall configuration of a scooter as one specific example of a saddle-ride type vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention. (First embodiment) FIG. 2 is an enlarged rearward perspective view of the vehicle schematically showing the shape of the rear cowl. (First embodiment) FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram schematically showing a 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 corresponds to part of FIG. 4 and is an enlarged vertical sectional view of the fuel cap unit. (First embodiment) FIG. 8 corresponds to FIG. 7 and is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of the fuel cap unit including the slider positioned at the second position. (First embodiment) FIG. 9 corresponds to FIG. 8 and is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of the fuel cap unit including the fuel cap swung in the opening direction. (First embodiment) FIG. 10 corresponds to FIG. 4 and is an enlarged vertical sectional view of the rear end of the vehicle schematically showing the structure of the fuel cap unit when the fuel lid is opened. (First embodiment) FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram corresponding to FIG. 10 and schematically showing how fuel is supplied. (First embodiment) FIG. 12 corresponds to FIG. 9 and is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of the fuel cap unit including locking claws that come into contact with the regulating body when the fuel lid is closed. (First embodiment)

11 Saddle type vehicle (scooter)
44 Fuel tank 44a Filling port 54 Cable 55 Fuel cap 57 Cap base 57b Support body 89 Elastic member (torsion spring)
102 Slider 102a Lock claw 102b Projecting piece 111 Regulating member 113 Operating member 119 Engaging piece 121 Hook Pf First position Ps Second position LG1 First length LG2 Second length α specific angle

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, front and rear, left and right, and up and down refer to directions viewed from the rider of the motorcycle.

First embodiment

FIG. 1 schematically shows the overall configuration of a scooter 11, which is a specific example of a saddle-ride type vehicle (motorcycle). The scooter 11 includes a body frame 12 and a body cover 13 attached to the body frame 12 . The body frame 12 includes a head pipe 14, a down tube 15 extending downward from the head pipe 14, a cross frame 16 connected to the rear end of the down tube 15 and extending in the vehicle width direction, and both ends of the cross frame 16 being connected to each other. It is formed with a pair of left and right side frames 17 extending rearwardly upward from the cross frame 16 . A front fork 18 and a steering handle 19 are rotatably supported on the head pipe 14 . A front wheel WF is rotatably supported on the front fork 18 around 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, and a lower end of the inner cover 22b. and a body cover 22d connected to the rear end of the floor step 22c and covering the side frame 17. - 特許庁A passenger seat 23 is supported by the body cover 22d above the rear wheels WR. A storage box 24 is supported by the side frame 17 within the body cover 22d. The storage box 24 is opened and closed by the passenger seat 23 .

A swing-type power unit 25 is supported on the body frame 12 between the side frames 17 so as to be vertically swingable. A power unit 25 is connected to the side frame 17 by a link 26 . The power unit 25 includes an internal combustion engine 27 that generates power based on fuel, and a transmission device 28 that is connected to the internal combustion engine 27 and transmits the power of the internal combustion engine 27 to the rear wheels WR at a gear ratio that varies linearly.

A rear wheel WR is rotatably supported around an axle 29 at the rear end of the power unit 25 . A rear cushion unit 31 is attached between the rear end of the power unit 25 and the rear end of the side frame 17 . The power unit 25 functions as a suspension device that connects the rear wheel WR to the vehicle body frame 12 so as to swing freely.

An engine body 32 of the internal combustion engine 27 includes a crankcase 34 that accommodates a crankshaft rotatably about a rotation axis 33, and a crankcase 34 that is coupled to linearly reciprocate a piston along a cylinder axis C tilted forward. A guiding cylinder block 35, a cylinder head 36 coupled to the cylinder block 35 to form a combustion chamber with the piston, and a valve mechanism coupled to the cylinder head 36 to cover the valve mechanism assembled to the cylinder head 36. A head cover 37 is provided. The cylinder head 36 is connected to an intake system 38 that introduces an air-fuel mixture into the combustion chamber and an exhaust system 39 that discharges gas after combustion from the combustion chamber. The transmission device 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 body cover 22 d includes a rear cowl 43 arranged behind the passenger seat 23 and supporting the tail lamp 42 . A fuel tank 44 is supported by the side frame 17 inside the rear cowl 43 . The fuel tank 44 is at least partially covered with the vehicle body cover 13 . The fuel tank 44 has a filler neck 45 that defines a filler neck 44a. A fuel cap unit 46 is attached to the filler neck 45 to close the filler port 44a. Details of the fuel cap unit 46 will be described later. A fuel pump (not shown) is attached to the fuel tank 44 . 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 cowl 43 at a position facing the fuel tank 44 behind the passenger seat 23 . A fuel lid 48 is arranged in the opening 47 . A fuel lid 48 covers the opening 47 from the outside of the rear cowl 43 . A fuel lid 48 opens and closes the opening 47 . The opening/closing operation of the fuel lid 48 is realized in the space outside the rear cowl 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 cowl 43 are flush with each other.

As shown in FIG. 3, a switch unit 49 is incorporated in the inner cover 22b below the steering handle 19. As shown in FIG. The switch unit 49 is arranged at a position that is easily accessible to the passenger seated on the passenger seat 23 . The switch unit 49 includes a key cylinder 52 that rotatably supports a key plug 51. The key plug 51 receives a key in a key hole 51a. When the angle of the keyhole 51a is adjusted to the "OFF" position, the insertion and removal of the key through the keyhole 51a is allowed. When the keyhole 51a is angled to the "ON" position, the vehicle electrical system is switched on. When the angle of the key hole 51a exceeds the "ON" position and is adjusted to the "IGNITION" position, the starter motor of the internal combustion engine 27 is started.

A "SEAT FUEL" position is set between the "ON" position and the "OFF" position. When the angle of the keyhole 51a is adjusted to the "SEAT FUEL" position, the operation of the seesaw switch 53 is permitted. In the seesaw switch 53 , when the “FUEL” side is pushed, the fuel lid 48 opens the opening 47 . When the "SEAT" side is pushed in, the passenger seat 23 is unlocked. The user can access the storage box 24 by opening the passenger seat 23 . As shown in FIG. 1 , the “SEAT” side of seesaw switch 53 is connected to fuel cap unit 46 by cable 54 . The seesaw switch 53 is locked except in the "SEAT FUEL" position. When the seesaw switch 53 is locked, pushing of the seesaw switch 53 to the "SEAT" side and the "FUEL" side is prevented.

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

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

The fuel cap unit 46 includes a link mechanism 61 that links the opening and closing of the fuel lid 48 with the movement of the fuel cap 55 . The link mechanism 61 is rotatably supported by the fuel tank 44 about a rotation axis 62 , has a hinge arm 63 supporting the fuel lid 48 , and has one end attached to the fuel cap 55 rotatably about a connecting axis 64 parallel to the axis 56 . and a link member 66 connected at the other end to the hinge arm 63 so as to be rotatable about a connection axis 65 parallel to the rotation axis 62 . The link member 66 interlocks the opening/closing operation of the fuel lid 48 with the rocking motion of the fuel cap 55 . The link member 66 may be molded from a resin material, for example.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , one end of the link member 66 is coupled to the fuel cap 55 by a first link shaft 67 so as to be relatively rotatable about the coupling axis 64 . The first link shaft 67 is composed of a bush fixed to the fuel cap 55 with a screw 68 . The bushing is made of, for example, a resin molding having good wear resistance and slidability. For example, POM (polyacetal) resin can be used as the resin material. Link axis 64 is separated from axis 56 by a first distance DS1.

The other end of the link member 66 is connected to the hinge arm 63 by a second link shaft 69 so as to be relatively rotatable about the connecting axis 65 . The second link shaft 69 consists of a bush fixed to the hinge arm with a screw 71 . The bushing is made of, for example, a resin molding having good wear resistance and slidability. For example, POM (polyacetal) resin can be used as the resin material. The coupling axis 65 is separated from the rotation axis 62 by a second distance DS2 that is greater than the first distance DS1.

The hinge arm 63 is connected to the cap base 57 with a bush 72 so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis 62 . The bushing 72 is fixed to the cap base 57 with screws 73 . The bush 72 is made of, for example, a resin molding having good wear resistance and slidability. For example, POM (polyacetal) resin can be used as the resin material.

The rotation axis 62 of the hinge arm 63 extends parallel to the axis 56 different from the axis 56 of the fuel cap 55 . The hinge arm 63 includes a connecting body 63a that extends toward the inner surface of the fuel lid 48 at a position away from the rotation axis 62 toward the rear of the vehicle, and a connecting body 63a that extends toward the front of the vehicle while curving downward from the connecting body 63a. and two curved arms 63b having front ends which are connected to the cap base 57 by bushings 72 so as to be rotatable therearound. The hinge arm 63 may be molded from a resin material, for example. The cap base 57 is partially arranged between the curved arms 63b.

As shown in FIG. 4, the fuel lid 48 has a first joint 48a that protrudes from the inner surface facing the hinge arm 63 and is received by the front edge of the connecting body 63a of the hinge arm 63, and the first joint 48a. A second coupling body 48b is formed at the rear of the vehicle, protruding from the inner surface facing the hinge arm 63 and received by the rear edge of the connecting body 63a of the hinge arm 63. As shown in FIG. The second coupling body 48b may be formed of, for example, bosses arranged on both sides of the connecting body 63a. The first coupler 48a is formed with a hook 75 having a rearwardly extending claw protruding from a flat surface 74 received by the connector 63a. The second connecting body 48b is formed with a threaded hole 77 having a female thread cut into the inner surface thereof, which is bored in a flat surface 76 received by the connecting body 63a. The fuel lid 48 may be molded from the same material as the rear cowl 43 .

The first coupling body 48 a is received on a first seat surface 78 formed on the connecting body 63 a of the hinge arm 63 . A slit 79 is formed in the first seating surface 78 to receive the hook 75 of the first coupling body 48a. When the first coupler 48a is positioned with respect to the first seating surface 78, the hook 75 in the slit 79 engages the connector 63a. The rattling of the first coupling body 48a with respect to the first seat surface 78 is prevented. Hook 75 maintains contact between first seating surface 78 and first coupling 48a.

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

The fuel lid 48 has a top plate fastened to the hinge arm 63 by a first joint 48 a and a second joint 48 b to cover the hinge arm 63 from above while creating a sense of unity with the rear cowl 43 at the front end of the opening 47 . 48c and a hidden plate 48d that bends from the top plate 48c and covers the second coupling body 48b and the screw 82 from behind while creating a sense of unity with the rear cowl 43 at the rear end of the opening 47. As shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 6, the cap base 57 includes a shroud plate 57a that surrounds the filler neck 45 and is screwed to the fuel tank 44. The cap base 57 continues from the shroud plate 57a and extends outward in one direction from the outer edge of the filler neck 44a. Spreading apart and connected to fuel cap 55 and hinge arm 63 is support 57b. The support 57b has a pair of walls 84 which are spaced apart from each other and rise from a plane containing the surface of the shroud 57a. Here, the support 57b is arranged in front of the fuel filler port 44a in the vehicle front-rear direction. Therefore, the fuel cap 55 is positioned on the front side of the vehicle with respect to the fuel filler port 44a when the fuel filler port 44a is opened. The fuel lid 48 is positioned on the front side of the vehicle with respect to the opening 47 when the opening 47 is open.

The fuel cap 55 has a cap body 55a that is connected to the pivot shaft 85 so as to be swingable about the axis 56. As shown in FIG. The cap main body 55a includes a disc body 86 having a diameter larger than that of the fuel filler port 44a and extending outward from the outer edge of the fuel filler port 44a, and extending forward of the vehicle from the disc body 86 to rotatably receive the pivot shaft 85. A connecting arm 87 having a through hole 87a at its front end. A pivot shaft 85 passes through two walls 84 and is fixed to the cap base 57 with a flange 85 a and a C-clip 88 .

The connecting arm 87 is formed with a pair of cylindrical bodies 55b projecting outward coaxially with the pivot shaft 85. As shown in FIG. A torsion spring 89 is attached to each cylindrical body 55b. One end of the torsion spring 89 is connected to the cap base 57 . The other end of the torsion spring 89 is connected to the fuel cap 55 . The torsion spring 89 exerts an elastic force that drives the fuel cap 55 in the opening direction around the axis 56 . Here, the torsion spring 89 exerts elastic force to drive the fuel cap 55 to the open position where the fuel filler port 44a is maximally opened.

As shown in FIG. 7 , the connecting arm 87 is formed with a limiter 91 projecting from the outer surface away from the axis 56 . A contact surface 92 is formed on the cap base 57 on the track of the limiter 91 displaced around the axis 56 . The contact surface 92 restricts the swinging of the cap body 55a about the axis 56 in the opening direction. The open position of the fuel cap 55 is set by the limiter 91 coming into contact with the contact surface 92 when the fuel cap 55 swings.

The disk body 86 is formed with a cylindrical wall 93 that rises coaxially with the filler neck 45 toward the fuel tank 44 when the fuel cap 55 is closed. A fuel packing 94 is mounted inside the cylindrical wall 93 . The fuel packing 94 has a thick body 94a in close contact with the tip of the filler neck 45 around the fuel filler port 44a, and a pleated body 94b extending outward from the thick body 94a. The pleated body 94b is coupled to the disk body 86 with a packing holder 95 fitted inside the cylindrical wall 93. As shown in FIG. The fuel packing 94 is molded, for example, from a rubber material. The cap main body 55a may be made of, for example, an aluminum material. The packing holder 95 may be molded from an aluminum material, for example.

A thick body 94 a of the fuel packing 94 is supported by a push member 96 . The push member 96 sandwiches the fuel packing 94 between the filler neck 45 and the fuel cap 55 at the closed position. The push member 96 can be guided by a guide shaft 97 projecting from the disk body 86 and displaced in the direction of the central axis of the cap main body 55a. A C-clip 98 is fixed to the tip of the guide shaft 97 . The C-clip 98 prevents the push member 96 from coming off the guide shaft 97 .

A helical spring 99 is interposed between the push member 96 and the disk body 86 around the guide shaft 97 . The helical spring 99 exerts an elastic force that imparts a driving force to the push member 96 toward the C-clip 98 in the direction away from the disc body 86 . At the closed position of the fuel cap 55, the elastic force of the coil spring 99 presses the fuel packing 94 against the tip of the filler neck 45 with a predetermined pressure. When the fuel packing 94 is released from the restraint of the filler neck 45 , the elastic force of the coil spring 99 presses the push member 96 against the C clip 98 .

The fuel cap unit 46 incorporates a locking mechanism 101 that locks the fuel cap 55 in the closed position. The lock mechanism 101 includes a slider 102 having a lock claw 102a at one end, and a pair of standing walls 104 that are formed in the cap body 55a and define a guide path 103 that guides the displacement of the slider 102 linearly. The slider 102 linearly displaces along the surface of the fuel cap 55 . The lock claw 102a is moved to a first position Pf where it projects outward from the outer circumference of the disk body 86 to the maximum extent, and retreats from the first position Pf toward the outer circumference of the disk body 86 according to the displacement of the slider 102. It is displaced between the second position Ps. The other end of the slider 102 protrudes outward from the edge of the cap main body 55a.

A pressing plate 105 is coupled to the standing wall 104 to block the guide path 103 from above. The pressing plate 105 is received by a stepped portion 104a that descends from the upper end of the standing wall 104, and is pressed against the stepped portion 104a by a crimping piece 104b that is bent above the stepped portion 104a.

At the other end of the slider 102, a projecting piece 102b is formed along the guide path 103 to come into contact with the edge of the pressing plate 105 from the outside. The projecting piece 102b contacts the edge of the pressing plate 105 to restrict the forward movement of the slider 102. As shown in FIG. At this time, the lock claw 102a is positioned at the first position Pf where it protrudes outward from the outer circumference of the disk body 86 to the maximum extent. The projecting piece 102b closes the guide path 103 with the outer edge of the fuel cap 55. As shown in FIG.

A housing space 107 for the coil spring 106 is defined in the slider 102 . A helical spring 106 is arranged in a compressed state between the slider 102 and the cap body 55a within the guideway 103. As shown in FIG. The coil spring 106 contacts the slider 102 at one end near the lock claw 102a, and contacts the cap body 55a at the other end far from the lock claw 102a. The cap main body 55a is provided with a wall 108 arranged in the housing space 107 and supporting the other end of the coil spring 106. As shown in FIG. The helical spring 106 exerts an elastic force along the guide path 103 to hold the lock claw 102a at the first position Pf.

The lock mechanism 101 includes a restrictor 111 coupled to the fuel tank 44 at a position out of the trajectory of the fuel cap 55 moving back and forth between the open position and the closed position. The restricting body 111 can restrain the lock claw 102 a at the first position Pf around the axis 56 against the elastic force of the torsion spring 89 . The lock claw 102a at the first position Pf engages with the regulating body 111 to hold the fuel cap 55 at the closed position. The locking claw 102a at the second position Ps is disengaged from the restricting body 111 to allow the fuel cap 55 to swing about the axis 56 between the closed position and the open position. The restricting body 111 is formed on the cap base 57 behind the fuel filler port 44a in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

The lock mechanism 101 further includes an operation member 113 supported by the support member 57b of the cap base 57 so as to be swingable about a hinge axis 112 parallel to the axis 56. As shown in FIG. The operating member 113 is arranged between one wall 84 and the connecting arm 87 . A shaft 113 a is formed on the operating member 113 coaxially with the hinge axis 112 . The shaft 113a passes through the wall 84 from the inside and is retained by the C-clip 114. As shown in FIG.

The operation member 113 is formed with a retaining piece 115 that receives the tip of the cable 54 at a position spaced apart from the hinge axis 112 in the centrifugal direction. The retaining piece 115 is formed, for example, as a cylindrical body having a central axis parallel to the hinge axis 112 . The tip of the cable 54 is connected to the fastening piece 115 .

The cable 54 can be guided by the sheath 116 supported by the cap base 57 and axially displaced relative to the cap base 57 . When the "FUEL" side of the seesaw switch 53 is pushed, the cable 54 is pulled. The operation member 113 swings about the hinge axis 112 in the first direction FR. The operation member 113 is formed with a first stopper 117a that abuts on the 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 the unlocked position of the operating member 113. As shown in FIG.

A coiled spring 118 is attached to the cable 54 while being compressed between the operating member 113 and the cap base 57 . The helical spring 118 exerts an elastic force that drives the operation member 113 around the hinge axis 112 in a second direction SE opposite to the first direction FR. When the "FUEL" side of the seesaw switch 53 is released, the operating member 113 swings around the hinge axis 112 in the second direction SE due to the elastic force of the coil spring 118 . The operation member 113 is formed with a second stopper 117b that abuts on the edge of the wall member 84 when swinging in the second direction SE to limit swinging in the second direction SE. The second stopper 117b defines the locking position of the operating member 113. As shown in FIG. The elastic force of the coil spring 118 holds the operating member 113 in the locked position.

The operating member 113 is formed with a hooking piece 119 projecting from the operating member 113 at a position spaced apart from the hinge axis 112 in the centrifugal direction and having a central axis parallel to the hinge axis 112 . The engaging piece 119 is, for example, a cylindrical body having a central axis parallel to the hinge axis 112 . The engaging piece 119 is arranged on the extension of the guide path 103 when the fuel cap 55 is positioned at the closed position. The engaging piece 119 is displaced in the linear direction of the guide path 103 according to the movement of the operating member 113 . When the operating member 113 is located at the locked position about the hinge axis 112, the engaging piece 119 comes closest to the guide path 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 from the guide path 103 on the cap main body 55a.

In the operation member 113, the engaging piece 119 connected to the lock claw 102a is arranged around the hinge axis 112 in the first angular region. 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 clasp 115 connected to the cable 54 is arranged in a second angular region displaced from the first angular region around the hinge axis 112 by a specific angle α. The distance between the center axis of the retaining piece 115 and the hinge axis 112 is set to a second length LG2 that is longer than the first length LG1.

At the other end of the slider 102, a hook 121 is formed which is connected to the engaging piece 119 when the fuel cap 55 is positioned at the closed position and is released from the engaging piece 119 when the fuel cap 55 is displaced from the closed position in the opening direction. When the operating member 113 swings from the locked position to the unlocked position when the fuel cap 55 is at the closed position, the lock claw 102a retreats from the first position Pf to the second position Ps where it is separated from the regulating body 111. Displace.

The key is inserted into the key hole 51a of the key plug 51 in the scooter 11 when refueling. The angle of the key hole 51a is adjusted to the "SEAT FUEL" position. Then, the seesaw switch 53 is pushed to the "FUEL" side. The cable 54 is axially pulled against the elastic force of the helical spring 118 . Then, as shown in FIG. 8, the operation member 113 rotates about the hinge shaft 112 in the first direction FR. As the operating member 113 swings, the engaging piece 119 moves away from the guide path 103 along the extension of the guide path 103 . The slider 102 retreats against the elastic force of the coil spring 106 according to the displacement of the engaging piece 119 . In this way, the driving force is transmitted to the lock claw 102a. As a result, the lock claw 102a retreats from the first position Pf to the second position Ps. The driving force releases the locking claw 102 a from engagement with the restricting body 111 . The lock claw 102a is separated from the regulation body 111. As shown in FIG. Movement of the fuel cap 55 in the opening direction is permitted. The operating member 113 stops at the unlocked position.

Since the torsion spring 89 acts on the fuel cap 55 in the opening direction around the axis 56, the fuel cap 55 swings in the opening direction from the closed position. Then, as shown in FIG. 9, the hook 121 is disengaged from the engaging piece 119 as the fuel cap 55 swings. The slider 102 is released from the constraint of the operating member 113 . Therefore, the slider 102 advances due to the action of the coil spring 106, and the lock claw 102a is pressed again to the first position Pf.

When the fuel cap 55 swings about the axis 56 in the opening direction, the limiter 91 hits the contact surface 92 of the cap base 57 as shown in FIG. The contact surface 92 restricts the swinging of the fuel cap 55 in the opening direction about the axis 56 . Thus, the open position of the fuel cap 55 is determined. The filler port 44a of the fuel tank 44 is opened to the maximum.

The torsion spring 89 acts to generate a driving force in the fuel cap 55 in the tangential direction around the axis 56 . One component of the driving force in the axial direction of the link member 66 is transmitted to the hinge arm 63 . A driving force is thus applied to the hinge arm 63 around 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 where the opening 47 is opened to the maximum extent. The fuel lid 48 in the open position is positioned above the passenger seat 23 . A horizontal plane HP passing through the lower end of the fuel lid 48 is positioned above the passenger seat 23 when the fuel lid 48 is fully opened. At this time, although the second joint 48b of the fuel lid 48 and the screw 82 are covered from behind by the hidden plate 48d, the screw 82 is exposed downward. As shown in FIG. 11, the operator for refueling can easily insert the refueling gun 122 into the refueling port 44a through the opening 47 from the rear.

Once the lock claw 102a is released from the restraint of the regulating body 111, the seesaw switch 53 can be released from the user's operation force. Then, since the operating member 113 is released from the pulling force of the cable 54 , the operating member 113 rotates around the hinge shaft 112 in the second direction SE due to the action of the coil spring 118 . The operating member 113 returns to the locked position.

When refueling is completed, the refueling worker pulls out the refueling gun 122 from the refueling port 44a. The fuel lid 48 is then closed about the rotation axis 62 . An operator's hand applies an operating force to the fuel lid 48 . A driving force is generated in the hinge arm 63 in the tangential direction around the rotation axis 62 . One component of the driving force in the axial direction of the link member 66 is transmitted to the cap body 55 a of the fuel cap 55 . In this way, a driving force is applied to the fuel cap 55 around the axis 56 . In conjunction with the closing operation of the fuel lid 48, the fuel cap 55 closes the fuel filler port 44a.

When the fuel cap 55 swings toward the closed position to close the fuel filler port 44a, the lock claw 102a at the first position Pf collides with the restrictor 111. As shown in FIG. At this time, when the operator's operation force is further applied from the fuel lid 48, a driving force is generated in the lock claw 102a toward the second position Ps based on the slope of the restricting body 111. As shown in FIG. The slider 102 retreats against the elastic force of the coil spring 106 . The lock claw 102a is separated from the slope of the regulation body 111. As shown in FIG. The fuel cap 55 swings further and reaches the closed position. The fuel filler port 44a is closed. Since the locking claw 102a is released from the restriction by the restricting body 111, the slider 102 moves forward again due to the action of the coil spring 106, and the locking claw 102a returns to the first position Pf. Lock claw 102 a engages with restrictor 111 . Even if the fuel lid 48 is released from the operator's operating force, the restricting body 111 restrains the fuel cap in the closed position.

The fuel packing 94 is sandwiched between the push member 96 and the filler neck 45 when the fuel cap 55 is restrained in the closed position. A helical spring 99 acts to apply a pressing force to the push member 96 toward the filler neck 45 . Therefore, the fuel packing 94 is in close contact with the push 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 swings toward the closed position, the operating member 113 is held at the locked position by the action of the coil spring 118 , so that the hook 121 engages with the engaging piece 119 of the operating member 113 again.

In the lock mechanism 101 according to this embodiment, when the operation member 113 is operated, a driving force is transmitted to the lock claw 102a. The driving force releases the locking claw 102a from engagement with the restricting body 111. As shown in FIG. Thus, the fuel cap 55 is unlocked. Movement of the fuel cap 55 in the opening direction is permitted. The fuel filler port 44a can be opened. At this time, release of the lock claw 102a can be confirmed according to the operation of the operation member 113. FIG. The operating member 113 generates a driving force for opening the lock claw 102 a , but does not apply a driving force to the fuel cap 55 around the axis 56 . Therefore, it is possible to prevent the operating force from being applied to the fuel cap 55 in the opening direction before the lock claw 102a is released. The strength required for the lock claw 102a is reduced. On the other hand, when the operating member is installed on the fuel cap 55, even if the engagement between the lock claw 102a and the restricting body 111 is maintained, the operating force is applied to the fuel cap 55 from the operating member. . The lock claw 102a is required to have strength to withstand the applied operating force. Such a requirement for strength causes an increase in weight of the lock claw 102a. In addition, in this embodiment, the operation member 113 is arranged at a position separated from the fuel cap 55, so that the surface of the fuel cap 55 can be made to have a simple structure.

Since fuel cap 55 and restrictor 111 are supported by fuel tank 44, lock claw 102a on fuel cap 55 and restrictor 111 can be positioned with good accuracy. Engagement and release of the lock claw 102a with respect to the restricting body 111 are satisfactorily realized.

A torsion spring 89 is connected to the fuel cap 55 to exert an elastic force to drive the fuel cap 55 in the opening direction. When the locking claw 102a is disengaged from the restricting body 111, the fuel cap 55 is driven in the opening direction by the action of elastic force. Therefore, even if lock claw 102a protrudes outward from the outer periphery of fuel cap 55 again, engagement between lock claw 102a and restricting body 111 is not established. The release of the lock claw 102a is maintained.

Here, the torsion spring 89 exerts elastic force to drive the fuel cap 55 to the open position where the fuel filler port 44a is opened. Due to the action of elastic force, the fuel cap 55 reaches the open position where the fuel filler port 44a is opened. In this way, even if no operating force is applied to the fuel cap 55 around the axis 56, the opening of the fuel filler port 44a is realized.

The lock mechanism 101 according to the present embodiment has one end coupled to the lock claw 102a, linearly displaced along the surface of the fuel cap 55, and the other end protruding from the outer circumference of the fuel cap 55, a slider 102 and a fuel cap. 55 to guide displacement of the slider 102; The engaging piece 119 displaced in the line direction of 103 is connected to the locking claw 102a, is connected to the engaging piece 119 when the fuel cap 55 is positioned at the closed position, and is connected to the engaging piece 119 when the fuel cap 55 is displaced from the closed position in the opening direction. and a hook 121 released from 119 . The hook 121 is connected to the engaging piece 119 when the fuel cap 55 is positioned at the closed position. When the engaging piece 119 is displaced according to the movement of the operating member 113, the displacement of the engaging piece 119 is transmitted from the hook 121 to the lock claw 102a. The lock claw 102a is driven from the first position Pf toward the second position Ps. The engagement between the lock claw 102a and the restricting body 111 is released. The elastic force drives the fuel cap 55 in the opening direction. When the fuel cap 55 swings in this manner, the hook 121 is released from the engaging piece 119 . The operating member 113 is separated from the movement of the fuel cap 55 . Therefore, the fuel cap 55 can be opened to the open position with a small movement of the operating member 113 .

A protruding piece 102b protrudes from the surface of the slider 102 and closes the guide path 103 with the outer edge of the fuel cap 55 when the lock claw 102a is positioned at the first position Pf. Since the guide path 103 of the slider 102 is blocked by the projecting piece 102b at the outer edge of the fuel cap 55, entry of water from the guide path 103 into the fuel cap 55 can be prevented.

The fuel tank 44 supports a cap base 57 which is provided on the outer circumference of the fuel filler port 44a, has a support 57b arranged on one side of the fuel filler port 44a, and has a restrictor 111 arranged on the other side of the fuel filler port 44a. The cap base 57 unitizes the fuel cap 55, the regulating body 111, the lock claw 102a and the operating member 113. As shown in FIG. Fuel cap 55 , regulating body 111 , lock claw 102 a and operating member 113 can be assembled in advance and attached to fuel tank 44 . Therefore, workability of assembly can be improved.

The scooter 11 according to this embodiment includes a cable 54 that is connected to the operating member 113, drives the operating member 113 in accordance with axial displacement, and generates driving force for opening the lock claw 102a. A driving force is generated by the operating member 113 according to the axial displacement of the cable 54 . The operating member 113 is operated remotely. The opening of fuel cap 55 can be well limited.

The operation member 113 is swingably supported about the hinge axis 112, connected to the lock claw 102a in a first angle range, and displaced from the first angle range about the hinge axis 112 by a specific angle α in a second angle range. It is connected to cable 54 . Axial displacement of the cable 54 is converted into swinging movement of the operating member 113 . The rocking motion of the operating member 113 is converted into displacement of the lock claw 102a. Therefore, the direction of the cable 54 and the direction of displacement of the lock claw 102a do not need to match, and the degree of freedom in arranging the cable 54 is increased.

Here, the operating member 113 is connected to the lock claw 102a at a position separated from the hinge axis 112 by a first length LG1, and separated from the hinge axis 112 by a second length LG2 larger than the first length LG1. is connected to cable 54 at . The pulling force of the cable 54 is converted into the driving force of the lock claw 102a. Since the cable 54 is separated from the hinge axis 112 by the second length LG2, which is longer than the first length LG1, the torque of the lock claw 102a is amplified with respect to the tensile force of the cable 54. The operating force applied to cable 54 can be reduced.

Claims (10)

a fuel tank (44) having a filler port (44a);
a fuel cap (55) displaceable along a track around an axis (56) and closing the fuel filler opening (44a) at a closed position;
a regulating body (111) provided at a position off the track of the fuel cap (55);
A first position (Pf ), and a lock claw (102a) that is displaced between a second position (Ps) that retreats from the first position (Pf) and disengages from the restricting body (111),
The fuel cap (55) is supported by a support (57b) that swingably supports the lock claw (102a) and is connected to the lock claw (102a). A straddle-type vehicle characterized by comprising an operation member (113) for generating a driving force for releasing the . A straddle-type vehicle according to claim 1, wherein said restricting body (111), said supporting body (57b) and said operating member (113) are supported by said fuel tank (44). type vehicle. 3. The straddle-type vehicle according to claim 1, wherein an elastic member (89) is connected to the fuel cap (55) for exerting an elastic force to drive the fuel cap (55) in the opening direction. A saddle-riding vehicle characterized by The straddle-type vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the elastic member (89) exerts an elastic force to drive the fuel cap (55) to an open position for opening the fuel filler port (44a). A saddle-riding vehicle. In the straddle-type vehicle according to claim 4,
a slider (102) having one end coupled to the lock claw (102a), linearly displaced along the surface of the fuel cap (55) and protruding from the outer periphery of the fuel cap (55) at the other end;
a guide path (103) formed in the fuel cap (55) for guiding displacement of the slider (102);
When the fuel cap (55) is at the closed position, it is arranged on the extension of the guide path (103) and displaced in the linear direction of the guide path (103) according to the movement of the operating member (113). a connecting piece (119) to
When the fuel cap (55) is positioned at the closed position, it is connected to the engaging piece (119), and when the fuel cap (55) is displaced from the closed position in the opening direction, the engaging piece (119) is connected to the locking claw (102a). and a hook (121) released from the piece (119). The saddle-ride type vehicle according to claim 5, wherein the outer edge of the fuel cap (55) protrudes from the surface of the slider (102), and when the lock claw (102a) is positioned at the first position (Pf), the outer edge of the fuel cap (55) A straddle-type vehicle characterized by comprising a projecting piece (102b) that closes the guideway (103) with a. The straddle-type vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the fuel tank (44) is provided on the outer periphery of the fuel filler port (44a) and on one side of the fuel filler port (44a). A straddle-type vehicle characterized by supporting a cap base (57) on which the support body (57b) is arranged and on which the regulation body (111) is arranged on the other side of the fuel filler port (44a). The saddle-ride type vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the operation member (113) is connected to drive the operation member (113) in accordance with axial displacement, and the lock pawl ( A straddle-type vehicle, further comprising a cable (54) for generating said driving force for opening 102a). The saddle-ride type vehicle according to claim 8 , wherein the operation member (113) is supported so as to be swingable about the hinge shaft (112), is connected to the lock claw (102a) in a first angle range, and A straddle-type vehicle, characterized in that it is connected to the cable (54) at a second angular region displaced by a specific angle (α) from the first angular region around a hinge axis (112). The straddle-type vehicle according to claim 9, wherein the operating member (113) is connected to the lock pawl (102a) at a position spaced apart from the hinge shaft (112) by a first length (LG1), A straddle-type vehicle characterized by being connected to the cable (54) at a position separated from the hinge shaft (112) by a second length (LG2) greater than the first length (LG1).

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