阅读说明：本技术 鞍乘型车辆 (Saddle-ride type vehicle ) 是由 堀内哲 岸裕司 P.G.约翰 于 2020-03-27 设计创作，主要内容包括：鞍乘型车辆(11)具备：燃料帽(55),其绕轴线(56)沿着轨道位移自如地装配于燃料箱(44),在关闭位置堵塞供油口(44a)；限制体(111),其偏离燃料帽的轨道而配置,并与燃料箱结合；锁定爪(102a),其被燃料帽支承,在将燃料帽保持在从燃料帽的外周向外方突出而与限制体卡合的关闭位置的第一位置(Pf)、及从第一位置后退并脱离限制体的第二位置(Ps)之间进行位移；操作部件(113),其被与燃料箱结合的支承体支承,并与锁定爪连接,生成从与限制体的卡合中释放锁定爪的驱动力。由此,提供能够防止在锁定爪的解除前向开启方向对燃料帽施加操作力的鞍乘型车辆。(A saddle-ride type vehicle (11) is provided with: a fuel cap (55) which is mounted on the fuel tank (44) so as to be displaceable along a rail about an axis (56) and which closes the fuel supply port (44a) in a closed position; a restricting body (111) which is disposed so as to deviate from the track of the fuel cap and is coupled to the fuel tank; a lock claw (102a) which is supported by the fuel cap and is displaced between a first position (Pf) at which the fuel cap is held at a closed position protruding outward from the outer periphery of the fuel cap and engaging with the regulating body, and a second position (Ps) at which the fuel cap retreats from the first position and disengages from the regulating body; and an operation member (113) which is supported by the support body coupled to the fuel tank, is connected to the lock claw, and generates a driving force for releasing the lock claw from engagement with the stopper. Thus, a saddle-ride type vehicle capable of preventing an operating force from being applied to a fuel cap in an opening direction before the lock claw is released is provided.)

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

a fuel tank (44) having a fuel supply opening (44 a);

a fuel cap (55) that is provided so as to be displaceable along a rail about an axis (56) and that closes the fuel supply port (44a) in a closed position;

a restricting body (111) provided at a position deviated from the trajectory of the fuel cap (55);

a lock claw (102a) that is supported by the fuel cap (55) and that is displaced between a first position (Pf) at which the fuel cap (55) is held at a closed position at which the lock claw protrudes outward from the outer periphery of the fuel cap (55) and engages with the regulating body (111), and a second position (Ps) at which the lock claw retreats from the first position (Pf) and separates from the regulating body (111);

the saddle-ride type vehicle is characterized in that,

the fuel cap (55) is supported by a support body (57b) that supports the fuel cap (55) so as to be capable of swinging, and the operating member (113) is connected to the locking claw (102a) and generates a driving force for releasing the locking claw (102a) from engagement with the regulating body (111).

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

the regulating body (111), the support body (57b), and the operating member (113) are supported by the fuel tank (44).

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

an elastic member (89) that exerts an elastic force that drives the fuel cap (55) in the opening direction is connected to the fuel cap (55).

4. The saddle-ride type vehicle according to claim 3,

the elastic member (89) exerts an elastic force that drives the fuel cap (55) to an open position that opens the fuel fill port (44 a).

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

a slider (102) that is coupled to the locking claw (102a) at one end, linearly displaced along the surface of the fuel cap (55), and protrudes from the outer periphery of the fuel cap (55) at the other end;

a guide passage (103) that is formed in the fuel cap (55) and guides displacement of the slider (102);

an engaging piece (119) which is disposed on an extension of the guide passage (103) when the fuel cap (55) is in the closed position, and which is displaced in a linear direction of the guide passage (103) in accordance with an operation of the operating member (113);

and a hook (121) that is coupled to the locking claw (102a), that is coupled to the engagement piece (119) when the fuel cap (55) is in the closed position, and that is released from the engagement piece (119) when the fuel cap (55) is displaced in the opening direction from the closed position.

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

a protruding piece (102b) is provided, the protruding piece (102b) protrudes from the surface of the slider (102), and when the locking claw (102a) is located at the first position (Pf), the guide path (103) is blocked at the outer edge of the fuel cap (55).

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

a cap base (57) is supported by the fuel tank (44), the cap base (57) is provided on the outer periphery of the fuel fill opening (44a), the support body (57b) is disposed on one side of the fuel fill opening (44a), and the regulating body (111) is disposed on the other side of the fuel fill opening (44 a).

8. The saddle-ride type vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 7,

the locking device is further provided with a cable (54), wherein the cable (54) is connected with the operating member (113), and drives the operating member (113) according to axial displacement to generate the driving force for opening the locking claw (102 a).

9. The saddle-ride type vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 8,

the operating member (113) is supported so as to be able to swing about a hinge axis (112), and is connected to the locking pawl (102a) in a first angular range, and is connected to the cable (54) in a second angular range that is displaced from the first angular range by a specific angle (alpha) about the hinge axis (112).

10. The saddle-ride type vehicle according to claim 9,

the operating member (113) is coupled to the locking pawl (102a) at a position spaced apart from the hinge shaft (112) by a first length (LG1), and is coupled to the cable (54) at a position spaced apart from the hinge shaft (112) by a second length (LG2) that is greater than the first length (112).

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a saddle-ride type vehicle, comprising: a fuel tank having a fuel supply port; a fuel cap mounted on the fuel tank so as to be displaceable along a rail about an axis, and closing the fuel supply port in a closed position; a restricting body which is disposed to deviate from the track of the fuel cap and is combined with the fuel tank; and a lock claw supported by the fuel cap and displaceable between a lock position for holding the fuel cap at a closed position where the lock claw projects outward from an outer periphery of the fuel cap and engages with the stopper and a release position where the lock claw retreats from the lock position and disengages from the stopper.

Background

Jp 2017 a 196951 a discloses an operation knob which is supported by a fuel cap so as to be swingable and is 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 disengages from the restricting body. Thus, the fuel cap is unlocked. When the pull-up of the operation knob is maintained in this state, the fuel cap is displaced in the opening direction about the axis. The fuel fill port is opened.

Documents of the prior art

Patent document

Patent document 1: japanese patent laid-open publication No. 2017-196951

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

In japanese patent application laid-open No. 2017-196951, since an operation portion for operating a lock claw is provided in a fuel cap, the fuel cap is required to support the strength of the operation portion, and the structure of the fuel cap is complicated.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a saddle type vehicle capable of unlocking a fuel cap without providing an operation portion to the fuel cap.

Means for solving the problems

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a saddle-ride type vehicle including: a fuel tank having a fuel supply port; a fuel cap provided so as to be displaceable along a rail about an axis and configured to close the fuel supply port in a closed position; a restricting body provided at a position deviated from a track of the fuel cap; and a lock claw supported by the fuel cap and displaceable between a first position at which the fuel cap is held at a closed position protruding outward from an outer periphery of the fuel cap and engaging with the regulating body and a second position at which the fuel cap is retracted from the first position and disengaged from the regulating body, wherein the saddle-ride type vehicle is provided with an operating member that is supported by a support body supporting the fuel cap so as to be swingable, that is connected to the lock claw, and that generates a driving force for releasing the lock claw from engagement with the regulating body.

According to a second aspect, in the structure of the first aspect, the regulating body, the support body, and the operation member are supported by the fuel tank.

According to a third aspect, in addition to the first or second aspect, an elastic member that exerts an elastic force that drives the fuel cap in the opening direction is coupled to the fuel cap.

According to a fourth aspect, in the structure of the third aspect, the elastic member exerts an elastic force that drives the fuel cap to an open position that opens the fuel fill inlet.

According to a fifth aspect, in addition to the fourth aspect, the apparatus further includes: a slider coupled to the locking claw at one end, linearly displaced along a surface of the fuel cap, and protruded from an outer circumference of the fuel cap at the other end; a guide passage formed in the fuel cap, for guiding displacement of the slider; an engaging piece which is disposed on an extension of the guide passage when the fuel cap is in the closed position, and which is displaced in a line direction of the guide passage in accordance with an operation of the operating member; and a hook coupled to the locking claw, coupled to the engaging piece when the fuel cap is in the closed position, and released from the engaging piece when the fuel cap is displaced from the closed position in the opening direction.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the fifth aspect, the saddle type vehicle includes a protruding piece that protrudes from a surface of the slider, and blocks the guide passage at an outer edge of the fuel cap when the lock pawl is located at the first position.

According to a seventh aspect, in addition to any one of the first to sixth aspects, a cap base provided on an outer periphery of the fuel fill inlet is supported on the fuel tank, the support body is disposed on one side of the fuel fill inlet, and the regulating body is disposed on the other side of the fuel fill inlet.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in addition to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the saddle type vehicle further includes a cable coupled to the operating member, and the cable drives the operating member according to an axial displacement to generate the driving force for opening the lock pawl.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to eighth aspects, the operating member is supported to be swingable around a hinge shaft, and is coupled to the locking pawl in a first angular range, and is coupled to the cable in a second angular range displaced from the first angular range by a specific angle around the hinge shaft.

According to a tenth aspect, in the ninth aspect, the operating member is coupled to the locking pawl at a position spaced apart from the hinge shaft by a first length, and is coupled to the cable at a position spaced apart from the hinge shaft by a second length greater than the first length.

Effects of the invention

According to the first aspect, when the operating member is operated, the driving force is transmitted to the lock pawl. The driving force releases the locking pawl from engagement with the restricting body. Thus, the fuel cap is unlocked. Allowing the action of the fuel cap in the opening direction. The fuel fill port can be opened. The operating member generates a driving force for opening the locking pawl, but does not apply a driving force to the fuel cap about 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 required strength of the locking pawl can be reduced. On the other hand, if the operation member is provided on the fuel cap, an operation force is applied to the fuel cap from the operation member even if the engagement between the lock claw and the stopper is maintained. The locking pawl is required to have strength against an imparted operating force. Such a strength requirement leads to an increase in the weight of the locking pawl. Further, since the operating member is disposed at a position offset from the fuel cap, the structure of the fuel cap is not complicated, and the surface of the fuel cap can be made to have a simple structure.

According to the second aspect, the fuel cap and the regulating body are supported by the fuel tank, and therefore the locking claw and the regulating body on the fuel cap can be positioned with good accuracy. The engagement and release of the lock claw with respect to the restricting body can be achieved satisfactorily.

According to the third aspect, when the engagement of the lock claw with respect to the regulating body is released, the fuel cap is driven in the opening direction by the elastic force. Therefore, even if the lock claw protrudes outward from the outer periphery of the fuel cap again, the engagement of the lock claw and the regulating body is not established. The release of the locking pawl can be maintained.

According to the fourth aspect, the fuel cap can reach the open position where the fuel-supply opening is opened by the action of the elastic force. Thus, the fuel filler opening can be realized without applying an operating force to the fuel cap about the axis.

According to the fifth aspect, the hook is coupled with the engagement piece when the fuel cap is in the closed position. When the engaging piece is displaced in accordance with the operation of the operating member, the displacement of the engaging piece is transmitted from the hook to the locking claw. The locking pawl is driven from the first position to the second position. The engagement between the lock claw and the restricting body is released. The fuel cap is driven in the opening direction by the action of the elastic force. Thus, when the fuel cap swings, the hook is released from the engagement piece. The operating member is separated from the movement of the fuel cap. Therefore, the fuel cap can be opened to the open position by a small action of the operating member.

According to the sixth aspect, the guide passage of the slider is blocked by the projecting piece at the outer edge of the fuel cap, and therefore, it is possible to prevent water from entering from the guide passage to the inside of the fuel cap.

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, the regulating body, the locking pawl, and the operating member can be assembled in advance to the fuel tank. Therefore, the workability of assembly can be improved.

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

According to the ninth aspect, the axial displacement of the cable is converted into the oscillation of the operating member. The swing of the operating member is converted into the displacement of the locking pawl. Therefore, it is not necessary to align the direction of the cable with the direction of displacement of the locking pawl, and the degree of freedom in the arrangement of the cable can be increased.

According to the tenth aspect, the tensile force of the cable is converted into the driving force of the locking claw. The cable is separated from the hinge shaft by a second length larger than the first length, and therefore, the torque of the locking claw can be amplified relative to the tensile force of the cable. The operating force applied to the cable can be reduced.

Drawings

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

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

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

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

(first embodiment)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Description of the reference numerals

11 … saddle type vehicle (Small-sized motorcycle)

44 … fuel tank

44a … oil supply port

54 … Cable

55 … Fuel Cap

57 … base of cap

57b … support body

89 … elastic component (torsion spring)

102 … slide block

102a … locking pawl

102b … tab

111 … limiter

113 … operating part

119 … engaging piece

121 … hook

Pf … first position

Ps … second position

LG1 … first length

LG2 … second length

Alpha … specific angle

Detailed Description

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

First embodiment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Formed on the fuel lid 48 are: a top plate 48c fastened to the hinge arm 63 by the first coupling body 48a and the second coupling body 48b, covering the hinge arm 63 from above while providing a sense of unity with the rear case 43 at the front end of the opening 47; and a concealing plate 48d which is bent from the top plate 48c, covers the second coupling body 48b and the screw 82 from the rear while providing a sense of unity with the rear housing cover 43 at the rear end of the opening 47.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the operating member 113, an engaging piece 119 coupled to the locking claw 102a is disposed in a first angular region around the hinge axis 112. The distance between the center axis of the engaging piece 119 and the hinge axis 112 is set to the first length LG 1. On the other hand, the stopper piece 115 coupled to the cable 54 is disposed in a second angle region displaced from the first angle region by a specific angle α about the hinge axis 112. The distance between the central axis of the stopper piece 115 and the hinge axis 112 is set to a second length LG2 greater than the first length LG 1.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the lock mechanism 101 of the present embodiment, when the operation member 113 is operated, a driving force is transmitted to the lock pawl 102 a. The driving force releases the lock claw 102a from engagement with the stopper 111. Thus, the fuel cap 55 is unlocked. The action of the fuel cap 55 is allowed in the opening direction. The oil supply port 44a can be opened. At this time, the release of the locking claw 102a can be confirmed by the operation of the operating member 113. The operating member 113 generates a driving force for opening the locking claws 102a, but does not apply a driving force to the fuel cap 55 about the axis 56. Therefore, the operating force is prevented from being applied to the fuel cap 55 in the opening direction before the locking claws 102a are released. Reducing the required strength of the locking pawl 102 a. On the other hand, when the operation member is provided to the fuel cap 55, an operation force is applied to the fuel cap 55 from the operation member even if the engagement between the lock claws 102a and the restricting body 111 is maintained. The locking claw 102a requires strength against the imparted operation force. Such a requirement of strength causes an increase in the weight of the locking pawl 102 a. In the present embodiment, the operating member 113 is disposed at a position offset from the fuel cap 55, and therefore, the surface of the fuel cap 55 can be made to have a simple structure.

Since the fuel cap 55 and the regulating body 111 are supported by the fuel tank 44, the locking claws 102a on the fuel cap 55 and the regulating body 111 can be positioned with good accuracy. The engagement and release of the lock claw 102a with respect to the stopper 111 can be favorably realized.

A torsion spring 89 that exerts an elastic force to drive the fuel cap 55 in the opening direction is coupled to the fuel cap 55. When the engagement of the lock claw 102a with respect to the stopper 111 is released, the fuel cap 55 is driven in the opening direction by the elastic force. Therefore, even if the lock claws 102a protrude outward from the outer periphery of the fuel cap 55 again, the engagement of the lock claws 102a with the regulating body 111 is not established. The release of the locking claw 102a is maintained.

Here, the torsion spring 89 exerts an elastic force that drives the fuel cap 55 to the open position that opens the fuel fill port 44 a. By the action of the elastic force, the fuel cap 55 reaches the open position that opens the fuel-supply port 44 a. Thus, even if an operating force is not applied to the fuel cap 55 about the axis 56, the opening of the fuel fill inlet 44a is achieved.

The lock mechanism 101 of the present embodiment includes: a slider 102 that is engaged with the locking claw 102a at one end and linearly displaced along the surface of the fuel cap 55, and protrudes from the outer periphery of the fuel cap 55 at the other end; a guide passage 103 formed in the fuel cap 55 and guiding displacement of the slider 102; an engagement piece 119 that is disposed on an extension of the guide passage 103 when the fuel cap 55 is at the closed position, and that is displaced in a linear direction of the guide passage 103 in accordance with an operation of the operation member 113; and a hook 121 coupled to the locking claw 102a, coupled to the engagement piece 119 when the fuel cap 55 is at the closed position, and released from the engagement piece 119 when the fuel cap 55 is displaced in the opening direction from the closed position. When the fuel cap 55 is in the closed position, the hook 121 is coupled to the engagement piece 119. When the engagement piece 119 is displaced in accordance with the operation of the operation member 113, the displacement of the engagement piece 119 is transmitted from the hook 121 to the locking claw 102 a. The locking pawl 102a is driven from the first position Pf to the second position Ps. The engagement between the lock claw 102a and the stopper 111 is released. The fuel cap 55 is driven in the opening direction by the elastic force. Thus, when the fuel cap 55 swings, the hook 121 is released from the engagement piece 119. The operation member 113 is separated from the movement of the fuel cap 55. Therefore, the fuel cap 55 can be opened to the open position by a small action of the operating member 113.

On the surface of the slider 102, when the lock claw 102a is located at the first position Pf, a protruding piece 102b that blocks the guide passage 103 at the outer edge of the fuel cap 55 protrudes. Since the guide passage 103 of the slider 102 is closed by the projecting piece 102b at the outer edge of the fuel cap 55, water can be prevented from entering from the guide passage 103 to the inside of the fuel cap 55.

A cap base 57 is supported on the fuel tank 44, the cap base 57 is provided on the outer periphery of the fuel fill inlet 44a, the support body 57b is disposed on one side of the fuel fill inlet 44a, and the regulating body 111 is disposed on the other side of the fuel fill inlet 44 a. The cap base 57 unitizes the fuel cap 55, the regulating body 111, the locking claws 102a, and the operating member 113. The fuel cap 55, the regulating body 111, the locking claws 102a, and the operating member 113 can be assembled in advance to the fuel tank 44. Therefore, the workability of assembly can be improved.

The scooter 11 of the present embodiment includes a cable 54, and the cable 54 is coupled to the operation member 113, and drives the operation member 113 according to the axial displacement to generate a driving force for opening the lock claw 102 a. In accordance with the axial displacement of the cable 54, a driving force is generated in the operating member 113. The operation member 113 can be operated by remote operation. The opening of the fuel cap 55 can be restricted well.

The operating member 113 is supported to be swingable about the hinge axis 112, and is coupled to the locking pawl 102a in a first angular range, and is coupled to the cable 54 in a second angular range displaced from the first angular range by a specific angle α about the hinge axis 112. The axial displacement of the cable 54 is converted into a swing of the operation member 113. The swing of the operating member 113 is converted into displacement of the locking claw 102 a. Therefore, the direction of the cable 54 and the direction of displacement of the locking claw 102a do not need to coincide, and the degree of freedom in the arrangement of the cable 54 is increased.

Here, the operating member 113 is coupled to the locking pawl 102a at a position spaced apart from the hinge axis 112 by a first length LG1, and is coupled to the cable 54 at a position spaced apart from the hinge axis 112 by a second length LG2 greater than the first length LG 1. The tensile force of the cable 54 is converted into the driving force of the locking claw 102 a. The cable 54 exits the hinge axis 112 at a second length LG2 that is greater than the first length LG1, thereby amplifying the torque of the locking pawl 102a relative to the tensile force of the cable 54. The operating force applied to the cable 54 can be reduced.