Filler pipe earth structure

Abstract

Electrification of a filler pipe is prevented, and sealing between the filler pipe and a cover member is improved.　An earth structure for a filler pipe 4 comprises the filler pipe 4, a tubular cover member 5 into which an upstream end 4a of the filler pipe 4 is inserted and which marks out an oil supply port 3, an annular seal part (22) interposed between the filler pipe 4 and the cover member 5, and an earth member 30 that is attached to an outer surface 4b of the filler pipe 4 and that extends along the longitudinal direction of the filler pipe 4. The cover member 5 is made of a conductive material, and the earth member 30 comes into contact with the cover member 5 downstream of the seal part (22). Sealing between the filler pipe 4 and the cover member 5 improves because there is no need to position the earth member 30 so as to pass through the seal part.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an earthing structure for a filler pipe. [Background technology]

[0002] In a fuel supply device mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile, an earth structure is provided for earthing the outer end of the filler pipe via the vehicle body in order to prevent the outer end of the filler pipe from being charged. A known fuel supply device with such an earth structure includes a filler pipe, a cylindrical outer cylindrical member into which the outer end (upstream end) of the filler pipe is inserted to define a fuel supply port, and a spring piece that electrically connects a conductive inner cylindrical member provided at the outer end of the filler pipe to a conductive stay, and the stay is earthed via the vehicle body (Patent Document 1). In this fuel supply device, a notch is formed in the outer cylindrical member from the downstream end toward the upstream side, and the spring piece is arranged to pass through the notch.

[0003] If a notch is provided in the outer tubular member, the outer tubular member will not function to cover the filler pipe at that portion, and the seal between the filler pipe and the outer tubular member will not be ensured.

[0004] As a fuel supply device capable of solving such a problem, one having an earth structure shown in FIG. 7 is publicly used. In this fuel supply device 101, a cylindrical cover member 105 into which the outer end of the filler pipe 104 is inserted is not provided with a notch, and an earth member 130 made of a metal plate is provided so as to contact a conductive nozzle guide member 116 arranged inside the outer end of the filler pipe 104. The earth member 130 is bent at the upstream end of the filler pipe 104, extends in the longitudinal direction from the upstream end to the downstream side along the outer surface of the filler pipe 104, and contacts a conductive stay 108 at a position beyond the downstream end of the cover member 105. In order to improve the sealing performance between the filler pipe 104 and the cover member 105, a seal member 140 is provided on the outer periphery side of the cover member 105. The seal member extends downstream beyond the downstream end of the cover member 105, and its downstream end is in close contact with the outer periphery of the filler pipe 104. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6784740 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in conventional fuel supply devices, the earth member is positioned so that it passes through the area where the sealing member and the filler pipe are in close contact, making it difficult to ensure sealing in the area where the earth member passes, and therefore difficult to achieve high sealing.

[0007] In view of the above background, an object of the present invention is to provide an earthing structure for a filler pipe that can improve the sealing performance between the filler pipe and a cover member. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve such problems, one embodiment of the present invention is an earthing structure for a filler pipe, comprising a filler pipe (4), a cylindrical cover member (5) into which an upstream end (4a) of the filler pipe is inserted and which defines a fuel filler opening (3), an annular seal portion (22) interposed between the filler pipe and the cover member, and an earth member (30) attached to an outer surface (4b) of the filler pipe and extending along the longitudinal direction of the filler pipe, the cover member being made of a conductive material, and the earth member contacting the cover member downstream of the seal portion.

[0009] According to this configuration, even if the earth member is not arranged to pass through the seal portion, the cover member made of a conductive material is grounded by the earth member coming into contact with the cover member, and the cover member is prevented from becoming charged. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to arrange the earth member to pass through the seal portion, the sealing performance between the filler pipe and the cover member can be improved.

[0010] Preferably, the filler pipe earth structure further comprises an opening / closing body (41) that is displaceable between a closed position that closes the fuel filler opening (3) and an open position that is located downstream of the closed position and opens the fuel filler opening, and a biasing member (43) that constantly biases the opening / closing body toward the closed position, and the opening / closing body is made of a conductive material and contacts the cover member (5) when in the closed position.

[0011] According to this configuration, the opening / closing body is pushed downstream by the fuel filler nozzle to open the fuel filler opening. When the fuel filler nozzle comes into contact with the opening / closing body to open the fuel filler opening, the fuel filler nozzle is electrically connected to the cover member via the opening / closing body and is grounded via the earth member.

[0012] Preferably, the biasing member (43) is made of a conductive material and is provided so as to be in constant contact with the inner surface (41a) of the opening / closing body and the inner surface (5d) of the cover member.

[0013] According to this configuration, the opening / closing body is electrically connected to the cover member via the biasing member not only when it is in the closed position, but also when it is in a position other than the closed position.

[0014] Preferably, the opening / closing body (41) is rotatably supported by an annular member (42) attached to the inside of the cover member (5), and the annular member has a notch (42a) or a through hole formed therein for bringing the biasing member (43) into contact with the cover member.

[0015] According to this configuration, there is no need to provide the cover member with a structure for rotatably supporting the opening / closing body. Therefore, the shape of the cover member made of a conductive material is simplified, and the cover member has good formability. In addition, there is a high degree of freedom in designing the structure for rotatably supporting the opening / closing body.

[0016] Preferably, the sealing portion is a protrusion (22) formed integrally with one of the filler pipe (4) made of resin and the cover member (5) made of resin.

[0017] According to this configuration, there is no need to prepare a separate member for sealing, so the number of parts is reduced and the number of assembly steps is reduced.

[0018] Preferably, the sealing portion (22) is formed integrally with the filler pipe (4), and a plurality of reinforcing portions (21, 23, 24) extending circumferentially are provided on the portion of the outer surface of the filler pipe covered by the cover member (5), with at least one of the reinforcing portions being arranged on each of the upstream and downstream sides of the sealing portion.

[0019] According to this configuration, since the multiple reinforcing portions and sealing portions are formed on the outer surface of the filler pipe, the filler pipe can be reinforced without deteriorating the ease of assembly, and thus the deformation of the cover member can be suppressed. Furthermore, by suppressing the deformation of the cover member, the deterioration of the sealing performance can be suppressed.

[0020] Preferably, each of the reinforcing portions (21, 23, 24) has an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the corresponding portion of the cover member.

[0021] According to this configuration, the adhesion of the seal portion to the inner surface of the cover member is prevented from decreasing, so that the deformation of the cover member can be suppressed while ensuring the seal between the filler pipe and the cover member.

[0022] Preferably, the reinforcing portions (21, 23, 24) are disposed at the upstream end (4a) of the filler pipe (4) and at a portion of the filler pipe corresponding to the downstream end (5c) of the cover member (5).

[0023] According to this configuration, deformation of the cover member can be effectively suppressed.

[0024] Preferably, a gap is provided between the downstream end (5c) of the cover member and the opposing outer surface of the filler pipe, the earth member is a bent plate member, and the upstream portion (31) of the earth member is bent outwardly into a hairpin shape and resiliently abuts against the inner surface (5d) of the cover member.

[0025] According to this configuration, the upstream portion of the earth member comes into contact with the inner surface of the cover member when the upstream end of the filler pipe is inserted into the cover member, which makes it easy to assemble the earth member.

[0026] Preferably, a recess or a through hole (5e) is provided at the downstream end of the inner surface of the cover member, and the upstream portion of the earth member is resiliently engaged in the recess or the through hole.

[0027] According to this configuration, the upstream portion of the earth member is engaged with the recess or the through hole, so that the earth member is prevented from shifting in position after assembly.

[0028] Preferably, a protrusion (26) is provided on the outer surface (4b) of the filler pipe (4) downstream of the downstream end of the cover member, and a recess or through hole (26a) is provided on the upstream or downstream surface of the protrusion, and the earth member has an outer surrounding portion (34) extending along the outer contour of the protrusion and surrounding the protrusion from three sides, and an engagement portion (35) protruding from the outer surrounding portion into the recess or through hole.

[0029] According to this configuration, the engaging portion of the earth member is engaged with the protrusion of the filler pipe, so that the earth member is prevented from falling off the filler pipe during assembly. Effect of the Invention

[0030] Thus, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an earthing structure for a filler pipe that can improve the sealing performance between the filler pipe and the cover member. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a main part showing an installation state of a fuel supply device according to an embodiment; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the main part of the fuel supply device shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a main part of the filler pipe shown in FIG. [Figure 4] An explanatory diagram of the mounting structure of the grounding member shown in Figure 2. [Diagram 5] Rear view of the cover unit shown in Figure 1 [Figure 6] An illustration of the load acting on the filler pipe during refueling [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a fuel supply device according to a conventional technique. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0032] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0033] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a main part showing an attached state of a fuel supplying device 1 according to an embodiment. The fuel supplying device 1 is a device for directing liquid fuel supplied from a fuel supply nozzle 2 (see Fig. 6) to a fuel tank. In this embodiment, the fuel supplying device 1 is mounted on an automobile that runs on liquid fuel such as gasoline or diesel, and directs fuel to a fuel tank for running.

[0034] As shown in Fig. 1, the fuel supply device 1 has, as flow path forming members extending from the fuel filler port 3 to the fuel tank, a filler pipe 4 connected at one end to the fuel tank, and a cylindrical cover member 5 into which the other end of the filler pipe 4 is inserted to define the fuel filler port 3. Note that Fig. 1 only shows a portion of the other end of the filler pipe 4. Hereinafter, the side of the fuel tank in the fuel flow path will be referred to as the downstream side, and the side of the fuel filler port 3 will be referred to as the upstream side. The upstream end 4a (Fig. 2) of the filler pipe 4 is inserted into the cover member 5.

[0035] The filler pipe 4 is a substantially cylindrical pipe member made of non-conductive resin, and defines a fuel flow path extending in the longitudinal direction inside. The outer surface 4b of the filler pipe 4 is provided with a pair of tongues 6 (only one of which is shown in FIG. 1) that protrude radially outward. The pair of tongues 6 are plate-shaped and form wall surfaces that are parallel to the longitudinal direction of the filler pipe 4. The pair of tongues 6 are arranged circumferentially spaced apart on the outer surface 4b of the filler pipe 4. Each tongue 6 is provided with a mounting hole 6a that penetrates in the thickness direction.

[0036] A bracket 8 is connected to the pair of tongue pieces 6 by metal screw members 7 inserted into the mounting holes 6a. The bracket 8 is a metal plate-shaped member (stay) having electrical conductivity, and is attached to the tongue pieces 6 of the filler pipe 4 on one side and to the vehicle body on the other side by a metal bolt. In this way, the filler pipe 4 is supported on the vehicle body via the bracket 8. The vehicle body here means a metal frame (member) that forms the framework of the vehicle and a metal panel provided on the frame. The bracket 8 is fastened to the vehicle body, so that the bracket 8 is grounded via the vehicle body. The bracket 8 may be fastened to the pair of tongue pieces 6 by fastening members other than the screw members 7, such as rivets or clips.

[0037] The cover member 5 is a conductive resin member that fits over the upstream end 4a of the filler pipe 4 and defines a substantially circular fuel filler port 3 at its upstream end. The cover member 5 covers the upstream portion and upstream end face of the outer surface 4b of the filler pipe 4. The fuel supply device 1 further includes a shutter 9 for opening and closing the fuel filler port 3. The shutter 9 is attached to the cover member 5, and the shutter 9 and the cover member 5 together form a cover unit 10.

[0038] Fig. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a main part of the fuel supply device 1 shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the filler pipe 4 has a large diameter section 11 arranged on the upstream side and opening in a substantially circular shape at the upstream end 4a, and a tapered section 12 extending from the large diameter section 11 toward the downstream side so as to gradually reduce in diameter. A valve support member 14 is provided inside the large diameter section 11, and the valve support member 14 holds the main flap valve 13 so that it can be opened and closed by rotation. A fuel guide member 15 that guides fuel is provided downstream of the valve support member 14 and inside the tapered section 12. A nozzle guide member 16 that guides the fuel supply nozzle 2 (Fig. 6) is provided inside the valve support member 14 and upstream of the main flap valve 13.

[0039] The valve support member 14, main flap valve 13, nozzle guide member 16 and fuel guide member 15 may have the same or similar configuration as the valve support member 114, main flap valve 113, nozzle guide member 116 and fuel guide member 115 of the conventional structure shown in Figure 7.

[0040] The upstream end 4a of the filler pipe 4 is inserted into the cover member 5 and is connected to the cover member 5 by an appropriate connecting structure. The connecting structure may be a known structure. For example, the connecting structure may be a socket type connecting structure in which the filler pipe 4 is inserted into the cover member 5 to engage with the cover member 5, or a bayonet type connecting structure in which the filler pipe 4 is inserted into the cover member 5 and then rotated to engage the cover member 5.

[0041] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a main part of the filler pipe 4 shown in Fig. 2. As shown in Fig. 3, a rectangular notch 17 is formed in the upstream end 4a of the filler pipe 4. In addition, in the vicinity of the upstream end 4a of the filler pipe 4, a plurality of rectangular claw receiving holes 19 are formed lined up in the circumferential direction and penetrate the filler pipe 4 to receive claws 18 (Fig. 2) protruding and formed on the outer periphery of the valve support member 14 in order to engage the valve support member 14.

[0042] A plurality of ridges (21-24) extending in the circumferential direction are integrally formed on the outer surface 4b of the filler pipe 4. In this embodiment, four ridges are formed on the portion of the outer surface 4b of the filler pipe 4 that is covered by the cover member 5. Hereinafter, they are referred to as the first ridge 21, the second ridge 22, the third ridge 23, and the fourth ridge 24, in order from the upstream side. The first ridge 21 is formed on the upstream end 4a of the filler pipe 4, and is bent along the notch 17. The second ridge 22 is formed in an annular shape downstream of the plurality of claw receiving holes 19. The third ridge 23 and the fourth ridge 24 are formed so that their height is reduced in part in the circumferential direction, and are arranged close to each other.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 2, the fourth ridge 24 is disposed in a portion of the filler pipe 4 corresponding to the downstream end 5c of the cover member 5. The first ridge 21, the third ridge 23, and the fourth ridge 24 have a rectangular cross-sectional shape and have an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the corresponding portion of the cover member 5. The outer diameter of the third ridge 23 and the fourth ridge 24, whose height varies, refers to the outer diameter of the highest portion. Therefore, small gaps are formed between the first ridge 21, the third ridge 23, and the fourth ridge 24 and the inner surface 5d of the cover member 5. The first ridge 21, the third ridge 23, and the fourth ridge 24 function as reinforcing parts that reinforce the cover member 5, as described later.

[0044] The second ridges 22 have a generally triangular cross-sectional shape and have an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the corresponding portion of the cover member 5. Therefore, the tip of the second ridge 22 is in close contact with the inner surface 5d of the cover member 5 over its entire length, and the second ridges 22 function as an annular seal portion interposed between the filler pipe 4 and the cover member 5. In this way, the seal portion is formed by the second ridges 22 formed integrally with the resin filler pipe 4, so there is no need to prepare a separate member for sealing. This reduces the number of parts and the assembly man-hours.

[0045] 3, the first ridges 21 to third ridges 23 are connected to each other by a plurality of axial ribs 25 that are arranged at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction on the outer surface 4b of the filler pipe 4 and extend in the longitudinal direction. The third ridges 23 and fourth ridges 24 are connected to each other by one axial rib 25.

[0046] The third ridges 23 and fourth ridges 24 are lower in height at two locations shown in the cross-sectional view of Fig. 2 compared to other locations. Therefore, the gap between the inner surface 5d of the cover member 5 and the outer surface 4b of the filler pipe 4 is larger in these locations compared to other locations. In this embodiment, the height of the third ridges 23 and fourth ridges 24 is zero in these locations. In other words, the third ridges 23 and fourth ridges 24 are missing in these locations.

[0047] As shown in Fig. 2, a protrusion 26 that protrudes radially outward from the outer surface 4b of the filler pipe 4 is provided at a circumferential position corresponding to the missing portions of the third and fourth protrusions 23 and 24 and spaced downstream from the fourth protrusion 24. A through hole 26a extending in the longitudinal direction of the filler pipe 4 is formed in the protrusion 26. The through hole 26a opens on the upstream and downstream surfaces of the protrusion 26. As also shown in Fig. 1, the bracket 8 is fixed to the filler pipe 4 so as to overlap the protrusion 26 in the longitudinal direction. A protrusion receiving hole 28 that penetrates the bracket 8 to receive the protrusion 26 is formed in a portion of the bracket 8 corresponding to the protrusion 26.

[0048] An earth member 30 is attached to a portion of the outer surface 4b of the filler pipe 4 where the third ridges 23 and the fourth ridges 24 are lowered. The earth member 30 is a long, conductive member that extends along the longitudinal direction of the filler pipe 4. In this embodiment, the earth member 30 is a folded product obtained by folding an elastic metal plate member. The earth member 30 extends downstream from a position downstream of the second ridges 22 and upstream of the third ridges 23, and reaches a position downstream of the fourth ridges 24 where it overlaps with the bracket 8.

[0049] 2, the earth member 30 includes an upstream portion 31 bent outwardly into a hairpin shape, and a main body portion 32 extending downstream from the upstream portion 31. The upstream portion 31 of the earth member 30 is in resilient contact with the inner surface 5d of the cover member 5. The upstream portion 31 of the earth member 30 is formed with a bulging portion 33 that bulges outward. A through hole 5e is formed in the downstream end 5c of the cover member 5 corresponding to the bulging portion 33, and the upstream portion 31 is resiliently engaged with the through hole 5e of the cover member 5 as the bulging portion 33 enters the through hole 5e.

[0050] An enclosing portion 34 is formed on the downstream side of the main body 32 of the earth member 30, which protrudes outward and extends along the outer contour of the protrusion 26 to enclose the protrusion 26 from three sides, the upstream side, the outside, and the downstream side. An engaging portion 35 is formed on the downstream side of the enclosing portion 34, which protrudes into the through hole 26a of the protrusion 26 and engages with the protrusion 26. Further, on the downstream side of the enclosing portion 34 and the engaging portion 35 in the earth member 30, a downstream portion 36 is provided which is bent outward in a hairpin shape. The downstream portion 36 of the earth member 30 is disposed between the outer surface 4b of the filler pipe 4 and the bracket 8, and is in elastic contact with the bracket 8.

[0051] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the mounting structure of the earth member 30 shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the earth member 30 is mounted on the outer surface 4b of the filler pipe 4 by receiving the main body 32 in the missing portions of the third ridge 23 and the fourth ridge 24 and inserting the engagement portion 35 into the through hole 26a of the protrusion 26. With the earth member 30 mounted on the outer surface 4b of the filler pipe 4, the upstream end 4a of the filler pipe 4 is inserted into the cover member 5, and the cover member 5 is joined to the filler pipe 4. With the earth member 30 mounted on the outer surface 4b of the filler pipe 4, the bracket 8 is mounted on the tongue piece 6 of the filler pipe 4 so as to contact the downstream portion 36 of the earth member 30. This brings the fuel supply device 1 into the assembled state shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0052] The conductive earth member 30 extends along the longitudinal direction of the filler pipe 4, contacts the cover member 5 made of a conductive material downstream of the second ridge 22, and contacts the bracket 8 at a downstream portion 36. That is, the cover member 5 and the bracket 8 are electrically connected by the earth member 30. As a result, the cover member 5 is grounded via the earth member 30, the bracket 8, and the vehicle body, and the cover member 5 provided at the upstream end 4a of the filler pipe 4 is prevented from becoming charged even if the earth member 30 is not disposed so as to pass through the second ridge 22, which is a sealing portion. Therefore, if the fuel nozzle 2 is charged, discharge occurs when the fuel nozzle 2 comes into contact with the cover member 5, and the vapor filling the fuel passage downstream of the main flap valve 13 will not ignite.

[0053] As shown in Fig. 2, a gap is provided between the downstream end 5c of the cover member 5 and the opposing outer surface 4b of the filler pipe 4, and the upstream portion 31 of the earth member 30 is bent outward in a hairpin shape at this portion. Thus, the upstream portion 31 of the earth member 30 comes into contact with the inner surface 5d of the cover member 5 when the upstream end 4a of the filler pipe 4 is inserted into the cover member 5. This makes it easy to assemble the earth member 30. In addition, a through hole 5e is provided in the downstream end 5c of the cover member 5, and the upstream portion 31 of the earth member 30 is resiliently engaged with the through hole 5e, preventing the earth member 30 from shifting position after assembly.

[0054] In another embodiment, instead of forming a through hole 5e in the downstream end 5c of the cover member 5, a recess may be formed in the inner surface 5d of the cover member 5, and the upstream portion 31 of the earth member 30 may be resiliently engaged in the recess.

[0055] As described above, the earth member 30 has the surrounding portion 34 that surrounds the protrusion 26 from three sides, and the engagement portion 35 that protrudes from the surrounding portion 34 into the through hole 26a of the protrusion 26. This allows the engagement portion 35 of the earth member 30 to be engaged with the protrusion 26 of the filler pipe 4, preventing the earth member 30 from falling off from the filler pipe 4 during assembly.

[0056] In another embodiment, the engagement portion 35 may be formed on the upstream side of the surrounding portion 34. Also, instead of forming the through hole 26a in the protrusion 26, a recess may be formed on the surface of the protrusion 26 on the side where the engagement portion 35 is formed.

[0057] 5 is a rear view of the cover unit 10 shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 5, the shutter 9 is composed of two doors 41 as opening / closing bodies divided by a dividing line passing through the center of the fuel filler port 3. The door 41 is a plate-shaped member made of conductive resin, and is supported by an annular member 42 attached to the inside of the cover member 5 of the fuel filler port 3 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis parallel to the dividing line. The door 41 is disposed on the downstream side of the fuel filler port 3, and is provided so as to be displaceable by rotation between a closed position that closes the fuel filler port 3 and an open position, which is downstream of the closed position and is shown by an imaginary line in FIG. 2, that opens the fuel filler port 3.

[0058] The shutter 9 also includes a biasing member that constantly biases the door 41 toward the closed position. In this embodiment, the biasing member is configured with two metallic torsion coil springs 43 that are coaxially attached to the rotation shaft of each door 41. The torsion coil springs 43 are supported by an annular member 42, one end of which abuts against the inner surface 41a of the corresponding door 41, and the other end of which passes through a notch 42a formed in the annular member 42 and abuts against the inner surface 5d of the cover member 5.

[0059] Since the door 41 is rotatably supported by the annular member 42 attached to the inside of the cover member 5 in this manner, there is no need to provide the cover member 5 with a structure for rotatably supporting the door 41. Therefore, the shape of the cover member 5 made of a conductive material is simplified, and the cover member 5 has good formability. In addition, there is a high degree of freedom in designing the structure for rotatably supporting the door 41. Furthermore, even if the annular member 42 is attached to the inside of the cover member 5, the formation of the notch 42a in the annular member 42 realizes a configuration in which the torsion coil spring 43 comes into contact with the cover member 5. Note that a through hole may be formed in the annular member 42 instead of the notch 42a.

[0060] 2, each door 41 is in contact with the cover member 5 when in the closed position. On the other hand, each door 41 moves away from the cover member 5 when it rotates from the closed position to the open position. However, the door 41 is always electrically connected to the cover member 5 via the torsion coil spring 43.

[0061] When refueling, the fuel filler nozzle 2 (FIG. 6) is pressed against the door 41, thereby rotating the door 41 to an open position on the downstream side to open the fuel filler opening 3, and is inserted to the rear (downstream side) of the fuel filler opening 3. When inserted to the rear of the fuel filler opening 3, the fuel filler nozzle 2 is guided onto the axis of the filler pipe 4 by the nozzle guide member 116, and rotates the main flap valve 13 arranged at the rear of the nozzle guide member 116 to the rear to open the fuel flow path. As a result, the fuel supplied from the fuel filler nozzle 2 is guided through the fuel flow path to the fuel tank for traveling.

[0062] The door 41 is made of a conductive material, and is in contact with the cover member 5 when in the closed position. Therefore, when the fuel filler nozzle 2 comes into contact with the door 41 when the fuel filler opening 3 is opened, the fuel filler nozzle 2 is electrically connected to the cover member 5 via the door 41, and is grounded via the earth member 30 or the like.

[0063] As described above, the torsion coil spring 43 is made of a conductive material, and is provided so as to be in constant contact with the inner surface 41a of the door 41 and the inner surface 5d of the cover member 5. As a result, the door 41 is electrically connected to the cover member 5 via the biasing member not only when it is in the closed position, but also when it is in a position other than the closed position. Therefore, the fuel filler nozzle 2 is grounded via the door 41, the torsion coil spring 43, the cover member 5, etc., not only at the moment when it comes into contact with the door 41, but also while the fuel filler opening 3 is open.

[0064] When the fuel nozzle 2 is inserted into the fuel flow passage and the fuel filler releases it, it may become supported by the fuel filler device 1 as shown in Fig. 6. At this time, the load indicated by the white arrow of the fuel filler nozzle 2 acts on the cover member 5, causing the cover member 5 to deform into an elliptical shape.

[0065] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, four circumferentially extending ridges are provided on the portion of the outer surface 4b of the filler pipe 4 covered by the cover member 5, and the second ridges 22 function as a seal portion. The first ridges 21 are disposed upstream of the second ridges 22 and function as a reinforcing portion, and the third ridges 23 and the fourth ridges 24 are disposed downstream of the second ridges 22 and function as a reinforcing portion. That is, at least one of the ridges functioning as a reinforcing portion is disposed on each of the upstream and downstream sides of the seal portion. This reinforces the filler pipe 4 without reducing the ease of assembly, and suppresses deformation of the cover member 5. Furthermore, by suppressing deformation of the cover member 5, the second ridges 22 are maintained in close contact with the inner surface 5d of the cover member 5, and a decrease in sealing performance is suppressed.

[0066] Furthermore, the first ridges 21, the third ridges 23, and the fourth ridges 24 have outer diameters smaller than the inner diameters of the corresponding portions of the cover member 5, which prevents a decrease in the adhesion of the second ridges 22 to the inner surface 5d of the cover member 5. This ensures a seal between the filler pipe 4 and the cover member 5, and prevents deformation of the cover member 5.

[0067] Furthermore, the first ridges 21 are disposed at the upstream end 4a of the filler pipe 4, and the fourth ridges 24 are disposed at a portion of the filler pipe 4 that corresponds to the downstream end 5c of the cover member 5. This makes it possible to effectively suppress deformation of the cover member 5, compared to a case in which the first ridges 21 or the fourth ridges 24 are provided at a position closer to the second ridges 22.

[0068] Although the description of the specific embodiment is finished above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be widely modified and implemented. For example, in the above embodiment, the fuel supply device 1 is mounted on an automobile, but may be mounted on a moving body other than an automobile, such as a ship or an airplane. Alternatively, the fuel supply device 1 may be provided on a device such as a generator or a fixed object (real estate). In addition, the fuel supply device 1 is not limited to one that guides fuel to a mobile fuel tank of a moving body, and may guide fuel to a transport tank such as a tank truck or a tanker that transports fuel. In the above embodiment, the seal portion is configured by the second protrusion 22 integrally formed with the filler pipe 4, but the seal portion may be integrally formed with the inner surface 5d of the cover member 5 or may be configured by a separate member such as an O-ring. In addition, the specific configuration, arrangement, quantity, material, manufacturing method, etc. of each member or part can be appropriately changed within a range that does not deviate from the gist of the present invention. On the other hand, all of the components shown in the above embodiment are not necessarily required, and can be appropriately selected. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 1: Refueling device 2: Fuel nozzle 3: Fuel filler port 4: Filler pipe 4a: Upstream end 4b: External surface 5: Cover material 5c: downstream end 5d: Inner surface 5e: Through hole 8: Bracket 9: Shutter 21: First protrusion (reinforcement) 22: Second protrusion (sealing part) 23: Third protrusion (reinforcement) 24: 4th protrusion (reinforcement) 26: Protrusion 26a: Through hole 30: Earthing member 31: Upstream 34:Outer enclosure 35: Engagement part 41: Door (opening and closing body) 41a: Inside 42: Annular member 42a: Notch 43: Torsion coil spring (biasing member)

Claims

1. A filler pipe; a cylindrical cover member into which the upstream end of the filler pipe is inserted and which defines a fuel filler port; an annular seal portion interposed between the filler pipe and the cover member; an earth member attached to an outer surface of the filler pipe and extending along a longitudinal direction of the filler pipe; an opening / closing body that is provided so as to be displaceable between a closed position that closes the fuel filler opening and an open position that is located downstream of the closed position and opens the fuel filler opening; a biasing member that constantly biases the opening / closing body toward the closed position, the cover member is made of a conductive material, and the ground member is in contact with the cover member downstream of the seal portion; The opening / closing body is made of a conductive material, the biasing member is made of a conductive material and is provided so as to be in constant contact with an inner surface of the opening / closing body and an inner surface of the cover member, An earthing structure for a filler pipe, wherein the opening / closing body is rotatably supported by an annular member attached to the inside of the cover member, and the annular member has a notch or a through hole formed therein for contacting the biasing member with the cover member.

2. An earthing structure for a filler pipe as described in claim 1, wherein the opening / closing body contacts the cover member when in the closed position.

3. A filler pipe; a cylindrical cover member into which the upstream end of the filler pipe is inserted and which defines a fuel filler port; an annular seal portion interposed between the filler pipe and the cover member; an earth member attached to an outer surface of the filler pipe and extending along a longitudinal direction of the filler pipe; the cover member is made of a conductive material, and the ground member is in contact with the cover member downstream of the seal portion; The earth structure for a filler pipe, wherein the sealing portion is a protrusion integrally formed on one of the filler pipe made of resin and the cover member made of resin.

4. An earthing structure of a filler pipe as described in claim 3, wherein the sealing portion is integrally formed with the filler pipe.

5. A filler pipe; a cylindrical cover member into which the upstream end of the filler pipe is inserted and which defines a fuel filler port; an annular seal portion interposed between the filler pipe and the cover member; an earth member attached to an outer surface of the filler pipe and extending along a longitudinal direction of the filler pipe; the cover member is made of a conductive material, and the ground member is in contact with the cover member downstream of the seal portion; An earthing structure for a filler pipe, in which a plurality of reinforcing portions extending circumferentially are provided on a portion of the outer surface of the filler pipe that is covered by the cover member, and at least one of the reinforcing portions is arranged on each of the upstream and downstream sides of the seal portion.

6. An earthing structure of a filler pipe as described in claim 5, wherein the sealing portion is integrally formed with the filler pipe.

7. 7. The filler pipe earth structure according to claim 6, wherein each of the reinforcing portions has an outer diameter smaller than an inner diameter of a corresponding portion of the cover member.

8. The filler pipe earth structure according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the reinforcing portion is arranged at the upstream end of the filler pipe and at a portion of the filler pipe corresponding to the downstream end of the cover member.

9. A filler pipe; a cylindrical cover member into which the upstream end of the filler pipe is inserted and which defines a fuel filler port; an annular seal portion interposed between the filler pipe and the cover member; an earth member attached to an outer surface of the filler pipe and extending along a longitudinal direction of the filler pipe; the cover member is made of a conductive material, and the ground member is in contact with the cover member downstream of the seal portion; An earth structure for a filler pipe in which a gap is provided between the downstream end of the cover member and the outer surface of the filler pipe facing it, the earth member is a bent plate member, and the upstream portion of the earth member is bent outward into a hairpin shape and resiliently abuts against the inner surface of the cover member.

10. A recess or a through hole is provided at the downstream end of the inner surface of the cover member, The earth structure of a filler pipe according to claim 9 , wherein the upstream portion of the earth member is resiliently engaged in the recess or the through hole.

11. An earth structure for a filler pipe as described in claim 9 or 10, wherein a protrusion is provided on the outer surface of the filler pipe downstream of the downstream end of the cover member, and a recess or a through hole is provided on the upstream or downstream surface of the protrusion, and the earth member has an outer surrounding portion extending along the outer contour of the protrusion and surrounding the protrusion on three sides, and an engagement portion that protrudes from the outer surrounding portion into the recess or the through hole.

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