Tank cap

Abstract

The present invention suppresses an increase in the size of a tank cap in a radial direction and reduces the size of the tank cap.　Provided is a tank cap comprising: a cap member (41) which closes an oil supply port of a fuel tank (29) of a vehicle in an openable / closable manner; a lock mechanism (45) which locks and unlocks an operation of the cap member (41) from a closed position to an opening position; and an operator (50) which operates the lock mechanism (45) in conjunction with a rocking operation about a rocking axis (50a). The tank cap comprises: a first linking member (51) which is connected to the operator (50) and moves in conjunction with the rocking of the operator (50); and a second linking member (52) which is connected to the first linking member (51) and transmits a movement of the first linking member (51) to the lock mechanism (45), wherein the first linking member (51) moves in the vertical direction in conjunction with the operator (50), and the second linking member (52) rotates in conjunction with the first linking member (51).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a tank cap. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a tank cap that includes a cap member that closes the filler opening of a fuel tank of a vehicle in an openable and closable manner, a locking mechanism that locks and unlocks the movement of the cap member from a closed position to an open position, and an operator that operates the locking mechanism in conjunction with a swing operation about a swing shaft (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In Patent Document 1, an interlocking member that moves in conjunction with the operator is provided, and this interlocking member directly abuts against the locking mechanism. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-199830 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the above-mentioned conventional tank cap, since the interlocking member interlocks with the tank cap in the planar direction, the tank cap is likely to become enlarged in the radial direction. The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and aims to suppress radial enlargement of the tank cap and reduce the size of the tank cap by devising a structure for the interlocking member. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] This specification contains the entire contents of Japanese patent application No. 2021-150561, filed on September 15, 2021. The tank cap comprises a cap member which closes and closes the filler opening of a vehicle's fuel tank, a locking mechanism which locks and unlocks the movement of the cap member from a closed position to an open position, and an operator which operates the locking mechanism in conjunction with a swinging operation about a swing axis, the tank cap further comprises a first interlocking member connected to the operator and moves in conjunction with the swinging of the operator, and a second interlocking member connected to the first interlocking member and transmits the operation of the first interlocking member to the locking mechanism, the first interlocking member moving in the vertical direction in conjunction with the operator, and the second interlocking member rotating in conjunction with the first interlocking member. Effect of the Invention

[0006] This prevents the tank cap from becoming enlarged in the radial direction, allowing the tank cap to be made smaller. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view of a saddle-ride type vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the saddle type vehicle as viewed from above. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view of a portion of the fuel tank where a tank cap is provided, as viewed from above. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a view of the tank cap in FIG. 3 as viewed from the front side of the vehicle. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a side view of the tank cap of FIG. 3 as viewed from the left side. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a view of the tank cap according to the second embodiment as viewed from the vehicle front side. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the description, directions such as front, rear, left, right, up and down are the same as directions relative to the vehicle body unless otherwise specified. In addition, the symbol FR in each drawing indicates the front of the vehicle body, the symbol UP indicates the upper side of the vehicle body, and the symbol LH indicates the left side of the vehicle body.

[0009] [Embodiment Mode] FIG. 1 is a side view of a saddle-ride type vehicle 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The saddle-type vehicle 10 is a vehicle that includes a body frame 11, a power unit 12 supported by the body frame 11, a front fork 14 that supports a front wheel 13 so as to be steerable, a swing arm 16 that supports a rear wheel 15, and a seat 17 for a passenger. The saddle-ride type vehicle 10 is a vehicle in which a rider sits astride a seat 17. The seat 17 is provided above the rear part of the body frame 11.

[0010] The body frame 11 includes a head pipe 18 provided at the front end of the body frame 11, a front frame 19 located rearward of the head pipe 18, and a rear frame 20 located rearward of the front frame 19. The front end of the front frame 19 is connected to the head pipe 18. The seat 17 is supported by a rear frame 20 .

[0011] The front fork 14 is supported by a head pipe 18 so as to be steerable left and right. The front wheel 13 is supported by an axle 13a provided at the lower end of the front fork 14. A steering handle 21 that is held by a rider is attached to the upper end of the front fork 14.

[0012] The swing arm 16 is supported by a pivot shaft 22 that is supported by the body frame 11. The pivot shaft 22 is a shaft that extends horizontally in the vehicle width direction. The pivot shaft 22 is inserted into the front end of the swing arm 16. The swing arm 16 swings up and down about the pivot shaft 22. The rear wheel 15 is supported by an axle 15 a provided at the rear end of a swing arm 16 .

[0013] The power unit 12 is disposed between the front wheels 13 and the rear wheels 15 and is supported by the body frame 11. The power unit 12 is an internal combustion engine. The power unit 12 includes a crankcase 23 and a cylinder portion 24 that houses a reciprocating piston. An exhaust device 25 is connected to an exhaust port of the cylinder portion 24. The output of the power unit 12 is transmitted to the rear wheels 15 by a driving force transmission member that connects the power unit 12 and the rear wheels 15 .

[0014] The saddle-ride type vehicle 10 also includes a front fender 26 that covers the front wheel 13 from above, a rear fender 27 that covers the rear wheel 15 from above, a step 28 on which a rider places his or her feet, and a fuel tank 29 that stores fuel used by the power unit 12. The front fender 26 is attached to the front fork 14. The rear fender 27 and the step 28 are provided below the seat 17. The fuel tank 29 is supported by the body frame 11.

[0015] The front frame 19 comprises a pair of left and right main frames 19a extending rearward and downward from the head pipe 18, a pair of left and right pivot frames 19b extending downward from the rear end of the main frames 19a, and a pair of left and right down frames 19c extending downward from a position on the head pipe 18 below the front end of the main frames 19a.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the saddle type vehicle 10 (vehicle) as viewed from above. 1 and 2, the saddle-type vehicle 10 is provided with a body cover that covers a body formed by a body frame 11 etc., and includes a front cover 31 that covers the head pipe 18 from the front, and a pair of left and right side covers 32 that cover the front end of the body frame 11 from the outside in the vehicle width direction.

[0017] The fuel tank 29 is disposed between the head pipe 18 and the seat 17 in the vehicle front-rear direction. The fuel tank 29 is disposed above the left and right main frames 19a and is supported by the main frames 19a. A tank cap 40 that opens and closes and covers the fuel tank 29 is provided on the upper surface of the front part of the fuel tank 29. The tank cap 40 is disposed in the center in the vehicle width direction.

[0018] The control unit 33, which electronically controls each part of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 such as the power unit 12, is disposed below the rear part of the fuel tank 29. The control unit 33 is disposed rearward of the cylinder portion 24, above the rear part of the crankcase 23, and between the rear parts of the left and right main frames 19a. A battery 34 that supplies power to each part of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 is disposed below the seat 17.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the portion of fuel tank 29 where tank cap 40 is provided, as viewed from above. The tank cap 40 includes a cap member 41 that closes the fuel tank 29 in an openable and closable manner, and a cap support member 42 that supports the cap member 41 in an openable and closable manner. The cap member 41 is disk-shaped in a plan view. In a plan view, the cap support member is an annular member that surrounds the cap member 41. The cap member 41 is attached to the fuel tank 29 via the cap support member .

[0020] Fig. 4 is a view of the tank cap 40 in Fig. 3 as seen from the front side of the vehicle. Fig. 5 is a side view of the tank cap 40 in Fig. 3 as seen from the left side. Figs. 4 and 5 show a cross section of a portion of the fuel tank 29. 3 to 5, a cap storage section 35 for storing a tank cap 40, and a fuel filler opening 36 are provided on the front upper surface of the fuel tank 29. The cap storage portion 35 is a recess formed by recessing part of the upper surface of the fuel tank 29 downward. The cap storage portion 35 is a substantially circular recess that fits along the outer periphery of the cap support member 42 in a plan view. When the tank cap 40 is stored in the cap storage portion 35, an upper surface 40a of the tank cap 40 and an upper surface of the fuel tank 29 become substantially flush with each other.

[0021] The cap storage section 35 includes a cylindrical peripheral wall portion 35a that surrounds the tank cap 40, and a bottom wall portion 35b that receives the tank cap 40 from below. The peripheral wall portion 35a extends upward from the peripheral edge of the bottom wall portion 35b.

[0022] The fuel filler opening 36 is disposed at the center of the bottom wall portion 35b of the cap storage portion 35 in a plan view. The fuel filler opening 36 is a cylindrical member that penetrates the bottom wall portion 35b in the vertical direction. The fuel filler opening 36 extends downward inside the fuel tank 29 relative to the bottom wall portion 35b. The fuel filler opening 36 also extends upward relative to the bottom wall portion 35b.

[0023] The cap support member 42 is attached to the bottom wall portion 35b of the cap storage portion 35 from above, and is surrounded by the peripheral wall portion 35a. The cap support member 42 includes an annular surrounding portion 42a that surrounds the outer periphery of the cap member 41, and an annular flange portion 42b that extends radially outward from the upper end of the surrounding portion 42a. The cap support member 42 also includes a front mounting portion 42c extending downward from the front end portion of the cap support member 42, and a rear mounting portion 42d extending downward from the rear end portion of the cap support member 42. The rear mounting portion 42d is longer in the vehicle width direction than the front mounting portion 42c. The front mounting portion 42c and the rear mounting portion 42d of the cap support member 42 abut against the bottom wall portion 35b from above, and the cap support member 42 is fastened to the bottom wall portion 35b by a plurality of fasteners 43 that are inserted into the cap support member 42 from above.

[0024] The cap member 41 is fitted onto the inner periphery of the surrounding portion 42 a of the cap support member 42 . A cap pivot shaft 41a is provided at the rear end of the cap member 41 to pivotally connect the cap member 41 to the cap support member . The cap pivot shaft 41a is a shaft that extends in the vehicle width direction (left and right direction) in the plan view of Fig. 3. The cap pivot shaft 41a is connected to the rear end portion of the cap support member 42 at the center in the vehicle width direction. The cap member 41 swings up and down around the cap swing shaft 41a. That is, the cap member 41 swings up and down around the rear end portion of the cap member 41.

[0025] When the cap member 41 is in the closed position as shown in FIG. 4, it comes into contact with the upper edge of the fuel filler opening 36 to close the fuel filler opening 36. 1, the cap member 41 is positioned in the open position when it is swung upward. When the cap member 41 is in the open position, the fuel filler opening 36 is exposed upward, making it possible to fill the fuel tank 29 with fuel through the fuel filler opening 36.

[0026] The tank cap 40 includes a locking mechanism 45 that locks and unlocks the movement of the cap member 41 from the closed position to the open position, an operator 50 that operates the locking mechanism 45 by swinging, a first interlocking member 51 connected to the operator 50 and moves in conjunction with the swinging of the operator 50, and a second interlocking member 52 connected to the first interlocking member 51 and transmits the movement of the first interlocking member 51 to the locking mechanism 45. The tank cap 40 also includes an operation restricting member 53 that restricts the operation of the operation element 50 , and a sensor 54 that detects the operation state of the operation element 50 .

[0027] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI of FIG. 3 to 6, the operator 50 is an operating lever that is disposed on the upper surface of the cap member 41. The operator 50 is a plate-like member that extends long in the front-rear direction of the vehicle along the upper surface of the cap member 41, and is disposed in the center in the vehicle width direction. The operator 50 is disposed on a step 40b (FIG. 6) that is recessed in the upper surface 40a of the tank cap 40 by approximately the same amount as the plate thickness of the operator 50.

[0028] A swing shaft 50a extending in the vehicle width direction is provided at the rear end, which is one end of the operator 50. The operator 50 is connected to the rear of the upper surface 40a of the tank cap 40 via the swing shaft 50a. The operator 50 can swing up and down around the swing shaft 50a.

[0029] An overlapping portion 55 is provided at the front end portion, which is the other end portion, of the operator 50, overlapping the front end portion of the cap support member 42 from above. The overlapping portion 55 covers the cap support member 42 from above. The fastener 43 disposed at the front end portion of the cap support member 42 is covered from above by the overlapping portion 55. The operator 50 includes a first protrusion 56 (protrusion) that protrudes downward from the lower surface of the overlapping portion 55, and a second protrusion 57 that protrudes downward from the lower surface of the overlapping portion 55. The first protrusion 56 is provided at one end of the overlapping portion 55 in the width direction, and the second protrusion 57 is provided at the other end of the overlapping portion 55 in the width direction.

[0030] The first protrusion 56 and the second protrusion 57 pass through holes provided in the flange portion 42b of the cap support member 42 and protrude inward of the cap support member 42. 3 to 5, below the cap support member 42, a space 60 is provided which is covered by the flange portion 42b, the surrounding portion 42a, the peripheral wall portion 35a of the cap storage portion 35, and the bottom wall portion 35b. The first protrusion 56 and the second protrusion 57 protrude into the space 60 .

[0031] The operation restricting member 53 is disposed in the space 60 below the cap supporting member 42 . The operation restricting member 53 is a solenoid actuator and includes a plunger 53a that is movable in the axial direction. The operation restricting member 53 is driven by the control unit 33. The operation restricting member 53 is disposed lying down so that the plunger 53a extends in the horizontal direction. The operation restricting member 53 is disposed adjacent to the first protrusion 56 of the operator 50. The operation restricting member 53 is fixed to the cap support member 42, for example.

[0032] The first protrusion 56 has an engagement portion 56a (FIG. 5) with which the plunger 53a engages from the side. When the plunger 53a is engaged with the engaging portion 56a of the first protrusion 56, the pivoting operation of the operating element 50 is restricted. When the plunger 53a is not engaged with the engagement portion 56a, the operator 50 can be swung.

[0033] The sensor 54 is disposed within the space 60 below the cap support member 42 . The sensor 54 detects the second protrusion 57 of the operator 50. The control unit 33 determines whether or not the operator 50 is being operated based on the input from the sensor 54. The sensor 54 is, for example, a contact-type sensor. When the operation element 50 is not being operated as shown in FIG. 4, the sensor 54 detects the second protrusion 57 by the detector 54a at the tip. When the operating element 50 is operated and swung upward, the detector 54 a does not come into contact with the second protrusion 57 , and the sensor 54 does not detect the second protrusion 57 . The sensor 54 and the operation restricting member 53 are electrical components. The sensor 54 and the operation restricting member 53 are disposed on the outer side of the operator 50 in the width direction.

[0034] The locking mechanism 45 is disposed directly below the center of the cap member 41 in a plan view. The cap member 41 has a lock mechanism support portion 41b (FIG. 4) extending downward from the lower surface of the cap member 41. The lock mechanism 45 is fixed to the lock mechanism support portion 41b and swings integrally with the cap member 41. The lock mechanism support portion 41b passes through the inside of the fuel filler opening 36. The lock mechanism support portion 41b is not shown in FIG. The locking mechanism 45 is in the form of a block that is long in the vehicle width direction. The locking mechanism 45 includes slide parts 45a at both ends in the longitudinal direction, which are slidable in the longitudinal direction of the locking mechanism 45. That is, the locking mechanism 45 is extendable and contractable in the longitudinal direction by sliding the pair of slide parts 45a.

[0035] When the cap member 41 is in the closed position as shown in FIG. 4, the lock mechanism 45 is located below the lower end a of the fuel filler opening . When the sliding portion 45a of the locking mechanism 45 is extended in the longitudinal direction, the upper surface of the sliding portion 45a comes into contact with the lower end 36a of the fuel filler opening 36, restricting the upward swing of the cap member 41. In this state, the movement of the cap member 41 from the closed position to the open position is locked by the locking mechanism 45. 4, when the sliding portion 45a is contracted in the longitudinal direction, the length of the locking mechanism 45 becomes shorter than the inner diameter of the fuel filler opening 36. As a result, the sliding portion 45a does not abut against the lower end 36a of the fuel filler opening 36. In this state, the movement of the cap member 41 from the closed position to the open position is unlocked by the locking mechanism 45, and the cap member 41 can swing up and down.

[0036] The operator 50 is connected to the lock mechanism 45 via a first interlocking member 51 and a second interlocking member 52 . 3 to 6, the first interlocking member 51 is a shaft member extending downward from the operating element 50, and the axis of the first interlocking member 51 extends linearly vertically. The first interlocking member 51 is integrally provided with a first shaft portion 61 connected to the operator 50 and a second shaft portion 62 connected to the second interlocking member 52. The first shaft portion 61 is a rectangular prism-shaped shaft extending vertically. An interlocking member swing shaft 61a extending in the vehicle width direction is provided at the upper end of the first shaft portion 61. The first interlocking member 51 is connected to the operator 50 via the interlocking member swing shaft 61a. The first interlocking member 51 can swing back and forth around the interlocking member swing shaft 61a. The interlocking member swing shaft 61a, the swing shaft 50a, and the cap swing shaft 41a are parallel to each other. Since the first interlocking member 51 is connected to the operator 50 via the interlocking member swing shaft 61a, the first interlocking member 51 does not rotate about its own axis.

[0037] In detail, a connection portion 50b protruding downward is provided on the lower surface of the operator 50. The interlocking member pivot shaft 61a is connected to the connection portion 50b. The connection portion 50b is disposed between the pivot shaft 50a and the overlapping portion 55 in the longitudinal direction of the operator 50. The connection portion 50b and the first interlocking member 51 are located at the center of the cap member 41 in a plan view. The cap member 41 has a hole 41c through which the first shaft portion 61 is inserted. The hole 41c is a hole that vertically penetrates the center of the cap member 41. The first shaft portion 61 extends downward of the cap member 41 through the hole 41c. When the operator 50 is not being operated, the hole 41c is covered from above by the operator 50 and is hidden.

[0038] The second shaft portion 62 of the first interlocking member 51 is a shaft that extends downward from the lower end of the first shaft portion 61 . The second shaft portion 62 is a cylindrical shaft having a larger diameter than the first shaft portion 61 and is disposed coaxially with the first shaft portion 61 . The second shaft portion 62 has an outer periphery 62a provided with an outer periphery protrusion 62b that protrudes radially outward. The outer circumferential protrusions 62b are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the second shaft portion 62. Here, the outer circumferential protrusions 62b are provided as a pair at intervals of 180° in the circumferential direction.

[0039] The second interlocking member 52 is a cylindrical member that fits onto an outer periphery 62 a of the second shaft portion 62 of the first interlocking member 51 . The second interlocking member 52 comprises a cylindrical portion 65 that fits into the outer periphery 62a of the second shaft portion 62, a locking mechanism connection portion 66 provided at the lower end of the cylindrical portion 65, and an upper surface opening 67 that connects the inside of the cylindrical portion 65 upward. The tubular portion 65 is cylindrical. The lock mechanism connection portion 66 is a bottom surface portion that closes an opening at the bottom surface of the tubular portion 65. The cylindrical portion 65 is provided with a groove 65a into which the outer peripheral protrusion 62b of the first interlocking member 51 engages. A plurality of grooves 65a are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 65. Here, a pair of grooves 65a are provided at intervals of 180° in the circumferential direction.

[0040] The groove portion 65a is in the shape of a long hole extending in the axial direction (up and down direction) of the cylindrical portion 65. In detail, the groove portion 65a is a cam groove that inclines so as to move in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 65 as it moves in the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 65.

[0041] The second interlocking member 52 is rotatable about the outer periphery 62a of the second shaft portion 62 of the first interlocking member 51. In addition, the second interlocking member 52 is disposed so as to be substantially immovable in the vertical direction during the rotational operation. In detail, when the first interlocking member 51 moves up and down, the outer peripheral protrusion 62b moves up and down while sliding against the inner peripheral surface of the groove 65a, and the second interlocking member 52 rotates around the outer periphery 62a by being pushed by the outer peripheral protrusion 62b via the groove 65a. That is, the second interlocking member 52 rotates due to the cam action between the outer peripheral protrusion 62b and the groove 65a.

[0042] The second interlocking member 52 is connected to an upper portion of the locking mechanism 45 via a locking mechanism connecting portion 66. The rotation of the second interlocking member 52 is transmitted to the locking mechanism 45 via the locking mechanism connecting portion 66. In detail, the lock mechanism 45 incorporates a slide mechanism (not shown) that converts the rotation of the second interlocking member 52 into the sliding movement of the slide portion 45a. Therefore, by rotating the second interlocking member 52, the slide portion 45a of the lock mechanism 45 can be operated.

[0043] Here, an example of the opening and closing operation of the tank cap 40 will be described. The control unit 33 receives an authentication ID code from a smart key (not shown) carried by a user (passenger) via an antenna, and determines whether or not the ID code is a legitimate ID code. If the control unit 33 determines that the ID code is a legitimate ID code, it drives the operation restriction member 53 to release the engagement of the plunger 53a with the engagement portion 56a of the operation element 50. This allows the user to swing the operation element 50.

[0044] Next, the user grips, for example, the overlapping portion 55 and swings the operating element 50 upward and rearward about the swing shaft 50a. The first interlocking member 51 connected to the operating element 50 moves upward in conjunction with the swing of the operating element 50. The second interlocking member 52 connected to the first interlocking member 51 rotates on the outer periphery 62a in association with the upward movement of the first interlocking member 51. The rotation of the second interlocking member 52 is transmitted to the locking mechanism 45, and the locking of the cap member 41 by the locking mechanism 45 is released as the locking mechanism 45 contracts. In this state, the user grips the cap member 41 and swings the cap member 41 rearward and upward about the cap swing shaft 41a, thereby bringing the cap member 41 into the open position and exposing the fuel filler port 36 upward, thereby enabling fuel filler.

[0045] For example, after refueling, the user swings the cap member 41 forward and downward to place the cap member 41 in the closed position. Thereafter, the user presses down on the top surface of the cap member 41. This causes the locking mechanism 45 to extend in the longitudinal direction due to a return mechanism (not shown). In conjunction with this action, the second interlocking member 52 rotates in the opposite direction to when unlocking. In conjunction with the rotation of the second interlocking member 52, the first interlocking member 51 moves downward. This causes the operating element 50 to swing forward and downward. This series of actions causes the cap member 41 to be locked in the closed position. When the control unit 33 detects by the sensor 54 that the cap member 41 is in the closed position, it drives the operation restriction member 53 to engage the plunger 53a with the engagement portion 56a of the operator 50.

[0046] In the tank cap 40, the movement of the first interlocking member 51, which moves up and down in conjunction with the operating element 50, is converted into rotational movement by the second interlocking member 52 and transmitted to the lock mechanism 45. For this reason, the first interlocking member 51 and the second interlocking member 52 are prevented from becoming enlarged in the radial direction of the tank cap 40. In the tank cap 40, the operating force of the operating element 50 is transmitted to the locking mechanism 45 via the first interlocking member 51 and the second interlocking member 52, and therefore the operating force of the operating element 50 is prevented from being directly transmitted to the locking mechanism 45. This makes it possible to prevent a large operating force from acting on the locking mechanism 45, and therefore the locking mechanism 45 can be made smaller in size. In addition, between the first interlocking member 51 and the second interlocking member 52, the vertical movement of the first interlocking member 51 is converted into rotation of the second interlocking member 52, so that an operating force suitable for operating the locking mechanism 45 can be transmitted to the locking mechanism 45.

[0047] The direction in which the operating element 50 is swung when unlocking is a clockwise direction about the swing shaft 50a as a swing center when viewed from the left side in Fig. 5. The direction in which the cap member 41 is swung when opening the cap member 41 is a clockwise direction about the cap swing shaft 41a as a swing center when viewed from the left side in Fig. 5. That is, the swing direction of the operating element 50 and the swing direction of the cap member 41 are the same. This makes it easy to swing the operating element 50 and the cap member 41.

[0048] As described above, according to an embodiment to which the present invention is applied, the tank cap 40 comprises a cap member 41 that closes and closes the fuel filler opening 36 of the fuel tank 29 of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10, a locking mechanism 45 that locks and unlocks the movement of the cap member 41 from a closed position to an open position, and an operator 50 that operates the locking mechanism 45 in conjunction with a swing operation about a swing axis 50a.The tank cap 40 also comprises a first interlocking member 51 that is connected to the operator 50 and moves in conjunction with the swing of the operator 50, and a second interlocking member 52 that is connected to the first interlocking member 51 and transmits the operation of the first interlocking member 51 to the locking mechanism 45, the first interlocking member 51 moving in the up and down direction in conjunction with the operator 50, and the second interlocking member 52 rotating in conjunction with the first interlocking member 51. According to this configuration, the operation of the operating element 50 is transmitted to the lock mechanism 45 via the first interlocking member 51, which moves up and down in conjunction with the operating element 50, and the second interlocking member 52, which rotates in conjunction with the first interlocking member 51, so that the space occupied by the first interlocking member 51 and the second interlocking member 52 in the radial direction of the tank cap 40 can be reduced. Therefore, the tank cap 40 can be prevented from becoming thicker in the radial direction, and the tank cap 40 can be made smaller.

[0049] In addition, the first interlocking member 51 is an axial member extending downward from the operating element 50, and the second interlocking member 52 is a cylindrical member that fits into the outer periphery 62a of the first interlocking member 51 and rotates on the outer periphery 62a around the first interlocking member 51. According to this configuration, the second interlocking member 52 rotates on the outer periphery 62a of the first interlocking member 51 around the first interlocking member 51, so that the second interlocking member 52 can be arranged compactly.

[0050] Furthermore, the first interlocking member 51 has an outer peripheral protrusion 62b protruding from the outer periphery 62a, and the second interlocking member 52 has a groove portion 65a with which the outer peripheral protrusion 62b engages, and the groove portion 65a is inclined so as to move in the circumferential direction of the second interlocking member 52 as it moves in the axial direction of the second interlocking member 52. According to this configuration, the outer peripheral protrusion portion 62b of the first interlocking member 51, which moves up and down, can be moved within the inclined groove portion 65a of the second interlocking member 52, thereby enabling the second interlocking member 52 to be rotated with a simple structure.

[0051] The cap member 41 also includes a hole 41c through which the first interlocking member 51 is inserted, and the hole 41c is covered by the operator 50 when the operator 50 is not being operated. According to this configuration, the operation element 50 can be used to prevent foreign matter from entering the hole 41c through which the first interlocking member 51 is inserted.

[0052] Furthermore, a cap support member 42 that supports the cap member 41 so as to be openable and closable is provided so as to surround the cap member 41 from the periphery, and an operator 50 attached to the cap member 41 covers a portion of the cap support member 42 . According to this configuration, the manipulator 50 is longer, and therefore it is easier for an operator (user) to operate the manipulator 50. In addition, it is easier for the operator to identify the manipulator 50, and it is easier to operate the manipulator 50.

[0053] In addition, the operator 50 has a first protrusion 56 that protrudes inwardly of the cap support member 42 at an overlapping portion 55, which is the portion where the operator 50 covers a part of the cap support member 42, and a space portion 60 that is covered at least from above by the cap support member 42 is provided below the cap support member 42, and an operation restriction member 53 that engages with the first protrusion 56 and restricts operation by the operator 50 is disposed in the space portion 60. According to this configuration, the operation restricting member 53 is provided in the space 60 that is covered at least from above by the cap support member 42, so that the operation restricting member 53 can be effectively protected from fuel scattered around the fuel filler opening 36. Furthermore, since the operation restricting member 53 is surrounded by the flange portion 42b, the surrounding portion 42a, the peripheral wall portion 35a, and the bottom wall portion 35b, the operation restricting member 53 can be effectively protected from fuel scattered around the fuel filler opening 36.

[0054] Further, a sensor 54 that abuts against the operator 50 and detects the operation state of the operator 50 is disposed in the space 60 . According to this configuration, sensor 54 is provided in space 60 that is covered at least from above by cap support member 42, so that sensor 54 can be effectively protected from fuel scattered around the fuel filler neck. In addition, since sensor 54 and operation restricting member 53 are provided in the same space 60, the operation state of operator 50 can be detected with high accuracy by sensor 54, and operation restricting member 53 can be engaged with first protrusion 56.

[0055] Furthermore, the swing direction of the swing operation of the operating element 50 and the swing direction of the cap member 41 for opening and closing are the same. According to this configuration, the operating direction of the operating element 50 and the opening and closing direction of the cap member 41 are the same, so that the operating element 50 and the cap member 41 can be easily operated.

[0056] The above-described embodiment shows one mode in which the present invention is applied, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. In the above embodiment, the first interlocking member 51 is described as moving upward in conjunction with the operation of the operator 50, and the second interlocking member 52 is described as rotating in conjunction with the first interlocking member 51. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first interlocking member 51 may be configured to move downward in conjunction with the operation of the operator 50, and the second interlocking member 52 may rotate in conjunction with the first interlocking member 51. In the above embodiment, a saddle-type vehicle 10, which is a motorcycle, has been used as an example of a vehicle, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention is applicable to three-wheeled vehicles having two front or two rear wheels, and vehicles having four or more wheels.

[0057] [Second embodiment] A second embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described below with reference to Fig. 7. In this second embodiment, parts configured similarly to the above embodiment (first embodiment) are given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted. The second embodiment differs from the above-described embodiment in that an operation restricting member 53 and a sensor 54 are provided in a space 260.

[0058] FIG. 7 is a view of a tank cap 240 according to the second embodiment, seen from the front side of the vehicle. The tank cap 240 includes a cap support member 242 instead of the cap support member 42 . The cap support member 242 includes an enclosing portion 42a, a flange portion 42b, a front mounting portion 42c, and a rear mounting portion 42d. The cap support member 242 also includes a side cover portion 242e extending downward from the front edge portion of the flange portion 42b, and a bottom cover portion 242f extending radially inward from the lower end portion of the side cover portion 242e and connected to the surrounding portion 42a.

[0059] The tank cap 240 includes a space 260 surrounded by the flange portion 42b, the side cover portion 242e, the bottom cover portion 242f, and the surrounding portion 42a. The space 260 is a space covered from above by the flange portion 42b. Both left and right ends 260a of the space 260 are open outward in the vehicle width direction. The first protrusion 56 and the second protrusion 57 of the operator 50 protrude into the space 260 . The operation restricting member 53 and the sensor 54 are disposed in the space 260 .

[0060] According to the second embodiment to which the present invention is applied, the operation regulating member 53 is provided in the space portion 260 that is covered at least from above by the cap support member 242, so that the operation regulating member 53 can be effectively protected from fuel scattered around the fuel filler opening 36. Moreover, since the sensor 54 is provided in the space 260 that is covered at least from above by the cap support member 242, the sensor 54 can be effectively protected from fuel scattered around the fuel filler neck. Moreover, since the sensor 54 and the operation restricting member 53 are provided in the same space 260, the operation state of the operating element 50 can be detected with high accuracy by the sensor 54, and the operation restricting member 53 can be engaged with the first protrusion 56.

[0061] [Configuration supported by the above embodiment] The above embodiment supports the following configurations.

[0062] (Configuration 1) A tank cap comprising a cap member which closes and closes the filler opening of a vehicle's fuel tank, a locking mechanism which locks and unlocks the movement of the cap member from a closed position to an open position, and an operator which operates the locking mechanism in conjunction with a swinging operation about a swing axis, the tank cap comprising a first interlocking member connected to the operator and moving in conjunction with the swinging of the operator, and a second interlocking member connected to the first interlocking member and transmitting the operation of the first interlocking member to the locking mechanism, the first interlocking member moving in the vertical direction in conjunction with the operator, and the second interlocking member rotating in conjunction with the first interlocking member. With this configuration, the operation of the operator is transmitted to the lock mechanism via the first interlocking member, which moves up and down in conjunction with the operator, and the second interlocking member, which rotates in conjunction with the first interlocking member, so that the space occupied by the first interlocking member and the second interlocking member in the radial direction of the tank cap can be reduced, thereby preventing the tank cap from becoming thicker in the radial direction and making the tank cap smaller.

[0063] (Configuration 2) The tank cap described in configuration 1, characterized in that the first interlocking member is an axial member extending downward from the operating element, and the second interlocking member is a cylindrical member that fits into the outer periphery of the first interlocking member and rotates on the outer periphery around the first interlocking member. According to this configuration, the second interlocking member rotates on the outer periphery of the first interlocking member around the first interlocking member, so that the second interlocking member can be arranged compactly.

[0064] (Configuration 3) The tank cap described in configuration 2, wherein the first interlocking member has an outer peripheral protrusion protruding from the outer periphery, and the second interlocking member has a groove portion with which the outer peripheral protrusion engages, and the groove portion is inclined so as to move in the circumferential direction of the second interlocking member as it moves in the axial direction of the second interlocking member. According to this configuration, the outer peripheral protrusion of the first interlocking member, which moves up and down, is moved within the inclined groove of the second interlocking member, thereby making it possible to rotate the second interlocking member with a simple structure.

[0065] (Configuration 4) A tank cap described in any one of configurations 1 to 3, characterized in that the cap member has a hole portion through which the first interlocking member is inserted, and the hole portion is covered by the operator when the operator is not operated. According to this configuration, the operation element can be used to prevent foreign matter from entering the hole through which the first interlocking member is inserted.

[0066] (Configuration 5) A tank cap described in any one of configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that a cap support member that supports the cap member so as to be openable and closable is provided so as to surround the cap member from the periphery, and the operating element attached to the cap member covers a portion of the cap support member. According to this configuration, the operator can easily operate the operator since the operator can easily identify the operator and can easily operate the operator.

[0067] (Configuration 6) The tank cap described in configuration 5, characterized in that the operator has a protrusion that protrudes inwardly from the cap support member at a portion where the operator covers a part of the cap support member, a space portion that is covered at least from above by the cap support member is provided below the cap support member, and an operation regulating member that engages with the protrusion and regulates operation by the operator is disposed in the space portion. According to this configuration, the operation restricting member is provided in the space portion that is covered at least from above by the cap support member, so that the operation restricting member can be effectively protected from fuel that splashes around the fuel filler opening.

[0068] (Configuration 7) The tank cap according to configuration 6, wherein a sensor that abuts against the operating element to detect the operating state of the operating element is disposed in the space. According to this configuration, since the sensor is provided in the space covered at least from above by the cap support member, the sensor can be effectively protected from fuel that has splashed around the fuel filler neck. Also, since the sensor and the operation restricting member are provided in the same space, the operation state of the operator can be accurately detected by the sensor and the operation restricting member can be engaged with the protrusion.

[0069] (Configuration 8) The tank cap according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, wherein the swing direction of the swing operation of the operating element and the swing direction of the cap member for opening and closing are the same. According to this configuration, the operating direction of the operating element and the opening and closing direction of the cap member are the same, so that the operating element and the cap member can be easily operated. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 10 Saddle-type vehicle (vehicle) 29 Fuel Tank 36 Fuel filler 40,240 Tank cap 41 Cap member 41c hole 42,242 Cap support member 45 Locking mechanism 50 Controls 50a Swing shaft 51 First interlocking member 52 Second interlocking member 53 Operation restriction member 54 Sensors 56 1st protrusion (protrusion) 60,260 Space 62a Outer circumference 62b Outer protrusion 65a Groove

Claims

1. A tank cap including a cap member (41) that closes a filler opening (36) of a fuel tank (29) of a vehicle (10) in an openable and closable manner, a locking mechanism (45) that locks and unlocks the movement of the cap member (41) from a closed position to an open position, and an operator (50) that operates the locking mechanism (45) in conjunction with a swing operation about a swing shaft (50a), a first interlocking member (51) connected to the operating element (50) and moving in conjunction with the swing of the operating element (50), and a second interlocking member (52) connected to the first interlocking member (51) and transmitting the operation of the first interlocking member (51) to the lock mechanism (45); The first interlocking member (51) moves in the up and down direction in conjunction with the operating element (50), and the second interlocking member (52) rotates in conjunction with the first interlocking member (51), a cap support member (42, 242) that supports the cap member (41) so as to be openable and closable is provided so as to surround the cap member (41); The operating element (50) attached to the cap member (41) covers a part of the cap support member (42, 242), The operating element (50) includes a protrusion (56) that protrudes toward the inside of the cap support member (42, 242) at a portion where the operating element (50) covers a part of the cap support member (42, 242), a space portion (60, 260) covered at least from above by the cap support member (42, 242) is provided below the cap support member (42, 242); A tank cap characterized in that an operation restricting member (53) that engages with the protrusion (56) to restrict operation by the operating element (50) is disposed in the space (60, 260).

2. The first interlocking member (51) is a shaft member extending downward from the operating element (50), The tank cap according to claim 1, characterized in that the second interlocking member (52) is a cylindrical member that fits into the outer periphery (62a) of the first interlocking member (51) and rotates on the outer periphery (62a) around the first interlocking member (51).

3. The first interlocking member (51) includes an outer peripheral protrusion (62b) protruding from the outer periphery (62a), The tank cap according to claim 2, characterized in that the second interlocking member (52) has a groove portion (65a) with which the outer peripheral protrusion (62b) engages, and the groove portion (65a) is inclined so as to move in the circumferential direction of the second interlocking member (52) as the second interlocking member (52) moves in the axial direction.

4. The cap member (41) has a hole portion (41c) through which the first interlocking member (51) is inserted, 4. The tank cap according to claim 1, wherein the hole (41c) is covered by the operating element (50) when the operating element (50) is not operated.

5. 4. The tank cap according to claim 1, wherein a sensor (54) that abuts against the operating element (50) to detect an operating state of the operating element (50) is disposed in the space (60, 260).

6. 4. The tank cap according to claim 1, wherein the operation member (50) is pivoted in the same direction as the cap member (41) is pivoted to open or close the cap member (41).

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