JP2003104418A - Fuel feeder - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fuel feeder which is highly operative during normal operation and can secure sealability between a closure and a filler neck against erroneously applied torque in the opening direction. SOLUTION: The fuel feeder 1 includes the filler neck 2 communicating with a fuel tank and having a filler port 20 opened, and a fuel cap 3 having the closure 6 threaded on an inner peripheral side of the filler port 20 and a shell 5 having an outer peripheral diameter of, or larger than that of the closure 6 and causing the closure 6 to rotate. The shell 5 has the outer peripheral diameter of, or smaller than that of the filler port 20.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a fuel supply device which is connected to a fuel tank and has a fuel supply port for supplying fuel.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A fuel supply device is a device for supplying fuel to a fuel tank and is equipped with a fuel cap, a filler neck, a filler pipe, a check valve and the like. 12
To U. S. The axial direction sectional drawing of the fuel supply apparatus of patent 4765505 is shown. This fuel supply device 20
0 comprises a fuel cap 100 and a filler neck 115. Further, the fuel cap 100 includes a shell portion 101, a lost motion portion 130, and a closure portion 102. Of these, the shell portion 101 has a cup shape, and a handle 105 on which an operator grips and rotates is arranged on the upper surface. The closure portion 102 has a cylindrical shape and is arranged on the inner peripheral side of the shell portion 101.
A screw portion 110 is spirally provided around the outer peripheral surface of the closure portion 102. The closure 102 is this screw 1
The screw 10 is screwed into the filler neck 125 of the filler neck 115. The filler neck 115 communicates with a fuel tank (not shown) via a filler pipe (not shown).

The lost motion unit 130 is a shell unit 1.
01 and the closure part 102. The lost motion part 130 ensures the sealing property between the closure part 102 and the filler neck 115. That is, when rotational torque in the opening direction of the fuel cap 100 (hereinafter, referred to as “opening torque”) is erroneously applied to the shell portion 101 and this opening torque is immediately transmitted to the closure portion 102, the closure portion 102. There is a risk that the screwing of the filler neck 115 with the filler neck 115 will become loose. Then, the sealing property between the closure part 102 and the filler neck 115 may be deteriorated. So lost motion part 1
30 secures an idling section for not immediately transmitting the opening direction torque from the shell portion 101 to the closure portion 102. That is, even if the shell portion 101 rotates, the opening direction torque is not transmitted to the closure portion 102 if the rotation distance is within the idling section range. In this way, the lost motion unit 130 secures the sealing property between the closure unit 102 and the filler neck 115.

[0004]

However, according to the fuel supply device described in the publication, even when the opening direction torque is applied to the shell portion 101 as a part of the normal work, the idling section by the lost motion portion 130 is reduced. Otherwise, the opening torque will not be transmitted to the closure portion 102. Therefore, for example, even at the time of refueling, the worker cannot open the fuel cap 100 unless the shell portion 101 is additionally rotated by the idling section. That is, the fuel supply device described in the publication has a lost motion unit 13
Due to the idling section secured by 0, the operability when opening the fuel cap 100 was poor.

The fuel supply device of the present invention has been completed in view of the above problems. Therefore, the present invention provides a fuel supply device that has good operability during normal work and that can secure the sealing property between the closure portion and the filler neck against the torque in the opening direction that is erroneously applied. To aim.

[0006]

(1) In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a fuel supply device of the present invention has a filler neck communicating with a fuel tank and having a fuel supply port opened, and a screw provided on the inner peripheral side of the fuel supply port. A fuel cap having a closure part and a shell part having an outer diameter not less than the outer diameter of the closure part for rotating the closure part, wherein the shell part is the outer circumference of the fuel filler port. It is characterized by having an outer diameter equal to or smaller than the diameter.

That is, in the fuel supply system of the present invention, the outer peripheral diameter of the shell portion is set to be equal to or smaller than the outer peripheral diameter of the fuel filler port.
For convenience of refueling, a refueling port that opens at the upstream end of the filler neck is arranged so as to project to the outside of the vehicle seal panel. Here, if the fuel tank fixed inside the vehicle moves for some reason, the filler neck may be pulled inside the vehicle, and the fuel filler port may also collapse inside the seal panel.

According to the fuel supply system of the present invention, the outer diameter of the shell portion is equal to or less than the outer diameter of the fuel filler port. Therefore, the shell portion is drawn into the vehicle together with the filler neck in a state of being wrapped in the fuel filler port. That is, the closure part and the filler neck oil supply port do not sink into the seal panel, and only the shell part is not caught on the seal panel. Therefore, even if the fuel tank rotates in the direction that applies the opening direction torque to the fuel cap, only the filler neck, the closure portion, and the shell portion rotate together, and the closure portion does not move relative to the filler neck. Does not rotate. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the torque in the opening direction from being relatively applied between the closure portion and the filler neck. In this way, according to the fuel supply device of the present invention, it is possible to ensure the sealing property between the closure portion and the filler neck.

Further, according to the fuel supply system of the present invention, it is possible to secure the sealing property between the closure part and the filler neck without intentionally interposing the lost motion part between the shell part and the closure part. You can Therefore, the fuel supply device of the present invention has good operability during normal work.

(2) Preferably, in the configuration of (1) above, an outer peripheral pipe that protects the shell portion from an external impact is further provided on the outer peripheral side of the shell portion.

That is, in this structure, the outer peripheral pipe is mounted on the outer peripheral side of the shell portion. According to this configuration, the shell portion can be protected from not only an impact from inside the vehicle but also an impact from outside the vehicle. Therefore, the sealing property between the closure portion and the filler neck can be more reliably ensured.

(3) Preferably, in the configuration of (2) above, the outer peripheral pipe is arranged so as to be free to rotate with respect to the shell portion.

That is, in this structure, the outer peripheral pipe is mounted on the outer peripheral side of the shell portion so as to rotate freely. According to this structure, for example, even when the opening direction torque is transmitted to the outer peripheral pipe, the outer peripheral pipe only idles with respect to the shell portion. Therefore, the opening direction torque is not transmitted to the shell portion. Therefore, the sealing property between the closure part and the filler neck can be more reliably ensured.

(4) Preferably, in the above configuration (2), the outer peripheral pipe is locked so as not to rotate with respect to the filler neck.

That is, in this structure, the outer peripheral pipe is arranged so as not to rotate relative to the filler neck when the fuel cap is closed. For example, when the opening direction torque is transmitted to the outer peripheral pipe, if the outer peripheral pipe is locked to the shell portion, the opening direction torque may be transmitted from the outer peripheral pipe to the closure portion via the shell portion. Then, the screwing of the closure portion to the filler neck may be loosened, and the sealing performance may be deteriorated.

In this respect, according to this structure, the outer peripheral pipe is locked to the filler neck. Therefore, due to the opening direction torque applied to the outer peripheral pipe, only one of the shell portion and the filler neck does not rotate. Therefore, the screwing of the closure part with respect to the filler neck is less likely to loosen, and the sealing property can be ensured.

(5) Preferably, in the above construction (2), at least the outer peripheral pipe has a volume resistivity of 10 ¹² Ω.
The resin is made of a resin material satisfying at least one of cm or less, surface resistivity of 10 ¹² Ω or less, and resistance of 10 ¹² Ω or less, and a discharge protrusion is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral pipe. Therefore, it is preferable that the gap between the discharge projection and the filler neck or the body of the automobile is 3 mm or less when the fuel cap is attached to the filler neck.

That is, in this structure, the outer peripheral pipe is formed of a resin material having a predetermined conductivity, and the discharge projection is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral pipe. The discharge projection is arranged so that the gap between the discharge projection and the filler neck or the body of the automobile is 3 mm or less when the fuel cap is closed. Here, the volume resistivity (Ω · cm) means a resistance that regulates a current flowing only inside the material. The surface resistivity (Ω) means a resistance that regulates a current flowing only on the material surface.

According to this structure, for example, the static electricity charged on the clothes of the worker can be discharged from the outer peripheral pipe to the filler neck or the automobile body through the discharging protrusion.

Here, as the conductive resin material for forming the outer peripheral pipe, a resin such as PA or POM is mixed with a conductive substance such as carbon, a conductive filler or a conductive whisker, and the volume resistivity thereof is 10. It is possible to use a material having a resistance of ¹² Ω · cm or less. In addition, after forming an outer peripheral pipe without mixing a conductive substance with a resin such as PA or POM, a conductive paint is applied and printed on the surface of the outer peripheral pipe so that the surface resistivity is 10 ¹² Ω or less. be able to. Here, as the conductive paint, carbon, N
A coating material containing a conductive substance such as i, Ag, Au, or Cu can be used.

If the gap between the discharge projection and the filler neck or the body of the automobile is set to 1 mm or less, it becomes easier to discharge static electricity.

(6) Preferably, in the above construction (2), at least the outer peripheral pipe has a volume resistivity of 10 ¹² Ω.
The outer peripheral pipe is made of a resin material satisfying at least one of cm or less, surface resistivity of 10 ¹² Ω or less, and resistance of 10 ¹² Ω or less. It is better to have a structure connected to the body.

That is, according to this structure, the outer peripheral pipe is formed of a resin material having a predetermined conductivity, and the outer peripheral pipe and the filler neck or the body of the automobile are connected via a conductor.

According to this structure, static electricity can be discharged more reliably. Here, as a material for forming the conductor, a conductive resin, a metal, a conductive rubber or the like can be used. As the conductive resin, for example, a resin such as PP or PE mixed with a conductive substance such as carbon, a conductive filler, or a conductive whisker can be used. It is also possible to use a material in which a conductor is formed from a resin such as PP or PE and then a conductive material is applied and printed on the surface thereof. As the conductive rubber, a rubber material such as natural rubber or synthetic rubber mixed with a conductive material such as carbon, a conductive filler or a conductive whisker can be used. It is also possible to use a material in which a conductor is formed from a rubber material, and then the surface thereof is coated with a conductive material and printed.

The shape of the conductor may be, for example, a string shape, a chain shape, or the like. When the conductor is formed into a string or chain, an outer peripheral pipe can be connected to one end of the conductor and a filler neck or an automobile body can be connected to the other end of the conductor.

(7) Preferably, in the configuration of (2) above.
The outer peripheral pipe and closure and shell
Has a volume resistivity of 10¹²Ω · cm or less and surface resistivity
Is 10 ¹²Ω or less and resistance is 10¹²Less than Ω
Both are made of resin material that satisfies one condition
It is better to say

That is, in this structure, the outer peripheral pipe, the closure portion and the shell portion are formed of a resin material having a predetermined conductivity. The closure part is screwed to the filler neck oil filler port. Therefore, according to this configuration, static electricity can be discharged from the outer peripheral pipe or the shell portion to the filler neck through the closure portion.

[0028]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the fuel supply device of the present invention will be described below.

(1) First Embodiment First, the structure of the fuel supply system of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 shows an axial sectional view of this fuel supply device. As shown in the figure, the fuel supply device 1 includes a filler neck 2, a fuel cap 3, and an outer peripheral pipe 4.

The filler neck 2 is arranged so as to project from an opening 80 formed in the seal panel 8 which is a part of the automobile body. This filler neck 2 has a cylindrical shape. At the upper end of the filler neck 2, an oil supply port 20 for supplying fuel is formed. The lower end of the filler neck 2 communicates with a fuel tank (not shown) via a filler pipe (not shown). A closure engaging rib 21 extending in the circumferential direction is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the filler neck 2 in the vicinity of the fuel supply port 20.

The fuel cap 3 comprises a shell portion 5, a closure portion 6 and a torque transmission plate 7. Of these, the closure portion 6 is inserted and arranged on the inner peripheral side of the filler neck 2. The closure portion 6 is made of resin and has a cylindrical shape. On the inner peripheral side of the closure portion 6, the large diameter tubular portion 6
0 and the small diameter tubular portion 61 are formed coaxially. Of these, the large-diameter cylindrical portion 60 is formed so as to be connected to the inner peripheral surface of the closure portion 6. The small-diameter cylinder portion 61 is formed so as to be connected to the large-diameter cylinder portion 60. The small-diameter cylindrical portion 61 is arranged on the lower inner peripheral side of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 60. A positive pressure valve 62 is arranged on the inner peripheral side of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 60 so as to open and close the upstream side and the downstream side freely. Further, a partition plate 66 having a through hole communicating the upstream side and the downstream side is provided on the top surface of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 60.
Are arranged. Further, a negative pressure valve 63 is arranged on the inner peripheral side of the small-diameter tubular portion 61 so as to freely open and close the upstream side and the downstream side.

A ring-shaped flange portion 64 is formed at the upper end of the closure portion 6. A closure-side engaging projection 65 is erected upward from the top surface of the flange 64. Two closure-side engaging projections 65 are arranged 180 ° apart.

A rubber gasket 67 is mounted around the outer peripheral surface of the closure portion 6 immediately below the flange portion 64. Further, below the outer peripheral surface of the closure portion 6, a U-shaped filler neck engaging portion 68 that opens downward for better fuel removal is formed. The two filler neck engaging portions 68 are arranged 180 ° apart from each other.

The shell portion 5 is arranged above the closure portion 6. The shell portion 5 is made of a conductive resin and has a bottomed cylindrical shape that opens downward, that is, a cup shape. From the outer surface of the upper bottom wall 50 of the shell portion 5, for example, a handle 51 that is gripped and rotated by an operator during refueling is provided upright. Further, a shell side engagement cylinder portion 53 having a protrusion 530 is provided upright from the inner surface of the upper bottom wall 50. Further, on the outer peripheral side of the shell side engaging cylinder portion 53, the shell side engaging convex portion 52
Is erected. In addition, the shell side engaging convex portion 52 is
Two of them are arranged 0 ° apart. A ring rib 54 is provided around the outer peripheral side surface of the shell portion 5.

The outer peripheral pipe 4 is arranged on the outer peripheral side of the shell portion 5. The outer peripheral pipe 4 is made of a conductive resin and has a cylindrical shape. The upper end surface 40 of the outer peripheral pipe 4 is
It is arranged at a position higher than the top surface of the handle 51 of the shell portion 5. Further, the lower end surface 41 of the outer peripheral pipe 4 is arranged at a position lower than the filler opening 20 of the filler neck 2.
That is, the outer peripheral pipe 4 is arranged so as to protect the entire fuel cap 3. On the inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral pipe 4,
A ring groove 42 is provided around. The ring rib 54 of the shell portion 5 is inserted into and engaged with the ring groove 42 so as to be free to rotate. A discharge rib 43 extending in the axial direction is provided around the lower end of the inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral pipe 4.

The torque transmission plate 7 is interposed between the closure portion 6 and the shell portion 5. The torque transmission plate 7 is made of resin and has a ring shape. Torque transmission plate 7
A shell engaging convex portion 70 is formed in the central opening of the. The shell side engagement cylinder part 53 of the shell part 5 is inserted and arranged in this central opening. The protrusion 530 engages with the shell engagement protrusion 70 in the circumferential direction. Further, in the torque transmission plate 7, two arc-shaped shell guide grooves 71 are arranged 180 ° apart. The shell-side engagement convex portion 52 of the shell portion 5 is inserted and arranged in the shell guide groove 71. Further, two arc-shaped closure guide grooves 72 are arranged on the torque transmission plate 7 at 180 ° intervals.
The closure-side engaging convex portion 65 of the closure portion 6 is inserted and arranged in the closure guide groove 72.

Next, the operation of the fuel supply system of this embodiment when opening and closing the fuel cap will be described. 2 B in FIG.
A B sectional view is shown. When closing the fuel cap, the operator turns the shell portion 5 clockwise in the drawing. Shell part 5
When is rotated, the protrusion 530 presses the shell engagement protrusion 70. Then, due to this pressing, the torque transmission plate 7 rotates together with the shell portion 5. When the torque transmission plate 7 rotates, the end surface 720 of the closure guide groove 72 presses the closure-side engaging projection 65. And by this pressing,
The closure part rotates together with the shell part 5 and the torque transmission plate 7. With the rotation, the filler neck engaging portion 68 shown in FIG. 1 is gradually screwed into the closure engaging rib 21. Further, the gasket 67 is gradually changed to the filler port 20.
Will be pressed against. If an excessive rotational torque is applied even after the screwing is completed, the protrusion 530 rides over the shell engagement convex portion 70 and idles. The operator recognizes that the screwing is completed based on the moderation feeling and the overcoming sound at this time. In this way, the fuel cap is closed.

On the other hand, when opening the fuel cap, the operator turns the shell portion 5 counterclockwise in the figure. When the shell portion 5 is rotated, the protrusion 530 causes the shell engagement protrusion 70 to move.
Press. Then, due to this pressing, the torque transmission plate 7 rotates together with the shell portion 5. When the torque transmission plate 7 rotates, the closure-side engagement projection 65 relatively moves within the closure guide groove 72. Specifically, as shown by the dotted line in the figure, the movement moves until it comes into contact with the end surface 721. When the movement is completed, the end surface 721 becomes the engagement protrusion 65 on the closure side.
Press. By this pressing, the closure part rotates together with the shell part 5 and the torque transmission plate 7, and the fuel cap is opened. When the fuel cap is opened / closed, static electricity is removed by being discharged from the discharge rib 43 of the outer peripheral pipe 4 to the grounded filler neck.

Next, the characteristic part of the fuel supply system of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 shows an enlarged view around the outer peripheral pipe of FIG. As shown in the figure, in the fuel supply device of the present embodiment, the outer diameter of the shell portion 5 is set smaller than the outer diameter of the fuel filler port 20. Further, the outer peripheral pipe 4 is arranged on the outer peripheral side of the shell portion 5. Furthermore, this peripheral pipe 4
Is attached to the shell portion 5 via the ring rib 54 and the ring groove 42. Therefore, the outer peripheral pipe 4 can freely rotate with respect to the shell portion 5.

As shown in FIG. 4, due to some circumstances,
When the tensile stress 90 is applied to the filler neck 2 from the inside of the vehicle, the filler port 20 of the filler neck 2 tends to be depressed into the inside of the vehicle through the opening 80 of the seal panel 8. At this time, the lower end surface 41 of the outer peripheral pipe 4 is locked to the upper surface of the seal panel 8. When the fuel tank connected to the filler neck 2 swings in this state, the closure portion 6 screwed to the filler neck 2 also swings. Then, depending on the swinging direction, a rotational torque 91 in a direction in which the screwing of the closure portion 6 loosens may be applied.

Here, in this embodiment, the outer peripheral pipe 4 is not fixed to the shell portion 5. That is, the outer peripheral pipe 4 is free to rotate with respect to the shell portion 5. Therefore, even if the outer peripheral pipe 4 is locked to the seal panel 8, the shell portion 5
Can rotate freely. Therefore, the rotational torque 91 applied to the filler neck 2 is transmitted in the order of the closure portion 6 → the torque transmission plate 7 → the shell portion 5. Then, these members rotate together. That is, the filler neck 2 and the closure portion 6 rotate together. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, relative opening direction torque is not generated between the filler neck 2 and the closure portion 6. Therefore, the possibility of loosening the screwing of the closure portion 6 is small.

Further, from the inside of the vehicle to the filler neck 2,
When stronger tensile stress is applied, the outer peripheral pipe 4 and the shell portion 5 are disengaged from each other. Then, the shell part 5 and the closure part 6 are drawn into the vehicle together with the fuel filler port 20 of the filler neck 2.

Here, in this embodiment, the shell portion 5 is set to have a diameter smaller than that of the oil supply port 20. Therefore, the shell portion 5 is not locked to the upper surface of the seal panel 8,
It is drawn into the vehicle together with the filler neck 2 and the closure part 6. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the risk of loosening the screwing of the closure portion 6 is small.

If an impact is applied to the shell portion 5 from the outside of the vehicle, the shell portion 5 may be defective.
However, in the present embodiment, the shell portion 5 is protected by the outer peripheral pipe 4. Therefore, there is little risk that the shell portion 5 will be defective.

(2) Second Embodiment The structure of the fuel supply system of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. The difference between the present embodiment and the first embodiment is that the outer peripheral pipe is locked to the shell portion and the filler neck so as not to idle. Therefore, this difference will be explained in this section.

FIG. 5 shows an enlarged view of the vicinity of the outer peripheral pipe of this embodiment. The members corresponding to those in FIG. 3 are indicated by the same symbols. As shown in the figure, the outer peripheral surface of the shell portion 5 is formed in a step shape having a step 56. Below the step 56, a shell rib 55 extending vertically is provided upright. The shell ribs 55 are arranged at predetermined angles in the circumferential direction.

An outer peripheral pipe 4 is attached to the outer peripheral side of the shell portion 5. In the middle of the inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral pipe 4,
A spring receiver 44 is provided upright. Then, the spring receiver 44
A coil spring 47 is interposed between and the step 56 of the shell portion 5. The coil spring 47 urges the spring receiver 44, that is, the outer peripheral pipe 4 downward. A discharge rib 43 extends downward from the lower end of the spring receiver 44. Like the shell rib 55, the discharge ribs 43 are also arranged at predetermined circumferential angles. The discharge rib 43 and the shell rib 55 mesh with each other like a gear. Also, from the upper end of the outer peripheral pipe 4,
A grip rib 45 extends in the radial direction and is provided upright. On the other hand, a neck notch 46 extending upward is formed from the lower end surface 41 of the outer peripheral pipe 4. The notches 46 for neck are arranged at predetermined circumferential angles.

Below the peripheral pipe 4, there is a filler neck 2
Are arranged. A neck side idling prevention rib 22 extends upright from the periphery of the filler neck 20 of the filler neck 2 in the radial direction. This neck side idling prevention rib 22 also
Like the notch 46 for neck, it is arranged at every predetermined angle in the circumferential direction. The neck side idling prevention rib 22 and the neck notch 46 mesh with each other like a gear.

Here, the engagement between the neck side idling prevention rib 22 and the neck notch 46 can be released. That is, the outer peripheral pipe 4 is locked to the shell portion 5 in the rotation direction, but is only biased by the coil spring 47 in the vertical direction. Therefore, as shown by the white arrow in FIG. 6, by pulling up the outer peripheral pipe 4 against the urging force of the coil spring 47, the engagement between the neck side idling prevention rib 22 and the neck notch 46 can be easily performed. It can be canceled. The outer peripheral pipe 4 is pulled up, for example, when opening and closing the fuel cap 3.

As shown in FIG. 7, for some reason,
When the tensile stress 90 is applied to the filler neck 2 from the inside of the vehicle, the filler port 20 of the filler neck 2 tends to be depressed into the inside of the vehicle through the opening 80 of the seal panel 8. At this time, the lower end surface 41 of the outer peripheral pipe 4 is locked to the upper surface of the seal panel 8. When the fuel tank connected to the filler neck 2 swings in this state, the closure portion 6 screwed to the filler neck 2 also swings. Then, depending on the swinging direction, a rotational torque 91 in a direction in which the screwing of the closure portion 6 loosens may be applied.

Here, in this embodiment, the outer peripheral pipe 4 and the shell portion 5 are fixed by the meshing of the discharge rib 43 and the shell rib 55. The outer peripheral pipe 4 and the filler neck 2 are fixed by the engagement of the neck notch 46 and the neck side idling prevention rib 22. Therefore, the rotational torque 91 applied to the filler neck 2 is
Although transmitted from the filler neck 2 to the outer peripheral pipe 4, the filler neck 2 and the outer peripheral pipe 4 are meshed so as not to rotate relatively. Therefore, these members rotate together. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the closure portion 6
There is little risk that the screwing on the filler neck 2 will loosen.

(3) Third Embodiment The structure of the fuel supply system of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. The difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment is that the outer peripheral pipe is integrally formed with the shell portion. Therefore, this difference will be explained in this section.

FIG. 8 shows an enlarged view around the outer peripheral pipe of this embodiment. The members corresponding to those in FIG. 3 are indicated by the same symbols. As shown in the figure, the outer peripheral surface of the shell portion 5 and the inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral pipe 4 are integrally formed via a brittle bridging portion 57. The brittle bridging portions 57 are arranged at predetermined angles in the circumferential direction.

As shown in FIG. 9, for some reason,
When the tensile stress 90 is applied to the filler neck 2 from the inside of the vehicle, the filler port 20 of the filler neck 2 tends to be depressed into the inside of the vehicle through the opening 80 of the seal panel 8. At this time, the lower end surface 41 of the outer peripheral pipe 4 is locked to the upper surface of the seal panel 8. When the fuel tank connected to the filler neck 2 swings in this state, the closure portion 6 screwed to the filler neck 2 also swings. Then, depending on the swinging direction, a rotational torque 91 in a direction in which the screwing of the closure portion 6 loosens may be applied.

Here, the rotational torque 91 is as follows: filler neck 2 → closure part 6 → torque transmission plate 7 → shell part 5 →
The weak bridging portions 57 are transmitted in this order. The brittle bridging portion 57 is broken by the rotating torque 91. When the brittle bridging portion 57 is broken, as in the first embodiment, the shell portion 5
Is free to rotate with respect to the outer peripheral pipe 4. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, there is little risk that the closure portion 6 will be loosely screwed into the filler neck 2.

The brittle bridging portion 57 may be formed by molding the shell portion 5 and the outer peripheral pipe 4 as separate bodies and spot welding these two members.

(4) Fourth Embodiment The structure of the fuel supply system of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment. The difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment is that the outer peripheral pipe has no discharge rib. The outer peripheral pipe is connected to the grounded automobile body through a tether which is a conductor. Therefore, this difference will be explained in this section.

FIG. 10 shows an enlarged view around the outer peripheral pipe of this embodiment. The members corresponding to those in FIG. 1 are indicated by the same symbols. As shown in the figure, the outer peripheral pipe 4 and the automobile seal panel 8 are connected by a tether 10 in a string shape. Then, when the fuel cap is opened and closed, static electricity is discharged from the outer peripheral pipe 4 to the seal panel 8 via the tether 10 to be removed. Here, the tether 10 may be connected to the filler neck 2. It may also be connected to another grounded part. Note that the tether 10 can be manufactured by injection molding or extrusion molding of a conductive resin, for example.

(5) Fifth Embodiment The structure of the fuel supply system of this embodiment is the same as that of the second embodiment. The difference between this embodiment and the second embodiment is that a discharge projection is formed on the outer peripheral pipe. Therefore, this difference will be explained in this section.

FIG. 11 shows an enlarged view around the outer peripheral pipe of this embodiment. The members corresponding to those in FIG. 5 are indicated by the same symbols. As shown in the figure, the protrusion 11 arranged in the neck notch 46 of the outer peripheral pipe 4 is pressed against the upper surface of the neck side idling prevention rib 22 of the filler neck 2 by the biasing force of the coil spring 47. Therefore, static electricity is generated from the outer peripheral pipe 4 via the protrusion 11 and the filler neck 2
Is discharged and removed. Here, the number of the protrusions 11 is not particularly limited, but the larger the number, the more reliably the static electricity can be discharged.

[0061]

According to the present invention, the operability is good during normal work, and the sealing property between the closure portion, that is, the fuel cap and the filler neck can be ensured against the opening direction torque applied by mistake. A fuel supply device can be provided.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an axial cross-sectional view of a fuel supply device according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a BB sectional view of FIG.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the outer peripheral pipe of FIG.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the outer peripheral pipe when tensile stress is applied to the filler neck.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a peripheral pipe and its vicinity according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the outer peripheral pipe when the outer peripheral pipe is pulled up.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the outer peripheral pipe when tensile stress is applied to the filler neck.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a peripheral pipe and its vicinity according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view around the outer peripheral pipe when tensile stress is applied to the filler neck.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of a peripheral pipe and its vicinity according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of a peripheral pipe and its vicinity according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 12 is an axial sectional view of a conventional fuel supply device.

[Explanation of symbols]

1: Fuel supply device, 2: Filler neck, 20: Filler port, 21: Engagement rib for closure, 22: Neck side idling prevention rib, 3: Fuel cap, 4: Peripheral pipe, 40:
Upper end surface, 41: lower end surface, 42: ring groove, 43: discharge rib, 44: spring receiver, 45: gripping rib, 46: notch for neck, 47: coil spring, 5: shell portion, 50: upper bottom wall , 51: handle, 52: shell-side engaging convex portion, 5
3: Shell side engagement cylinder part, 530: Protrusion, 54: Ring rib, 55: Shell part rib, 56: Step, 57: Weak bridging part, 6: Closure part, 60: Large diameter cylinder part, 61: Small diameter cylinder part , 62: positive pressure valve, 63: negative pressure valve, 64: flange part,
65: Closure-side engaging convex portion, 66: Partition plate, 67: Gasket, 68: Filler neck engaging portion, 7: Torque transmission plate, 70: Shell engaging convex portion, 71: Shell guide groove, 72 : Closure guide groove, 720: End surface, 7
21: end face, 8: seal panel, 80: opening, 90: tensile stress, 91: rotational torque, 10: tether, 11:
protrusion.

Continued front page    F-term (reference) 3D038 CA07 CA19 CA20 CA22 CA25                       CA36 CC14 CC15                 3E084 AB04 BA02 CA01 CC03 DA01                       DB11 DC03 EA04 EC03 FA09                       GA03 GB03 GB26 HA05 HB04                       HC03 HD04

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A filler neck communicating with a fuel tank and having an opening for a fuel supply opening, a closure portion screwed on an inner peripheral side of the fuel supply opening, and an outer diameter greater than an outer diameter of the closure portion. A fuel supply device comprising: a fuel cap having a rotating shell part, wherein the shell part has an outer diameter not larger than an outer diameter of the fuel filler port. 2. The fuel supply device according to claim 1, further comprising an outer peripheral pipe provided on the outer peripheral side of the shell portion to protect the shell portion from an external impact. 3. The fuel supply device according to claim 2, wherein the outer peripheral pipe is arranged so as to rotate freely with respect to the shell portion. 4. The fuel supply device according to claim 2, wherein the outer peripheral pipe is locked so as not to rotate with respect to the filler neck. 5. At least the outer peripheral pipe is made of a resin material satisfying at least one of a volume resistivity of 10 ¹² Ω · cm or less, a surface resistivity of 10 ¹² Ω or less, and a resistance of 10 ¹² Ω or less. A discharge protrusion is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral pipe, and the discharge protrusion and the filler neck or the body of an automobile when the fuel cap is attached to the filler neck. The fuel supply device according to claim 2, wherein a gap between the fuel supply device and the device is 3 mm or less. 6. At least the outer peripheral pipe is made of a resin material satisfying at least one of a volume resistivity of 10 ¹² Ω · cm or less, a surface resistivity of 10 ¹² Ω or less, and a resistance of 10 ¹² Ω or less. The fuel supply device according to claim 2, wherein the outer peripheral pipe is connected to the filler neck or the body of the automobile through a conductor. Wherein said outer peripheral pipe and the closure portion and the shell portion has a volume resistivity of 10 ¹² Omega · cm or less and a surface resistivity of 10 ¹² Omega less and resistance 10 ¹²
The fuel supply device according to claim 2, wherein the fuel supply device is formed of a resin material satisfying at least one of Ω or less.