Apparatus for preventing discharge of fuel vapor

An apparatus for preventing discharge of fuel vapor to the atmosphere by allowing fuel vapor in a fuel tank to be adsorbed by an adsorbing device when a fuel lid is opened. A switch is turned on by the movement of a locking member for locking and unlocking the fuel lid so as to detect the opening of the fuel lid. The arrangement facilitates adjustment of the relative positions of the switch and the locking member. In addition, the switch is turned on when the fuel lid is opened by remote control, while the switch is turned off when the fuel lid is manually closed. The discharge of fuel vapor to the atmosphere during refueling and the influx of fuel vapor into the adsorbing device after the charging of fuel are prevented.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
1. Field of the Invention 
The present invention relates to an apparatus for preventing discharge of 
fuel vapor; and more particularly, to an apparatus for preventing such 
discharge from a vehicle fuel tank which is made to communicate with a 
charcoal canister via a vent tube at times when a fuel lid is opened by a 
fuel lid opener, for causing and fuel vapor to be adsorbed by the charcoal 
canister. 
2. Description of the Related Art 
A conventional apparatus for preventing discharge of fuel vapor from a 
vehicle fuel tank to the atmosphere when the fuel tank is being filled is 
disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 41244/1988. 
This apparatus has a vent tube connecting the fuel tank to a charcoal 
canister for adsorbing fuel vapor. A solenoid valve which is disposed 
midway in the vent tube is normally closed when fuel lid is closed (locked 
state). A switch detects the actuation of the fuel lid opener and opens 
the solenoid valve. 
Accordingly, at the time of refueling, if the locked fuel lid is operated 
to the unlocked state, an actuation detecting switch is turned on, which, 
in turn, causes the solenoid valve in the vent tube to open, thereby 
allowing fuel vapor in the fuel tank to flow into the charcoal canister 
via the vent tube for adsorption by the charcoal in the canister. As a 
result, it is possible to prevent the fuel vapor from being discharged via 
the inlet pipe (filler pipe) to the atmosphere during refueling. 
This prior apparatus for preventing discharge of fuel vapor, uses an 
actuation detecting switch as shown in FIG. 13, wherein an actuation 
detecting switch 90 is disposed midway in a wire tube 92 covering a wire 
94, which connects a lid opener lever to a fuel lid locking device. The 
opening and closing of actuation detecting switch 90 is controlled by an 
actuator 96 fixed to the movable wire 94. 
Accordingly, after a fuel lid locking device is mounted to an automobile 
body, it is necessary to adjust the position of the wire tube 92 relative 
to the wire 94 so as to determine the relative position of the actuation 
detecting switch 90 and the actuator 96. This complicates the position 
adjusting operation, and decreases the efficiency assembly. In addition, 
even the fixing of a magnet to the wire and a lead switch to the wire tube 
does not make the adjusting operation any less complicated than the one 
described above. 
In addition, since the actuator 96 is fixed to the wire 94, and the wire 94 
is returned to its original position by the spring loaded automatic return 
of the lid opener lever, detecting switch or the lead switch is also 
opened, which in turn closes the solenoid valve. This causes a problem in 
that fuel vapor escapes through the inlet pipe during refueling. To solve 
this problem, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 53224/1987, proposed that the 
solenoid valve be held in the open state by a self-holding or stick 
circuit from the time that the fuel lid is opened until the vehicle is 
started. However, since the solenoid valve is electrically held open by 
the stick circuit, there is the possibility that the stick circuit may 
malfunction due to variations in voltage noise or the like, in which case 
the solenoid valve would close during refueling, causing the fuel vapor to 
be discharged to the atmosphere through the inlet pipe. 
Of course, after refueling, it is necessary to close the solenoid valve to 
ensure that the fuel vapor will not escape from the fuel tank. However the 
above-described stick circuit device does not permit the solenoid valve to 
close unless the vehicle is started. Thus, if the vehicle is not started, 
the solenoid valve remains in the open state, permitting the fuel vapor in 
the fuel tank to flow into the charcoal canister after the lid is replaced 
on the inlet pipe of the tank. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus 
for preventing discharge of fuel vapor which overcomes the above described 
deficiences by decreasing the difficulty of adjusting the position of an 
actuation detecting switch for detecting the unlocking of a fuel lid. 
To attain the above-described object, and in accordance with one aspect of 
the invention, there is provided an apparatus for preventing discharge of 
fuel vapor from a fuel tank comprising: adsorbing means for adsorbing fuel 
vapor; means for communicating between the adsorbing means and the fuel 
tank; lid locking means movable reciprocatably between a locking position 
for-holding a fuel lid in a closed state and an unlocking position for 
releasing the fuel lid to an open state; lid opening means for moving the 
locking means by remote control; switching means response to the movement 
of the lid locking means from the locking position to unlocking position; 
and lid opening means for closing the communicating means at times when 
the lid locking means is located in the locking position and for opening 
the communicating means in interlocking relation with the operation of the 
switching means. 
In accordance with this aspect of the invention, at times when the lid 
locking means is moved from the locking position to the unlocking position 
by the lid opening means, the closed fuel lid is released, and, at the 
same time, the switching means is actuated. The communicating means is 
opened in interlocking relationship with the actuation of the switching 
means, thereby allowing the adsorbing means and the fuel tank to 
communicate with each other. Accordingly, the fuel vapor in the fuel tank 
flows into and is adsorbed by the adsorbing means via the communicating 
means. When the lid locking means is in the locking position, the 
communicating means is closed, so that the fuel vapor in the fuel tank is 
prevented from flowing into the adsorbing means. 
As described above, and in accordance with the above-described aspect of 
the invention, since the switching means is actuated by the lid locking 
means, it is advantageous in that the switching means is actuated simply 
by determining the relative position of the lid locking means and the 
switching means; thereby improving the efficiency of position adjustment. 
In addition, with the lid locking means and the switching means fixedly 
mounted to the supporting means before the supporting means is attached to 
the vehicle body, the efficiency of position adjustment can be further 
improved. 
Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for 
preventing discharge of fuel vapor wherein a solenoid valve is opened and 
closed in response to the opening and closing of a fuel lid to ensure that 
fuel vapor will not flow out from a fuel tank to the atmosphere during 
refueling and will not flow into charcoal canister after refueling. 
To this end, and in accordance with another aspect of the invention, there 
is provided an apparatus for preventing discharge of fuel vapor, 
comprising: adsorbing means for adsorbing fuel vapor; communicating means 
for communication between the adsorbing means and a fuel tank; lid locking 
means movable reciprocatably between a locking position for holding a fuel 
lid in a closed state and an unlocking position for releasing the fuel 
lid; to an open state lid opening or operating means for moving by remote 
control the lid locking means from the locking position to the unlocking 
position; moving means for moving the lid locking means between the 
unlocking position and the locking position upon the closing of the fuel 
lid; switching means operated when the lid locking means is moved by the 
lid opening means from the locking position to the unlocking position, and 
is reset when the lid locking means is moved by the moving means between 
the locking position and the unlocking position; and valve means for 
opening the communicating means at times when the switching means is 
operated, and for closing the communicating means at times when the 
switching means is reset. 
In accordance with the above aspect of the invention, when the lid locking 
means is moved by the lid opening means from the locking position to the 
unlocking position, the fuel lid in the closed state is released and the 
switching means is actuated. Upon actuation of the switching means, the 
adsorbing means and the fuel tank are made to communicate with each other, 
so that the fuel vapor in the fuel tank flows into and is adsorbed by the 
adsorbing means via the communicating means. 
The moving means moves the lid locking means as the fuel lid is closed. 
When the lid locking means is moved by the moving means from the locking 
position to the unlocking position, the switching means is reset. Upon 
resetting of the switching means, the communicating means is closed, so 
that the fuel vapor in the fuel tank is prevented from flowing into the 
adsorbing means. 
As described above, in accordance with the invention, the adsorbing means 
is made to communicate with the fuel tank when the fuel lid is opened, 
i.e., during refueling; and communication between the adsorbing means and 
the fuel tank is shut off when the fuel lid is closed, i.e., after 
refueling. Hence, it is possible to advantageously prevent the discharge 
of fuel vapor during refueling, and the efflux thereof to the adsorbing 
means is prevented after refueling. 
Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth and in 
part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice 
of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be 
realized and attained by means of the instrumentation and combination 
particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, description will be given of a first embodiment 
of the present invention: 
As used herein unless otherwise stated and in order to simplify the 
detailed description and orientation of the various elements, the terms 
"longitudinal" or "longitudinally" refer generally to the lengthwise 
direction or plane and the terms "transverse" or "transversely" refers 
generally to the width direction or plane of the vehicle on which the 
apparatus is mounted. Similarly, the terms "front," "rear," "upper," and 
"lower" refer to the corresponding parts of the vehicle relative the 
mounted apparatus. 
As shown in FIG. 3, a lower end 12A of an inlet pipe (i.e., a filler pipe) 
12 passes through an outer wall 10A, as-viewed in a transverse direction 
of a fuel tank 10 mounted on the vehicle. Fuel 14 is contained inside the 
fuel tank 10. 
An upper end of the inlet pipe 12 serves as a fuel inlet port 12B on which 
a fuel cap 16 is threadingly engaged. A fuel lid 18 is attached to a 
portion of a vehicle body outwardly of the fuel cap 16, as viewed in the 
transverse direction. The fuel lid 18 is pivotally supported by the 
vehicle body; and is constantly, urged by an urging means (not shown) 
counterclockwise as shown in the direction of arrow of FIG. 1 i.e., in the 
direction in which it is opened. After fuel lid 18 is opened, if the fuel 
cap 16 is removed from the fuel inlet port 12, and a fuel nozzle is 
inserted into the fuel inlet port 12B, fuel 14 can be supplied to the fuel 
tank 10. In FIG. 1, arrow F indicates the direction in which the fuel 
nozzle is inserted. 
The present invention includes a lid locking means which moves in one 
direction to a locking position for holding a fuel lid in a closed 
position and in the opposite direction to an unlocking position for 
releasing the fuel lid. As embodied herein, and as shown in FIG. 1, the 
lid locking means includes a retainer 20 for holding the fuel lid 18 in a 
closed state which is secured to an inner side surface, as viewed in the 
transverse direction of the fuel lid 18 by means of a bolt 21 welded to 
the fuel lid in such a manner as to extend through the fuel lid 18 nut 23 
is threaded on bolt 21. 
A substantially U-shaped recess defined by bent hook portion 20A is formed 
in a transversely extending inner side of the lid retainer 20 with its 
open end facing rearwardly. In the locked state, one end 22A of a shaft 22 
of the lid locking means is inserted into the recess defined by hook 
portion 20A from the rear. 
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the shaft 22 is secured by a shaft retainer or 
supporting housing 26, i.e., a support housing for the lid loading means 
in such a manner as to be movable in the longitudinal direction. 
Specifically, a central portion 22B of the shaft 22 is held in such a 
manner as to be inserted axially through a cylindrical member on bushing 
28. The cylindrical bushing 28 extends longitudinally from front 26A of 
the shaft support housing 26 and projects perpendicular to the side 26A 
toward the front of the vehicle. Thus, the shaft 22 is movable axially in 
the longitudinal direction in the cylindrical bushing 28. 
Housing 26 is fastened to vehicle frame member 24 with bushing 28 extending 
in a longitudinal direction through frame 24 of the vehicle body. A washer 
30 is fitted over the cylindrical portion 28 from the front, and abuts the 
frame 24. An external thread 32 is formed on the cylindrical portion 28 
forward of frame 24 and a nut 34 inserted from the front is threaded on 
external threads 32. In other words, the washer 30 and frame 24 are 
clamped between the nut 34 and the housing 26, thus securing housing 26 to 
the frame 24. 
A rectangular through hole 36 extends vertically through shaft 22 adjacent 
the rear end portion 22C, a manner as to extend in the vertical direction 
of the vehicle (in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the lid 
opening means is provided for remotely controlling the operation of the 
lid locking means in interlocking relationship with the switching means. 
As embodied herein, lid opening means includes a lever 38 having one end 
38A extending into hole 36 from beneath the shaft. 
As shown in FIG. 2, a central portion 38B of the lever 38 is pivotally 
supported on a supporting pin 40 which is mounted on an outer wall 26B of 
support housing 26 and extends from the vertical surface 26B transversely 
inwardly of the housing 26. Consequently, the lever 38 is rotatable about 
the supporting pin 40 clockwise or counterclockwise as viewed in FIG. 2. 
In addition, the lever 38 is constantly urged counterclockwise as viewed 
in FIG. 2 by a torsion coil spring 41. 
Thus, as lever 38 moves in either a clockwise or counter clockwise 
direction, the shaft 22 moves axially with it. 
A hook portion 38C is formed at a lower end of the lever 38. A hook 44 
fixed to one end 42A of a wire 42 is retained by the hook portion 38C. The 
wire 42 is inserted in a wire tube 46, and one end 46A of the wire tube 46 
is secured to a lower wall 26C of the housing 26 via a tube stopper 48. As 
shown in FIG. 3, other end 42B of the wire 42 is connected to a lid opener 
50 which is the remote portion of the lid opening means, and is provided 
in a vehicle compartment, for example. 
Accordingly, if the lid opener 50 is operated to pull the wire 42 in the 
direction of arrow A of FIG. 2 against the urging force of the torsion 
coil spring 41, the lever 38 rotates about the support pin 40 clockwise as 
viewed in FIG. 2. 
An actuation detecting switch 64 is mounted rearwardly in axial alignment 
with shaft 22 spaced a predetermined distance from the end of the shaft 22 
when shaft 22 is in the locked position. In other words, the actuation 
detecting switch 64 is secured to the transverse surface 26B of the 
housing 26 by means of screws 65A, 65B. The diameter of each through hole 
provided in the wall 26B of housing 26 is formed to be slightly larger 
than the diameter of the shank of the screws 65A, 65B. Thus the mounting 
position of the actuation detecting switch 64 is adjustable in housing 26. 
Switch 64 has a pushbutton 64A projecting longitudinally in alignment with 
actuation detecting switch 64 (in the direction of arrow B). Pushbutton 
64A is depressed in the opposite direction to that of arrow B by engaging 
the end of the shaft 22 when the shaft 22 moves axially to the rear. The 
pushbutton 64A is constantly urged in the direction of arrow B by an 
urging means (not shown) provided in the actuation detecting switch 64. 
The arrangement is such that when the pushbutton 64A is moved in the 
opposite direction to that of arrow B against this urging force, the 
actuation detecting switch 64 is operated. 
As shown schematically in FIG. 3, the actuation detecting switch 64 is 
connected to a coil of a solenoid valve 67 via an electrical wire 61. The 
connection of the coil of the solenoid valve 67 to a battery is 
illustrated in FIG. 9. The solenoid valve 67 is disposed midway in a vent 
tube 69 connecting the fuel tank 10 and a charcoal canister 68. When the 
actuation detecting switch 64 is open, the vent tube 69 is shut off by the 
solenoid valve 67, but when the actuation detecting switch 64 is closed, 
the coil is energized by a battery to open the solenoid valve, thereby 
putting the vent tube 69 in a communicating state. 
As shown in FIG. 1, a chamfered or beveled portion 22D which slants from 
upper right toward lower left as viewed in FIG. 1 is formed at front end 
22A of the shaft 22. A projection 20B having a surface inclined from upper 
right toward lower left as viewed in FIG. 1 substantially parallel to 22D 
is formed on the lower side, as viewed in FIG. 1, of the recess defined by 
hook portion 20A of the lid retainer 20. 
Consequently, if the fuel lid 18 is closed in the opposite direction to 
that of arrow, R in FIG. 1, the inclined surface of the projection 20B is 
brought into contact with the inclined surface 22D, moving shaft 22 
axially inwardly in housing 26 (right in FIG. 1) against the urging force 
of the coil spring 41. In addition, when the fuel lid 18 is closed, the 
end 22A of the shaft 22 advances into the recess defined by hook portion 
20A by means of the urging force of the coil spring 41, thereby putting 
the fuel lid 18 in the locked state. 
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the remote lid opener portion 50 mainly 
comprises a lid opener lever 52 and a base plate 54. 
The base plate 54 is formed of a tabular member, and its longitudinally 
extending front end portion (a left-hand end portion in FIG. 5) 54A is 
provided with a supporting pin 56 projecting transversely. A central 
portion 52A of the lid opener lever 52 is pivotally supported by the 
supporting pin 56 so that the lid opener lever 52 is rotatable about the 
supporting pin 56 clockwise or counterclockwise as viewed in FIG. 5. 
In addition, a front end of the longitudinal front end portion 54A of the 
base plate 54 is bent orthogonally in a direction into the plane of the 
drawing of FIG. 5 so as to constitute a flange 58. The flange 58 is 
provided with a circular hole 58A. A bolt (not shown) is inserted in the 
circular hole 58A, for securing the base plate 54 inside the vehicle 
compartment. 
Meanwhile, an end of transverse rear end portion (a right-hand end portion 
in FIG. 5) of the base plate 54 is bent orthogonally in a direction 
opposite portion 58 out of the plane of the paper of FIG. 5 so as to 
constitute a bent portion 60. 
A hook 70 is formed at an upper extended portion 60A of the bent portion 60 
of the base plate 54 in such a manner as to extend in the upper direction 
of the vehicle. As shown in FIG. 5, one hook 71A of a tension coil spring 
71 is retained by the hook 70. The outer hook 71B of the tension coil 
spring 71 is retained at a circular hole 74 provided in a distal end 72A 
of a curved portion 72 which is formed in such a manner as to extend 
downwardly from the central portion 52A of the lid opener lever 52 and 
bend in a U-shaped configuration. 
Consequently, the lid opener lever 52 is constantly urged counterclockwise 
in FIG. 5 by the tension of coil spring 71. 
A pawl 73 is provided on a longitudinal central portion 54C of the base 
plate 54 in such a manner as to project transversely out of the plane of 
the paper of FIG. 5, and a portion adjacent to an end 52B of the lid 
opener lever 52 abuts the pawl 73 from therebelow. Accordingly, the 
counterclockwise rotation, as viewed in FIG. 5, of the lid opener lever 52 
is prevented by the pawl 73. 
A circular hole 75 with a notch 75A formed on the longitudinal front side 
thereof is provided on the lower side of the circular hole 74 in the lid 
opener lever 52. A cylindrical stopper 76 secured to one end 42B of the 
wire 42 is retained in the circular hole 75. 
The other end 46B of the wire tube 46 is secured via a tube stopper 80 at a 
U-shaped notch 78 which is formed in a lower projection 60B of the bent 
portion 60 of the base plate 54 to open outwardly. 
A longitudinal front end 52C of the lid opener lever 52 is bent 
horizontally to constitute a handle 82. 
Accordingly, as an occupant pulls this handle 82 upwardly against the 
urging force of the tension coil spring 71, the lid opener lever 52 
rotates clockwise as viewed in FIG. 5, which, in turn, causes the end 42B 
of the wire 42 to move in the direction of arrow of FIG. 5. 
The operation of this embodiment will now be described. 
When the occupant pulls up the handle 82 of the lid opener lever 52 against 
the urging force of the tension coil spring 71 at the time of refueling, 
the end 42B of the wire 42 moves in the direction of arrow C in FIG. 5. 
Consequently, the other end 42A of the wire 42 moves in the direction of 
arrow A in FIG. 2, causing the lever 38 to rotate clockwise in FIG. 2. 
Accordingly, the shaft 22 moves in the opposite direction to that of arrow 
B, and the end 22A of the shaft 22 is disengaged from the recess defined 
by hook portion 20A of the lid retainer 20, thereby allowing the fuel lid 
18 to open in the direction of arrow R in FIG. 1. 
Meanwhile, the end 22C of the shaft 22 abuts the pushbutton 64A of the 
actuation detecting switch 64 and moves the pushbutton 64A in the opposite 
direction to that of arrow B. Consequently, the actuation detecting switch 
64 closes, and the solenoid valve 67 opens. As a result, the vent tube 69, 
for allowing the interior of the fuel tank 10 and the canister 68 to 
communicate with each other, is put in a communicating state, with the 
result that the fuel vapor is adsorbed by the canister 68, thereby 
preventing the fuel vapor from being discharged to the atmosphere. 
In addition, the actuation detecting switch 64 and the shaft 22 are fixed 
to the shaft support housing 26. Accordingly, when the housing 26 is 
fabricated into a subassembly, it is possible to position the actuation 
detecting switch 64 and the shaft 22 in such a manner that the opening and 
closing of the actuation detecting switch 64 will be controlled 
positively. Accordingly, it is possible to improve the working efficinecy 
of the position adjusting task for the actuation detecting switch 64. 
An outstanding advantage is obtained with the above described embodiment in 
that it is possible to improve the efficiency of adjusting the position of 
the actuation detecting switch for effecting control of the opening and 
closing of the solenoid valve for putting the vent tube in a communicating 
state and a noncommunicating state. 
The second embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to 
FIGS. 6 through 12. Since FIGS. 6, 7, and 9 have elements common to FIGS. 
2, 1, and 3, respectively, corresponding parts are denoted by the same 
reference numerals, and a description thereof will be omitted. 
As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 the lid opening or operating means includes 
bellcrank 142, bell crank 138, and ratchet 152 connected to remote portion 
50. Bell crank 138 has an end 138A inserted in a hole 36 provided adjacent 
the longitudinal rear end 22C of the shaft 22 of the lid locking means, 
from the lower side of the vehicle. 
Accordingly, as the end 138A of the bell crank 138 moves in the 
longitudinal direction, the shaft 22 moves in the longitudinal direction, 
and the end 22A of the shaft 22 moves in and out of the recess defined by 
hook portion 20A of the lid retainer 20. 
A central portion 138B of the bell crank 138 is pivotally supported by a 
supporting pin 140 which extends orthogonally from transverse wall 26B of 
the housing 26. Accordingly, the bell crank 138 is rotatable clockwise or 
counterclockwise as viewed in FIG. 6. The bell crank 138 is constantly 
urged counterclockwise as viewed in FIG. 6 by means of a torsion coil 
spring 141. 
In addition, the other end of the bell crank 138 is bent orthogonally to 
extend transversely so as to constitute a pressing portion 138C. This 
pressing portion 138C is capable of being brought into contact with one 
end of on elongated pushbutton 145 of an actuation detecting switch 144 
fixed to a bell crank 142. 
A hook portion 138D projects transversely from a lower end of the central 
portion 138B of the bell crank 138, and this hook portion 138D engages a 
notch 143 formed on the inner side of a corner of a central bent portion 
142B of bell crank 142. Bell crank 142 has a longitudinally extending 
front end 142A supported pivotally by a portion of the supporting pin 140 
which is disposed transversely outwardly of the bell crank 138. 
Since the hook portion 138D of the bell crank 138 is thus engaged with the 
notch 143 of the bell crank 142, when the bell crank 142 rotates about the 
supporting pin 140 clockwise as viewed in FIG. 6, the bell crank 138 also 
rotates about the supporting pin 140 clockwise as viewed in FIG. 6. 
The actuation detecting switch 144 is fixed to the central bent portion 
142B of the bell crank 142 in such a manner that the longitudinal 
direction of the pushbutton 145 is parallel with a tangent of a rotating 
path of the central bent portion 14B of the bell crank 142. 
A flange 144C projects from front sruface 144B of a body 144A of the 
actuation detecting switch 144 in a direction perpendicular to the axis of 
the pushbutton 145. A circular hole 147 is provided in a central portion 
of the flange 144C. The actuation detecting switch 144 is fixed to the 
central portion 142B of the bell crank 142 and extends transversely from 
the inner side by means of a screw 146 inserted in the circular hole 147. 
In addition, with the switch 144 mounted a peripheral edge portion of the 
flange 144C abuts a transverse projecting ridge 142C projecting from the 
central bent portion 142B of the bell crank 142 toward the inner side, 
which prevents a positional deviation of the actuation detecting switch 
144. 
Accordingly, the actuation detecting switch 144 rotates clockwise or 
counterclockwise as viewed in FIG. 6 integrally with the bell crank 142. 
The elongate pushbutton 145 of the actuation detecting switch 144 passes 
through the body 144A of the actuation detecting switch 144 along its 
axis. The pushbutton 14, when pressed by pressing portion 138C of the bell 
crank 138, moves in the direction of arrow OFF. When an upper end 145A of 
the pushbutton 145 is pressed and the pushbutton 145 is thereby moved in 
the direction of arrow OFF, the actuation detecting switch 144 is set in 
an open state. Meanwhile, even when the bell crank 138 rotates 
counterclockwise as viewed in FIG. 6 and its pressing portion 138C hence 
moves away from the pushbutton 145, the actuation detecting switch 144 is 
held in its open state. 
A projection 27 is provided at a position where it is capable of abutting a 
lower end 145B of the pushbutton 145. The projection 27 projects 
horizontally from the transverse rear surface 26D of the housing 26 
longitudinally rearwardly. Consequently, when the actuation detecting 
switch 144 rotates clockwise as viewed in FIG. 6, the pushbutton 145 is 
pressed by the projection 27 and moves in the direction of arrow ON, 
thereby setting the actuation detecting switch 144 in a closed state. This 
closed state is also maintained when the pushbutton 145 is separated from 
the projection 27. 
This actuation detecting switch 144 is of a well known type which is 
ordinarily used in a power supply cord or the like, so an illustration of 
its internal structure will be omitted. A supporting pin 150 is provided 
on a lower end 142D of the bell crank 142 in such a manner as to project 
transversely inwardly. The lid opening means also includes a latch 152 
which is pivotally supported on supporting pin 150 on the transversely 
inner side thereof. This latch 152 is constnatly urged clockwise as viewed 
in FIG. 6 by means of a torsion coil spring 151. 
A claw 152A see FIG. 8 is formed at a portion of the latch 152 located on 
the longitudinal rear and lower side thereof in such a manner as to 
project downwardly. The claw 152A is stopped by a projection 26E of the 
housing 26 by means of the urging force of the torsion coil spring 151. 
This projection 26E projects upwardly from a longitudinal front end of the 
projection 27. Accordingly, with the claw 152A of the latch 152 retained 
by the projection 26E, the bell crank 142 is prevented from rotating 
clockwise as viewed in FIG. 6. 
A pair of parallel hooks 152B, 152C are provided uprightly on a portion of 
the latch 152 located on the longitudinal front and upper side thereof in 
such a manner as to project transversely toward the inner side of the 
vehicle. A ball 156 fixed to one end 42A of the wire 42 is retained 
between the hooks 152B and 152C on the longitudinal rear side thereof. The 
end 42A of the wire 42 is fixed by being passed between a pair of parallel 
hooks 158A and 158B of the bell crank 142. The hooks 158A, 158B are 
provided on a portion of the bell crank 142 on the upper side of the 
supporting pin 150 in such a manner as to project transversely toward the 
inner side of the vehicle. With the claw 152A of the latch 152 engaged at 
the projection 26E, as shown in FIG. 6, the hooks 152B, 152C of the latch 
152 are spaced apart a predetermined distance from the bent portions of 
the hooks 158A, 158B. 
Consequently, when the end 42A of the wire 42 has moved in the direction of 
arrow A (toward lower left in FIG. 6), the latch 152 rotates 
counterclockwise about the supporting pin 150 as viewed in FIG. 6, thereby 
causing the claw 152A to disengage the projection 26E. As a result, the 
bell crank 142 rotates about the supporting pin 140 clockwise as viewed in 
FIG. 6. 
A transversely inner end of the hook 158A is bent orthogonally toward the 
transverse rear of the vehicle, and its distal end is curved downwardly in 
a J-shaped configuration. In addition, a transverse inner end of the hook 
158B is also bent orthogonally toward the rear of the vehicle, and its 
distal end is located in the vicinity of a central portion of the J-shaped 
curvilinear hook 158A. Accordingly, the ball 156 fixed to the end 42A of 
the wire 42 is prevented from coming off easily from the hooks 158A, 158B. 
In addition, the wire 42 is inserted in the wire tube 46, one end 46A of 
the wire tube 46 being secured to a notch 162 of the housing 26 via the 
tube stopper 48. The notch 162 is formed in the lower end 26C of the 
housing and has a U-shaped configuration with its opening facing inwardly 
of the vehicle. 
As shown in FIG. 9, the other end 42B of the wire 42 is connected to the 
remote opener 50 provided in the vehicle compartment. This lid opener 50 
is identical with the one described in connection with FIGS. 4 and 5. 
In addition, the actuation detecting switch 144 is connected between a 
solenoid valve 170 and a battery 172 via an electrical wire 168 in series 
with a coil of the solenoid valve 170. This solenoid valve 170 is 
connected midway in the vent tube 69 connecting the fuel tank 10 and the 
canister 68 in the same way as the one shown in FIG. 3, and is adapted to 
put the vent tube 69 in a communicating state when the actuation detecting 
switch 144 is closed. 
The operation of this embodiment will be described hereinunder. It should 
be noted that the springs 141, 151 are omitted in FIGS. 11 and 12. When 
the occupant pulls up the handle 82 of the lid opener lever 52 shown in 
FIGS. 4 and 5 against the urging force of the tension coil spring 71 at 
the time of refueling, the end 42B of the wire 42 moves in the direction 
of arrow C in FIG. 5. Consequently, as shown in FIG. 10, the end 42A of 
the wire 42 moves in the direction of arrow A, with the result that the 
latch 152 rotates counterclockwise as viewed in FIG. 10 against the urging 
force of the spring 151, thereby allowing the claw 152A of the latch 152 
to be released from the projection 26E. When the latch 152 rotates through 
a predetermined angle, the hooks 152B, 152C are brought into contact with 
the bent portions of the hooks 158A, 158B. Hence, as the end 42A of the 
wire 42 moves in the direction of arrow A, the bell crank 142 rotates 
clockwise as viewed in FIG. 11. 
In this case, since the hook portion 138D of the bell crank 138 is engaged 
with the notch 143 of the bell crank 142, the bell crank 138 rotates 
clockwise as viewed in FIG. 11 integrally with the bell crank 142. As a 
result, the shaft 22 moves in the opposite direction to that of arrow B, 
so that the end 22A of the shaft 22 is withdrawn from the recess defined 
by hook portion 20A of the retainer 20, thereby opening the fuel lid 18 in 
the direction of arrow R in FIG. 7. 
In addition, when the end 42A of the wire 42 moves in the direction of 
arrow A, the bell crank 142 rotates clockwise as viewed in FIG. 11, and 
the actuation detecting witch 144 rotates clockwise as viewed in FIG. 11 
integrally with the bell crank 142. Consequently, the end 145B of the 
pushbutton 145 of the actuation detecting switch 144 is brought into 
contact with the projection 27 of the shaft housing. As the bell crank 142 
further rotates the pushbutton 145 moves in the direction of arrow ON, and 
the actuation detection switch is thereby closed, and the solenoid valve 
170 is hence set in its open state. Consequently, the vent tube 69 for 
communication between the interior of the fuel tank 10 and the charcoal 
canister 68 is set in a communicating state, and the fuel vapor is 
adsorbed by the charcoal canister 68, thereby preventing the fuel vapor 
from being discharged to the atmosphere. 
Subsequently, when the bell cranks 138, 142 have rotated counterclockwise 
as viewed in FIG. 11 by the urging force of the torsion coil spirng 141 
and returned to their state shown in FIG. 6, the pushbutton 145 of the 
actuation detecting switch 144 remains operated in the direction of arrow 
ON, so that the actuation detection switch 144 is maintained in its closed 
state. 
Meanwhile, when the operator has closed the fuel lid 18 after finishing the 
refueling, the shaft 22 is moved in the opposite direction to that of 
arrow B in response to this closing operation, as described above, so that 
the bell crank 138 rotates clockwise as viewed in FIG. 12. In this case, 
sicne the claw 152A of the ratchet 152 is engaged with the projection 36E 
of the housing 26, the bell crank 142 is prevented from rotating clockwise 
as viewed in FIG. 12. 
Accordingly, the pressing portion 138C of the bell crank 138 is brought 
into contact with the end 145A of the pushbutton 145 of the actuation 
detecting switch 144. As a result, the pushbutton 145 moves in the 
direction of arrow OFF, and the actuation detecting switch 144 is opened, 
thereby setting the solenoid valve 170 in the closed state. For this 
reason, even when the vapor line is closed and fuel in the fuel tank is 
shaken due to vibrations during running, cornering, or the like, it is 
possible to prevent the efflux of fuel from the vent tube. 
In addition, when the bell crank 138 has subsequently rotated 
counterclockwise as viewed in FIG. 12 by the urging force of the coil 
spring 141 and returned to its state shown in FIG. 6, the pushbutton 145 
of the actuation detecting switch 144 remains operated in the direction of 
arrow OFF, so that the actuation detecting switch 144 is maintained in its 
open state. 
As described above, the arrangement provided in the foregoing embodiment is 
such that the actuation detecting swtich 144 is opened and closed by the 
rotation of the bell cranks 138,142 provided at a connecting portion 
between the wire 42 and the shaft 22. Hence, it is possible to allow the 
actuation detecting switch 144 to perform the opening/closing operation 
positively in response to the opening and closing of the fuel lid 18. 
By virtue of the above-described arrangements, the present invention offers 
an outstanding advantage in that the actuation detecting switch for 
controlling the opening and closing of the valve for placing the vent tube 
in a communicating state is capable of positively effecting an 
opening/closing operation in response to the opening and closing of the 
fuel lid. 
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications 
and variations can be made in the apparatus of the present invention 
without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is 
intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations 
of this invention provided they come within the scope of the present 
claims and their equivalents.