BRPI0704087B1 - Vehicle Body Structure - Google Patents

Abstract

vehicle body structure. The present invention relates to a vehicle (c) including a main tank (t1) for storing a main fuel and an auxiliary tank (t2) for auxiliary fuel, which is different from the main fuel. the auxiliary tank (t2) is coated with a shield (5), and placed within a surface element (b2) that forms an outer surface of a vehicle body structure (b). preferably a main fuel filler inlet (3a) for the main tank (t1) is placed in an area of a first side surface of the vehicle body structure (b) and an auxiliary fuel filler inlet (2ta) for the auxiliary tank (t2) is placed in an area of a second lateral surface of the vehicle body structure (b).

Description

(54) Title: VEHICLE BODY STRUCTURE (51) Int.CI .: B60K 15/03; B60K 15/063 (30) Unionist Priority: 08/29/2006 JP 2006-231947, 08/29/2006 JP 2006-231952 (73) Holder (s): HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.

(72) Inventor (s): YASUYUKI SHIBATA; YUKIHIKO ONO; KATSUMI HIRANO; MASARU OYAMA; SHINYA KOBAYASHI; NORIAKI MASUTA; SHOJI UHARA

1/41

Invention Patent Descriptive Report for

VEHICLE BODY STRUCTURE.

TECHNICAL FIELD [001] The present invention relates to a vehicle body that includes a main tank for storing a main fuel for use in starting an engine and a subsidiary tank for storing a subsidiary fuel.

STATE OF THE TECHNIQUE [002] Environmental protection measures being taken and rising oil prices in recent years have sparked expanded attention to biomass fuels, such as ethyl alcohol produced from sugarcane, pine cone, beet, wheat or similar , as vehicle fuels that can be used sustainably as alternatives to oil.

[003] Among several known applications of such alternative fuels is, for example, a multiple fuel injection device as described in JP 6-307307 A (see paragraphs 0008 and figure 1) that uses alcohol as an alternative fuel for a vehicle. This multiple fuel injection device uses not only alcohol but also light oil as fuel and includes two fuel tanks: a main tank to store a main fuel (an alcohol tank to store alcohol); and a subsidiary tank to store a subsidiary fuel (a light oil tank to store light oil). In such a vehicle that includes a main tank and a subsidiary tank, two fuel filling inlets are provided for respective tanks, since the types of fuels to be stored in the respective tanks are different from each other.

[004] Another application known in the art is the so-called FFV (flexible fuel vehicle) that was fueled with maPetição 870180009121, from 02/02/2018, p. 4/53

2/41 selective way, either with a mixture of alcohol and gasoline or with only alcohol. The vehicle of this type is mainly fueled with alcohol that has a low vaporization capacity and thus a subsidiary fuel (gasoline or light oil) that is excellent in vaporization capacity is increased in concentration or used as a substitute for the main fuel for a time, such as starting at low temperatures, or heating an engine, when the main fuel cannot be vaporized.

[005] In the vehicle using a main fuel and a subsidiary fuel as described in JP 6-307307 A, however, the subsidiary tank is installed in an engine space, and if a vehicle collision, so violent as to crush the engine space occurs, the subsidiary tank would possibly be deformed by the impact force on the collision.

[006] In a vehicle that has a main tank and a subsidiary tank installed as described in JP 6-307307 A, typically a main fuel filler inlet for the main tank is arranged in an area facing behind a side surface of the vehicle body and a subsidiary fuel filler inlet for the subsidiary tank is arranged in the engine space. Consequently, whoever is going to fill the subsidiary tank with a subsidiary fuel, for example gasoline, must open the engine hood to access the subsidiary fuel filling inlet, through which gasoline will be filled, and is thus obliged to manipulate the engine hood. engine that is bigger, heavier, and thus no easier to open and close than a main fuel cap for the main fuel filler inlet.

[007] In the vehicle of this type, gasoline is used only during the start, and thus the subsidiary tank is designed to have a relatively small capacity, that is, in the range of 500 to 1,000 cm ³ or

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3/41 similar. For this reason, the normal operation of filling the tank with gasoline using a fuel gun at the service station could possibly be too quick to result in a futile attempt to spill superfluous gasoline on it, eventually causing gasoline to overflow unexpectedly in the subsidiary tank. Therefore, it would be desirable to take measures to prevent gasoline (subsidiary fuel) from spilling into the engine space, even if the subsidiary fuel rapidly filled in the subsidiary tank seeps over the subsidiary fuel filler inlet. In addition, filling a subsidiary fuel in a subsidiary tank arranged in the engine space could cause fuel vapors to penetrate a vehicle cabin through an air inlet provided on the top of the vehicle hood, disadvantageously carrying the smell of the vehicle. subsidiary fuel, such as gasoline, up to a passenger.

[008] It is conceivable that the subsidiary fuel filler inlet could be provided in the same area facing behind the side surface of the vehicle body as the main fuel filler inlet is provided in order to prevent the smell from entering the cabin. However, if the subsidiary fuel filler inlet for the subsidiary tank was arranged in the vicinity of the main fuel filler inlet for the main tank or arranged as the main fuel filler inlet, that is, in the same area facing behind the side surface of the vehicle body, then the subsidiary and main fuel filling inlets could be located in positions such that both inlets could be seen at the same time, which could advantageously disfigure the external appearance of the vehicle body vehicle.

[009] In addition, if both entries were arranged together,

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4/41 there would be a possibility that someone could have the inputs mixed and mistakenly supply fuel for a wrong input.

[0010] The present invention was made in an attempt to eliminate the above disadvantages. Non-limiting modalities, illustrative of the present invention, overcome the above disadvantages and other disadvantages not described above. Also, the present invention is not required to overcome the disadvantages described above, and a non-limiting illustrative embodiment of the present invention may not overcome any of the problems described above.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0011] It is an object of the present invention to provide a vehicle body by which a subsidiary tank is prevented from becoming deformed by an impact force in a vehicle collision, and a smell of a subsidiary fuel is prevented from entering a vehicle cabin during an operation to fill the subsidiary tank with the subsidiary fuel.

[0012] In one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle body structure is provided which comprises: a main tank for storing a main fuel; and a subsidiary tank to store a subsidiary fuel that is different from the main fuel, in which the subsidiary tank is coated with a protector, and disposed within a surface member that forms an outer surface of a vehicle body structure.

[0013] The main fuel is a fuel that is used mainly to start an engine and includes, for example, a material from the alcohol group, or a mixture of an alcohol and gasoline. Subsidiary fuel is a fuel that is used when the main fuel is not used and includes, for example, gasoline or similar, which is more excellent in vaporization capacity than

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5/41 than the main fuel. The surface member is a member that forms an external surface of the body and includes, for example, a front bumper, a rear bumper, etc.

[0014] With the body structure of a vehicle as described above, the subsidiary tank is coated, and thus surrounded and reinforced with the protector, and therefore the subsidiary tank can be prevented from becoming deformed by an impact force on a vehicle collision. In addition, the subsidiary tank is disposed within the surface member that forms the outer surface of the body; therefore, fuel vapors generated during a subsidiary tank filling operation with the subsidiary fuel are released into the atmosphere directly on the external surface, for example, on the side surface of the body. As a result, fuel vapors can be prevented from entering the cab through the air intake provided on top of the vehicle's hood, so that a smell of subsidiary fuel would not fill the cab.

[0015] In an embodiment taken as an example, the surface member may comprise a front bumper arranged in an area facing the front of a lateral surface of the vehicle body structure, and the protector may be composed of a member of plate thicker than the front bumper, and disposed between the front bumper and an external panel that is disposed facing inside the front bumper towards an interior of the vehicle body structure.

[0016] According to this modality taken as an example, the protector with which the subsidiary tank is protected is composed of a thicker plate member than the frontal bumper, which is the surface member disposed outside the protector. Therefore, the protector is rigid and strong enough to withstand impact, or the like. In addition, the subsidiary tank is protected by the protector placed between the

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6/41 front bumper and outer panel; it is therefore understood that the subsidiary tank, as disposed between the front bumper and the outer panel, is also protected by the front bumper and the outer panel.

[0017] In the body structure described above of a vehicle, or its modality taken as an example, a fuel tube to feed the subsidiary fuel stored in the subsidiary tank for an engine, can be connected to the subsidiary tank and coated with a tube protector attached to the vehicle body.

[0018] With these additional aspects, the fuel pipe connected to the subsidiary tank is coated with the pipe protector and thus can be prevented from becoming deformed or broken by means of an impact force in a vehicle collision.

[0019] In the body structure described above of a vehicle, or its modalities taken as an example, with or without the additional aspects, a drainage pipe can be connected to the subsidiary tank next to the subsidiary fuel filling inlet to fill the subsidiary tank with subsidiary fuel, in which the drain pipe extends downwards from below the subsidiary fuel filler inlet between the front bumper and the outer panel.

[0020] With these additional aspects, the drain pipe connected to the subsidiary tank next to the subsidiary fuel filler inlet, extends downwards from below the subsidiary fuel filler inlet between the front bumper and the external panel therefore, even if the fuel leaks from the subsidiary tank during the filling operation, the leaked fuel is discharged through the drain pipe outside the engine space, down into the vehicle body.

[0021] In yet another modality taken as an example, the

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7/41 a vehicle body structure described above, may be such that a main fuel filler inlet to fill the main tank with the main fuel is arranged in an area of a first side surface of the vehicle body, and an inlet Subsidiary fuel filling to fill the subsidiary tank with subsidiary fuel is arranged in an area of a second lateral surface of the vehicle body.

[0022] With this modality, fuel vapors generated during a filling operation of the main or auxiliary tank with the main or auxiliary fuel, are released into the atmosphere directly from the corresponding fuel filling inlet on the side surface of the vehicle body. Consequently, fuel vapors can be prevented from entering the cab, so that the smell of the fuel would not fill the cab. In addition, since the main fuel inlet is arranged in an area of the first side surface of the vehicle body and the subsidiary fuel inlet is arranged in an area of the second side surface of the vehicle body, the entrance main fuel filler and subsidiary fuel filler inlet are not seen at the same time, so the outward appearance of the vehicle body is improved. In addition, the main and auxiliary fuel inlets are arranged separately on the first and second side surfaces of the vehicle body respectively, that is, one is located on the right side of the vehicle and the other is located on the left side of the vehicle, and vice versa; therefore, the chance that someone will take the mixed inputs and mistakenly supply a fuel for a wrong input, can be significantly reduced.

[0023] The modality above can be configured additionally, in such a way that one of the areas of the first and second superPetition 870180009121, of 02/02/2018, p. 10/53

8/41 side surfaces of the vehicle body in which the main fuel filler inlet and the subsidiary fuel filler inlet are respectively arranged is an area facing the front of the vehicle body; the other of the areas of the first and second side surfaces of the vehicle body is an area facing the rear of the vehicle body, and the main fuel filler inlet and the subsidiary fuel filler inlet are arranged in positions substantially opposite diagonally to each other. another, when viewed from above the vehicle body.

[0024] With this additional configuration in which the main and auxiliary fuel inlets are arranged in substantially opposite positions diagonally to each other when viewed from above the vehicle body, the positions of the main and auxiliary fuel inlets are arranged such that these entries are not seen at the same time, that is, no more than one fuel cap is arranged on the same side surface of the vehicle body. Therefore, the vehicle's external appearance and marketability can be improved. In addition, since the main and auxiliary fuel inlets are arranged in substantially opposite positions diagonally to each other when viewed from above the vehicle body, the main and auxiliary tank filling operations with the main and auxiliary fuels are never would take place in the same location. Therefore, the possibility that the main and auxiliary fuel inlets may be mixed and mistakenly supply fuel for a wrong entry can be significantly reduced.

[0025] The modalities described above, with or without additional aspects described above, can be configured in such a way that the main fuel inlet is arranged in a

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9/41 area where a rear bumper is installed; the subsidiary tank is arranged between a front bumper and a frame member that forms an engine space, and the subsidiary fuel filler inlet is arranged in an area where the front bumper is installed.

[0026] With this configuration, since the main and auxiliary fuel filling inlets are arranged in areas outside the engine space, that is, the area where the rear bumper is installed and the area where the front bumper is installed, respectively, the possibility for someone to take the subsidiary fuel filling inlet mixed with other reservoir inlets for various types of liquids that are installed in the engine space, can be eliminated without fail. In addition, fuel vapors generated during a subsidiary fuel filling operation with the subsidiary fuel are released into the atmosphere directly from the subsidiary fuel fill inlet on the front bumper, so fuel vapors can be prevented from penetrating in the cabin through the air intake provided on the top hood of the vehicle, so that a smell of subsidiary fuel would not fill the cabin.

[0027] In the above configuration, in addition, the vehicle body may have a body opening provided with a subsidiary fuel cap and an unlocking member for the subsidiary fuel cap, in which the subsidiary fuel cap is configured to cover a subsidiary fuel filler cap to close the subsidiary fuel filler inlet and to open and close the body opening in which the unlocking member is connected to an opener provided in a cabin, by means of an unlocking cable which is routed along an upper structure provided around the engine space, and along

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10/41 over an upper frontal bulkhead structure and configured to release a subsidiary fuel cap lock when the opener is operated.

[0028] With these additional aspects, for example, the unlocking cable connected at one end to the unlocking member is connected at the other end to the opener provided in the cabin. Consequently, a subsidiary fuel cap that covers the subsidiary fuel filler cap when the opening in the body is closed by the subsidiary fuel cap, can be configured to be unlocked when the opener is operated. Therefore, the operation of opening and closing the subsidiary fuel cap can be facilitated. The routing of the release cable as described above, that is, along an upper structure provided around the engine space and along an upper structure of the front bulkhead, makes installation of the opener easier, since the cable release mechanism deviates around the instrument panel, on which the various instruments are arranged. When the subsidiary fuel is filled with the subsidiary fuel, the opener is operated to release the subsidiary fuel cap lock, so that the subsidiary fuel cap is lifted to open the body opening. The subsidiary fuel cap is lighter in weight and smaller in size compared to the engine hood that covers the subsidiary fuel filler cap in the conventional structure, so the closing operation becomes easier.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0029] The aspects, other advantages, and more aspects of the present invention will become more evident by describing in detail illustrative modalities, not limiting it, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

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11/41 [0030] figure 1 is a diagram showing a body structure of a vehicle according to a modality taken as an example of the present invention, in which the arrangement of a main tank, a subsidiary tank, a filling cap main fuel, a subsidiary fuel filler cap is shown schematically;

[0031] figure 2 is a diagram showing a body structure of a vehicle according to an embodiment taken as an example of the present invention, in which the arrangement of a main fuel cap and a main fuel filler cap are illustrated in perspective;

[0032] figures 3A and 3B are diagrams showing a body structure of a vehicle according to an embodiment taken as an example of the present invention, in which figure 3A is a partially enlarged perspective view of the vehicle, illustrating the arrangement a subsidiary fuel cap and a subsidiary fuel filler cap, and Figure 3B is a partially enlarged perspective view of the vehicle, illustrating the arrangement of a locking / unlocking member;

[0033] figure 4 is a diagram showing a body structure of a vehicle according to a modality taken as an example of the present invention, in which a subsidiary tank with a subsidiary fuel filler cap arranged on it is illustrated schematic in cross section;

[0034] figure 5 is a diagram showing a body structure of a vehicle according to a modality taken as an example of the present invention, in which a subsidiary tank is illustrated in cross section;

[0035] figure 6 is a diagram showing a vehicle body structure according to a modality taken as

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12/41 example of the present invention, in which an exploded view of a subsidiary tank of a protector is illustrated in perspective;

[0036] figure 7 is a diagram showing a vehicle body structure according to a modality taken as an example of the present invention, in which the arrangement of a protector and a tube protector are illustrated in perspective;

[0037] figure 8 is a diagram showing a body structure of a vehicle according to a modality taken as an example of the present invention, in which the arrangement of a protector and a protective tube are illustrated in perspective;

[0038] figure 9 is a diagram showing a vehicle body structure according to a modality taken as an example of the present invention, in which a partially enlarged perspective view of the vehicle illustrating an internal protective part mounted on the body of the vehicle is shown;

[0039] figure 10 is a diagram showing a vehicle body structure according to a modality taken as an example of the present invention, in which a partially enlarged perspective view of the vehicle illustrating a subsidiary tank mounted on a protective part internal is shown;

[0040] figure 11 is a diagram showing a vehicle body structure according to a modality taken as an example of the present invention, in which a partially enlarged perspective view of the vehicle illustrating an external protective part mounted on the body of the vehicle is shown;

[0041] figure 12 is a diagram showing a vehicle body structure according to a modality taken as an example of the present invention, in which the routing of a locking cable is illustrated schematically in perspective;

[0042] Figures 13A and 13B are diagrams that show an 870180009121, from 02/02/2018, p. 15/53

13/41 vehicle body structure according to a modality taken as an example of the present invention, in which figure 13A is a perspective view of an opener mounted on the vehicle body and figure 13B is a perspective view illustrating the arrangement of an opener; and [0043] figures 14A and 14B are diagrams showing a body structure of a vehicle according to a modality taken as an example of the present invention, in which figure 14A is a front view illustrating the arrangement of a level indicator main fuel level and a subsidiary fuel level indicator, and figure 14B is an enlarged view of the subsidiary fuel level indicator.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF MODALITIES TAKEN AS

EXAMPLE [0044] Referring now to Figures 1 through 11, a body structure of a vehicle according to an embodiment taken as an example of the present invention will be described. Figure 1 is a diagram showing a body structure of a vehicle according to an embodiment taken as an example of the present invention, in which the arrangement of a main tank, a subsidiary tank, a main fuel filler cap and a cap subsidiary fuel filling, are illustrated schematically. VEHICLE CONSTRUCTION [0045] As shown in figure 1, a vehicle C consistent with the present invention includes a main tank T1 to store a main fuel (fuel to be used primarily; for example, alcohol, a mixture of alcohol and gasoline , etc. or similar) and a subsidiary T2 tank to store a subsidiary fuel (fuel other than the main fuel, for use during low temperature starting, heating an engine, or

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14/41 similar). The present invention is not limited to the types or shapes of vehicle C. That is, vehicle C can be a passenger car, a truck, or the like, as long as it has an ER engine space provided in front of the vehicle, and that include the main tank T1 and the subsidiary tank T2. For the following discussion, a passenger car driven on the right is taken as an example. ENGINE CONSTRUCTION [0046] Engine E shown in figure 1 is configured to run efficiently with a main fuel and a subsidiary fuel when used in combination. At a base end of an intake manifold (not shown) to load an air-fuel mixture into engine E, an auxiliary injection solenoid valve (not shown) is provided to inject subsidiary fuel into engine E, and the auxiliary injection solenoid valve is connected to the subsidiary tank T2 by means of a fuel pipe (subsidiary fuel supply line) L2. The engine is connected to the main tank T1 via a main fuel supply line L2.

[0047] Vehicle C may, for example, be a car designed according to the so-called central tank design, with a main tank T1 located under the front seats. In vehicle C of this type, a main fuel filler inlet 3a of the main tank T1 is arranged inside a body opening B1a (see figure 2) provided in a rear bumper B1 (an area facing the rear of a limb) closer to the rear of the vehicle than the rear row seats), and the main fuel filler port 3a and the main tank T1 are connected by a fill tube 3 and a breather tube 4. CONSTRUCTION OF A STRUCTURE OF VEHICLE BODY [0048] A vehicle body structure B can be configured,

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15/41 for example, as shown in figure 1. In vehicle body structure B a cabin R is provided in a central portion of vehicle body structure B, a main tank T1 is provided under the floor in the central portion of the structure vehicle body B, an E engine is installed in an ER engine space arranged in a forward-facing portion of the vehicle body, a subsidiary tank T2 is provided between an outer wall of the ER engine space and a front bumper B2 (area facing the front of a surface member), a subsidiary fuel cap 7 to cover the subsidiary fuel filler inlet T2a is arranged in a forward-facing area on the right side of the vehicle body structure B, and a main fuel cap 6 to cover the main fuel filler port 3a is arranged in a backward area on the left side of the vehicle body structure B.

[0049] As described above, in vehicle C the main tank T1 and the subsidiary tank T2 are arranged in different positions in relation to the longitudinal axis that extends along the side surfaces of the vehicle body structure B (front-rear direction) . In vehicle C, the main fuel filler inlet 3a of the main tank T1 is arranged in a rearward area (rear bumper installation area B1) of a first side surface (left side surface) of the vehicle body structure B, and the subsidiary fuel filler inlet T2a of the subsidiary tank T2 is arranged in a forward-facing area (front bumper installation area B2) of a second side surface (right side surface of the vehicle body structure B). Thus, the main fuel filler inlet 3a and the subsidiary fuel filler inlet T2a are disposed in substantially opposite positions diagonally from each other when viewed from above the vehicle body structure B. In other words, enPetition 870180009121, of 02/02/2018, p. 18/53

16/41 main fuel filler path 3a, and subsidiary fuel filler inlet T2a are arranged substantially symmetrical with respect to the center of vehicle body structure B when viewed from above the vehicle body, (i.e., the main fuel filling inlet 3a is in an area facing behind the left side surface, while the subsidiary fuel filling area T2a is in an area facing forward of the right side surface).

[0050] Consequently, a main fuel filler cap 1 to close the main fuel filler inlet 3a of the main tank T1, and a subsidiary fuel filler cap 2 to close the subsidiary fuel filler inlet T2a of the subsidiary tank T2 are arranged in significantly different positions in the body of vehicle B, so that the possibility that someone could have the main and auxiliary fuel inlets mixed and mistakenly supply fuel for a wrong entry can be significantly reduced .

MAIN TANK CONSTRUCTION [0051] The main tank as shown in figure 1 is, for example, a fuel tank made of metal to store an alcohol or other mixed fuel, usable as a main fuel. On an upper wall of the main tank T1, a main pump module P1 is provided, and / or other components of which main portions are mounted inside the main tank T1.

CONSTRUCTION OF FUEL FILLING INPUT

MAIN [0052] As shown in figure 1, the main fuel filling inlet 3a, which is an inlet to fill the tank

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Main 17/41 T1 with the main fuel such as alcohol, etc. to drive the engine, it is formed at one end of a filling tube 3, the other end of which is connected to the main tank T1. [0053] A breather tube 4 is provided, one end of which is connected to a position of the fill tube 3 next to the main fuel filler port 3a and the other end is connected to the top wall of the main tank T1, so that the air that exists above the fuel inside the main tank T1 is discharged to that position of the filling tube 3 next to the main fuel filling inlet 3a during the filling operation, in order to circulate fuel vapor gases to make the operation smooth filling.

[0054] Figure 2 is a diagram showing a body structure of a vehicle according to an embodiment taken as an example of the present invention, in which the arrangement of a main fuel cap and a main fuel filler cap are illustrated. in perspective.

[0055] The main fuel filler inlet 3a (see figure 1) is closed with the main fuel filler cap 1 as shown in figure 2, and still covered with the main fuel cap 6 hinged or oscillatingly connected otherwise, to an edge of a body opening on one side of the vehicle body structure B. A tag 61 to avoid confusion about the correct type of fuel to be filled is attached to an internal surface of the main fuel cap 6 Label 61 represents a warning that the inlet (main fuel filler inlet 3a) in the body opening B1a that has been covered with the main fuel cap 6 is a fuel inlet for alcohol (main fuel).

[0056] Figures 3A and 3B are diagrams showing a structure 870180009121, of 02/02/2018, p. 20/53

18/41 body shape of a vehicle according to an embodiment taken as an example of the present invention, in which figure 3A is a partially enlarged perspective view of the vehicle illustrating the arrangement of a subsidiary fuel cap and a filler cap of subsidiary fuel, and Figure 3B is a partially enlarged perspective view of the vehicle arrangement that illustrates the arrangement of a locking / unlocking member.

SUBSIDIARY FUEL COVER CONSTRUCTION [0057] The subsidiary fuel cap 7 configured to cover the subsidiary fuel filler cap 2 and to open and close the body opening B3, as shown in figure 3A, is made of a substantially metallic plate round and its outer surface painted the same color as that of the outer panel of the vehicle body structure B. The subsidiary fuel cap 7 is rotatably supported by a hinge 72 in such a way that its outer surface is made level with the outer surface of the outer panel of the vehicle body structure B, when the body opening B3 is closed with the subsidiary fuel cap 7. A label 71, to avoid confusion about the correct type of fuel to be filled, is attached to a rear surface of the subsidiary fuel cap 7. Label 71 represents a warning to prevent a wrong liquid other than the subsidiary fuel river is filled. Also provided on the rear surface of the subsidiary fuel cap 7 is a stop piece 73 with which a cap end of the locking / unlocking member 8 connected to an opener 10 (described later with reference to figures 13A and 13B) operable to open the subsidiary fuel cap 7, is interchangeable.

[0058] Label 71 is what is called a warning label, which is designed to attract the operator's attention with letters or

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19/41 a mark indicated on it, and expected to be seen by the operator, so that the operator can be prevented from mistakenly supplying fuel at the wrong entry. Labels 61 and 71 may not be provided if the warning messages are printed directly on the main fuel cap 6 and subsidiary fuel cap 7.

[0059] The stop piece 73, as shown in figure 3A is made of a sheet metal member that has a locking hole 73a and a compression portion 73b. The tip of the locking / unlocking member 8 engages with, and disengages from the locking hole 73a provided in the stop part 73. The pressure portion 73b of the stop part 73 is configured to receive a displacement force exerted by a spring 74 (see figure 3B). When the body opening B3 is closed with the subsidiary fuel cap 7, a portion of the stop piece 73 provided with the locking hole 73a is inserted between the spring 74 to open the cap and the locking / unlocking member (unlocking member) 8 and becomes locked, so that the subsidiary fuel cap 7 is retained in a closed position. The spring 74, as shown in figure 3B, is a displacement member for automatically opening the body opening B3 by compressing the unlocked subsidiary fuel cap 7 in an outward direction, in which the subsidiary fuel cap 7 moves to open . The spring 74 is made of a leaf spring, for example.

[0060] The locking / unlocking member 8 is a member arranged in a wedge within the body opening B3, formed in the body of the vehicle B, and is configured to lock or unlock the subsidiary fuel cap 7 that closes the body opening B3. The locking / unlocking member 8 is attached to one end (tip end) of the unlocking cable 9, of which the other EXPetition 870180009121, of 02/02/2018, p. 22/53

20/41 tremor (base end) is connected to the opener (see figures 13A and 13B).

CONSTRUCTION OF FUEL FILL COVER

SUBSIDIARY.

[0061] The subsidiary fuel filler cap 2 to open and close the subsidiary fuel filler inlet T2a, is a cap made of plastic and arranged inside the body opening B3 provided in the front bumper B2 (area facing the front of the side surface of the vehicle body structure B) as shown in figure 3A. The front bumper B2 in which the body opening B3 is provided in this modality, is a surface member arranged in an area closer to the front than the front door in the driver's seat, and which extends below the front pillar. The subsidiary fuel filler cap 2 is formed in a different shape and / or dimension than those of the liquid filler filler caps for the other tanks installed in vehicle C, as well as the main fuel filler cap 1 (see figure 1 ) so that a cover cannot be placed over a wrong entry. [0062] Figure 4 is a diagram showing a body structure of a vehicle according to a modality taken as an example of the present invention, in which a subsidiary tank with a subsidiary fuel filler cap arranged on it is illustrated schematic in cross section. Figure 5 is a diagram showing a body structure of a vehicle according to a modality taken as an example of the present invention, in which a subsidiary tank is illustrated in cross section.

SUBSIDIARY TANK CONSTRUCTION [0063] The subsidiary tank T2 as shown in figure 4, is a tank to store a subsidiary fuel that is different from

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21/41 main fuel. An auxiliary pump module P2 is provided on an upper wall of the subsidiary tank T2, of which main portions are mounted inside the subsidiary tank T2. Also provided on the top wall of the subsidiary tank T2 are a displacement valve V, and a subsidiary fuel filler inlet T2a (see figure 5) to which a subsidiary fuel filler cap 2 is attached to be removed from it when the fuel T2 is filled with subsidiary fuel from outside vehicle C through the subsidiary fuel filler inlet T2a. In the subsidiary tank T2, the subsidiary fuel filler cap 2 that carries an indication for gasoline is located in a central portion, the displacement valve V is located in a front portion and the auxiliary pump module P2 is located in a rear portion. The subsidiary tank T2 consists mainly of a container that has vertical dimensions that are shallower to the front and deeper to the rear, assuming a substantially triangular shape when viewed from the side of the vehicle body B. Connected to the subsidiary tank T2 are: a tube L2 fuel adapted to supply a subsidiary fuel for an E engine; a subsidiary tank line L3 adapted to feed fuel vapors to an AC can and an F filter and to the atmosphere; and a drain pipe L4 adapted to discharge a subsidiary fuel that has overflowed from the subsidiary fuel filler inlet T2a to a predetermined suitable location.

[0064] As shown in figure 5, a central portion of the subsidiary tank T2 where the subsidiary fuel filler cap 2 is provided, has a substantially triangular shape in vertical cross section when viewed from the front or rear of the vehicle body B, and designed to have enough stiffness not to become

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22/41 deformed by an impact force. The subsidiary tank T2 in this modality is closed (coated) with the protector 5 made of a reinforcement member made of steel and disposed inside the frontal bumper (surface member) B2 that forms an external surface of the vehicle body B, in so that it is adequately protected as shown in figure 5. The subsidiary tank T2 can, for example, be a steel tank with a capacity of 0.7 liters. Alternatively, the subsidiary tank T2 can be a plastic tank. CONSTRUCTION OF THE SUBSIDIARY TANK FILLING INPUT [0065] As shown in figure 5, the subsidiary tank T2a filling inlet is a fuel filling inlet through which the subsidiary tank T2 is filled with a subsidiary fuel, and composed of a neck tube T2c arranged in an upper wall of the subsidiary tank, in an inclined orientation to one side (to the right in this modality) of the vehicle body B in relation to its vertical position (with its open end T2b facing upwards). The neck tube T2c has a substantially cylindrical inner surface that defines the subsidiary fuel filler inlet T2a, and a substantially cylindrical outer surface welded on a corresponding cylindrically shaped portion of the walls of the subsidiary tank T2. The subsidiary fuel filling inlet T2a composed of the neck tube T2c is located inside a cylindrical case 15 provided contiguously at the edge of the body opening B3 formed on a lateral surface of the vehicle body B. The drain tube L4 is connected to a lower end portion of the cylindrical case 15 outside the subsidiary fuel filler inlet T2a. The substantially cylindrical inner surface of the neck tube T2c is threaded to form an inner thread T2d with which an outer thread 2a of the

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23/41 subsidiary fuel filler cap 2 is interlockable.

[0066] One end of the cylindrical case 15 is connected to the body opening B3, and the other end of the cylindrical case 15 is connected to the neck tube T2c. Within the cylindrical case 15 the subsidiary fuel filler cap 2 is located when the subsidiary fuel filler inlet T2a is closed with the subsidiary fuel filler cap 2.

CONSTRUCTION OF PROTECTOR [0067] Protector 5 as shown in figure 5, is a protective member to cover and protect the subsidiary tank T2, and is composed of a thicker plate member than the front bumper B2. Protector 5 is placed between the front bumper B2 and the external panel 4.

[0068] Figure 6 is a diagram showing a body structure of a vehicle according to a modality taken as an example of the present invention, in which an exploded view of a subsidiary tank and a protector is illustrated in perspective.

[0069] As shown in figure 6, the protector 5 includes as main components an internal protective part 51 arranged in an internal position closer to an interior of the vehicle body, to cover the inner side of the subsidiary tank T2, an external protective part 52 arranged in an external position closer to an exterior of the vehicle body to cover the outer side of the subsidiary tank T2. The inner protective part 51 and the outer protective part 52 are combined together to enclose the subsidiary tank T2. In other words, protector 5 is made up of two similar pieces like a shell. The inner and outer protective parts 51, 52 of the protector 5 include cover portions 51b, 52b and flange portions 51a, 52a formed on edges of the cover portions 51b, 52b, respectively. The flange portions 51a, 52a are designed to meet one with

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24/41 the other when the inner and outer protective parts 51, 52 are combined together. The flange portions 51a, 52a have hollow holes 51c, 52c. The hollow holes 51c of the flange portion 51a are arranged in positions that correspond to those in which the hollow holes 52c of the flange portion 52a are arranged. The hollow holes 51c, 52c of the flange portions 51a, 52a are matched in a one-to-one relationship, and the corresponding hollow holes 51c, 52c are aligned with each other when the inner and outer protective parts 51, 52 are combined together. The cover portions 51b, 52b are arranged facing into the flange portions 51a, 52a, respectively. The cover portions 51b, 52b are designed to assume a spacious shape when the inner and outer protective parts 51, 52 are combined together with each suitable inner surface, in order to accommodate the subsidiary tank T2. The protector, as a subsidiary tank T2, has a substantially triangular shape when viewed from the right side of the vehicle body structure B.

[0070] The internal and external protective parts 51, 52 are fixed to each other with screws or other fasteners 56 (see figure 11) screwed into the respective hollowed holes 51c, 52c. The internal and external protective parts 51, 52 combined and fixed together, are fixed to the vehicle body B with screws or other fasteners 55 (see figure 11) inserted through the screw insertion holes 51b, 52b in the flange portions 51a, 52a, and screwed on an external panel B4 or a stiffener 16 for reinforcement mounted on the external panel B4. The screw insertion holes 51b, 52b provided in the flange portions 51a, 52a, are arranged in this embodiment, at a front end of the upper flange portions 51a, 52a and at an intermediate point of the rear flange portions 51a, 52a.

[0071] A screw or other fastener 53 is screwed into the flange portion 51a disposed at an upper end on the rear side of the

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25/41 internal protective part 51 to fix the internal protective part 51 to a support 17 that must be fixed to the external panel B4. Thus, the protector 5, which has a substantially triangular shape when viewed from the side of the vehicle body B, is fixed to the external panel B4 of the stiffener 16 with at least three fasteners 53 (see figure 6), 55, 56 (see figure 11) which supports three points on the edge of the protector 5. Cut and removed portions 51e are provided on the underside of the inner protective part 51 to allow the fuel pipe L2 and the drain pipe L4 to be inserted through them.

[0072] A cut and removed portion 52e is provided from an intermediate section to an upper side of the outer protective part 52 to provide access to the subsidiary fuel filler cap 2.

CONSTRUCTION OF THE DRAIN PIPE [0073] The L4 drain tube, as shown in figure 6, is a tube to discharge a subsidiary fuel that has overflowed from the inlet to an appropriate predetermined location (see figure 11). Subsidiary fuel filling T2a, for example as a result of rapid filling of the subsidiary tank to the subsidiary tank T2 through the subsidiary fuel filling inlet T2a. The drain pipe L4 is arranged to extend downwards from below the subsidiary fuel filler inlet T2a between the front bumper B2 (see figure 5) and the external panel B4, so that the subsidiary fuel that has leaking from the subsidiary tank T2 is conducted to a different location from the ER engine space.

[0074] Figure 7 is a diagram showing a body structure of a vehicle according to a modality taken as an example of the present invention, in which the arrangement of a protector and a tube protector are illustrated in perspective. Figure 8 is a day Petition 870180009121, of 02/02/2018, p. 28/53

26/41 gram showing a vehicle body structure according to a modality taken as an example of the present invention, in which the arrangement of a protector and a tube protector are illustrated in perspective.

CONSTRUCTION OF FUEL TUBE [0075] The fuel pipe L2 has one end connected to the auxiliary pump module P2 (see figure 4) to establish direct communication with a subsidiary fuel pump P2 b and the other end connected through an injection solenoid valve auxiliary (not shown) of the E motor (see figure 1) to an intake manifold (not shown). The fuel pipe L2 brought from protector 5 is, as shown in figures 7 and 8, coated above with pipe protectors 18, 19 attached to a stiffener or a member of structure B5, such as an upper structure, which constitutes a surrounding portion of the ER engine space around engine E. As shown in figure 7, a damping joint (quick connector) J is interposed at some intermediate point in the fuel pipe L2 in order to absorb an impact.

CONSTRUCTION OF PIPE PROTECTOR [0076] The pipe protectors 18, 19 which are adapted to cover and provide the L2 fuel pipe with a protective layer as shown in figures 7 and 8, are made of a relatively rigid material such as sheet metal , for example. Each tube protector 18, 19 is a semitubular member that is substantially U-shaped in vertical cross section. Tube guards 18, 19 have fixing parts such as flanges 18a, 19a formed around the edges of their semitubular bodies, and are screwed, or otherwise fixed, to fixing parts 18 and 19 to stiffener 16 or frame member B5 that make up the vehicle body structure B. Tube protectors 18, 19 are built in this mode with two

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27/41 parts arranged adjacent to each other, that is, the tube guard 18 is arranged on one side of the fuel tube L2 facing outwards towards the side of the vehicle body structure B, and the tube guard 19 is arranged in a surrounding portion of the ER engine space around engine E facing out towards the top of vehicle body structure B.

[0077] Tube protectors 18, 19 can be of any protective member, whose shape, material and / or other properties are not particularly limited. Tube protectors 18, 19 can be designed to conform to positions and shapes and, therefore, the number of tube protectors is not limited to two, but can be one or more than two.

[0078] The protector 18 is a protective member with which the fuel tube L2 brought from the protector 5 is protected as shown in figure 7. The tube protector 18 is fixed to the stiffener 16 disposed above the protector 5, of the external panel B4 , of the frame member B5 constituting the outer wall of the ER motor space, and other components with screws (not shown). The tube protector 18 of substantially U-shaped cross section and the components (stiffener 16, outer panel B4 or frame member B5) to which the protective tube 18 is attached, are arranged in positions such that they form a tubular shape through the which the fuel pipe L2 can be inserted.

[0079] The protective tube 18 can be supplied in an integrated manner with the internal protective part 51 or the external protective part 52 to present a one-piece structure (monolithic) with it.

[0080] The protective tube 19 is a protective member which is disposed adjacent to the tube protector 18 and with which a portion of the fuel tube L2 extending further from the interior of the tube protector 18 is coated, as shown in figure 7. The

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28/41 tube 19 is fixed to the structure member B5 constituting the external wall of the ER motor space of the stiffener 16, the external panel B4 and other components with screws (not shown). The tube protector 19 of substantially U-shaped cross-section and the components (frame member B5, stiffener 16 or external panel B4) to which the tube protector 19 is attached are arranged in positions such that they form a tubular shape through from which the fuel pipe L2 can be inserted.

OPERATIONS / ADVANTAGES [0081] Next, referring to the drawings, a process for assembling a vehicle with a body structure according to modalities taken as an example of the present invention and the operations and advantages of the body structure, will be described below. [0082] Figure 9 is a diagram showing a body structure of a vehicle according to a modality taken as an example of the present invention, in which a partially enlarged perspective view of the vehicle illustrating an internal protective part mounted on the body of the vehicle is shown. Figure 11 is a diagram showing a vehicle body structure according to an embodiment taken as an example of the present invention, in which a partially enlarged perspective view of the vehicle illustrating an external protective part mounted on the vehicle body is shown .

[0083] When the subsidiary tank T2 is mounted on the vehicle body structure B, the inner protective part 51 of the protector is attached to the outer panel B4 of the vehicle body structure B on the outside, as shown in figure 9. When the part inner protector 51 is attached to the outer panel B4, bracket 17 is attached to the inner protective part 51 with a fastener 53 inserted through a hole 51d provided in the flange portion 51a disposed on the upper end of the rear side of the

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29/41 inner protective part 51. The support 17 is then fixed to the outer panel B4 with the fasteners, and the inner protective part 51 is attached to the outer surface of the outer panel B4.

[0084] Then, as shown in figure 10, the subsidiary tank T2 is attached to the inside of the inner protective part 51. When the subsidiary tank T2 is attached to the protector 5, a hole (not shown) provided in the support piece T2e that it was joined by welding, or other joining means, it is fitted over a screw portion 51f that protrudes from the inside of the cover portion 51b and fixed with a nut. In this way the subsidiary tank T2 is fixed to the inside of the cover portion 51b of the inner protective part 51. Thereafter the fuel pipe L2, the subsidiary tank line L3 and the drainage pipe L4 are connected to the subsidiary tank T2.

[0085] Then, as shown in figure 11, the outer protective part 52 is arranged to cover the subsidiary tank T2 and attached to the inner protective part 51. When the outer protective part 52 is attached to the inner protective part 51 an outer protective part 52 is arranged on the inner protective part 51 and fasteners 55 are inserted through the inner and outer protective parts 51, 52 on the outside, so that the inner and outer protective parts 51, 52 are attached together to the stiffener 10 and the front bumper B2. In addition, on a screw 57 attached to the front bumper B2 at its base end and protruding through a hole in the support 17, a nut 58 is screwed in so that the outer protective part 52 is fixed to the vehicle body structure B.

[0086] Fasteners 56 for joining the inner and outer protective parts 51, 52 together, are inserted through the hollow holes 52c (see figure 6) in the flange portions 52a of the outer protective part 52 and into the hollow holes 51c (see figure 6) on the flange portions 51a of the internal protective part 51 to thereby secure the parts 51 together,

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30/41

52.

[0087] The subsidiary tank T2 is thus coated with the internal and external protective parts 51, 52, and attached to the body of vehicle B. In addition, protector 5 is as shown in figure 5, covered with the front bumper ( surface member) B2 arranged on one side of the protector 5 facing outwards towards the side of the vehicle body B.

[0088] Since the subsidiary tank T2 is disposed inside the protector as shell 5 which is still disposed between the external panel B4 and the front bumper B2 as shown in figure 5, the subsidiary tank T2 is protected from the outside, from so that deformation due to the impact force from the outside of the vehicle (for example, side impact as indicated by arrow a), can be prevented.

[0089] The subsidiary tank T2 is also, as shown in figure 11, enhanced against the impact force in a collision from the face of the front or rear direction (as indicated by the arrow b, c), since the subsidiary tank T2 shells the protector 5 made of relatively thick sheet metal, and is therefore protected. Protector 5 is formed in a substantially triangular shape that narrows towards the front when viewed from the side of the vehicle body B, and so is particularly enhanced against the impact force from the front of (frontal impact as indicated by arrow b). Therefore, the subsidiary tank T2 can be prevented from becoming deformed by means of an impact force in a collision, or similar.

[0090] The fuel tube L2 connected to the subsidiary tank T2 is covered with a tube protector 18 which is attached to the vehicle body structure B with fixing parts 18a around the protective tube 18 fixed by means of fasteners (not shown) ) to the stiffener 10, or similar, on the outside as shown in figure 7. In addition, the

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31/41 fuel L2 is covered with the tube protector 19 which is fixed to the vehicle body structure B with fixing parts 19a around the tube protector 19 fixed by means of fasteners (not shown) to the structure member B5 or similar, as shown in figure 8.

[0091] The fuel tube L2 brought from the subsidiary tank T2 is still covered with a hood (not shown).

[0092] The fuel pipe L2 arranged in the vehicle body structure B as described above is lined with the pipe protector 18 as shown in figure 7 and the pipe protector 19 as shown in figure 8. Thus, the fuel pipe L2 can be protected from impact force in a vehicle C collision, and a direct collision of foreign matter with the L2 fuel pipe can be prevented. Consequently, the fuel pipe L2 can be prevented from becoming deformed or ruptured by an external force, and a leakage of subsidiary fuel from the fuel pipe L2, which could result from the rupture of the fuel pipe L2 can be prevented.

[0093] The drain pipe L4 connected to the subsidiary tank T2 is arranged to extend downwards from below the subsidiary fuel filler inlet T2a of the subsidiary tank T2 along the outer panel B4, is disposed between the outer panel B4 and the front bumper B2.

[0094] As a result, the drain pipe L4 can be located away from an air inlet B6a which is an intake port through which air is taken from a top hood B6 as shown in figure 7 and supplied into the interior of the cabin R of vehicle C. Since the drain pipe L4 can be arranged outside the ER engine space, fuel vapors flowing from the drain pipe L4 can be prevented from entering the cabin R through the air inlet B6a , so that a smell of fuel subsidies 870180009121, of 02/02/2018, p. 34/53

32/41 ary would not fill cabin R.

[0095] Figure 12 is a diagram showing a body structure of a vehicle according to a modality taken as an example of the present invention, in which the routing of a locking cable is illustrated schematically in perspective. LOCK / UNLOCK MEMBER CONSTRUCTION (UNLOCK MEMBER) [0096] The lock / unlock member (unlock member) 8 as shown in figure 2, is a member connected to opener 10 (see figures 13A, 13B) via an unlocking cable 9 and configured to be moved in an outward direction from the body opening B3 (see figures 3A and 3B) through the operation of the opener 10, to thereby unlock the subsidiary fuel cap 7 (see figure 3A). The subsidiary fuel cap 7 is configured to swing open automatically through the action of spring 74 to open the body opening B3 when a lock on the subsidiary fuel cap 7 is released (see figure 3A). The locking / unlocking member 8 is arranged on an edge of the body opening B3 and allowed to move back and forth so that the tip end is interlockable with, and disengages from the lock hole 73a of the stop piece 73 (see figure 3A).

UNLOCKING CABLE CONSTRUCTION [0097] The unlocking cable 9 as shown in figure 12, is a member for transmitting an operation from the opener 10 (see figures 13A, 13B) to the locking / unlocking member 8. One end (end end ) of the unlock cable 9 is connected to the locking / unlocking member 8 and the other end (base end) of the unlocking cable 9 is connected to the opener installed in cabin R. The unlocking cable 9 is routed around the engine space ER, that is, from the member of

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33/41 locking / unlocking 8 through the upper right and left structures B7, B8 and the upper front bulkhead structure B9 to the opener 10. The portion of the unlocking cable 9 next to each end is arranged along the upper structure B7 or B8 and the unlock cable 9 is configured to move back and forth when the opener is operated back and forth.

[0098] The unlocking cable 9 routed along the wall of the ER engine space is composed of a cable that has a core wire inserted into a tubular jacket made of plastic, in a way that allows the core wire to move back and forth forward in the tubular shirt. The unlocking cable 9 is held by a plurality of clips (not shown) at appropriate spacings.

[0099] The upper structures B7, B8 and the upper frontal bulkhead structure B9 correspond to the structure member as defined in the appended claims.

[00100] Figures 13A and 13b are diagrams showing a body structure of a vehicle according to an embodiment taken as an example of the present invention, in which figures 13A is a perspective view of an opener mounted on the body structure of vehicle, and figure 13B is a perspective view illustrating the arrangement of an opener.

OPENER CONSTRUCTION [00101] The opener 10 as shown in figures 13A and 13B is an operating unit that is operable when the subsidiary fuel cap 7 (see figure 3A) that closes the body opening B3 (see figures 3A and 3B) must be open. An operating button 10b of the opener 10 is installed, for example, in a left area (side of the passenger seat) and bottom of the instrument panel 11 arranged on the front side of cabin R of vehicle C. The opener 10 includes a case

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34/41 of opener 10a, an operating button 10b, an axis 10c, and a support 10d. The opener case 10a is arranged in a location such that an operator can see the opener case 10a on the instrument panel

11. The operation button 10b is arranged on the front surface (into the cabin R, that is, towards the rear of the vehicle C) of the opener case 10a, and in a way that allows the operator to pull the operation button 10b. The core wire protruding from the jacket at the base end of the unlocking cable 9 is connected to the operating button 10b of the opener 10, and is configured to be movable together with the operating button 10b. The shaft 10c is provided with an opening in the opener case 10a where the operating button 10b is installed to support the operating button 10b in a manner that allows the operating button 10b to swing or tilt upward. The holder 10d is a part for attaching the opener case 10a to the vehicle body structure B.

[00102] The opener case 10a is attached to the support 10d which is attached to the vehicle body structure B.

[00103] The operating button 10b is oscillatingly supported at its upper end on the axis 10c mounted on the opener case 10a, and the unlocking cable 9 (its core wire) is connected to the operating button 10b. Consequently, the operation of pulling the operating button 10b causes the release cable 9 to unlock the locking / unlocking member 8 (see figure 12), thus allowing the subsidiary fuel cap 7 to open automatically.

[00104] The unlocking cable 9 connected to the operation button 10b is, as shown in figure 13A, arranged to operate through a partition wall (not shown) disposed between cabin R and the ER engine space (see figure 2) and routed in the ER engine space.

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35/41 [00105] Figures 14A and 14B are diagrams showing a vehicle body structure according to a modality taken as an example of the present invention, in which figure 14A is a front view illustrating the arrangement of a level indicator main fuel level and a subsidiary fuel level indicator, and figure 14B is an enlarged view of the subsidiary fuel level indicator.

[00106] As shown in figure 14A, a fuel level indicator 12 is arranged on one side 11a of the instrument panel 11. The fuel level indicator 12 is configured to indicate a fuel level (amount remaining) of a fuel main measured by a fuel level gauge installed in the main pump module P1 (see figure 1). In the fuel level indicator 12 a dial 12a is provided to indicate the remaining amount of the main fuel. Dial 12a includes calibration markings 12b and a pointer 12c to indicate the fuel level of the main fuel in the main tank T1 (see figure 1), which are labeled with a 12d mark on the main tank T1 and a level warning indicator. subsidiary fuel 12e to indicate a warning regarding the fuel level of the subsidiary tank in the subsidiary tank T2 (see figure 1) when igniting.

[00107] The subsidiary fuel level warning indicator 12e as shown in figures 14A and 14B, is an indicator light to issue a warning that the subsidiary fuel level remaining in the subsidiary tank T2 is low, for example, bright red, when the subsidiary fuel level that remains in the subsidiary tank T2 when measured by a fuel level warning sensor P2a (see figure 4) provided in the auxiliary pump module P2 of the subsidiary tank T2 becomes lower than the level below the which the notice is to be issued. The level warning indicator

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36/41 subsidiary fuel 12e is labeled G which is distinct from the mark 12d of the main tank T1 (see figure 1).

OPERATIONS / ADVANTAGES [00108] Next, referring to the drawings, operations and advantages of the body structure of a vehicle according to modalities taken as an example of the present invention will be described below.

MAIN FUEL FILLING [00109] Referring now to figure 5, the operations and advantages of the illustrated modalities exercised when the main fuel is filled, will be described first.

[00110] When an ignition switch (not shown) is turned on, a fuel tank system is activated. A driver can check the level (quantity) of main fuel that remains in the main tank T1 and the level (quantity) of subsidiary fuel that remains in the subsidiary tank T2 from the fuel level indicator 12 on the instrument panel 11 as shown in figures 14A and 14B; therefore, the driver can make an appropriate determination according to the remaining quantities or levels of the main and auxiliary fuel, as to the time to fill the main and / or auxiliary fuel tanks T1, T2. [00111] When it is determined that the main tank T1 should be filled with main fuel, the main fuel cap 6 which is provided on the rear bumper B1 arranged in an area facing behind a left side surface of the vehicle body B , as shown in figure 2, is opened and the main fuel filler cap 1 is rotated and removed from the main fuel filler port 3a, and main fuel is filled through the main fuel filler port 3a. At this stage, a label 61 attached to the inner surface of the fuel cap

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37/41 main 6 to warn that this fuel filling inlet is dedicated to the main alcohol fuel as shown in figure 3, is seen by the driver or someone else filling the main tank T1. On the other hand, the subsidiary fuel filler cap 2 (see figure 3A) and the main fuel filler cap 1 have indications (not shown) that warn that this fuel filler inlet is dedicated to subsidiary petrol fuel and that this fuel filling inlet is dedicated to the main alcohol fuel, respectively.

[00112] The main fuel filler inlet 3a and the subsidiary fuel filler inlet T2a are located in spaced positions that are substantially symmetrical with each other, with respect to the center point of the vehicle body structure B as shown in the figure 1. The position of the main fuel filler inlet 3a which is on the front bumper B2 outside the engine space ER, is also removed from the positions of the inlet T3a of the washing tank T3 or other tank inlets located in the engine space ER.

[00113] As a result, the main fuel filler inlet 3a, subsidiary fuel filler inlet T2a, wash tank inlet T3a and other caps are different from each other in their warning indication, installation, installation position, shape and dimensions. Therefore, you can never have the entrances mixed and the possibility that someone could mistakenly put a cap on a wrong entry, or supply fuel for a wrong entry, can be significantly reduced.

SUBSIDIARY FUEL FILLING [00114] For example, when the amount of subsidiary fuel that remains in the subsidiary tank T2, as shown in figuPetição 870180009121, of 02/02/2018, pg. 40/53

38/41 ra 4, decreases below a predetermined level, the fuel level warning sensor P2a detects the decrease and sends a warning signal to the fuel level indicator 12. The subsidiary fuel level warning indicator 12e the fuel level indicator 12 then glows red. The driver who saw the indication of the subsidiary fuel level indicator 12e can recognize that the subsidiary fuel level is currently so low that the subsidiary tank T2 should be refilled. Consequently, the indication of the subsidiary fuel level warning indicator 12e also serves to prevent the subsidiary fuel pump P2b figure 4 from running empty for the empty subsidiary tank T2 in summer time.

[00115] When the subsidiary fuel is supplied, the operating button 10b of the opener 10 as shown in figures 13A and 13B is pulled upwards. Then, the operating button 10b oscillates on axis 10c towards the interior of cabin R (in the direction as indicated by the arrow

a) and pull the release cable 9 towards the cabin R (in the direction as indicated by arrow b).

[00116] The locking / unlocking member 8 provided at the tip end of the unlocking cord 9 is as shown in figures 3A and 3B, moves together with the unlocking cord 9 in the direction indicated by arrow c, and retracts into the body opening B3. This disengages the engaged locking / unlocking member 8 from the stop part 73, and releases the subsidiary fuel cap 7. The released subsidiary fuel cap 7 is pushed by the spring force 74 and swings open to automatically open the body opening B3 as shown in figure 3A. Thereafter the subsidiary fuel filler cap 2 is rotated and removed to open the subsidiary fuel filler inlet T2a (see figure 5) and subsidiary fuel is supplied through the filler inlet.

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39/41 subsidiary fuel T2a. In this way, the operation of opening and closing the subsidiary fuel cap 7 when filling the subsidiary fuel in the operation of filling the subsidiary fuel is simplified and facilitated.

[00117] As shown in figure 12, the unlocking cable 9 is arranged along the walls of the ER motor space in a substantially U-shaped route. Thus, the unlocking cable 9 can be routed from the front bumper B2 located in the forward facing portion of the right side of the driver's seat, bypassing around the driver's seat side portion of the instrument panel 11 on which the various instruments are arranged, and up to the passenger seat side of the instrument panel. instrument panel 11 where the opener 10 is installed.

[00118] When the subsidiary fuel cap 7 is opened when filling a fuel as shown in figure 3A, the indication on the label 71 fixed on the inner surface of the subsidiary fuel cap 7 to warn that this fuel filler inlet is dedicated to the subsidiary fuel of gasoline or similar, as well as the indication of the similar warning on the subsidiary fuel filler cap 2, can be recognized by a person who is going to fill the subsidiary tank T2. Therefore, the possibility that someone may mistakenly supply a wrong liquid other than the subsidiary fuel for the T2a subsidiary fuel filler inlet can be significantly reduced.

[00119] In addition, the subsidiary fuel filler cap 2 for closing the subsidiary fuel filler inlet T2a is located away from the other tanks such as the T3 tank disposed in the ER engine space, and thus the possibility that someone may supply mistakenly a fuel for a wrong entry, or placing a cap on a wrong entry, can be reduced by

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40/41 significantly.

[00120] Since the subsidiary fuel filling inlet T2a is arranged in the front bumper B2 as shown in figure 3A, fuel vapors generated during a subsidiary fuel filling operation of the T2 tank with subsidiary fuel are released directly into the atmosphere of the subsidiary fuel filler T2a in the front bumper B2.

[00121] Consequently, fuel vapors can be prevented from entering the cabin R through the air intake provided in the top hood of vehicle C, so that a smell of the subsidiary fuel (gasoline) would not fill the cabin R.

MODIFIED MODALITIES [00122] The present invention is not limited to the modalities taken as an example, however it is considered that several modifications and changes can be made to the modalities taken as an example of the invention, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the claims Next.

[00123] For example, in cases where the present invention is applied to a vehicle that has an E engine installed in a position closer to the rear of the vehicle body B, the subsidiary tank T2, and / or the fuel filler inlet subsidiary T2a, can be arranged in a location where the rear bumper B1 is arranged.

[00124] Although the above modalities exemplify an arrangement as shown in figure 1, in which the main fuel filler port 3a is arranged in an area facing behind the left side surface of the vehicle body B, and the fuel filler inlet subsidiary fuel T2a is arranged in an area facing the front of the right side surface of the vehicle body B, the present invention is not limited to this particular arrangement. Per

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41/41 example, the main fuel filler inlet 3a and the subsidiary fuel filler inlet T2a may preferably, but not necessarily, be located in a different position in different positions with respect to the longitudinal axis extending along the side surfaces of the vehicle body B (front-rear direction), and the positions can be switched to appropriate positions on the vehicle body B.

[00125] Although the main tank T1 is installed in the center of the vehicle body in the modalities taken as an example, as described above the main tank T1 can be installed in another position where appropriate, for example, a position closer to the rear of the body of vehicle B.

[00126] The main fuel stored in the main tank T1 and the subsidiary fuel stored in the subsidiary tank T2 are exemplified by alcohol and gasoline, respectively, in the above modalities, however two fuels can be of any type, as long as they are different from each other.

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Claims (13)

1. A vehicle body structure (B) comprising: a main tank (T1) for storing a main fuel; and a subsidiary tank (T2) to store a subsidiary fuel that is different from the main fuel, characterized by the fact that the subsidiary tank (T2) is coated with a protector (5), and disposed inside a surface member (B2) that forms an outer surface of one of the vehicle body (C). 2. Body structure (B), according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that a fuel pipe (L2), to feed the subsidiary fuel stored in the subsidiary tank (T2) to an engine (E) is connected to the tank subsidiary (T2), and coated with a tube protector (19) attached to the vehicle body (C). Body structure (B), according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the surface member (B2) comprises a frontal bumper (B2) arranged in an area facing the front of a lateral surface of the vehicle body (C); and the protector (5) is composed of a plate member, thicker than the front bumper (B2), and disposed between the front bumper (B2) and an external panel (4) that is disposed facing inside the front bumper (B2) towards an interior of the vehicle body (C). 4. Body structure (B), according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that a drain pipe (L4) is connected to the subsidiary tank (T2) next to a subsidiary fuel filling inlet 870180009121, from 02/02 / 2018, p. 45/53 2/4 ary (T2a) to fill the subsidiary tank (T2) with subsidiary fuel, where the drain pipe (L4) extends downwards from below the subsidiary fuel filler inlet (T2a) between one to front shock (B2) and an external panel (4). 5. Body structure (B), according to claim 3, characterized by the fact that a drain pipe (L4) is connected to the subsidiary tank (T2) next to a subsidiary fuel filling inlet (T2a) to fill the subsidiary tank (T2) with subsidiary fuel, in which the drain pipe (L4) extends downwards from below the subsidiary fuel filler inlet (T2a) between the front bumper (B2) and the outer panel (4). 6. Body structure (B) according to claim 1, characterized in that a main fuel filler inlet (3a) to fill the main tank (T1) with the main fuel is arranged in an area of a first lateral surface of the vehicle body (C); and a subsidiary fuel filling inlet (T2a) to fill the subsidiary tank (T2) with the subsidiary fuel to be arranged in an area of a second lateral surface of the vehicle body (C). Body structure (B) according to claim 6, characterized by the fact that one of the areas of the first and second side surfaces of the vehicle body (C) in which the main fuel filler inlet (3a) and the subsidiary fuel filling inlet (T2a) are arranged respectively, being an area facing the front of the vehicle body (C); the other of the areas of the first and second surfaces latePetição 870180009121, of 02/02/2018, p. 46/53 3/4 raises the vehicle body (C) to be an area facing behind the vehicle body (C); and the main fuel filler inlet (3a) and the subsidiary fuel filler inlet (T2a) are arranged in positions substantially opposite diagonally to each other when viewed from a top of the vehicle body (C). Body structure (B), according to claim 6, characterized in that the main fuel filler inlet (3a) is arranged in an area where the rear bumper (B1) is installed; the subsidiary tank (T2) is arranged between a front bumper (B2) and a structural member (B5) that forms an engine space (ER); and the subsidiary fuel filler inlet (T2a) is arranged in an area where the front bumper (B2) is installed. Body structure (B) according to claim 8, characterized in that the vehicle body (C) has a body opening (B3) provided with a subsidiary fuel cap (7) and an unlocking member (8) for the subsidiary fuel cap (7), wherein the subsidiary fuel cap (7) is configured to cover a subsidiary fuel filler cap (2) to close the subsidiary fuel filler inlet (T2a), and to open and close the body opening (B3), in which the unlocking member (8) is connected to an opener (10) provided in a cabin (R), by means of an unlocking cable (9) which is routed along an upper structure provided around the engine space (ER) and along a Petition 870180009121, of 02/02/2018, p. 47/53 4/4 upper front bulkhead structure (B9), and configured to release a subsidiary fuel cap lock (7) when the opener (10) is operated. Petition 870180009121, of 02/02/2018, p. 48/53 1/13 Cü i— (D FIG 1 Left Φ c <D k_ LU 2/13 η FIG 2 3/13 FIG 3A Left 4/13 FIG 4 L3 P2a 5/13 6/13 FIG 6 Rear 7/13 FIG 7 FIG 8 8/13 9/13 FIG 10 51a 10/13 FIG 11 B5 52a 51a 11/13 FIG 12 12/13 FIG 13A plG 13B 13/13 FIG 14B 12e