JP4924644B2 - Fuel tank opening and closing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a fuel tank opening and closing device for opening a flap valve by using an insertion force of a fuel nozzle and supplying fuel to a fuel tank.

  In general, an oil supply nozzle for supplying fuel to an automobile is different from a gasoline nozzle diameter of 20 mm and a light oil nozzle diameter of 25 mm in order to distinguish between gasoline and light oil. As a fueling device for dealing with such a difference in oil types with different nozzle diameters, the technique of Patent Document 1 is known. That is, the fuel filler includes a tank opening forming member that forms a fuel filler opening, a flap valve that is rotatably supported at one end on the inner wall of the tank opening forming member, and opens and closes the flap valve when pushed by the fuel nozzle. And a latch mechanism that enables it. The latch mechanism is arranged so as to engage with the nozzle for light oil but not to engage with a smaller fuel nozzle for gasoline. When the oil nozzle for light oil is inserted, it engages with the latch mechanism, the engagement between the latch mechanism and the flap valve is released, and the flap valve is opened by inserting the oil nozzle, so that oil can be supplied. It becomes.

  In such a fuel tank opening and closing device, a grounding means for guiding static electricity charged to a person to the vehicle body or the like has been studied, but when the tank opening member is made of resin, a grounding wire is wired between the vehicle body and the vehicle The work to do was troublesome and the configuration was complicated.

US Pat. No. 6,968,874

  The present invention provides a fuel tank opening and closing device capable of securing a ground path with a simple configuration even when the tank opening member is formed of a resin material in consideration of solving the above-described problems of the conventional technology. With the goal.

SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to solve at least a part of the problems described above, and the invention can be implemented as the following forms or application examples.
[Form 1]
In a fuel tank opening and closing device mounted on a vehicle and opening and closing a passage for supplying fuel to the fuel tank,
A tank opening forming member that forms a fuel passage connected to the fuel tank from an insertion passage for inserting a fueling nozzle;
A flap valve mechanism disposed in the tank opening forming member and having an opening and closing member for opening and closing the inlet;
An opening / closing activation mechanism that switches between a lock position that locks the opening operation of the opening and closing member and a non-locking position that allows the opening operation of the opening and closing member when pressed by the fueling nozzle;
With
The opening and closing mechanism is
A nozzle detection mechanism having an introduction pressing portion that is disposed in the insertion passage and receives a moving force in the insertion direction by the fueling nozzle;
A lock member that selectively takes the lock position or the non-lock position by engaging / disengaging the opening / closing member, and interlocking with the introduction pressing portion, the lock member is moved from the lock position to the non-lock position. A locking mechanism for moving to the locking position;
With
The tank opening forming member and the introduction pressing portion are formed of a conductive material having conductivity, and constitute a ground path to the vehicle body side member of the vehicle,
The nozzle detection mechanism includes an elastic support piece that fixes the introduction pressing portion to the tank opening forming member in a cantilevered state at one end and generates a spring force in a direction to return to the original position by the movement of the introduction pressing portion. Have
The elastic support piece includes a conductive member that is disposed to face the tank opening forming member and is formed of a conductive material. The conductive member has a discharge protrusion that protrudes toward the tank opening forming member. A fuel tank opening and closing device.
[Form 2]
In a fuel tank opening and closing device mounted on a vehicle and opening and closing a passage for supplying fuel to the fuel tank,
A tank opening forming member that forms a fuel passage connected to the fuel tank from an insertion passage for inserting a fueling nozzle;
A flap valve mechanism disposed in the tank opening forming member and having an opening and closing member for opening and closing the inlet;
An opening / closing activation mechanism that switches between a lock position that locks the opening operation of the opening and closing member and a non-locking position that allows the opening operation of the opening and closing member when pressed by the fueling nozzle;
With
The opening and closing mechanism is
A nozzle detection mechanism having an introduction pressing portion that is disposed in the insertion passage and receives a moving force in the insertion direction by the fueling nozzle;
A lock member that selectively takes the lock position or the non-lock position by engaging / disengaging the opening / closing member, and interlocking with the introduction pressing portion, the lock member is moved from the lock position to the non-lock position. A locking mechanism for moving to the locking position;
With
The tank opening forming member and the introduction pressing portion are formed of a conductive material having conductivity, and constitute a ground path to the vehicle body side member of the vehicle,
A plurality of the introduction pressing portions are arranged around the insertion passage,
The nozzle detection mechanism further connects a shaft body that rotatably supports the introduction pressing portion to the tank opening forming member and a plurality of the introduction pressing portions, and moves the introduction pressing portion to return to the original position. A connecting arm that generates a spring force in the direction of returning to the position,
The opening forming member includes a conductive member that is disposed to face the coupling arm and is formed of a conductive material.
The fuel tank opening and closing device, wherein the conductive member has a discharge protrusion that is disposed to face the connection arm and protrudes toward the connection arm.
[Form 3]
In a fuel tank opening and closing device mounted on a vehicle and opening and closing a passage for supplying fuel to the fuel tank,
A tank opening forming member that forms a fuel passage connected to the fuel tank from an insertion passage for inserting a fueling nozzle;
A flap valve mechanism disposed in the tank opening forming member and having an opening and closing member for opening and closing the inlet;
An opening / closing activation mechanism that switches between a lock position that locks the opening operation of the opening and closing member and a non-locking position that allows the opening operation of the opening and closing member when pressed by the fueling nozzle;
With
The opening and closing mechanism is
A nozzle detection mechanism having an introduction pressing portion that is disposed in the insertion passage and receives a moving force in the insertion direction by the fueling nozzle;
A lock member that selectively takes the lock position or the non-lock position by engaging / disengaging the opening / closing member, and interlocking with the introduction pressing portion, the lock member is moved from the lock position to the non-lock position. A locking mechanism for moving to the locking position;
With
The tank opening forming member and the introduction pressing portion are formed of a conductive material having conductivity, and constitute a ground path to the vehicle body side member of the vehicle,
A plurality of the introduction pressing portions are arranged around the insertion passage, and are fixed to the tank opening forming member in a cantilevered state at one end, and a spring force in a direction to return to the original position by the movement of the introduction pressing portion. Formed to produce
The nozzle detection mechanism is further provided with a connection fixing arm that is fixed to the tank opening forming member and that connects the plurality of introduction pressing portions arranged.
The tank opening forming member has a conductive member that is disposed to face the coupling fixing arm and is formed of a conductive material,
The fuel tank opening and closing device characterized in that the conductive member has a discharge projection that is disposed to face the coupling and fixing arm and protrudes toward the coupling and fixing arm.

[Application Example 1]
Application Example 1 is a fuel tank opening and closing device that is mounted on a vehicle and opens and closes a passage for supplying fuel to the fuel tank.
A tank opening forming member that forms a fuel passage connected to the fuel tank from an insertion passage for inserting a fueling nozzle;
A flap valve mechanism disposed in the tank opening forming member and having an opening and closing member for opening and closing the inlet;
An opening / closing activation mechanism that switches between a lock position that locks the opening operation of the opening and closing member and a non-locking position that allows the opening operation of the opening and closing member when pressed by the fueling nozzle;
With
The opening and closing mechanism is
A nozzle detection mechanism having an introduction pressing portion that is disposed in the insertion passage and receives a moving force in the insertion direction by the fueling nozzle;
A lock member that selectively takes the lock position or the non-lock position by engaging / disengaging the opening / closing member, and interlocking with the introduction pressing portion, the lock member is moved from the lock position to the non-lock position. A locking mechanism for moving to the locking position;
The tank opening forming member and the introduction pressing portion are formed of a conductive material having conductivity, and constitute a ground path to the vehicle body side member of the vehicle.

  In the fuel tank opening and closing device according to Application Example 1, when the fuel nozzle is inserted from the insertion passage of the tank opening forming member and the tip of the fuel nozzle pushes the introduction pressing portion of the nozzle detection mechanism, the lock member of the lock mechanism is locked. The position is moved from the position to the unlocked position, and the opening / closing member is allowed to open. Further, when the fuel supply nozzle is pushed in, the opening / closing member of the flap valve mechanism opens, thereby supplying the fuel passage from the fuel supply nozzle. When the fuel supply is finished and the fuel supply nozzle is removed from the fuel passage and the insertion passage, the lock member engages with the locked portion. Thereby, the opening / closing member returns to the initial state in which the injection port is closed at the lock position.

  Further, the tank opening forming member and the introduction pressing portion of Application Example 1 are formed of a conductive material having conductivity, and constitute a ground path to the vehicle body side member of the vehicle. When the oil supply nozzle is inserted into the insertion passage and hits the introduction pressing portion, the oil supply nozzle is connected to the ground path to the vehicle body side member via the introduction pressing portion and the tank opening forming member. Therefore, even if static electricity is charged in the person having the fueling nozzle, it is quickly removed through the ground path. In this way, to secure the ground path of the fuel tank opening and closing device, since the introduction pressing part that the fueling nozzle contacts is used, it is not necessary to wire the ground wire, the configuration is simplified, Since the fuel supply nozzle is discharged by contacting the introduction pressing portion before hitting the opening / closing member, it is not discharged on the fuel tank side from the opening / closing member. Further, even when the oil supply nozzle has a small diameter that does not hit the introduction pressing portion, the opening / closing member is not opened, so that the fuel tank is not discharged from the opening / closing member.

[Application Example 2]
In Application Example 2, the nozzle detection mechanism fixes the introduction pressing portion to the tank opening forming member in a cantilever state at one end portion and applies a spring force in a direction to return to the original position by the movement of the introduction pressing portion. An elastic support piece that is formed, the elastic support piece having a conductive member that is disposed opposite to the tank opening forming member and formed of a conductive material, and the conductive member projects toward the tank opening forming member. The structure which has the protrusion for discharge provided can be taken. With this configuration, when the elastic support piece is elastically deformed, the discharge protrusion of the conductive member also moves in the direction approaching the opening forming member with the elastic supporting piece as a fulcrum, so that the contact with the opening forming member is made more reliable, Variations in dimensions such as deformation during molding can be absorbed, and the grounding action can be more reliably performed.

  In Application Example 3, a plurality of introduction pressing portions are arranged around the insertion passage, and the nozzle detection mechanism further includes a shaft body that rotatably supports the introduction pressing portion on the tank opening forming member. A connecting arm that connects the plurality of the introduction pressing portions and generates a spring force in a direction to return to the original position by the movement of the introduction pressing portion, and the opening forming member faces the connection arm. The conductive member is formed of a conductive material, and the conductive member is disposed to face the connection arm and has a discharge protrusion protruding toward the connection arm. Can take.

In Application Example 4, a plurality of the introduction pressing portions are arranged around the insertion passage, and are fixed to the tank opening forming member in a cantilever state at one end, and are returned to the original positions by the movement of the introduction pressing portion. The nozzle detection mechanism is further fixed to the tank opening forming member, and further includes a connection fixing arm that connects the plurality of introduction pressing portions, and the tank detection mechanism is configured to generate a spring force in a direction. The opening forming member includes a conductive member that is disposed to face the coupling and fixing arm and is formed of a conductive material. The conductive member is disposed to face the coupling and fixing arm, and faces the coupling and fixing arm. The structure which has the protrusion for discharge projected can be taken.
The discharge protrusions have the same effect regardless of whether they protrude from one of the introduction pressing portion or the tank opening forming member toward the other, and can be appropriately selected according to these configurations. In addition, the discharge protrusion can easily set the distance between the gaps, and can easily discharge by passing through a passage through which electricity flows in the air in the gap.

It is a perspective view which shows the rear part of the motor vehicle carrying the diesel engine which concerns on 1st Example of this invention, and shows the state which opened the fueling lid | cover. It is a top view which shows the opening part of the opening / closing apparatus of a fuel tank. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. It is sectional drawing which expands and shows the flap valve mechanism and opening / closing starting mechanism of FIG. It is sectional drawing to which the vicinity of the flap valve mechanism was expanded. It is a side view of a pressing member. It is the perspective view which disassembled the opening-and-closing starting mechanism. It is explanatory drawing explaining a nozzle detection mechanism. It is explanatory drawing explaining a nozzle detection mechanism. It is explanatory drawing explaining operation | movement of the opening / closing apparatus of a fuel tank. It is explanatory drawing explaining the fracture | rupture mechanism of an opening / closing starting mechanism. It is a perspective view which decomposes | disassembles and shows the opening / closing apparatus of the fuel tank concerning 2nd Example. It is sectional drawing which shows the opening / closing apparatus of the fuel tank concerning 3rd Example. It is explanatory drawing explaining the nozzle detection mechanism of the opening / closing apparatus of the fuel tank concerning 4th Example.

  In order to further clarify the configuration and operation of the present invention described above, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below.

(1) Schematic Configuration of Fuel Tank Opening / Closing Device FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a rear portion of an automobile equipped with a diesel engine according to a first embodiment of the present invention and showing a state in which a fueling lid is opened. An oil supply lid FL for supplying fuel (light oil) is supported at the rear part of the vehicle body so as to be openable and closable. The fuel filler lid FL is supported by a lid body FLa following the outer plate of the vehicle body so as to be opened and closed on the outer plate of the vehicle body via a hinge FLb. A space where the fueling lid FL is opened is a fueling chamber FR, and a fuel tank opening / closing device 10 supported by the substrate BP is disposed in the fueling chamber FR. The fuel tank opening and closing device 10 is a mechanism for supplying fuel to the fuel tank without using a fuel cap. After opening the fueling lid FL, the fuel tank opening and closing device 10 opens and closes the fuel passage with an external force from the fueling nozzle. This is a mechanism capable of supplying fuel from a fuel nozzle to a fuel tank. Hereinafter, the detailed configuration of the fuel tank opening and closing device will be described.

(2) Configuration and Operation of Each Part FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the opening of the fuel tank opening / closing device 10, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 2, and FIG. FIG. 3 and 4, the fuel tank opening and closing device 10 opens and closes a tank opening forming member 11 having a fuel passage 11P connected to a fuel tank (not shown), a flap valve mechanism 20, and a flap valve mechanism 20. And an opening / closing activation mechanism 30 for enhancing the sealing performance.

(2) -1 Tank opening forming member 11
In FIG. 3, the tank opening forming member 11 is a pipe body having a fuel passage 11 </ b> P, a connecting pipe 12 connected to the fuel tank, an opening forming member 16 fixed to the upper part of the connecting pipe 12, and the connecting pipe 12. And an inlet forming member 18 mounted on the upper portion of the nozzle.

  The connecting pipe 12 includes a reduced diameter portion 12a that is gradually reduced in diameter on the fuel tank side, and a straight pipe portion 12b that is connected to the reduced diameter portion 12a, and these are integrally formed. The opening forming member 16 is attached to the upper part of the connecting pipe 12, and includes a cylindrical side wall part 16a and an upper surface part 16b integrally formed on the upper part of the side wall part 16a. The lower part of the side wall part 16a is changed from a slightly enlarged diameter part 16e to a lower cylindrical part 16f. An introduction port 16c is formed at the center of the upper surface portion 16b.

  The inlet forming member 18 is a member that is fixed to the upper part of the connecting pipe 12 and supports a part of the flap valve mechanism 20, and has a disk part 18b having an inlet 18a that forms a part of the fuel passage 11P. And a fitting portion 18c that protrudes in a cylindrical shape from the outer peripheral portion of the disc portion 18b and fits into the connecting pipe 12.

(2) -2 Flap valve mechanism 20
In FIG. 4, the flap valve mechanism 20 includes an opening / closing member 21, a spring 28, and a gasket GS. The opening / closing member 21 is a member that is pivotally supported by the fitting portion 18c of the inlet forming member 18 and opens and closes the inlet 18a. The spring 28 is a string-wound spring, and one end of the coil shape is supported by the injection port forming member 18 and the other end is supported by the opening / closing member 21 to urge the opening / closing member 21 in the closing direction.

5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the flap valve mechanism 20 and the opening / closing activation mechanism 30 of FIG. 3, and FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the flap valve mechanism 20. As shown in FIG. In FIG. 6, the opening / closing member 21 includes a pressing member 22, a valve chamber forming member 23, a pressure regulating valve 25, and a gasket GS. The pressing member 22 is a substantially bottomed cylindrical member that directly receives the pressing force of the oil supply nozzle FZ, and is formed by an upper surface portion 22a, a side wall 22b protruding from the outer periphery of the upper surface portion 22a, and a flange 22c. . A curved surface 22d is formed on the upper surface portion 22a so as to make a smooth contact with the fuel supply nozzle FZ. FIG. 7 is a side view of the pressing member 22. Three ventilation holes 22e are formed in the side wall 22b of the pressing member 22, respectively. Further, a notch 22f is formed over the entire outer peripheral portion between the side wall 22b of the pressing member 22 and the flange 22c. The notch 22f constitutes a fragile portion 22g having a reduced mechanical strength by reducing the thickness of the pressing member 22 in the plate thickness direction over the entire circumference.
The gasket GS is formed of a rubber material and is held by the opening / closing member 21 by being sandwiched between the flange 22c of the pressing member 22 and the flange 23a of the valve chamber forming member 23, and the opening peripheral portion of the injection port 18a. Close with a seal.
The pressure regulating valve 25 is housed in a valve chamber 23S surrounded by the pressing member 22 and the valve chamber forming member 23 and connected to the vent hole 22e, and has a positive pressure valve body 26b biased by a spring 26a. A pressure valve 26 and a negative pressure valve 27 having a negative pressure valve body 27b urged by a spring 27a are provided, and the tank internal pressure of the fuel tank is adjusted within a predetermined range by opening and closing both valve bodies.

(2) -3 Open / close activation mechanism 30
In FIG. 5, the opening / closing activation mechanism 30 is a mechanism that covers the upper part of the opening peripheral portion of the opening / closing member 21 of the flap valve mechanism 20 and performs an opening operation by being pushed by the tip of the fueling nozzle FZ. The cover member 40, the nozzle detection mechanism 50, and the lock mechanism 60 are provided.

  FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the opening / closing activation mechanism 30. The cover member 40 is a member that covers the upper peripheral edge of the opening / closing member 21 of the flap valve mechanism 20, that is, is arranged so as to cover the entire periphery of the opening / closing member 21 of the flap valve mechanism 20, and has a predetermined width. A cover main body 42 formed by dividing into an arc shape is provided. Each cover main body 42 surrounds the opening / closing member 21 by half a circle. A step portion 42 a is formed at the inner peripheral lower portion of the cover main body 42. As shown in FIG. 5, the stepped portion 42 a is formed to be disposed above the opening peripheral edge of the opening / closing member 21. An engaged portion 43 having an engagement hole 43 a is formed on the outer peripheral portion of the cover main body 42.

  In FIG. 8, the nozzle detection mechanism 50 is a mechanism that releases the lock position of the opening / closing member 21 of the flap valve mechanism 20 via the lock mechanism 60 when pressed by the tip of a fuel nozzle having a predetermined outer diameter. A nozzle detection member 51 supported by the shaft support portion 16d of the forming member 16 is provided. The nozzle detection member 51 includes a shaft body 52 that is pivotally supported by the shaft support portion 16d of the opening forming member 16, an introduction pressing portion 53 that faces the insertion passage 16P and is disposed on both sides thereof, and a connection that connects the introduction pressing portion 53 to each other. An arm 54 and an engaging portion 55 projecting from the lower portion of the introduction pressing portion 53 are provided, and these are integrally formed. Each introduction pressing portion 53 includes a pressing main body 53a and a pressing inclined surface 53b that is inclined from the pressing main body 53a toward the insertion passage 16P and downward. The pressing slope 53b is arranged so as to be pressed by the tip of the fuel nozzle when the outer diameter of the tip of the fuel nozzle FZ is equal to or larger than a predetermined diameter. 9 and 10 are explanatory diagrams for explaining the nozzle detection mechanism 50. FIG. 9 shows a state before inserting the fueling nozzle, and FIG. 10 shows a state where the fueling nozzle is inserted. That is, the inner diameter of the insertion passage 16P formed at the inner end facing the introduction pressing portions 53, 53 is D0, the outer diameter of the tip of the light oil supply nozzle (FZa) is Da, and the gasoline supply nozzle (FZb) is Assuming Db, Db <D0 <Da is set. For example, the outer diameter Db is set to 20 mm, the inner diameter D0 is set to 22 mm, and the outer diameter Da is set to 25 mm. The connecting arm 54 is formed in a semicircular shape, and acts as a spring by connecting the introduction pressing portions 53 and 53.

  In FIG. 8, the lock mechanism 60 includes a lock member 61 formed on the inner peripheral portion of the cover main body 42, and a locked portion 62 formed as a recess in the opening / closing member 21. When the locking member 61 is engaged with the locked portion 62, the locking member 61 is in a locking position that restricts the opening operation of the opening / closing member 21, and the locking member 61 moves radially outward from the center direction of the opening / closing member 21. And the unlocking position is set, and the opening / closing member 21 is allowed to open.

  The nozzle detection member 51 rotates around the shaft body 52 supported by the shaft support portion 16d of the opening forming member 16 against the spring force of the connecting arm 54, so that the cover main body 42 of the cover member 40 is surrounded by the outer periphery. The lock member 61 is moved from the locked position to the unlocked position. FIG. 11 is an explanatory view for explaining the operation of the fuel tank opening and closing device 10. As shown in FIGS. 9, 10, and 11, when the oil supply nozzle FZa is inserted into the insertion passage 16 </ b> P, the pressing slope 53 b of the introduction pressing portion 53 is pressed to unlock the opening / closing member 21 of the flap valve mechanism 20. Thus, the opening / closing member 21 can be opened. Even if the inner diameter D0 of the insertion passage 16P is smaller than the outer diameter Db of the gasoline fuel nozzle (FZb), the outer periphery of the tip of the fuel nozzle (FZb) presses the pressing slope 53b. As long as the diameter is such that the lock is not released and oiling is not possible, some dimensional range is allowed.

  In FIG. 8, the opening forming member 16 and the nozzle detection member 51 are formed of a conductive material, thereby constituting an earth path connected to the vehicle body side member through the metal connecting pipe 12 (FIG. 3). That is, the conductive member 17 constituting a part of the opening forming member 16 is disposed on the outer peripheral side of the connection arm 54 of the nozzle detection member 51. The conductive member 17 is made of a conductive material, and includes an annular base portion 17a that is a semicircular arm, and a plurality of discharge protrusions 17b that are arranged at a predetermined angle in the circumferential direction on the inner peripheral portion of the annular base portion 17a. I have. The conductive member 17 may be integrally formed on the inner wall of the opening forming member 16. The discharge protrusion 17b is installed with a gap of 0.5 mm or less with respect to the connection arm 54 in a state where the connection arm 54 is bent (the state shown in FIG. 10), and can be discharged by dielectric breakdown in the air. Yes. The conductive material forming the tank opening forming member 11 and the introduction pressing portion 53 is obtained by combining one or a plurality of conductive whiskers, conductive carbon, or conductive graphite powder and mixing the resin material, for example, , 5 parts by weight of conductive whisker and 10 parts by weight of conductive carbon are mixed with 100 parts by weight of polyacetal or polyamide (PA). Here, (trade name Dentor: manufactured by Otsuka Chemical Co., Ltd.) can be used as the conductive whisker, and (trade name Vulcan XC-72: manufactured by Cabot Corp.) can be used as the conductive carbon. In addition to polyacetal and polyamide, the resin for imparting conductivity may be any material that is excellent in fuel resistance and fuel permeability. For example, fluororesin (ETFE) may be used. .

(3) Opening / Closing Operation of Fuel Tank Opening / Closing Device (3) -1 Opening Operation As shown in FIG. 1, when the fueling lid FL is opened, the fuel tank opening / closing device 10 disposed in the fueling chamber FR appears. As shown in FIG. 5, the oil supply nozzle FZ is inserted from the introduction port 16c of the opening forming member 16, the tip of the oil supply nozzle FZ reaches the introduction pressing portion 53 of the nozzle detection mechanism 50, and the introduction pressing portion 53 is pushed and pressed. When the inclined surface 53b receives a radial force from the fuel supply nozzle FZ, the connecting arm 54 (see FIG. 8) bends to accumulate the spring force as shown in FIG. Expands around the center. When the nozzle detection member 51 is expanded, the engaging portion 55 below the nozzle detection member 51 moves the cover member 40 in the outer diameter direction. As a result, the lock member 61 of the cover member 40 comes out of the locked portion 62 and is switched to the unlocked position. Thereby, the opening / closing member 21 can be opened.

  Further, when the fuel supply nozzle FZ is pushed in, the opening / closing member 21 of the flap valve mechanism 20 shown in FIG. 4 is pushed against the urging force of the spring 28, and the opening / closing member 21 rotates about the support shaft. 18a is opened. When the refueling nozzle is inserted into the injection port 18a, the fuel passage 11P is refueled. In this manner, the fuel supply nozzle FZ pushes the introduction pressing portion 53 of the nozzle detection member 51, unlocks the lock member 61 of the cover member 40 and the locked portion 62 of the opening and closing member 21, and the opening and closing member of the flap valve mechanism 20 If 21 is pushed, the opening-and-closing member 21 can open the inlet 18a and can supply oil.

(3) -2 Closing Operation When refueling is completed and the fuel nozzle FZ is removed from the inlet 18a, the opening / closing member 21 of the flap valve mechanism 20 closes the inlet 18a by the restoring force of the spring 28, and the fuel nozzle FZ is further removed. Then, the nozzle detection member 51 and the cover member 40 return to the initial positions, that is, the diameter of the nozzle detection member 51 and the cover member 40 are reduced by the elastic force of the connecting arm 54, and the introduction pressing portion 53 returns to the original position. The lock member 61 engages with the locked portion 62. As a result, the opening / closing member 21 returns to the initial state where it is closed at the locking position of the locking member 61, and the fueling lid FL (FIG. 1) is further closed.

(4) Operation / Effect of Fuel Tank Opening / Closing Device The fuel tank opening / closing device 10 according to the embodiment provides the following operational effects.
(4) -1 As shown in FIG. 5, since the cover member 40 covers the gap between the outer periphery of the opening / closing member 21 and the periphery of the opening of the injection port 18a, it has a waterproof function even for a high-pressure car wash. In addition, it is difficult for dust and the like to enter, so that the sealing performance of the flap valve mechanism 20 is not lowered or deteriorated. In addition, since the cover member 40 covers only the upper part of the gap at the entire peripheral edge of the opening / closing member 21 and is not a plate material covering the entire upper surface of the opening / closing member 21, the configuration is simplified.

(4) -2 The cover member 40 only needs to be moved slightly radially outward in order to allow the opening operation of the opening and closing member 21, so that the space in the radial direction may be narrow and can be configured compactly. In addition, since the large amplification force of the nozzle detection mechanism 50 is not required, a complicated link mechanism or the like is not required.

(4) -3 Since the flap valve mechanism 20 is assembled to the opening forming member 16, there is no problem with the location of the fuel cap removed at the time of refueling, as compared with the type in which the fuel cap is removed with a screw type. Is excellent.

(4) -4 As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the nozzle detection mechanism 50 includes an introduction pressing portion 53 disposed so as to be pressed when the outer diameter of the tip of the fuel supply nozzle FZ is equal to or larger than a predetermined diameter. Therefore, in the case of the fuel oil nozzle (FZa) for light oil, the opening / closing member 21 of the flap valve mechanism 20 opens, but in the case of the fuel oil nozzle (FZb) for gasoline, the opening / closing member 21 opens. No action is taken. Therefore, when the fuel type differs depending on the outer diameter of the fuel supply nozzle FZ, even if the fuel supply nozzle FZ is erroneously inserted, the injection port 18a does not open, and therefore the wrong type of fuel is not supplied.

(4) -5 The opening / closing activation mechanism 30 is provided with a driving mechanism such as a switch or a motor for opening / closing operation because the opening / closing member 21 opens when the introduction pressing portion 53 of the nozzle detection mechanism 50 is pressed by the fuel supply nozzle FZ. There is no need, and the configuration is simple.

(4) -6 Since the introduction pressing portion 53 of the nozzle detection member 51 is connected so as to move the cover member 40 which is a separate member, both these members can be formed of a resin suitable for each function. it can. For example, the introduction pressing portion 53 uses polyacetal as a material having a low frictional resistance, and the cover member 40 uses a glass-filled polyamide as a material having a high mechanical strength. Can be obtained.

(4) -7 As shown in FIG. 12, the opening / closing member 21 of the flap valve mechanism 20 is formed with a fragile portion 22g formed of a notch 22f in the vicinity of the locked portion 62 that engages with the locking member 61. ing. Now, when the locked portion 62 receives a large external force T2 from the introduction pressing portion 53 through the lock member 61 due to an external force applied to the opening forming member 16 of the tank opening forming member 11, the fragile portion 22g starts from the notch 22f. Fracture occurs at the marked part. The fragile portion 22g is provided in the recess of the locked portion 62, and only the vicinity of the locked portion 62 is broken when receiving a large external force T2 through the locking member 61. Therefore, the gasket GS is sealed by the opening / closing member 21. State is maintained. Since the fragile portion 22g is a notch 22f formed in the bottom of the recess of the locked portion 62, the rupture point becomes a starting point of rupture with respect to the force T2 in the direction of expanding the notch 22f, and the rupture load is small. The force T1 received by the pressing member 22 of the opening / closing member 21 from the oil supply nozzle is a force in the direction of narrowing the width of the notch 22f, and is easily elastically deformed, so that the breaking load is large. Therefore, the locked portion 62 is not broken by the force received by the opening / closing member 21 from the oil supply nozzle FZ, and the sealing performance by the gasket GS is not impaired. In addition, in order to maintain the sealing performance against external force such as a collision, the configuration generally employed in the prior art, that is, for firmly coupling the opening forming member 16 and the connecting pipe 12 (FIG. 3). A configuration and a protector for protecting the opening forming member 16 are also unnecessary, and the number of parts can be reduced.

(4) -8 The locked portion 62 is a recess formed in the side portion of the opening / closing member 21 and engaged with the locking member 61, and the notch 22 f is formed in the bottom of the recess and is formed in the meat of the opening / closing member 21. The thickness is reduced. That is, such a notch 22f can easily realize a configuration in which the entire thickness of the opening / closing member 21 is reduced and the mechanical strength of only the locked portion 62 is reduced.

(4) -9 As shown in FIG. 8, the opening forming member 16 and the introduction pressing portion 53 are formed of a conductive material, and the opening forming member 16 is attached to the metal connecting pipe 12 (FIG. 3). An earth path to the vehicle body side member of the vehicle is configured. When the oil supply nozzle FZ is inserted into the insertion passage 16P and hits the introduction pressing portion 53, the oil supply nozzle FZ is connected to the ground path to the vehicle body side member via the introduction pressing portion 53 and the tank opening forming member 11. Therefore, even if static electricity is charged in the person having the fuel supply nozzle FZ, it is quickly removed through the ground path. Thus, since the introduction pressing portion 53 with which the fuel supply nozzle FZ contacts is used to secure the ground path of the fuel tank opening and closing device, it is not necessary to wire the ground wire, and the configuration is simplified. In addition, since the fuel supply nozzle FZ contacts the introduction pressing portion 53 before the contact with the opening / closing member 21 and is neutralized, it is not discharged on the fuel tank side from the opening / closing member 21. Further, even when the oil supply nozzle FZ has a small diameter that does not hit the introduction pressing portion 53, the opening / closing member 21 is not opened, and therefore, the fuel tank does not discharge from the opening / closing member 21.

(4) -10 Since a plurality of discharge projections 17b are arranged at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction within the range of 180 ° of the connecting arm 54, variation in shape and size such that the semicircle of the connecting arm 54 is deformed. Even if this occurs, it is possible to reliably secure a ground path at one location.

(4) -11 Since the discharge protrusion 17b is a protrusion with a sharp tip, it easily discharges through a passage through which electricity flows in the air.

(5) Other Embodiments The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the gist thereof.

  FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the fuel tank opening and closing device 10B according to the second embodiment. This embodiment is characterized by the configuration of a nozzle detection mechanism 50B that detects insertion of a fueling nozzle. That is, the nozzle detection member 51B of the nozzle detection mechanism 50B includes an introduction pressing portion 53B disposed on both sides of the fuel passage 11P, an elastic support piece 56B connected to one end of the introduction pressing portion 53B and extending upward, and an elastic support piece. A connection fixing arm 57B for connecting the upper portions of 56B. The connection fixing arm 57B is a semi-circular belt-like member, and is fixed to the opening forming member. In addition, a conductive member 17B is disposed on the outer peripheral side of the connection fixing arm 57B. The conductive member 17B includes an annular base portion 17a and a discharge projection 17Bb that is provided so as to protrude from the annular base portion 17Ba and to be in contact with the connection fixing arm 57B. Further, a notch 22Bf for forming a fragile part 22Bg is formed on the side of the opening / closing member 21B of the flap valve mechanism 20B. With this configuration, when the introduction pressing portions 53B and 53B are pressed in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction by the oil supply nozzle, a spring force is generated around the upper portion of the elastic support piece 56B, and the cover member 40B is retracted. When the fuel nozzle is pulled out, it returns to the initial position. Further, since the connecting and fixing arm 57B is not elastically deformed by the bending of the elastic support piece 56B, the distance from the discharge protrusion 17Bb of the conductive member 17B can be made constant, and the grounding action can be more reliably performed. Further, since the weakened portion 22Bg is formed by the notch 22Bf on the side portion of the opening / closing member 21B, the portion to be locked 62B is broken by a large external force received from the locking member 61B, and the sealing function is maintained. In addition, as a configuration of the nozzle detection mechanism for generating the spring force by the moving force of the introduction pressing portion, in addition to the integrated spring as described above, another coil spring or a plate spring may be used in various modes. Good.

  FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a fuel tank opening and closing device 10C according to the third embodiment. The present embodiment is characterized by the configuration of the lock mechanism 60C that is interlocked with the insertion of the fueling nozzle FZ. That is, the lock member 61C of the lock mechanism 60C is formed integrally with the introduction pressing portion 53C, and is in the lock position when the lock member 61C is engaged with the locked portion 62C of the opening / closing member 21C. When the introduction pressing portion 53C is pressed, the lock member 61C comes out of the locked portion 62C, enters the unlocked position, and the opening / closing member 21C can be opened. As described above, the lock member 61C of the lock mechanism 60C may be configured to be switched to the lock position or the non-lock position with respect to the opening / closing member 21C in conjunction with the introduction pressing portion 53C. Further, a notch 22Cf is formed on the side of the pressing member 22, and a fragile portion 22Cg in which the pressing member 22 is partially thinned is formed. The fragile portion 22Cg is broken by a large external force from the lock member 61C and maintains the sealing function. Further, as a ground path, a discharge protrusion (not shown) as shown in FIG. 13 can be arranged on the connecting and fixing arm 57C.

  FIG. 15 is an explanatory view illustrating a nozzle detection mechanism 50D of the fuel tank opening and closing device according to the fourth embodiment. The present embodiment is characterized by the configuration of the nozzle detection member 51D and the ground path of the nozzle detection mechanism 50D constituting the opening / closing activation mechanism 30D. That is, the nozzle detection member 51D is obtained by integrating discharge protrusions with the nozzle detection member of FIG. 13, that is, the introduction pressing portion 53D disposed on both sides of the insertion passage 16P and one end of the introduction pressing portion 53D. And an elastic support piece 56D extending upward. The upper part of the elastic support piece 56D is fixed to the opening forming member 16D of the tank opening forming member 11D. A conductive member 58D is formed on the side of the elastic support piece 56D. The conductive member 58D includes a cantilever piece 58Da protruding in parallel with the inner wall of the opening forming member 16D, and a discharge protrusion 58Db protruding from the cantilever piece 58Da toward the opening forming member 16D. With this configuration, when the introduction pressing portion 53D is pressed in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction by the fueling nozzle, a spring force is generated around the upper portion of the elastic support piece 56D, and the lock member 61D opens and closes the flap valve mechanism 20D. When the member 21F is disengaged from the locked portion 62D, the unlocked position is set, the cover member 40D is moved in the retracting direction, and the initial position is restored when the fueling nozzle is removed. Further, when the elastic support piece 56D is elastically deformed, the discharge protrusion 58Db of the conductive member 58D also moves in a direction approaching the opening forming member 16D with the elastic supporting piece 56D as a fulcrum, so that the contact with the opening forming member 16D is made. More reliably, variation in dimensions such as deformation at the time of molding can be absorbed, and the earthing action can be more reliably performed.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Opening / closing device 10B ... Opening / closing device 10C ... Opening / closing device 11 ... Tank opening forming member 11D ... Tank opening forming member 11P ... Fuel passage 12 ... Connection pipe 12a ... Reduced diameter part 12b ... Straight pipe part 16 ... Opening forming member 16D ... Opening Forming member 16P ... Insertion passage 16a ... Side wall part 16b ... Upper surface part 16c ... Introduction port 16d ... Shaft support part 16e ... Diameter expansion part 16f ... Lower cylindrical part 17 ... Conductive member 17B ... Conductive member 17Ba ... Annular base 17Bb ... Discharge protrusion 17a ... annular base portion 17b ... discharge projection 18 ... injection port forming member 18a ... injection port 18b ... disk portion 18c ... fitting portion 20 ... flap valve mechanism 20B ... flap valve mechanism 20D ... flap valve mechanism 21 ... opening / closing member 21B ... opening / closing member Member 21C ... Opening / closing member 21F ... Opening / closing member 22 ... Pressing member 22Bf ... Notch 22Bg ... Vulnerable part Position 22Cf ... Notch 22Cg ... Fragile portion 22a ... Upper surface portion 22b ... Side wall 22c ... Flange 22d ... Curved surface 22e ... Vent hole 22f ... Notch 22g ... Fragile portion 23 ... Valve chamber forming member 23S ... Valve chamber 23a ... Flange 25 ... Adjustment Pressure valve 26 ... Positive pressure valve 26a ... Spring 26b ... Positive pressure valve body 27 ... Negative pressure valve 27a ... Spring 27b ... Negative pressure valve body 28 ... Spring 30 ... Opening / closing starting mechanism 30D ... Opening / closing starting mechanism 40 ... Cover member 40B ... Cover member 40D ... Cover member 42 ... Cover body 42a ... Stepped portion 43 ... Engaged portion 43a ... Engagement hole 50 ... Nozzle detection mechanism 50B ... Nozzle detection mechanism 50D ... Nozzle detection mechanism 51 ... Nozzle detection member 51B ... Nozzle detection member 51D ... Nozzle detection member 52 ... Shaft body 53 ... Introduction pressing part 53B ... Introduction pressing part 53C ... Introduction pressing part 53 D ... Introduction pressing portion 53a ... Pressing body 53b ... Pressing slope 54 ... Connecting arm 55 ... engaging portion 56B ... Elastic support piece 56D ... Elastic support piece 57B ... Connecting fixing arm 57C ... Connecting fixing arm 58D ... Conductive member 58Da ... Cantilever Piece 58Db ... Discharge projection 60 ... Lock mechanism 60C ... Lock mechanism 61 ... Lock member 61B ... Lock member 61C ... Lock member 61D ... Lock member 62 ... Locked portion 62B ... Locked portion 62C ... Locked portion 62D ... Locked portion BP ... Substrate FL ... Fueling lid FLa ... Lid body FLb ... Hinge FR ... Fueling chamber FZ ... Fueling nozzle FZa ... Fueling nozzle GS ... Gasket

Claims (3)

In a fuel tank opening and closing device mounted on a vehicle and opening and closing a passage for supplying fuel to the fuel tank,
A tank opening forming member ( 11D ) that forms a fuel passage (11P) connected to the fuel tank from an insertion passage (16P) for inserting a fuel supply nozzle (FZ);
A flap valve mechanism (20) disposed in the tank opening forming member ( 11D ) and having an opening / closing member (21) for opening and closing the inlet (18a);
An opening / closing activation mechanism for switching between a locking position for locking the opening operation of the opening / closing member (21) and a non-locking position for allowing the opening operation of the opening / closing member (21) when pressed by the fuel supply nozzle (FZ). 30D ),
With
The opening / closing activation mechanism ( 30D )
A nozzle detection mechanism ( 50D ) having an introduction pressing portion ( 53D ) that is disposed in the insertion passage (16 P) and receives a moving force in the insertion direction by the oil supply nozzle (FZ);
The locking member ( 61D ) that selectively takes the locked position or the unlocked position by engaging / disengaging the opening / closing member (21), and interlocking with the introduction pressing portion ( 53D ) A lock mechanism (60) for moving the lock member ( 61D ) from the locked position to the unlocked position;
With
The tank opening forming member ( 11D ) and the introduction pressing portion ( 53D ) are formed of a conductive material having conductivity, and constitute a ground path to the vehicle body side member of the vehicle ,
The nozzle detection mechanism (50D) fixes the introduction pressing portion (53D) to the tank opening forming member (11D) in a cantilevered state at one end and returns to the original position by the movement of the introduction pressing portion (53D). An elastic support piece (56D) for generating a spring force in the return direction;
The elastic support piece (56D) includes a conductive member (58D) that is disposed to face the tank opening forming member (11D) and is formed of a conductive material. The conductive member (58D) is a tank opening forming member. (11D) A fuel tank opening and closing device having a discharge projection (58Db) projecting toward (11D) . In a fuel tank opening and closing device mounted on a vehicle and opening and closing a passage for supplying fuel to the fuel tank,
A tank opening forming member (11) that forms a fuel passage (11P) connected to the fuel tank from an insertion passage (16P) for inserting a fuel supply nozzle (FZ);
A flap valve mechanism (20) having an opening / closing member (21) which is disposed in the tank opening forming member (11) and opens and closes the inlet (18a);
An opening / closing activation mechanism for switching between a locking position for locking the opening operation of the opening / closing member (21) and a non-locking position for allowing the opening operation of the opening / closing member (21) when pressed by the fuel supply nozzle (FZ). 30),
With
The opening / closing activation mechanism (30)
A nozzle detection mechanism (50) having an introduction pressing portion (53) that is disposed in the insertion passage (16P) and receives a moving force in the insertion direction by the fuel supply nozzle (FZ);
It has a lock member (61) that selectively takes the locked position or the unlocked position by engaging / disengaging with the opening / closing member (21), and interlocks with the introduction pressing portion (53). A lock mechanism (60) for moving the lock member (61) from the locked position to the unlocked position;
With
The tank opening forming member (11) and the introduction pressing portion (53) are formed of a conductive material having conductivity, and constitute a ground path to the vehicle body side member of the vehicle ,
A plurality of the introduction pressing portions (53) are arranged around the insertion passage (16P),
The nozzle detection mechanism (50) further includes a shaft body (52) that rotatably supports the introduction pressing portion (53) on the tank opening forming member (11), and a plurality of the introduction pressing portions ( 53) and a connecting arm (54) that generates a spring force in a direction to return to the original position by the movement of the introduction pressing portion (53),
The opening forming member (16) includes a conductive member (17) that is disposed to face the coupling arm (54) and is formed of a conductive material.
The conductive member (17) is disposed to face the connecting arm (54) and has a discharge protrusion (17b) projecting toward the connecting arm (54). A fuel tank opening and closing device. In a fuel tank opening and closing device mounted on a vehicle and opening and closing a passage for supplying fuel to the fuel tank,
A tank opening forming member (11) that forms a fuel passage (11P) connected to the fuel tank from an insertion passage (16P) for inserting a fuel supply nozzle (FZ);
A flap valve mechanism ( 20B ) disposed in the tank opening forming member (11) and having an opening / closing member ( 21B ) for opening and closing the inlet (18 a);
The a lock position for locking the opening operation of the opening and closing member (21B), the opening-closing activation mechanism for switching between an unlocked position to permit opening of operation the opening and closing member (21B) when it is pressed by the fueling nozzle (FZ) ( 30),
With
The opening / closing activation mechanism (30)
A nozzle detection mechanism ( 50B ) having an introduction pressing portion ( 53B ) disposed in the insertion passage (16 P) and receiving a moving force in the insertion direction by the oil supply nozzle (FZ);
It has a lock member ( 61B ) that selectively takes the locked position or the unlocked position by engaging / disengaging with the opening / closing member ( 21B ), and interlocks with the introduction pressing portion ( 53B ). A lock mechanism (60) for moving the lock member ( 61B ) from the locked position to the unlocked position;
With
The tank opening forming member (11) and the introduction pressing portion ( 53B ) are formed of a conductive material having conductivity, and constitute a ground path to the vehicle body side member of the vehicle ,
A plurality of the introduction pressing portions (53B) are arranged around the insertion passage (16P), and are fixed to the tank opening forming member (11) in a cantilevered state at one end, and the introduction pressing portions (53B) It is formed to generate a spring force in the direction to return to the original position by movement,
The nozzle detection mechanism (50B) further includes a connection fixing arm (57B) that is fixed to the tank opening forming member (11) and that connects a plurality of the introduction pressing portions (53B).
The tank opening forming member (11) includes a conductive member (17B) that is disposed to face the coupling fixing arm (57B) and is formed of a conductive material.
The conductive member (17B) has a discharge protrusion (17Bb) disposed so as to face the connection fixing arm (57B) and projecting toward the connection fixing arm (57B). A fuel tank opening and closing device.

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