Tank opening-closing device

Abstract

A tank opening-closing device comprises a tank opening forming member having a fuel passage, a flap valve mechanism for opening and closing a fueling inlet, and an operating mechanism. The operating mechanism comprises a push member that receives an operating force manually, and an operating member for transmitting to an opening-closing member the operating force received by the push member, so that when the push member is pushed by a fueling gun, or the like, the opening-closing member opens the fueling inlet via the operating member.

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority from Japanese Application No. 2005-348916 filed Dec. 2, 2005, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates to a tank opening-closing device for supplying fuel to a fuel tank through a fuel passage, and in particular, relates to a mechanism for opening and closing a fuel passage. [0004] 2. Description of the Related Art [0005] A fueling inlet for an inlet pipe for supplying fuel to automobile is shut by fuel caps that are attached and removed through a rotating the caps. Not only does this type of fuel cap have poor operability because of the need to rotate the fuel cap multiple times when supplying fuel, but also there is a problem in that there is the need to provide a place for placing the fuel cap when removed, or means by which to prevent the fuel cap from becoming lost. The provision of a flap valve structure i...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to provide a tank opening-closing device that has a compact structure and that has superior operability during fueling.

[0010] In accordance with the present invention, the operating mechanism acts so as to open and close the opening-closing member through an operating member using a manual operating force from the push member. There is superior operability after opening the fueling inlet because the opening-closing member is not pushed by the fueling gun. Moreover, because the operating mechanism is structured so that the opening-closing member is opened by the operating member that is disposed towards the opening side of the fueling inlet, the opening-closing member can be opened using a simple structure.

[0013] As a preferred form of embodiment in accordance with the present invention, the operating structure can be structured through the provision of an operating member main body that is fabricated integrally with the push member, and which is supported slidably relative to the tank opening forming member, and a link mechanism for connecting the operating member main body with the opening-closing member so that the opening-closing member is opened and closed by the movement of the operating member main body. This structure enables a simple and well-suited structure for the transmission mechanism for the operating force from the push member to the opening-closing member.

[0014] Moreover, as a preferred structure in accordance with the present invention, the push member may be structured with ribs that protrude towards a fueling lid side from a top wall of the tank opening forming member. This type of rib is a simple structure that can be pushed by the fueling gun, and through the provision of this type of rib structure protruding radially from the center of the operating member main body, or the provision of an inclined surface wherein the ribs are connected to the opening on the upper wall part in a structure wherein the ribs retractably protrude from the inclined surface, it is possible to increase the surface area of the push member for pushing, thereby making it possible to improve operability.

[0015] Moreover, as another preferred form of the push member, a structure may be used wherein a push button may be provided protruding from the upper wall part, thereby making the opening-closing operation more easily understood.

[0016] Moreover, as a preferred form of the operating structure, the structure may be such that the push member and operating member move on the opening side of the gasket. This structure can simplify the structure through reducing the number of components because only a single gasket need be provided at the flap valve mechanism for the seal means for sealing the fuel passage.

Problems solved by technology

Not only does this type of fuel cap have poor operability because of the need to rotate the fuel cap multiple times when supplying fuel, but also there is a problem in that there is the need to provide a place for placing the fuel cap when removed, or means by which to prevent the fuel cap from becoming lost.

However, in the technology in the first patent reference, the force of the spring that is applied to the flap valve must be established for both the operating force that is applied when the flap valve is pushed by the fueling gun, and for the seal force, where the satisfaction of both simultaneously is difficult.

Moreover, because the structure is such that the fueling lid opens towards the outside and the flap valve opens towards the fuel tank side, a complex linking structure is required.

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