Patent ID: 8191588
Filing Date: 2012-06-05
Classification: B60K

Abstract:
1. A fuel tank opening-closing device adapted to open and close a passage for supplying fuel to a fuel tank, the device comprising: a tank neck defining member defining a passage that includes (i) an insertion passage for insertion of a fuel nozzle and (ii) an insertion aperture to connect the insertion passage with the fuel tank; and a shutter mechanism situated inside the tank neck defining member, and having a shutter adapted to open and close the insertion aperture through displacement in a direction substantially perpendicular to an insertion direction in which the fuel nozzle is inserted; wherein the shutter mechanism includes: a push mechanism situated in the insertion passage and having a push member adapted to undergo displacement upon receiving insertion force of the fuel nozzle; an interconnection mechanism adapted to accumulate force of the displacement of the push member as mechanical energy, and to open the shutter using the accumulated mechanical energy; and a nozzle sensing mechanism situated between the push member and the shutter, and having (i) an introduction pressure member adapted to receive the insertion force by the fuel nozzle; and (ii) a lock portion formed to be switchable between a locked position locking the shutter in a closing position and an unlocked position allowing the shutter to move to an opening position; wherein the shutter mechanism is configured to open the shutter by the mechanical energy accumulated in the interconnection mechanism, when the lock portion of the nozzle sensing mechanism shifts from the locked position to the unlocked position.