Patent Abstract:
A vehicle lid device includes supply units which supply energy to a vehicle, openings corresponding to the supply units and provided in an outer surface of the vehicle, lids configured to open or close the respective openings, an opening operation unit configured to open each of the lids, a detecting unit which detects whether each of the lids is open or closed, and an action controller, the action controller controlling the opening action of each of the lids in accordance with the opening operation of the opening operation unit, the action controller forbidding opening actions of the lids other than a first lid when the detecting unit detects that the first lid is open among the lids.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2010-187565, filed Aug. 24, 2010, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    This invention relates to a vehicle lid device for opening lids provided in a vehicle body. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle comprises an engine driven by fuel such as gasoline, and an electric motor driven by electricity, and is thus moved by the engine and the electric motor. The plug-in hybrid electric vehicle is provided with a fuel tank for storing fuel supplied to the engine, and a battery for supplying electricity to the electric motor. It is therefore necessary to supply fuel to the fuel tank and to charge the battery by use of an external power supply. 
         [0006]    Thus, a charging connector connected to the external power supply and a fuel supply opening for supplying fuel are formed in the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. The connector and the fuel supply opening are located in recesses which are provided in an outer wall part of a vehicle body and which open outward. One recess is formed for the connector and the fuel supply opening each, and each recess is covered with a lid in an openable/closable manner. 
         [0007]    In the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle of this type, a main relay provided between the connector to which the external power supply is connected and the battery is controlled to be switched off when the fuel is supplied to the fuel tank simultaneously with the charging of the battery using the external power supply. At this moment, both the charging lid and the fuel supply lid are open. For example, see Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 2008-290577. 
         [0008]    When the lids are opened as in Jpn. pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 2008-290577, any of the lids may be left unclosed. If any of the lids is left unclosed, a driver becomes aware of the unclosed lid when looking in a side-view mirror, and therefore has to take the trouble to go out of the vehicle again. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    According to an aspect of embodiments, a vehicle lid device includes supply units which supply energy to a vehicle; openings corresponding to the supply units and provided in an outer surface of the vehicle; lids configured to open or close the respective openings; an opening operation unit configured to open each of the lids; a detecting unit which detects whether each of the lids is open or closed; and an action controller, the action controller controlling the opening action of each of the lids in accordance with the opening operation of the opening operation unit, the action controller forbidding opening actions of the lids other than a first lid when the detecting unit detects that the first lid is open among the lids. 
         [0010]    According to an aspect of embodiments, a vehicle lid device includes two supply units which supply energy to a vehicle; two openings corresponding to the two supply units and provided in an outer surface of the vehicle two lids configured to open or close the respective openings; an opening operation unit configured to open each of the two lids; a detecting unit which detects whether each of the two lids is open or closed; and an action controller, the action controller controlling the opening action of each of the two lids in accordance with the opening operation of the opening operation unit, the action controller forbidding opening action of the lid other than a first lid when the detecting unit detects that the first lid is open among the two lids. 
         [0011]    Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out hereinafter. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
         [0012]    The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention, and together with the general description given above and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram showing a hybrid electric vehicle comprising a vehicle lid device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a flowchart showing the operation of the vehicle lid device shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a flowchart showing the operation of the vehicle lid device shown in  FIG. 1 ; and 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a flowchart showing the operation of a vehicle lid device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0017]    A vehicle lid device according to a first embodiment of the present invention is described with reference to  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 3 .  FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram showing a hybrid electric vehicle  10 . The hybrid electric vehicle  10  is an example of a vehicle referred to in the present invention. 
         [0018]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , the hybrid electric vehicle  10  comprises a driving engine  20  and a driving electric motor  30 . In accordance with a driving condition, the hybrid electric vehicle  10  is driven only by the electric motor  30 , driven only by the engine  20 , or driven by both the electric motor  30  and the engine  20 . The engine  20  is an example of an internal combustion engine referred to in the present invention. The electric motor  30  is an example of a motor referred to in the present invention. 
         [0019]    Thus, the hybrid electric vehicle  10  comprises an engine driving system  40  that can be driven by the engine  20 , an electric motor driving system  70  that can be driven by the electric motor  30 , and a charging system  130 . 
         [0020]    The engine driving system  40  for driving by the engine  20  is described. The engine driving system  40  comprises the engine  20 , a transmission  50 , and a fuel tank  60 . The engine  20  uses gasoline as an example of a fuel. The fuel tank  60  holds the gasoline. 
         [0021]    The engine  20  and the transmission  50  are located in the front part of the vehicle body. The engine  20  is coupled to the transmission  50 . The speed of rotation of a crank shaft  21  of the engine  20  is changed by the transmission  50 . In the diagram, the crank shaft  21  is indicated by dotted lines. The transmission  50  transmits the rotation of the crank shaft  21  to a pair of front wheels  11 ,  11 . In the present embodiment, the hybrid electric vehicle  10  is a front-wheel-drive vehicle. 
         [0022]    A fuel supply recess  61  which opens outward in the vehicle body is formed in an outer wall part  15  that defines the appearance of the hybrid electric vehicle  10 . The fuel supply recess  61  is an example of an opening referred to in the present invention. The fuel supply recess  61  opens in an outer surface  15   a  of the hybrid electric vehicle  10 . A fuel supply opening  62  is provided in the fuel supply recess  61 . The fuel supply opening  62  is an example of a supply unit referred to in the present invention, and is also an example of a fuel supply unit. The fuel supply opening  62  is coupled to the fuel tank  60  via a fuel pipe  63 , and is in communication with the fuel tank  60 . The fuel supply opening  62  is removably provided with an inner lid. The fuel supply recess  61  is provided with a later-described fuel supply lid  151  in an openable/closable manner. 
         [0023]    The electric motor driving system  70  comprises the electric motor  30 , the transmission  50 , an inverter  80 , a battery  90 , and a charger  100 . The electric motor  30  is driven by electricity. The inverter  80  and the electric motor  30  are located in a vehicle front part  16 . The inverter  80  is electrically connected to the electric motor  30  by a three-phase line. A rotating shaft  31  of the electric motor  30  is coupled to the transmission  50 . The transmission  50  changes the speed of rotation of the rotating shaft of the electric motor  30 , and then transmits the rotation to the front wheels  11 ,  11 . The transmission  50  is shared by the engine driving system  40  and the electric motor driving system  70 . 
         [0024]    The battery  90  is electrically connected to the inverter  80 , and supplies electricity to the inverter  80 . The inverter  80  changes a direct current supplied by the battery  90  to an alternating current, and supplies the alternating current to the electric motor  30 . The charger  100  is located in a vehicle body rear part  17 . The charger  100  is electrically connected to the battery  90 . The charger  100  changes an alternating current supplied by an external power supply to a direct current, and stores the direct current in the battery  90 . 
         [0025]    The inverter  80  supplies electricity to a 12-V battery  110  which supplies electricity to various accessories provided in the hybrid electric vehicle  10 . The inverter  80  also supplies electricity to an air conditioner  120  provided in the hybrid electric vehicle  10 . 
         [0026]    A charging recess  111  is formed in the outer wall part  15  of the vehicle body. The charging recess  111  is an example of an opening referred to in the present invention. The charging recess  111  is open outward in the vehicle body. The charging recess  111  is open in the outer surface  15   a  of the outer wall part  15 . A connector  112  is provided in the charging recess  111 , and the connector  112  is electrically connected to the external power supply via, for example, a cable when the battery  90  is charged. The connector  112  is an example of a supply unit referred to in the present invention, and is also an example of an electricity supply unit. The connector  112  is electrically connected to the charger  100 . When the cable is connected to the connector  112 , the battery  90  is charged. 
         [0027]    The connector  112  is provided with a metal terminal which is electrically connected to the above-mentioned cable. The connector  112  is provided with an inner lid. The inner lid can be opened/closed between a position to expose the terminal and a position to cover the terminal. The charging recess  111  is covered with a later-described charging lid  152  in an openable/closable manner. 
         [0028]    The charging system  130  comprises an electric generator  131 . The electric generator  131  is located in the vehicle front part  16 . The rotating shaft of the electric generator  131  is coupled to the transmission  50 . The electric generator  131  is rotated by the transmission of the rotation of the engine  20  to the electric generator  131  via the transmission  50 , such that electricity is generated. 
         [0029]    The fuel supply recess  61  and the charging recess  111  are covered with lid devices  150  in an openable/closable manner. The lid device  150  is an example of a vehicle lid device as the present invention. The lid device  150  comprises the fuel supply lid  151  which covers the fuel supply recess  61  in an openable/closable manner, the charging lid  152  which covers the charging recess  111  in an openable/closable manner, a fuel supply lid open unit  154  which opens the fuel supply lid  151 , a charging lid open unit  155  which opens the charging lid  152 , a fuel supply lid open switch  156  which is operated to open the fuel supply lid  151 , a charging lid open switch  157  which is operated to open the charging lid  152 , a first detector  158  which detects whether the fuel supply lid  151  is open or closed, a second detector  159  which detects whether the charging lid  152  is open or closed, a lid controller  160 , and an alarm device  161 . 
         [0030]    The fuel supply lid open switch  156  is an example of an opening operation unit referred to in the present invention. The charging lid open switch  157  is an example of an opening operation unit referred to in the present invention. The first detector  158  is an example of a detecting unit referred to in the present invention. The second detector  159  is an example of a detecting unit referred to in the present invention. The lid controller  160  is an example of an action controller referred to in the present invention. The alarm device  161  is an example of an informing unit referred to in the present invention. 
         [0031]    The fuel supply lid  151  is provided, for example, on an edge  64  of the fuel supply recess  61 , and can open or close the aperture of the fuel supply recess  61 . The condition in which the fuel supply lid  151  is at an open position is the condition in which the inside of the fuel supply recess  61  is exposed to the outside, so that a fuel supply nozzle can be inserted into the fuel supply opening  62 . In  FIG. 1 , the fuel supply lid  151  at a closed position is shown by a solid line. The fuel supply lid  151  at an open position is shown by a two-dot chain line. 
         [0032]    The fuel supply lid open unit  154  has a function for opening the fuel supply lid  151 . In the present embodiment, the fuel supply lid  151  is always urged to open by urging means. The urging means is, by way of example, a spring  154   a  in the present embodiment. 
         [0033]    The fuel supply lid open unit  154  comprises the above-mentioned spring  154   a  and an open unit body  154   b.  The open unit body  154   b  can engage with the fuel supply lid  151  to hold the fuel supply lid  151  closed, and can also disengage from the fuel supply lid  151 . The open unit body  154   b  is structured to automatically engage with the fuel supply lid  151  when the fuel supply lid  151  is closed to the end. If the open unit body  154   b  disengages from the fuel supply lid  151 , the fuel supply lid  151  is opened by the urging force of the spring  154   a.  That is, in the present embodiment, the fuel supply lid open unit  154  comprises, by way of example, the spring  154   a  and the open unit body  154   b.    
         [0034]    It should be understood that the structure of the fuel supply lid open unit  154  described above is an example and is not a limitation. For example, the fuel supply lid open unit  154  may have the function to open/close the fuel supply lid  151 . In this case, the fuel supply lid  151  does not have to be urged in a direction to open. For example, the fuel supply lid  151  can be opened and closed by an actuator. This actuator serves as the fuel supply lid open unit. 
         [0035]    The fuel supply lid open switch  156  is provided in the vicinity of, for example, a driver&#39;s seat  200 . If the fuel supply lid open switch  156  is operated and turned on, the open unit body  154   b  of the fuel supply lid open unit  154  is operated to disengage from the fuel supply lid  151  under the control of the later-described lid controller  160 . 
         [0036]    The first detector  158  detects whether the fuel supply lid  151  is open or closed. In the present embodiment, the first detector  158  contacts the fuel supply lid  151  when the fuel supply lid  151  is closed. When the first detector  158  is in contact with the fuel supply lid  151 , the first detector  158  emits a signal. When the fuel supply lid  151  is open, the first detector  158  is out of contact with the fuel supply lid  151  and therefore does not emit any signal. 
         [0037]    The charging lid  152  is provided, for example, on an edge  113  of the charging recess  111 , and can open or close the aperture of the charging recess  111 . The condition in which the charging lid  152  is at an open position is the condition in which the inside of the charging recess  111  is exposed to the outside, so that a charging cable can be connected to the connector  112 . In  FIG. 1 , the charging lid  152  at a closed position is shown by a solid line. The charging lid  152  at an open position is shown by a two - dot chain line. 
         [0038]    The charging lid open unit  155  has a function for opening the charging lid  152 . In the present embodiment, the charging lid  152  is always urged to open by urging means. The urging means is, by way of example, a spring  155   a  in the present embodiment. The charging lid open unit  155  comprises the above-mentioned spring  155   a  and an open unit body  155   b.  The open unit body  155   b  can engage with the charging lid  152  to hold the charging lid  152  closed, and can also disengage from the charging lid  152 . The open unit body  155   b  is structured to automatically engage with the charging lid  152  when the charging lid  152  is closed. If the open unit body  155   b  disengages from the charging lid  152 , the charging lid  152  is opened by the urging force of the spring  155   a.  That is, in the present embodiment, the charging lid open unit  155  comprises, by way of example, the open unit body  155   b  and the spring  155   a.    
         [0039]    It should be understood that the structure of the charging lid open unit  155  described above is an example and is not a limitation. For example, the charging lid open unit  155  may have the function to open/close the charging lid  152 . In this case, the charging lid  152  does not have to be urged in a direction to open. For example, the charging lid  152  can be opened and closed by an actuator. This actuator serves as the charging lid open unit in this case. 
         [0040]    The charging lid open switch  157  is provided in the vicinity of, for example, the driver&#39;s seat  200 . If the charging lid open switch  157  is operated and turned on, the charging lid open unit  155  is operated under the control of the later-described lid controller  160 . The condition referred to here in which the charging lid open switch  157  is operated and turned on is an example of the condition in which the lid open switch for opening the lid is operated. 
         [0041]    The second detector  159  detects whether the charging lid  152  is open or closed. In the present embodiment, the second detector  159  contacts the charging lid  152  when the charging lid  152  is closed. When the second detector  159  is in contact with the charging lid  152 , the second detector  159  emits a signal. When the charging lid  152  is open, the second detector  159  is out of contact with the charging lid  152  and therefore does not emit any signal. 
         [0042]    The alarm device  161  informs by generating an alarm sound. In the present embodiment, an audio device originally provided in the hybrid electric vehicle  10  is used as an example of the alarm device  161 . Thus, in the present embodiment, the alarm sound is generated as an alarm. 
         [0043]    The lid controller  160  is connected to the lid open switches  156  and  157 , the open unit bodies  154   b  and  155   b,  the first and second detectors  150  and  159 , and the alarm device  161 . If the lid open switches  156  and  157  are operated, information corresponding to this operation is transmitted to the lid controller  160 . Signals emitted by the first and second detectors  158  and  159  are transmitted to the lid controller  160 . When the signals are transmitted from the first and second detectors  158  and  159 , this signifies that the fuel supply lid  151  and the charging lid  152  are closed. When no signals are sent from the first and second detectors  158  and  159 , this signifies that the fuel supply lid  151  and the charging lid  152  are open. In accordance with the information from the lid open switches  156  and  157  and the information from the first and second detectors  158  and  159 , the lid controller  160  controls the operations of the lid open units  154  and  155 , that is, the operations of the open unit bodies  154   b  and  155   b.  If necessary, the alarm device  161  is activated. 
         [0044]    Now, the operation of the lid device  150  is described.  FIGS. 2 and 3  are flowcharts showing the operation of the lid device  150 . The flowcharts in  FIGS. 2 and 3  are put into practice at predetermined intervals. 
         [0045]    An example of the operation is described below. It is to be noted that the fuel supply lid  151  and the charging lid  152  are closed. That is, the first and second detectors  158  and  159  send signals to the lid controller  160 . 
         [0046]    When supplying fuel, an operator operates and turns on the fuel supply lid open switch  156 . The operator is, for example, a driver. When the fuel supply lid open switch  156  is on, information indicating this fact is transmitted to the lid controller  160 . In step ST 11 , the lid controller  160  judges whether the fuel supply lid open switch  156  is on. When the operator turns on the fuel supply lid open switch  156 , information indicating this fact is transmitted to the lid controller  160 , so that the lid controller  160  judges that the fuel supply lid open switch  156  is on. The operation then moves to step ST 12 . 
         [0047]    In step ST 12 , the lid controller  160  judges whether the charging lid  152  is open. In this condition, the charging lid  152  is closed, so that a signal is emitted from the second detector  159 . Thus, the lid controller  160  judges that the charging lid  152  is closed. The operation then moves to step ST 13 . 
         [0048]    In step ST 13 , the lid controller  160  actuates the open unit body  154   b  of the fuel supply lid open unit  154  to open the fuel supply lid  151 . In response to a disengagement instruction, the open unit body  154   b  disengages from the fuel supply lid  151 . As a result, the fuel supply lid  151  is opened by the urging force of the spring  154   a.  After the fuel supply lid  151  is opened, the operator removes the inner lid, inserts the fuel supply nozzle into the fuel supply opening  62 , and supplies fuel. After the end of the fuel supply, the operator attaches the inner lid, and closes the fuel supply lid  151 . When the fuel supply lid  151  is closed, the fuel supply lid  151  engages with the open unit body  154   b,  and the fuel supply lid  151  is kept closed. 
         [0049]    Now, the operation of the lid device  150  is described in connection with an example of the operation for charging the battery  90 . It is to be noted that the fuel supply lid  151  and the charging lid  152  are closed. For charging, the operator operates and turns on the charging lid open switch  157 . When the charging lid open switch  157  is on, information indicating this fact is transmitted to the lid controller  160 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , in step ST 21 , the lid controller  160  judges whether the charging lid open switch  157  is on. When the operator turns on the charging lid open switch  157 , information indicating this fact is transmitted to the lid controller  160 , so that the lid controller  160  judges that the charging lid open switch  157  is on. The operation then moves to step ST 22 . 
         [0050]    In step ST 22 , the lid controller  160  judges whether the fuel supply lid  151  is open. In this condition, the fuel supply lid  151  is closed, so that a signal is emitted from the first detector  158 . Thus, the lid controller  160  judges that the fuel supply lid  151  is closed. The operation then moves to step ST 23 . 
         [0051]    In step ST 23 , the lid controller  160  actuates the open unit body  155   b  of the charging lid open unit  155  to open the charging lid  152 . In response to a disengagement instruction from the lid controller  160 , the open unit body  155   b  disengages from the charging lid  152 . As a result, the charging lid  152  is opened by the urging force of the spring  155   a.  After the charging lid  152  is opened, the operator removes the inner lid, connects the charging cable to the connector  112 , and charges the battery  90 . After the end of the charging, the operator attaches the inner lid, and closes the charging lid  152 . When the charging lid  152  is closed, the charging lid  152  engages with the open unit body  155   b,  and the charging lid  152  is kept closed. 
         [0052]    Now, the operation of charging during fuel supply is described by way of example in connection with the case in which the charging lid  152  is to be opened when the fuel supply lid  151  is open. In this case, the fuel supply lid  151  is opened in accordance with the flowchart shown in  FIG. 2 . In this condition, the operator turns on the charging lid open switch  157  for charging. Thus, the operation moves from step ST 21  to step ST 22  shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0053]    In step ST 22 , the lid controller  160  judges whether the fuel supply lid  151  is open. In this condition, the fuel supply lid  151  is open, so that no signal is transmitted to the lid controller  160  from the first detector  158 . Thus, the lid controller  160  judges that the fuel supply lid  151  is open. The operation then moves to step ST 24 . 
         [0054]    In step ST 24 , in order to keep the charging lid  152  closed, the lid controller  160  does not actuate the charging lid open unit  155 . Therefore, the open unit body  155   b  does not disengage from the charging lid  152 , so that the charging lid  152  is not opened. The operation then moves to step ST 25 . 
         [0055]    In step ST 25 , the lid controller  160  activates the alarm device  161  to notify the operator. As a result, an alarm sound is generated. The operator can recognize by the generated alarm sound that the fuel supply lid  151  is open and fuel is being supplied. 
         [0056]    Similarly, the operation of supplying fuel during charging is described by way of example in connection with the case in which the fuel supply lid  151  is to be opened when the charging lid  152  is open. In this case, the charging lid  152  is opened in accordance with the flowchart shown in  FIG. 3 . In this condition, the operator turns on the fuel supply lid open switch  156  to supply fuel. Thus, the operation moves from step ST 11  to step ST 12  shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0057]    In step ST 12 , the lid controller  160  judges whether the charging lid  152  is open. In this condition, the charging lid  152  is open, so that no signal is transmitted to the lid controller  160  from the second detector  159 . Thus, the lid controller  160  judges that the charging lid  152  is open. The operation then moves to step ST 14 . 
         [0058]    In step ST 14 , in order to keep the fuel supply lid  151  closed, the lid controller  160  does not actuate the fuel supply lid open unit  154 . Therefore, the open unit body  154   b  does not disengage from the fuel supply lid  151 , so that the fuel supply lid  151  is not opened. The operation then moves to step ST 15 . 
         [0059]    In step ST 15 , the lid controller  160  activates the alarm device  161  to notify the operator. As a result, an alarm sound is generated. The operator can recognize by the generated alarm sound that the charging lid  152  is already open and charging is underway. 
         [0060]    Thus, when one of the fuel supply lid  151  and the charging lid  152  is open, the lid controller  160  does not operate the lid open unit of the other lid for disengagement to prevent the other lid from opening even if the open switch for opening the other lid, that is, the charging lid open switch  157  or the fuel supply lid open switch  156  is turned on. It is to be noted that a first lid referred to in the present invention signifies an open lid as described above. That is, the fuel supply lid  151  is the first lid when the fuel supply lid  151  is open, and the charging lid  152  is the first lid when the charging lid  152  is open. 
         [0061]    Therefore, the fuel supply lid  151  and the charging lid  152  do not open simultaneously. This inhibits the fuel supply lid  151  and the charging lid  152  from being left unclosed. A concrete explanation is given to this point. When performing charging and fuel supply at the same time, the operator may concentrate on one of the two operations. In this case, if the operator concentrates on one of the operations, for example, the fuel supply, the operator may forget the charging. In this case, the charging lid  152  may be left unclosed. 
         [0062]    However, according to the present embodiment, the fuel supply lid  151  and the charging lid  152  do not open simultaneously. That is, as the operator cannot perform charging and fuel supply at the same time, the operator does not forget one of the operations. This makes it possible to inhibit the lid from being left unclosed. 
         [0063]    Now, a vehicle lid device according to a second embodiment of the present invention is described with reference to  FIG. 4 . Components in the second embodiment having functions similar to those in the first embodiment are provided with the same signs and are not described. In the second embodiment, the action of the lid controller  160  is different from that in the first embodiment. The structure is the same as that in the first embodiment in other respects. The difference is specifically described. 
         [0064]      FIG. 4  is a flowchart showing the operation of the lid controller  160 . The lid controller  160  acts in accordance with the flowchart shown in  FIG. 4  instead of the flowcharts shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . 
         [0065]    First, the operation for charging is described. It is to be noted that the fuel supply lid  151  and the charging lid  152  are closed. In step ST 31 , the lid controller  160  judges whether the charging lid open switch  157  is on. When the operator turns on the charging lid open switch  157  for charging, information corresponding to this operation is transmitted to the lid controller  160  from the charging lid open switch  157 . Thus, the lid controller  160  judges that the charging lid open switch  157  is on. The operation then moves to step ST 32 . 
         [0066]    In step ST 32 , the lid controller  160  judges whether the fuel supply lid  151  is closed. In this condition, the fuel supply lid  151  is closed, so that a signal is transmitted to the lid controller  160  from the first detector  158 . Thus, the lid controller  160  judges that the fuel supply lid  151  is closed. The operation then moves to step ST 33 . 
         [0067]    In step ST 33 , the lid controller  160  actuates the open unit body  155   b  of the charging lid open unit  155  to open the charging lid  152 . In response to a disengagement instruction from the lid controller  160 , the open unit body  155   b  disengages from the charging lid  152 . As a result, the charging lid  152  is opened by the urging force of the spring  155   a.  When the charging lid  152  is opened, the operator removes the inner lid of the connector  112 , connects the charging cable to the connector  112 , and charges the battery  90 . After the end of the charging, the operator closes the charging lid  152 . 
         [0068]    The operation for supplying fuel is described next. It is to be noted that the fuel supply lid  151  and the charging lid  152  are closed. The operation moves from step ST 31  to step ST 34 . In step ST 34 , the lid controller  160  judges whether the fuel supply lid open switch  156  is on. When the operator turns on the fuel supply lid open switch  156  to supply fuel, information corresponding to this operation is transmitted to the lid controller  160  from the fuel supply lid open switch  156 . Thus, the lid controller  160  judges that the fuel supply lid open switch  156  is on. The operation then moves to step ST 35 . 
         [0069]    In step ST 35 , the lid controller  160  judges whether the charging lid  152  is closed. In this condition, the charging lid  152  is closed, so that a signal is transmitted to the lid controller  160  from the second detector  159 . Thus, the lid controller  160  judges that the charging lid  152  is closed. The operation then moves to step ST 36 . 
         [0070]    In step ST 36 , the lid controller  160  actuates the open unit body  154   b  of the fuel supply lid open unit  154  to open the fuel supply lid  151 . In response to a disengagement instruction from the lid controller  160 , the open unit body  154   b  disengages from the fuel supply lid  151 . As a result, the fuel supply lid  151  is opened by the urging force of the spring  154   a.  When the fuel supply lid  151  is opened, the operator removes the inner lid of the fuel supply opening  62 , inserts the fuel supply nozzle into the fuel supply opening  62 , and supplies fuel. After the end of the fuel supply, the operator closes the fuel supply lid  151 . 
         [0071]    The operation for opening the charging lid  152  when the fuel supply lid  151  is open is described next. When the lid controller  160  judges in step ST 32  that the fuel supply lid  151  is open, the operation moves to step ST 37 . 
         [0072]    In step ST 37 , in order to keep the charging lid  152  closed, the lid controller  160  does not operate the charging lid open unit  155  for disengagement. Therefore, the charging lid  152  does not open. The operation then moves to step ST 38 . 
         [0073]    In step ST 38 , the lid controller  160  activates the alarm device  161  to notify the operator. 
         [0074]    The operation for opening the fuel supply lid  151  when the charging lid  152  is open is described next. When the lid controller  160  judges in step ST 35  that the charging lid  152  is open, the operation moves to steps ST 37  and ST 38 . 
         [0075]    The second embodiment can also provide functions and advantages similar to those in the first embodiment. 
         [0076]    In the structures described in the first and second embodiments, two lids, that is, the fuel supply lid  151  and the charging lid  152  are used as an example of lids referred to in the present invention. However, the number of lids is not limited to two. For example, three or four lids may be used instead. In this case as well, a lid open switch as an example of an opening operation unit, a lid open unit, and a detector as an example of a detecting unit for detecting whether the lid is open or closed are provided for each of the lids, as described in the first and second embodiments. Even when one of these lids is open and the lid open switch for opening the other lid is operated, the lid open unit is not operated to open the lid corresponding to this operated lid open switch. That is, there is no condition in which two or more lids are open, functions and advantages similar to those in the first embodiment can be provided. 
         [0077]    Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments, the alarm device  161  is used as an informing unit referred to in the present invention. The alarm device has a function for notifying, that is, informing the operator by generating an alarm sound. However, the informing unit is not limited to this The informing unit may be, for example, a lamp and have a function for notifying, that is, informing the operator by light. In short, the informing unit has only to have a function for gaining the operator&#39;s attention, that is, informing the operator. 
         [0078]    Moreover, the structure described in each of the first and second embodiments comprises the fuel supply lid  151  and the charging lid  152  as the lids. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the lid device  150  may be provided not in the hybrid electric vehicle  10  but in an electric vehicle which is driven by an electric motor alone and which comprises a battery for the electric motor. 
         [0079]    The electric vehicle has two kinds of charging means for charging the battery. One of the charging means is, for example, quick charging means that uses a high-voltage power supply. The other charging means is, for example, charging means that uses a household power supply. The electric vehicle is provided with one charging connector used for each of the charging means. That is, the electric vehicle is provided with a total of two connectors. These connectors are similar to the charging connector  112  in the first and second embodiments, and are respectively provided in recesses that are provided in the outer wall part of the vehicle body. Therefore, two recesses are provided. A lid similar to the charging lid  152  is provided in each of these recesses. The recess in the electric vehicle described above is an example of an opening referred to in the present invention. 
         [0080]    In the electric vehicle having such a structure as well, the operations of these two lids are controlled as in the first and second embodiments, that is, controlled so that more than one lid may not open, thereby providing functions and advantages similar to those in the first and second embodiments. 
         [0081]    While the recess is used as an example of an opening referred to in the present invention in the first and second embodiments, the opening is not limited to the recess. 
         [0082]    This invention is not completely limited to the embodiments described above, and modifications of the components can be made at the stage of carrying out the invention without departing from the spirit thereof. Further, various inventions can be formed by properly combining the components disclosed in the embodiments described above. For example, some of all the components shown in the embodiments described above may be eliminated. Moreover, the components in different embodiments may be suitably combined together. 
         [0083]    Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described herein. Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1