OPEN-CLOSE MEANS FOR A FILL OPENING OF A FUEL TANK OF A VEHICLE, AND A FUEL FILLING METHOD USING THE OPEN-CLOSE MEANS

• US 20030079800A1
• Filed: 10/26/2001
• Published: 05/01/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 10/26/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Takeshi Nagao
• Original Assignee: Takeshi Nagao
• Inventors: Nagao, Takeshi
• Granted Patent: US 6,543,492 B1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 141/94
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 15/04 Tank inlets B60K15/077 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2015/0319 with electronic systems, e.g. for controlling fuelling or venting for LPG tanks B60K2015/03013
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2015/03197 Systems for exchanging data
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 2007/0469 by interrogating a transponder
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 7/0401 arrangements for automatically fuelling vehicles, i.e. without human intervention

Abstract

The invention relates to open-close means for a fill opening of a fuel tank of a vehicle that enables the fill opening of the fuel tank to be easily detected by a fuel filling robot. The open-close means comprises an open-close portion for opening and closing the fill opening and a position identifying member. Also, the invention relates to a fuel filling method using the open-close means, wherein the fuel filling robot is provided with a fuel nozzle and moving means for moving the fuel nozzle so that the fuel nozzle can be operated to move into position of the fill opening under control of signals from the position identifying member of the open-close means.

Claims

1. Open-close means for a fill opening of a fuel tank of a vehicle comprising an open-close portion for opening and closing the fill opening and a position identifying member.

2. The open-close means for the fill opening of the fuel tank of the vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the position identifying member is a transmitter having a solar battery.

3. The open-close means for the fill opening of the fuel tank of the vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the position identifying member is integrally mounted to the open-close portion.

4. A fuel filling method using the open-close means of claim 1, wherein a fuel filling robot is provided with a fuel nozzle and moving means for moving the fuel nozzle so that the fuel nozzle can be operated to move into position of the fill opening under control of signals from the position identifying member of the open-close means.

5. The open-close means for the fill opening of the fuel tank of the vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the position identifying member is integrally mounted to the open-close portion.