Fuel tank cap adaptive to refueling robot and application

Abstract

The invention discloses a fuel tank cap adaptive to a refueling robot and application of the fuel tank cap. The fuel tank cap comprises a fuel tank cap body and a cap-screwing-free refueling mechanism. An oil filling port connecting part is arranged on the oil tank cover main body to hermetically connect an oil filling port of an oil tank; the cap screwing-free oiling mechanism comprises a columnar pipe and a direct insertion type opening device. The outer diameter of the columnar pipe is smaller than the diameter of the oil filling port, so that the columnar pipe can be placed in the oil filling port; the inner diameter of the columnar pipe is larger than the outer diameter of a refueling muzzle so that the refueling muzzle can be inserted. The direct insertion type opening device is arranged at the end part of the columnar pipe; when the oil filling gun is inserted, the direct insertion type opening device is opened, so that the oil filling port is communicated with the oil tank; and after the oil gun is pulled out, the direct insertion type opening device is closed to seal the oil filling port. The oil tank cover can be automatically opened when the robot refuels and automatically closed after refueling through the direct insertion type opening device, and the robot refueling device can be suitable for oil tank covers of various types, and is wide in applicability, simple in structure, low in cost and easy to popularize.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of automatic refueling, and particularly relates to a fuel tank cap adapted to a refueling robot and its application. Background Art

[0002] The popularity of refueling robots is increasing day by day. However, due to the variety of fuel tank caps. Some fuel tank caps use a threaded tightening method, while others use other special designs; for example, Chinese Patent Application No. CN201520746562.0 discloses a fuel tank cap, which includes a fuel pipe joint and a fuel tank cap. A fuel pipe is connected to the bottom of the fuel pipe joint, and an oil inlet channel is provided in the fuel pipe joint. The fuel tank cap includes a fixing part, and a limiting device is arranged on the fixing part. The limiting device includes a pressing block and an anti-rotation block. The inner wall of the fuel filling port of the device and the pressing block of the fuel tank cap buckle the fuel tank cap on the fuel filling port for sealing. In addition to using special designs similar to the above, the existing fuel filling port designs of fuel tanks usually use a threaded method to screw the fuel tank cap onto the fuel filling port. The difference is that some fuel filling ports are provided with internal threads on the inner wall of the fuel filling port, and some are provided with external threads at the end of the fuel filling port. However, in the face of the development trend of robot automatic refueling, this type of fuel filling port design requires the fuel tank cap to be unscrewed to expose the fuel tank opening before refueling can be carried out.

[0003] During the process of robot automatic refueling, opening the fuel tank cap has become a major obstacle to the popularization of refueling robots; due to the different designs of fuel filling ports and fuel tank cap structures of different vehicle models, their opening methods are also different. Because of the problem of opening the fuel tank cap, many refueling robots can only meet some vehicle models and cannot adapt to the fuel filling ports of various fuel tanks. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above problems, the present invention is proposed to provide a fuel tank cap adapted to a refueling robot and its application that can overcome the above problems or at least partially solve the above problems.

[0005] An embodiment of the present invention provides a fuel tank cap adapted to a refueling robot, including: a fuel tank cap main body and a non-twist cap refueling mechanism;

[0006] A fuel filling port connection part is provided on the fuel tank cap main body to seal and connect the fuel filling port of the fuel tank;

[0007] The non-twist cap refueling mechanism includes a columnar tube and a direct insertion opening device;

[0008] The outer diameter of the columnar tube is smaller than the diameter of the fuel filling port, so that the columnar tube can be placed into the fuel filling port; the inner diameter of the columnar tube is larger than the outer diameter of the fuel filling nozzle to allow the fuel filling nozzle to be inserted;

[0009] The direct insertion opening device is arranged at the end of the columnar tube; in the state where the fuel gun is inserted, the direct insertion opening device is opened to connect the fuel filling port with the fuel tank; after the fuel gun is pulled out, the direct insertion opening device resets and closes to seal the fuel filling port.

[0010] In some alternative embodiments, the direct insertion opening device includes: a flip-up sealing cover, a link mechanism, and a torsion spring;

[0011] The link mechanism is rotatably connected to the columnar tube through a first pin shaft. The flip-up sealing cover is hinged to the link mechanism. The flip-up sealing cover is provided with a structure that seals and mates with the end of the columnar tube to seal the fuel filling port. The torsion spring is installed on the first pin shaft;

[0012] In the state where the fuel gun is inserted, the link mechanism rotates around the first pin shaft under the action of the fuel gun and causes the torsion spring to generate a torque, driving the flip-up sealing cover to open and connect the fuel filling port with the fuel tank; after the fuel gun is pulled out, under the restoring force of the torsion spring, the link mechanism and the flip-up sealing cover reset to seal the fuel filling port.

[0013] In some alternative embodiments, one end of the flip-up sealing cover that mates with the end of the columnar tube is a first conical surface, which mates with a second conical surface inside the end of the columnar tube to achieve sealing.

[0014] In some alternative embodiments, the end of the columnar tube is provided with a pin shaft installation groove. Pin shaft installation holes are provided on both side walls of the pin shaft installation groove to install the first pin shaft. One end of the link mechanism is provided with a pin shaft hole to install the first pin shaft;

[0015] The other end of the link mechanism is provided with a hinge hole. The top of the flip-up sealing cover is provided with a mounting boss, and a hinge portion is provided on the mounting boss to cooperate with the hinge hole to achieve hinging.

[0016] In some alternative embodiments, the direct insertion opening device includes: a movable sealing cover and a first spring;

[0017] An annular installation groove is provided on the inner wall of the end of the columnar tube. A plurality of oil passing holes are provided on the side wall at the annular installation groove. The movable sealing cover and the first spring are arranged in the annular installation groove;

[0018] In the state where the fuel gun is inserted, the movable sealing cover moves downward under the action of the fuel gun and compresses the first spring, so that the fuel filling port communicates with the fuel tank through the oil passing holes; after the fuel gun nozzle is pulled out, under the restoring force of the first spring, the movable sealing cover resets to seal the fuel filling port.

[0019] In some alternative embodiments, the annular mounting groove includes an annular upper top surface and an annular lower bottom surface; one end of the first spring is connected to the annular lower bottom surface, and the other end is connected to the movable sealing cover; under the action of the first spring, the movable sealing cover cooperates with the annular upper top surface to form a seal.

[0020] In some alternative embodiments, the direct insertion opening device further includes an overpressure relief mechanism, and the overpressure relief mechanism includes a cover plate and a second spring;

[0021] A relief mechanism accommodation cavity is provided in the movable sealing cover, at least one pressure relief hole communicating with the fuel tank is provided at the bottom of the accommodation cavity; at least one ventilation hole is provided at the top of the accommodation cavity;

[0022] The cover plate and the second spring are installed in the accommodation cavity; one end of the second spring is connected to the top of the accommodation cavity, and one end is connected to the cover plate; the cover plate seals and covers the pressure relief hole under the action of the second spring; after the internal pressure of the fuel tank is greater than the elastic force of the second spring, the cover plate moves upward under the action of the pressure, so that the pressure relief hole communicates with the accommodation cavity to achieve pressure relief.

[0023] In some alternative embodiments, the direct insertion opening device is a duckbill flat tube, and the duckbill flat tube includes a cylindrical part, a fitting part, and a transition part connecting the cylindrical part and the fitting part;

[0024] The cylindrical part is used for sleeving on the end of the cylindrical tube;

[0025] The fitting part includes an upper sheet layer and a lower sheet layer with two side edges sealed and connected; in the state where the fuel filling nozzle is not inserted, the upper sheet layer and the lower sheet layer are fitted to close the fuel filling port; in the state where the fuel filling nozzle is inserted, as the oil liquid is injected, the upper sheet layer and the lower sheet layer are separated to form an oil passage, so that the fuel filling port communicates with the fuel tank.

[0026] In some alternative embodiments, a sheet-like ring is provided in the cylindrical part, the outer periphery of the sheet-like ring is sealingly connected to the inner wall of the cylindrical part; an elastic tightening ring is provided inside the inner circle of the sheet-like ring, and the elastic tightening ring is used for sleeving the fuel filling nozzle.

[0027] In some alternative embodiments, the cylindrical part, the fitting part, and the transition part are made of flexible materials, and the elastic tightening ring is made of elastic materials.

[0028] In some alternative embodiments, the transition part has a zigzag folding-back structure, and the zigzag folding-back structure means that at the connection between the transition part and the fitting part, the transition part first droops on both sides of the fitting part and then folds back upward, forming a zigzag-shaped bending structure.

[0029] In some alternative embodiments, a folding edge is provided on the main body of the fuel tank cap to be adapted to the fuel filler neck; an external thread is provided on the outer wall of the columnar tube to be connected to the fuel filler neck.

[0030] An embodiment of the present invention provides a fuel tank, which is characterized by comprising: a fuel tank main body and a fuel tank cap that can be installed on the fuel tank main body, and the fuel tank cap is the fuel tank cap adapted to a refueling robot as described above.

[0031] An embodiment of the present invention provides an application of the above-mentioned fuel tank cap adapted to a refueling robot during the automatic refueling process of the robot.

[0032] The beneficial effects of the above technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present invention at least include:

[0033] The fuel tank cap provided by the above embodiment of the present invention is provided with a fuel filler neck connection part on the main body of the fuel tank cap to be hermetically connected to the fuel filler neck of the fuel tank; a twist-free cap refueling mechanism is provided on the main body of the fuel tank cap, and the twist-free cap refueling mechanism includes a columnar tube and a direct insertion type opening device; the columnar tube can be placed into the fuel filler neck, and a fuel gun nozzle can be inserted into the columnar tube. After the fuel gun is inserted, it can act on the direct insertion type opening device to open the fuel filler neck. After refueling is completed and the fuel gun is pulled out, the direct insertion type opening device can be reset to close the fuel filler neck; through the direct insertion type opening device, the fuel tank cap can be automatically opened during robot refueling and automatically closed after refueling, which makes the refueling operation process more coherent and efficient, and reduces the operation steps of tightening the fuel tank cap in the prior art; this fuel tank cap can be applicable to various different types of fuel tank caps, has wide applicability, is simple in structure, low in cost, and easy to popularize. When it is used for a refueling robot, the refueling robot does not need to design an opening structure for various fuel tank caps, thereby reducing the design and production costs of the refueling robot.

[0034] Optionally, the direct insertion type opening device can be set into different structures and adopt different implementation manners, such as a flip type, a moving type, or a flat tube fitting type, etc., to further increase the versatility and applicability of the fuel tank cap.

[0035] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be described in the following specification, and, in part, will be obvious from the specification, or will be understood by implementing the present invention. The objectives and other advantages of the present invention can be realized and obtained by the structures specifically pointed out in the written specification, claims, and drawings.

[0036] The technical solutions of the present invention will be further described in detail below through the drawings and embodiments. Description of the Drawings

[0037] The drawings are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention, and constitute a part of the specification, and are used to explain the present invention together with the embodiments of the present invention, and do not constitute a limitation to the present invention. In the drawings:

[0038] Figure 1 One of the three-dimensional structure diagrams of the fuel tank cap adapted to the refueling robot in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 2 Another three-dimensional structure diagram of the fuel tank cap adapted to the refueling robot in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 3 The third three-dimensional structure diagram of the fuel tank cap adapted to the refueling robot in the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 4 The structure diagram of the fuel tank cap adapted to the refueling robot in the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 5 The structure diagram of the direct insertion type opening device in the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Explanation of reference numerals:

[0044] 1. Fuel tank cap main body; 2. Columnar tube; 3. Through hole; 4. External thread; 5. Folding edge; 6. Clamping thread; 7. Flipable sealing cover; 8. Linkage mechanism; 9. First pin shaft; 10. Torsion spring; 11. Hinge hole; 12. Conical surface;

[0045] 72. Movable sealing cover; 13. First spring; 14. Annular installation groove; 15. Annular upper top surface; 16. Annular lower bottom surface; 17. Oil passing hole; 18. Pressure relief hole; 19. Cover plate; 20. Second spring; 21. Ventilation hole;

[0046] 22. Duckbill flat tube; 23. Cylindrical part; 24. Fitting part; 25. Transition part; 26. Upper sheet layer; 27. Lower sheet layer; 28. Sealing edge; 29. Sheet ring; 30. Elastic tightening ring. Detailed implementation manners

[0047] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. Although the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present disclosure can be implemented in various forms and should not be limited by the embodiments set forth herein. On the contrary, these embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure can be more thoroughly understood and the scope of the present disclosure can be completely conveyed to those skilled in the art.

[0048] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. These are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation to the invention. In addition, the terms "first", "second", "third" are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0049] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that unless otherwise clearly specified and defined, the terms "installed", "connected", "coupled" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it can be the communication inside two elements. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0050] To solve the problems existing in the prior art, an embodiment of the present invention provides a fuel tank cap adapted to a refueling robot, which can be quickly improved for different current fuel tank openings and can be adapted to the refueling robot. The fuel tank cap is a cheap, simple and easily popularized fuel tank cap adapted to the refueling robot.

[0051] A fuel tank cap adapted to a refueling robot provided by an embodiment of the present invention includes: a fuel tank cap main body and a twist-free refueling mechanism;

[0052] A fueling port connection part is provided on the fuel tank cap main body to sealingly connect the fueling port of the fuel tank;

[0053] The twist-free refueling mechanism includes a columnar tube and a direct-insert opening device;

[0054] The outer diameter of the columnar tube is smaller than the diameter of the fueling port, so that the columnar tube can be placed into the fueling port; the inner diameter of the columnar tube is larger than the outer diameter of the fueling gun nozzle to allow the fueling gun nozzle to be inserted;

[0055] The direct-insert opening device is arranged at the end of the columnar tube; in the state where the fueling gun is inserted, the direct-insert opening device is opened to connect the fueling port with the fuel tank; after the fueling gun is pulled out, the direct-insert opening device resets and closes to seal the fueling port.

[0056] The above fuel tank cap adapted to a refueling robot has a fuel tank cap body sealingly connected to the fuel filling port of the fuel tank. A twist-free cap refueling structure extending into the fuel filling port is connected to the fuel tank cap body. Among them, the twist-free cap refueling structure includes a columnar tube placed in the fuel filling port. The columnar tube is axially provided with a through hole for refueling, and the through hole penetrates the fuel tank cap body. The inner diameter of the columnar tube, that is, the diameter of the through hole, is larger than the outer diameter of the fuel gun nozzle. A direct plug-in opening device is arranged at the end of the through hole. When the nozzle is inserted into the direct plug-in opening device, the fuel filling port is opened, and when the nozzle is pulled out, it automatically closes.

[0057] For the above fuel tank cap adapted to a refueling robot, different specific structures can be adopted for the direct plug-in opening device. This will be described in detail through specific embodiments below.

[0058] Embodiment 1

[0059] Embodiment 1 of the present invention provides a fuel tank cap adapted to a refueling robot, and its structure is as Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 3 shown. The direct plug-in opening device in this fuel tank cap adopts a flip-up sealing cap. This fuel tank cap includes: a fuel tank cap body 1 and a twist-free cap refueling mechanism;

[0060] A fuel filling port connection part is provided on the fuel tank cap body 1 to sealingly connect the fuel filling port of the fuel tank;

[0061] The twist-free cap refueling mechanism includes a columnar tube 2 and a direct plug-in opening device;

[0062] The outer diameter of the columnar tube 2 is smaller than the diameter of the fuel filling port, so that the columnar tube 2 can be placed into the fuel filling port; the inner diameter of the columnar tube 2 is larger than the outer diameter of the fuel gun nozzle to allow the fuel gun nozzle to be inserted;

[0063] The direct plug-in opening device includes: a flip-up sealing cap 7, a link mechanism 8 and a torsion spring 10;

[0064] The link mechanism 8 is rotatably connected to the columnar tube 2 through a first pin shaft 9. The flip-up sealing cap 7 is hinged to the link mechanism 8. The flip-up sealing cap 7 is provided with a structure for sealing cooperation with the end of the columnar tube 2 to close the fuel filling port; the torsion spring 10 is installed on the first pin shaft 9.

[0065] In the state where the fuel gun is inserted, the link mechanism 8 rotates around the first pin shaft 9 under the action of the fuel gun and makes the torsion spring 10 generate torque, driving the flip-up sealing cap 7 to open and connecting the fuel filling port with the fuel tank; after the fuel gun is pulled out, under the restoring force of the torsion spring 10, the link mechanism 8 and the flip-up sealing cap 7 are reset to close the fuel filling port.

[0066] See Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 3As shown, the fuel tank cap adapted for a refueling robot provided in this embodiment has a fuel tank cap main body 1 sealingly connected to the fuel filling port of the fuel tank. When retrofitting an existing fuel tank filling port, this fuel tank cap can be installed on the filling port to complete the retrofitting operation, which is convenient and fast. Moreover, this fuel tank cap has a compact structure, small volume, light weight, simple structure, and low cost, facilitating the quick conversion of an ordinary fuel tank filling port into a filling port suitable for use with a refueling robot.

[0067] Optionally, an external thread 4 is provided on the outer wall of the columnar tube 2 as a fuel filling port connection part to connect to the fuel filling port. Optionally, in addition to the threaded structure, the fuel filling port connection part can also adopt other structures, such as a buckle. The external thread 4 provided on the outer wall of the columnar tube 2 is applicable to a fuel tank with an internal thread type provided on the inner wall of the fuel filling port. During use, the columnar tube 2 is inserted into the fuel tank opening, and its external thread 4 meshes with the internal thread of the fuel tank opening to form a threaded fastening connection.

[0068] Optionally, a folding edge 5 is provided at the edge of the fuel tank cap main body 1 to adapt to the fuel filling port. An engaging connection part is provided inside the folding edge 5. The engaging connection part can be an engaging thread 6. The engaging thread 6 can adopt an internal thread. Optionally, instead of using a thread, a buckle or other structures can also be used. For another type of fuel filling port of the fuel tank, that is, a fuel filling port with an external thread provided on the outer edge of the fuel filling port, a threaded connection is formed with the external thread through the engaging thread 6 provided inside the folding edge 5 of the fuel tank cap main body 1, enabling this device to have the ability of quick assembly and retrofitting to adapt to different fuel filling ports. That is, by installing this fuel tank cap on the existing structure of the fuel filling port, it can be quickly retrofitted into a fuel filling port suitable for use with a refueling robot.

[0069] It can be understood that in this embodiment, the external thread 4 and the engaging thread 6 can be set simultaneously, or separately to form different installation models, and can be adaptively selected according to the fuel tank filling port. Secondly, the diameters of the fuel tank cap main body 1 and the columnar tube 2 can both be set adaptively.

[0070] In some optional embodiments, a twist-free cap refueling mechanism extending into the fuel filling port is connected to the fuel tank cap main body 1. The twist-free cap refueling structure includes a columnar tube 2 and a direct insertion opening device. In this embodiment, the direct insertion opening device is implemented by a flip-up sealing cap 7 and a link mechanism 8. The opening and closing of the fuel filling port are realized through the flipping and resetting of the flip-up sealing cap.

[0071] A pin installation groove is provided at the end of the columnar tube 2, and pin installation holes are provided on both side walls of the pin installation groove to install a first pin 9. One end of the link mechanism 8 is provided with a pin hole to install the first pin; the other end of the link mechanism 8 is provided with a hinge hole, and an installation boss is provided on the top of the flip-up sealing cap 7, and a hinge part is provided on the installation boss to cooperate with the hinge hole to achieve hinge connection.

[0072] The outer diameter of the columnar tube 2 is smaller than that of the fuel filling port, which facilitates placing the columnar tube 2 inside the fuel filling port during installation. The edge of the fuel filling port is sealed by the fuel tank cap body 1. The columnar tube 2 is axially provided with a through hole 3 for fuel filling. The through hole 3 penetrates through the fuel tank cap body 1. After modification, fuel is filled into the fuel tank through the through hole 3. The diameter of the through hole 3 is larger than the outer diameter of the fuel gun nozzle, which facilitates the insertion of the fuel gun into the through hole 3. A direct insertion opening device is provided at the end of the through hole 3. When the nozzle is inserted into the direct insertion opening device, the fuel filling port opens, and it automatically closes when the nozzle is pulled out.

[0073] As an implementation manner of the direct insertion opening device, the direct insertion opening device includes a flip-up sealing cover 7, a link mechanism 8, and a torsion spring 10;

[0074] One end of the link mechanism 8 is provided with a first pin shaft 9 for hinging with the columnar tube 2. Specifically, the first pin shaft 9 is fixedly connected to the link mechanism 8 or is part of the link mechanism 8. The first pin shaft 9 is installed in the pin shaft installation hole provided at the end of the columnar tube 2 and can rotate in the pin shaft installation hole to enable the link mechanism 8 to swing. The other end of the link mechanism 8 is hinged to the flip-up sealing cover 7, so as to drive the flip-up sealing cover to move and open it.

[0075] The torsion spring 10 is arranged in the pin shaft installation hole and can be nested on the first pin shaft 9. One end of the torsion spring 10 is limited by the pin shaft installation hole, and the other end is limited by the flip-up sealing cover, and can drive the flip-up sealing cover 7 to seal the through hole 3.

[0076] During actual use, when the nozzle is inserted into the through hole 3, as the nozzle is inserted, the end of the nozzle can push open the flip-up sealing cover 7, and the link mechanism 8 controls the rotation angle of the flip-up sealing cover 7, and then fuel can be filled into the fuel tank. When the nozzle is pulled out, under the action of the torsion spring 10, the link mechanism 8 is driven to press the flip-up sealing cover 7 against the through hole 3 to form a seal for the fuel filling port. A waist-shaped hinge hole 11 is provided at the end of the link mechanism 8 hinged to the flip-up sealing cover 7. The waist-shaped hinge hole 11 is to ensure that even if there is a slight deviation in size when the flip-up sealing cover 7 is pressed by the link mechanism 8, the flip-up sealing cover 7 and the through hole 3 can be tightly fitted. There is a convex block at the upper end of the flip-up sealing cover 7. The link mechanism 8 is hinged on both sides of the convex block. The convex block has a side convex part protruding laterally above the link mechanism 8, and the side convex part limits the rotation angle of the link mechanism 8 to ensure that the rotation angle between the link mechanism 8 and the flip-up sealing cover 7 is within a good range.

[0077] Optionally, the flip-up sealing cover 7 is matched with the orifice at the end of the through hole 3. One end of the flip-up sealing cover 7 matched with the end of the columnar tube 2 is a first conical surface, which is matched with the second conical surface inside the end of the columnar tube 2 to achieve sealing. See Figure 3As shown, the flip - type sealing cover 7 is provided with a conical surface 12 on the edge towards one side of the through - hole 3. The mating surface between the flip - type sealing cover 7 and the through - hole 3 is a conical surface, which ensures the sealing effect. Thus, when the flip - type sealing cover 7 covers the through - hole 3, it has a larger sealing contact area, improving the sealing effect.

[0078] Optionally, an over - pressure relief mechanism can also be provided on the flip - type sealing cover 7. For the structure of the over - pressure relief mechanism, refer to the relevant description in Embodiment 2.

[0079] The fuel tank cap provided in this embodiment can be adapted to different models of fuel tank caps. When the robot automatically refuels through the flip - type direct - insertion opening device, it can achieve automatic opening of the fuel filling port and automatic closing after refueling.

[0080] Embodiment 2

[0081] Embodiment 2 of the present invention provides a fuel tank cap adapted to a refueling robot, and its structure is as Figure 4 shown. The direct - insertion opening device in this fuel tank cap uses a movable sealing cover. This fuel tank cap includes: a fuel tank cap main body 1 and a twist - free cap refueling mechanism;

[0082] The fuel tank cap main body 1 is provided with a fuel filling port connecting part to sealingly connect the fuel filling port of the fuel tank;

[0083] The twist - free cap refueling mechanism includes a columnar tube 2 and a direct - insertion opening device;

[0084] The outer diameter of the columnar tube 2 is smaller than the diameter of the fuel filling port, so that the columnar tube 2 can be placed into the fuel filling port; the inner diameter of the columnar tube 2 is larger than the outer diameter of the fuel filling nozzle to allow the fuel filling nozzle to be inserted;

[0085] The direct - insertion opening device includes: a movable sealing cover 72 and a first spring 13;

[0086] An annular installation groove 14 is provided on the inner wall of the end of the columnar tube 2. A plurality of oil - passing holes 17 are provided on the side wall at the annular installation groove 14. The movable sealing cover 72 and the first spring 13 are arranged in the annular installation groove 14;

[0087] In the state where the fuel filling nozzle is inserted, the movable sealing cover 72 moves downward under the action of the fuel filling nozzle and compresses the first spring 13, so that the fuel filling port communicates with the fuel tank through the oil - passing holes 17; after the fuel filling nozzle is pulled out, under the restoring force of the first spring 13, the movable sealing cover 72 resets to close the fuel filling port.

[0088] The annular installation groove 14 includes: an annular upper top surface 15 and an annular lower bottom surface 16; one end of the first spring 13 is connected to the annular lower bottom surface 16, and the other end is connected to the movable sealing cover 72; under the action of the first spring 13, the movable sealing cover 72 and the annular upper top surface 15 cooperate to form a seal. Refer to Figure 4As shown in the figure, the annular end face on the side of the annular installation groove 14 close to the fuel filling port is the annular upper top surface 15, and the annular end face on the side away from the fuel filling port is the annular lower bottom surface 16. The movable sealing cover 72 is placed in the annular installation groove 14 and can move along its axis direction in the groove. When the movable sealing cover 72 is pressed against the annular upper top surface 15, the fuel filling port is closed. The first spring 13 is placed in the annular installation groove 14. The first end of the first spring 13 is connected to the movable sealing cover 72, and the second end is connected to the annular lower bottom surface 16. The first spring 13 pushes the movable sealing cover 72 towards the annular upper top surface 15. A plurality of oil passing holes 17 are also provided through the annular side wall of the annular installation groove 14 in a circle; it can be understood that when refueling, the nozzle is inserted into the through hole 3 and pushes the movable sealing cover 72, and the first spring 13 on the back of the movable sealing cover 72 contracts, so that the through hole 3 is opened. At this time, the fuel gun can inject fuel into the fuel tank. Since the nozzle is pressed against the movable sealing cover 72 at this time, it will have a certain impact on the fuel flow of the fuel gun. Therefore, the fuel gun needs to be slightly improved, that is, an oil outlet is opened on the side wall of the nozzle end, and the oil outlet is opposite to the oil passing hole 17 on the side, so that normal refueling can be carried out; and the movable sealing cover 72 of this structure forms a seal for the fuel tank by using the first spring 13 to press against the annular upper top surface 15. Therefore, when the negative pressure in the fuel tank is caused by excessive fuel consumption, the movable sealing cover 72 can be pressed down under the action of atmospheric pressure to supplement the pressure of the fuel tank.

[0089] Due to the large displacement, high fuel consumption and large air exchange volume of some large-displacement engines, the fuel tank cap must have the functions of sealing and air intake and exhaust. When there is a lot of fuel in the fuel tank, with the tilting and shaking of the machine, the fuel in the fuel tank splashes or overflows through the fuel tank cap, causing danger; after the engine runs, as the fuel decreases, the air pressure in the fuel tank will gradually decrease. In order to avoid the difficulty of the engine sucking fuel due to too low air pressure in the fuel tank, air must be introduced to increase the pressure in the fuel tank when the air pressure in the fuel tank drops to a certain pressure; when the machine works for a long time or in a high-temperature environment, as the fuel temperature rises and the fuel volatilization intensifies, the air pressure in the fuel tank will increase. In order to prevent the pressure in the fuel tank from being too high, the air in the fuel tank must be released when the fuel tank pressure reaches a certain value. This embodiment is a further improvement to solve the above problems.

[0090] Optionally, the above direct plug-in opening device further includes: an overpressure relief mechanism, and the overpressure relief mechanism includes a cover plate 19 and a second spring 20;

[0091] A relief mechanism accommodation cavity is provided in the movable sealing cover 72. At least one relief hole 18 communicating with the fuel tank is provided at the bottom of the accommodation cavity; at least one ventilation hole 21 is provided at the top of the accommodation cavity;

[0092] The cover plate 19 and the second spring 20 are installed in the accommodating cavity; one end of the second spring 20 is connected to the top of the accommodating cavity, and the other end is connected to the cover plate 19; the cover plate 19 seals and covers the pressure relief hole 18 under the action of the second spring 20; after the pressure inside the fuel tank is greater than the elastic force of the second spring 20, the cover plate 19 moves upward under the action of the pressure, so that the pressure relief hole 18 communicates with the accommodating cavity to achieve pressure relief.

[0093] The overpressure relief mechanism is arranged on the movable sealing cover 72. There is an accommodating cavity for installing the overpressure relief mechanism inside the movable sealing cover 72. A plurality of pressure relief holes 18 are provided through the bottom of the accommodating cavity, and a plurality of ventilation holes 21 are provided through the top of the accommodating cavity. The cover plate 19 is placed in the accommodating cavity, and the cover plate 19 covers the pressure relief holes 18 to seal them. A second spring 20 is provided between the other side of the cover plate 19 and the top of the accommodating cavity; in actual use, when the pressure inside the fuel tank increases, the pressure will pass through the pressure relief holes 18 and push up the cover plate 19, and then be discharged to the outside through the ventilation holes 21. This embodiment can form a direct plug-in refueling, and can also automatically adjust the pressure inside the fuel tank.

[0094] Embodiment III

[0095] Embodiment III of the present invention provides a fuel tank cap adapted to a refueling robot. The direct plug-in opening device in the fuel tank cap uses a duckbill flat tube. The fuel tank cap includes: a fuel tank cap body 1 and a twist-free cap refueling mechanism;

[0096] A fuel filling port connection part is provided on the fuel tank cap body 1 to seal and connect the fuel filling port of the fuel tank;

[0097] The twist-free cap refueling mechanism includes a columnar tube 2 and a direct plug-in opening device;

[0098] The outer diameter of the columnar tube 2 is smaller than the diameter of the fuel filling port, so that the columnar tube 2 can be placed into the fuel filling port; the inner diameter of the columnar tube 2 is larger than the outer diameter of the fuel filling nozzle to allow the fuel filling nozzle to be inserted;

[0099] The structures of the fuel tank cap body and the columnar tube can be seen Figures 1 - 4 as shown. The structure of the direct plug-in opening device in this embodiment can be seen Figure 5 as shown.

[0100] The direct plug-in opening device is a duckbill flat tube 22. The duckbill flat tube includes a cylindrical part 23, a fitting part 24, and a transition part 25 connecting the cylindrical part 23 and the fitting part 24;

[0101] The cylindrical part 23 is used for sleeving on the end of the columnar tube 2;

[0102] The fitting part 24 includes an upper sheet layer 26 and a lower sheet layer 27 which are hermetically connected at both sides; when the fuel filling nozzle is not inserted, the upper sheet layer 26 and the lower sheet layer 27 are fitted to close the fuel filling port; when the fuel filling nozzle is inserted, as the oil is injected, the upper sheet layer 26 and the lower sheet layer 27 are separated to form an oil passing channel, so that the fuel filling port is communicated with the fuel tank.

[0103] As shown in Figure 5 In the direct insertion type opening device in this embodiment, a flexible duckbill flat tube 22 fixedly connected to the end of the columnar tube 2 is included. The cylindrical part 23 of the duckbill flat tube 22 is used for sleeving and fixing on the columnar tube 2, and the fitting part 24 is connected to the cylindrical part 23 through a transition part 25; the fitting part 24 includes an upper sheet layer 26 and a lower sheet layer 27 which overlap and are hermetically connected at both sides by a sealing edge 28. The upper sheet layer 26 and the lower sheet layer 27 are mutually fitted to form a seal for the fuel filling port. The fitting part 24 has two working states. Specifically, when gasoline is not injected, the side areas of the upper sheet layer 26 and the lower sheet layer 27 are larger, and under atmospheric pressure, the two sheet layers made of flexible materials can be mutually fitted to form an effect of mutual attraction between the two sheet layers, thereby forming a seal for the fuel filling port and forming a structure similar to a one-way valve. The advantage of this structure is that when the vehicle encounters complex road surfaces such as shaking, gasoline will not flow back and leak. Because even if a small amount of gasoline enters between the two sheet layers, it is not sufficient to form a force to open the channel between the two sheet layers, and the fitting part 24 has a certain length, completely eliminating the problem of gasoline flowing back. On the contrary, when gasoline is injected between the upper sheet layer 26 and the lower sheet layer 27 from the cylindrical part 23, an oil passing channel is formed by the expansion between the upper and lower sheet layers 27. A large amount of gasoline enters to keep the channel open. When the gasoline addition stops, the two sheet layers are automatically fitted again, and no leakage will occur even if the fuel gun is withdrawn.

[0104] Furthermore, in order to enhance the anti-leakage ability of the fitting part 24, the transition part 25 can be processed into a zigzag and folded-back shape, that is, the side view of the transition part 25 is a zigzag bend. Here, the zigzag and folded-back structure means that at the connection between the transition part and the fitting part, the transition part droops first and then turns back upward on both sides of the fitting part, forming a zigzag bend structure. As shown in Figure 5 At the transition part 25 shown, after the lower fitting part 24 is clamped by the sealing edge 28, the transition part 25 droops out an inverted triangular pointed tooth-like structure at the position of the sealing edge 28, that is, the structure of the transition part 25 at this place is to droop an inverted triangle first and then turn back, and the turned-back part is connected to the fitting part.

[0105] Further optionally, a sheet-like ring 29 is provided inside the cylindrical portion. The outer periphery of the sheet-like ring 29 is hermetically connected to the inner wall of the cylindrical portion; an elastic tightening ring 30 is provided inside the inner ring of the sheet-like ring. The elastic tightening ring 30 is used to sleeve and tighten the fuel filling nozzle. During actual use, when the nozzle is inserted into the through hole 3 and gasoline is injected, the fitting portion 24 is not opened in the initial state. Therefore, at the beginning, the gasoline will encounter a certain resistance and it is easy to cause some gasoline to overflow. To avoid this situation, the sheet-like ring 29 is specifically provided. When the fuel gun is inserted into the sheet-like ring 29, the elastic tightening ring 30 will be sleeved on the nozzle. At this time, when refueling, the oil overflowing at the beginning of refueling can be blocked. It can be understood that once the fitting portion 24 is flushed open by the gasoline, it will no longer cause gasoline to overflow. Therefore, the sheet-like ring 29 is used at the beginning of refueling.

[0106] Preferably, the cylindrical portion 23, the fitting portion 24, and the transition portion 25 in the duckbill flat tube 22 are made of a flexible material, the sheet-like ring 29 is also made of a flexible material, and the elastic tightening ring 30 is made of an elastic material. The flexible material can be an oil-resistant rubber, such as silicone material.

[0107] Based on the same inventive concept, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a fuel tank, including: a fuel tank main body and a fuel tank cap that can be installed on the fuel tank main body, and the fuel tank cap is the fuel tank cap adapted to a refueling robot as described above.

[0108] An embodiment of the present invention further provides an application of the fuel tank cap adapted to a refueling robot as described above in the automatic refueling process of a robot.

[0109] The fuel tank cap of the embodiment of the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art:

[0110] 1. The fuel tank cap has a compact structure, small volume, light weight, simple structure, low cost, and is easy to popularize in the market.

[0111] 2. The modified fuel tank cap is suitable for the structural modification of the fuel tank openings of most vehicle models, and the operation is convenient. Align this device with the fuel filling port and screw it in to complete the installation.

[0112] 3. Whether for manual refueling operations or robot refueling, the fuel tank cap makes the refueling operation process more coherent and efficient, and reduces the operation steps of tightening the fuel tank cap in the prior art.

[0113] 4. The fuel tank cap provided by the embodiment of the present invention has strong versatility and applicability, effectively improves the versatility and applicability of the refueling robot, enables the refueling robot not to design opening structures for various fuel tank caps, and thus reduces the design and production costs of the refueling robot.

[0114] It should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the disclosed process is an instance of an exemplary method. Based on design preferences, it should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the process can be rearranged without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The appended method claims present the elements of the various steps in an exemplary order and are not intended to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy recited.

[0115] In the above detailed description, various features are combined in a single embodiment to simplify the present disclosure. This method of disclosure should not be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the embodiments of the claimed subject matter require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as reflected in the appended claims, the invention lies in less than the full scope of the features of the single disclosed embodiment. Thus, the appended claims are hereby expressly incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0116] The above description includes examples of one or more embodiments. Of course, it is not possible to describe all possible combinations of components or methods for the purpose of describing the above embodiments, but one of ordinary skill in the art should recognize that the various embodiments can be further combined and arranged. Accordingly, the embodiments described herein are intended to cover all such changes, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims. In addition, with respect to the term "comprising" used in the specification or claims, this term is inclusive in a manner similar to the term "including" as interpreted when used as a transitional word in the claims. Further, any use of the term "or" in the claims or specification is to mean "non-exclusive or".

Claims

1. A fuel tank cap adapted for a refueling robot, characterized in that, Comprising: A fuel tank cap body and a twist-free cap refueling mechanism; A fueling port connecting portion is provided on the fuel tank cap body for sealingly connecting to the fueling port of the fuel tank; The twist-free cap refueling mechanism includes a columnar tube and a direct-insertion opening device; The outer diameter of the columnar tube is smaller than the diameter of the fueling port, so that the columnar tube can be placed into the fueling port; the inner diameter of the columnar tube is larger than the outer diameter of the fueling nozzle, to allow the fueling nozzle to be inserted; The direct-insertion opening device is provided at the end of the columnar tube; in the state where the fueling nozzle is inserted, the direct-insertion opening device is opened to connect the fueling port with the fuel tank; after the fueling nozzle is pulled out, the direct-insertion opening device resets and closes to seal the fueling port.

2. The fuel tank cap according to claim 1, characterized in that, The direct-insertion opening device includes: a flip-up sealing cover, a link mechanism, and a torsion spring; The link mechanism is rotatably connected to the columnar tube through a first pin shaft, the flip-up sealing cover is hinged to the link mechanism, and the flip-up sealing cover is provided with a structure that sealingly cooperates with the end of the columnar tube to seal the fueling port; the torsion spring is installed on the first pin shaft; In the state where the fueling nozzle is inserted, the link mechanism rotates around the first pin shaft under the action of the fueling nozzle and causes the torsion spring to generate a torque, driving the flip-up sealing cover to open to connect the fueling port with the fuel tank; after the fueling nozzle is pulled out, under the restoring force of the torsion spring, the link mechanism and the flip-up sealing cover reset to seal the fueling port.

3. The fuel tank cap according to claim 2, characterized in that, One end of the flip-up sealing cover that cooperates with the end of the columnar tube is a first conical surface, which cooperates with the second conical surface inside the end of the columnar tube to achieve sealing.

4. The fuel tank cap according to claim 2, wherein, A pin shaft installation groove is provided at the end of the columnar tube, and pin shaft installation holes are provided on both side walls of the pin shaft installation groove to install the first pin shaft, and a pin shaft hole is provided at one end of the link mechanism to install the first pin shaft; The other end of the link mechanism is provided with a hinge hole, and a mounting boss is provided on the top of the flip-up sealing cover, and a hinge portion is provided on the mounting boss to cooperate with the hinge hole to achieve hinging.

5. The fuel tank cap according to claim 1, characterized in that, The direct-insertion opening device includes: a movable sealing cover and a first spring; An annular installation groove is provided on the inner wall of the end of the columnar tube, and a plurality of oil passing holes are provided on the side wall at the annular installation groove, and the movable sealing cover and the first spring are arranged in the annular installation groove; In the state where the fueling nozzle is inserted, the movable sealing cover moves downward under the action of the fueling nozzle and compresses the first spring, so that the fueling port communicates with the fuel tank through the oil passing holes; after the fueling nozzle is pulled out, under the restoring force of the first spring, the movable sealing cover resets to seal the fueling port.

6. The fuel tank cap according to claim 5, characterized in that, The annular installation groove includes: an annular upper top surface and an annular lower bottom surface; one end of the first spring is connected to the annular lower bottom surface, and the other end is connected to the movable sealing cover; under the action of the first spring, the movable sealing cover cooperates with the annular upper top surface to form a seal.

7. The fuel tank cap according to claim 5, wherein, The direct-insertion opening device further includes: an overpressure relief mechanism, and the overpressure relief mechanism includes a cover plate and a second spring; A relief mechanism accommodation cavity is provided inside the movable sealing cover, at least one pressure relief hole communicating with the fuel tank is provided at the bottom of the accommodation cavity; at least one ventilation hole is provided at the top of the accommodation cavity; The cover plate and the second spring are installed in the accommodation cavity; one end of the second spring is connected to the top of the accommodation cavity, and the other end is connected to the cover plate; the cover plate seals and covers the pressure relief hole under the action of the second spring; after the internal pressure of the fuel tank is greater than the elastic force of the second spring, the cover plate moves upward under the action of the pressure, so that the pressure relief hole communicates with the accommodation cavity to achieve pressure relief.

8. The fuel tank cap according to claim 1, characterized in that, The direct insertion type opening device is a duckbill flat tube, and the duckbill flat tube includes a cylindrical part, a fitting part, and a transition part connecting the cylindrical part and the fitting part; The cylindrical part is used for sleeving on the end of the columnar tube; The fitting part includes an upper sheet layer and a lower sheet layer with both sides sealed and connected; in the state where the fuel filling nozzle is not inserted, the upper sheet layer and the lower sheet layer are attached to close the fuel filling port; in the state where the fuel filling nozzle is inserted, as the oil liquid is injected, the upper sheet layer and the lower sheet layer are separated to form an oil passing channel, so that the fuel filling port communicates with the fuel tank.

9. The fuel tank cap according to claim 8, characterized in that, A sheet-like ring is arranged in the cylindrical part, and the outer periphery of the sheet-like ring is hermetically connected with the inner wall of the cylindrical part; an elastic tightening ring is arranged on the inner ring of the sheet-like ring, and the elastic tightening ring is used for sleeving the fuel filling nozzle.

10. The fuel tank cap according to claim 8, characterized in that, The cylindrical part, the fitting part, and the transition part are made of flexible materials, and the elastic tightening ring is made of elastic materials.

11. The fuel tank cap according to claim 8, characterized in that, The transition part has a sawtooth folding-back structure, and the sawtooth folding-back structure means that at the connection of the transition part and the fitting part, the transition part droops first on both sides of the fitting part and then folds back upward, forming a sawtooth-shaped bending structure.

12. The fuel tank cap according to any one of claims 1-11, characterized in that, The fuel tank cover body is provided with a folding edge to be adapted to the fuel filling port; the outer wall of the columnar tube is provided with an external thread to be connected to the fuel filling port.

13. A fuel tank, characterized in that, Comprising: A fuel tank main body and a fuel tank cover that can be installed on the fuel tank main body, and the fuel tank cover is the fuel tank cover adapted to a fueling robot according to any one of claims 1-12.

14. An application of a fuel tank cover adapted to a fueling robot according to any one of claims 1-12 in the automatic fueling process of a robot.

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