Vehicle fuel device and method for detecting failure of vehicle fuel device

Abstract

To provide a vehicle fuel system and a vehicle fuel system malfunction detection method capable of increasing a frequency of diagnosis by improving the manner of performing the determination which has been conventionally performed at a timing of supplying fuel to a fuel tank of the vehicle.SOLUTION: In a malfunction detection method of a vehicle fuel system 10 according to the invention, the vehicle fuel system 10 includes: a fuel filler flap 15 that blocks an opening 22A of a fuel filler space 22 in an openable and closable manner; a locking mechanism 26 that regulates opening and closing operation of the fuel filler flap 15; and a detector 27 that detects opening and closing operations of the fuel filler flap 15. A controller 24 is able to determine an operational state of the fuel filler flap 15 multiple times within one driving cycle of a vehicle, which improves a frequency of diagnosing an operational state of the fuel filler flap 15 and a stuck-closed state of the detector 27.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle fuel device capable of detecting a failure of a fuel flap or a closed and fixed state of a detection unit within one driving cycle including when the vehicle is running, and a method for detecting a failure of the vehicle fuel device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a method for detecting a failure of a conventional fuel filler lid device. The fuel filler lid device is used for a vehicle fuel device and mainly includes a fuel filler lid that closes the arrangement space of the fuel filling port, a lid locking mechanism that locks the fuel filler lid in a closed state, a fuel filler lid switch that performs an opening operation of the fuel filler lid, and a fuel filler lid opening / closing sensor that detects the opening and closing of the fuel filler lid.

[0003] The fuel filler lid switch and the fuel filler lid opening / closing sensor are connected to an electronic control unit (hereinafter referred to as "ECU") of the vehicle. Then, when the fuel filler lid switch is operated by an occupant of the vehicle or the like, the ECU activates the door motor of the lid locking mechanism to release the lock of the fuel filler lid.

[0004] At this time, if the ECU detects an output in the closed state from the fuel filler lid opening / closing sensor even when the door motor is turned on, it determines that the fuel filler lid device is faulty due to a failure of the door motor of the lid locking mechanism or the like.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] As described above, conventionally, when the fuel filler lid switch is actually operated by a vehicle occupant or the like, such as the timing of refueling the fuel tank of the vehicle, a failure determination of the fuel filler lid device is performed. Therefore, there is a problem that the diagnostic frequency of the fuel filler lid device is low and it is difficult to detect a failure of the fuel lid at an early stage.

[0007] Further, in the conventional lid locking mechanism, the tip of the door hook moves between position A and position B shown in Patent Document 1 by a door motor to form a locked state or an unlocked state of the door bracket. Therefore, the opened fuel filler lid cannot be closed unless the fuel filler lid is pushed from the outside of the vehicle, and there is a problem that it is difficult to detect a failure of the fuel filler lid device during the running of the vehicle.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a vehicle fuel device and a method for detecting a failure of the vehicle fuel device capable of detecting a failure of a fuel flap or a closed and fixed state of a detection unit within one driving cycle including during the running of the vehicle.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] A method for detecting a failure of a vehicle fuel device according to an embodiment of the present invention is a method for detecting a failure of a vehicle fuel device including a control unit that determines at least an operating state of a fuel flap or a closed and fixed state of a detection unit that detects an opening / closing operation of the fuel flap, wherein the control unit uses an operation detection result of the lock unit input from a lock mechanism having a lock unit that regulates the opening / closing operation of the fuel flap and an opening / closing detection result of the fuel flap input from the detection unit to determine at least the operating state of the fuel flap or the closed and fixed state of the detection unit.

[0010] In addition, in a fuel device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, there are provided a fuel flap, a lock mechanism having a lock portion that regulates the opening and closing operation of the fuel flap, and a control portion that determines a closed and fixed state of a detection portion that detects at least an operating state of the fuel flap or an opening and closing operation of the fuel flap. The control portion determines at least the operating state of the fuel flap or the closed and fixed state of the detection portion by using an operation detection result of the lock portion input from the lock mechanism and an opening and closing detection result of the fuel flap input from the detection portion.

Effect of the Invention

[0011] In a fuel device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, the fuel flap is in a semi-open state with respect to the opening when the lock receiving portion is locked to the lock portion. Then, the detection portion detects the semi-open state of the fuel flap. With this structure, in the control portion of the fuel device for a vehicle, it is possible to determine the operating state of the fuel flap a plurality of times within one driving cycle of the vehicle, and the diagnostic frequency for detecting and diagnosing the operating state of the fuel flap and the closed and fixed state of the detection portion is improved.

[0012] Also, in a method for detecting a failure of a fuel device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, the lock portion of the lock mechanism is operated while the vehicle is running, and the opening and closing state of the fuel flap is detected. Then, the control portion determines the operating state of the fuel flap by using the operation detection result of the lock portion and the opening and closing detection result of the fuel flap. With this failure detection method, in the control portion of the fuel device for a vehicle, it is possible to determine the operating state of the fuel flap outside of refueling operations within one driving cycle of the vehicle, and it becomes possible to detect early a failure of the fuel flap or a closed and fixed state of the detection portion.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] First, the vehicle fuel device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the description of this embodiment, the same reference numerals are generally used for the same members, and repeated descriptions are omitted. Further, in the following description, the vertical direction indicates the height direction of the vehicle 11, the horizontal direction indicates the vehicle width direction of the vehicle 11, and the longitudinal direction indicates the overall length direction of the vehicle 11.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a schematic view for explaining a vehicle 11 on which the vehicle fuel device 10 of this embodiment is mounted. FIG. 2 is a schematic view for explaining the vehicle fuel device 10 of this embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a fuel filler lid device 23 of the vehicle fuel device 10 of this embodiment.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle 11 mounts an engine 12 and a vehicle fuel device 10 that supplies fuel to the engine 12. And in the vehicle 11, fuel is supplied from the fuel tank 13 to the engine 12. The engine 12 generates a driving force by burning the fuel, and the vehicle 11 can run.

[0017] Further, a fuel flap 15 is assembled to the vehicle body 14 of the vehicle 11. The fuel flap 15 closes the opening 22A (see FIG. 2) of the fuel supply space 22 (see FIG. 2) where the fuel filler port 20 (see FIG. 2) is arranged in a freely openable and closable manner. And in the vehicle 11, by opening the fuel flap 15 with respect to the opening 22A, fuel can be supplied to the fuel tank 13.

[0018] Still, the fuel gas generated from the fuel in the fuel tank 13 is discharged to the outside of the vehicle via the canister 16. As a result, when refueling the vehicle 11, the fuel gas that has become high-pressure in the fuel tank 13 is suppressed from spraying out from the fuel filler port 20.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle fuel device 10 mainly includes a fuel tank 13, a fuel filler port 20 for supplying fuel to the fuel tank 13, a fuel filler lid device 23 disposed with respect to the fuel filling space 22 where the fuel filler port 20 is disposed, a canister 16, and a control unit 24 for controlling the vehicle fuel device 10. And while supplying fuel to the engine 12, the vehicle fuel device 10 suppresses the release of fuel gas to the outside of the vehicle to a minimum and controls the fuel filler lid device 23.

[0020] The fuel tank 13 is disposed in the vehicle body 14 (see FIG. 1) of the vehicle 11. A filler tube 21 is disposed in communication with the fuel tank 13, and a filler cap 25 is disposed at the tip of the filler tube 21. And the tip opening of the filler tube 21 is the fuel filler port 20, and the fuel filler port 20 is disposed in the fuel filling space 22 of the vehicle body 14. Further, the filler cap 25 is attached to the tip of the filler tube 21 so as to open and close the fuel filler port 20 freely.

[0021] The fuel filler lid device 23 mainly includes a fuel flap 15 that opens and closes the opening 22A of the fuel filling space 22, a lock mechanism 26 that regulates the opening and closing operation of the fuel flap 15, a detection unit 27 that detects the open and closed state of the fuel flap 15, and a fuel filling switch 28 that performs an opening operation of the fuel flap 15.

[0022] When the fuel flap 15 closes the opening 22A of the fuel filling space 22, it is disposed substantially continuously with the outer surface of the vehicle body 14 and forms the design surface of the vehicle body 14.

[0023] The control unit 24 is composed of a CPU (CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT), a ROM (READ ONLY MEMORY), a RAM (RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY), etc. The control unit 24 is an electronic control unit (ECU) having one or more processors for executing various operations for controlling the vehicle fuel device 10, the engine 12, etc.

[0024] Further, the control unit 24 has a storage unit (not shown), and the storage unit is composed of, for example, a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-only Memory), and stores various data necessary for controlling the vehicle 11 and one or more programs executable by the one or more processors.

[0025] The lock mechanism 26 is disposed near the opening end of the opening 22A and is connected to the control unit 24. As the lock mechanism 26, for example, a solenoid device that controls the opening and closing operation of the fuel flap 15 is used. The solenoid device has a solenoid 26A and a lock pin 26B driven by the solenoid 26A. Then, the lock mechanism 26 maintains the fuel flap 15 in the following three opening and closing states according to the retraction amount of the lock pin 26B. Note that the lock mechanism 26 inputs a signal of the retraction amount information of the lock pin 26B as the operation detection result of the lock pin 26B to the control unit 24. Also, the lock pin 26B of the present embodiment corresponds to an example of the lock portion of the present invention.

[0026] As will be described later, the fuel filler flap 15 has at least three opening / closing states: a fully closed state in which it is locked to the lock pin 26B and completely closes the opening 22A; a semi-open state in which it is locked to the lock pin 26B and is partially open with respect to the opening 22A; and a fully open state in which it is not locked to the lock pin 26B and is fully open with respect to the opening 22A. Incidentally, the semi-open state of the fuel filler flap 15 in the present embodiment means that the fuel filler flap 15 is open with respect to the opening 22A, but is not open enough with respect to the opening 22A to perform fueling operation on the vehicle 11.

[0027] The detection unit 27 is disposed near the opening end of the opening 22A and is connected to the control unit 24. As the detection unit 27, for example, a button-type switch device for detecting the opening / closing operation of the fuel filler flap 15 is used. Then, the detection unit 27 inputs a signal of the opening / closing information of the fuel filler flap 15 as the opening / closing detection result of the fuel filler flap 15 to the control unit 24. Incidentally, the detection value of the fully closed state of the fuel filler flap 15 detected by the detection unit 27 corresponds to the first detection value of the present invention, and the detection value of the semi-open state of the fuel filler flap 15 detected by the detection unit 27 corresponds to the second detection value of the present invention.

[0028] The fueling switch 28 is disposed, for example, on the side of the driver's seat, on the steering wheel, the instrument panel, or the like, and is connected to the control unit 24. Then, when the occupant of the vehicle 11 operates the fueling switch 28 during fueling, the fuel filler flap 15 shifts from the fully closed state to the fully open state via the locking mechanism 26.

[0029] The multifunctional display device 29 is disposed, for example, on the instrument panel and is connected to the control unit 24. As will be described later, when the control unit 24 determines that the fuel filler lid device 23 is in a failure state, the multifunctional display device 29 warns the occupant of the vehicle 11 of the failure state. Incidentally, the means for warning the occupant of the vehicle 11 of the failure state is not limited to the multifunctional display device 29, and a display in the instrument panel, other warning lights, or an alarm sound or voice may be generated.

[0030] A fuel gas discharge path 30 for discharging the gas in the fuel tank 13 to the outside of the vehicle 11 is connected to the fuel tank 13. And, a canister 16 for temporarily adsorbing the fuel gas is disposed in the fuel gas discharge path 30 in order to suppress air pollution caused by leakage of the fuel gas evaporated in the fuel tank 13 to the outside.

[0031] A relief valve 32 is disposed between the fuel tank 13 and the canister 16 in the fuel gas discharge path 30. The relief valve 32 is in a closed state until the internal pressure of the fuel tank 13 reaches a predetermined reference value, the fuel tank 13 is sealed, and the release of the fuel gas from the fuel tank 13 is suppressed. On the other hand, when the internal pressure of the fuel tank 13 exceeds the predetermined reference value, the relief valve 32 opens, the inside and the outside of the fuel tank are communicated with each other, and the fuel gas etc. in the fuel tank 13 are discharged to the atmosphere through the canister 16. Then, the pressure in the fuel tank 13 decreases.

[0032] In addition, the pressure in the fuel tank 13 is detected by a pressure sensor 33, and the control unit 24 controls the relief valve 32 using the detection value of the pressure sensor 33. Further, the relief valve 32 may be mechanical, or may be electronic when no spark is generated.

[0033] A leak diagnosis device 34 and a filter 35 are disposed in the fuel gas discharge path 30. The leak diagnosis device 34 has switching valves, a decompression pump, a pressure sensor, etc. (not shown), introduces and discharges air to and from the fuel system such as the fuel tank 13 and the fuel gas discharge path 30, and diagnoses the leak of the fuel system. The filter 35 captures dust etc. when introducing outside air from the fuel gas discharge path 30.

[0034] Further, the fuel gas discharge path 30 is connected to the engine 12 via a purge path 36. The purge path 36 connects the canister 16 and the intake path 38 of the engine 12, and a purge valve 37 is disposed in the purge path 36. And, a part of the fuel gas adsorbed by the adsorbent of the canister 16 is supplied to the engine 12 through the purge path 36, the intake path 38, etc.

[0035] The injector 39 is connected to the fuel tank 13 and injects the fuel in the fuel tank 13 into the engine 12.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 3, the fuel filler flap 15 is assembled to the vehicle body 14 so as to open and close the opening 22A of the fuel filling space 22. And when the fuel filler flap 15 closes the opening 22A of the fuel filling space 22, it is arranged substantially continuously with the exterior surface of the vehicle body 14 and forms the design surface of the vehicle body 14.

[0037] On the inner surface of the fuel filler flap 15, a lock receiving portion 41 and a rotating arm portion 42 which are connected to the fuel filler flap 15 and extend toward the fuel filling space 22 side are formed. And the lock receiving portion 41 and the rotating arm portion 42 move together with the fuel filler flap 15.

[0038] The lock receiving portion 41 is disposed on the tip side of the fuel filler flap 15 and engages with the lock pin 26B of the lock mechanism 26. And the lock receiving portion 41 has a shaft portion 41A connected to the fuel filler flap 15 and an opening degree adjusting portion 41B formed at the tip side of the shaft portion 41A. As shown in the drawing, the opening degree adjusting portion 41B has a substantially triangular cross-sectional shape protruding toward the rear side of the vehicle body 14. And at the inclined surface 41C of the opening degree adjusting portion 41B, when the lock receiving portion 41 is locked to the lock pin 26B, the opening degree of the fuel filler flap 15 is adjusted according to the position of the tip portion of the lock pin 26B.

[0039] Here, as the lock mechanism 26, for example, a solenoid device is used. And the solenoid 26A of the lock mechanism 26 is fixed to the vehicle body 14 on the front end side of the opening 22A. On the other hand, the lock pin 26B of the lock mechanism 26 is driven by the solenoid 26A and moves in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 11 toward the lock receiving portion 41.

[0040] In this embodiment, the tip of the lock pin 26B moves between the lines indicated by the dotted lines a and b. The position of the dotted line a is the position where the lock receiving portion 41 engages with the lock pin 26B so that the fuel filling flap 15 is in the fully closed state where it completely closes the opening 22A. On the other hand, the position of the dotted line b is the position where the lock receiving portion 41 does not engage with the lock pin 26B so that the fuel filling flap 15 is in the fully open state with respect to the opening 22A. Also, the position of the dotted line c is the position where the lock receiving portion 41 maintains the engaged state with respect to the lock pin 26B.

[0041] With the above structure, while the tip of the lock pin 26B moves between the lines indicated by the dotted lines a and c, the inclined surface 41C of the lock receiving portion 41 comes into contact with the tip of the lock pin 26B. And the lock receiving portion 41 is engaged by the lock pin 26B, but the fuel filling flap 15 is in the semi-open state where it is partially opened with respect to the opening 22A. Incidentally, the lock mechanism 26 inputs a signal of the retraction amount information of the lock pin 26B from the position of the dotted line a to the control unit 24.

[0042] The rotary arm portion 42 is disposed on the rear end side of the fuel filling flap 15, and the base side of the rotary arm portion 42 is rotatably supported on the vehicle body 14 outside the fuel supply space 22 via a rotary shaft 42A. Also, a spring 43 biased in the opening direction is disposed on the rotary arm portion 42, so that the fuel filling flap 15 is biased in the opening direction with respect to the opening 22A via the spring 43.

[0043] With this structure, the opening and closing state of the fuel filling flap 15 changes from the fully closed state to the semi-open state and finally to the fully open state in conjunction with the retraction operation of the lock pin 26B from the position of the dotted line a via the dotted line c to the position of the dotted line b. Incidentally, after the fueling operation, the occupant of the vehicle 11 etc. push the fuel filling flap 15 manually toward the vehicle body 14 side, and the lock pin 26B returns to the position of the dotted line a, so that it changes from the fully open state to the fully closed state.

[0044] As the detection unit 27, for example, a button-type switch device for detecting the opening / closing operation of the fuel flap 15 is used. The pressing plate 27A fixed to the rotating arm portion 42 side rotates integrally with the rotating arm portion 42, so that the pressing amount of the button 27C of the switch device 27B changes. The detection unit 27 detects the pressing amount of the button 27C and detects the opening / closing state of the fuel flap 15. Then, the detection unit 27 inputs the signal of the detected opening / closing information of the fuel flap 15 to the control unit 24.

[0045] Next, a method for detecting a failure of the vehicle fuel device 10 according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the description of this embodiment, the same reference numerals are generally used for the same members as those of the vehicle fuel device 10 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0046] FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a control method outside the fueling operation to the vehicle 11 in the method for detecting a failure of the vehicle fuel device 10 according to this embodiment. The one driving cycle in this embodiment refers to the period from when the vehicle 11 is turned to the ignition-on state in the following step S11 until it is first turned to the ignition-off state in the following step S21.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 4, in step S11, when a passenger such as a driver boards the vehicle 11 and presses an ignition switch (not shown), the vehicle 11 becomes the ignition-on state. In step S12, due to the pressing of the ignition switch, the vehicle fuel device 10 of the vehicle 11 also becomes the on state.

[0048] In step S13, the control unit 24 of the vehicle fuel device 10 determines whether or not a fueling operation is currently being performed on the vehicle 11. When the control unit 24 detects an increase in the fuel amount in the fuel tank 13, it determines that a fueling operation is currently being performed on the vehicle 11.

[0049] In the case where, in step S13, the control unit 24 determines that refueling work is not currently being performed on the vehicle 11, it proceeds to step S14. Then, in step S14, the control unit 24 determines whether or not a certain period of time has elapsed after the vehicle fuel device 10 has been turned on.

[0050] In the case where, in step S14, the control unit 24 determines that the certain period of time has elapsed, it proceeds to step S15. In step S15, the control unit 24 controls the locking mechanism 26, energizes the solenoid 26A, and retracts the locking pin 26B by a predetermined amount.

[0051] Here, as shown in FIG. 3, when the tip of the locking pin 26B is located on the line of the dotted line a, the lock receiving portion 41 is locked to the locking pin 26B at the base of the inclined surface 41C, and the fuel flap 15 is in a fully closed state. On the other hand, when the tip of the locking pin 26B is located between the lines of the dotted lines a and c, the lock receiving portion 41 is locked to the locking pin 26B in the middle of the inclined surface 41C, and the fuel flap 15 is in a half-open state.

[0052] With this structure, in step S15, the control unit 24 retracts the locking pin 26B into the housing of the solenoid 26A until the tip of the locking pin 26B is located at the middle portion between the line of the dotted line a and the lines of the dotted lines a and c.

[0053] In step S16, the control unit 24 determines whether or not the fuel flap 15 is in a half-open state in conjunction with the retracting operation of the locking pin 26B based on the detection signal from the detection unit 27. Then, in the case of YES in step S16, when a detection signal indicating that the fuel flap 15 has started to open is input from the detection unit 27, the control unit 24 determines that the fuel flap 15 is in a half-open state and proceeds to step S17.

[0054] In step S17, the control unit 24 determines that the fuel flap 15 and the detection unit 27 of the fuel filler lid device 23 are operating normally because the fuel flap 15 is in a semi-open state in conjunction with the retraction operation of the lock pin 26B, and then proceeds to step S19.

[0055] On the other hand, in the NO of step S16, when the control unit 24 receives a detection signal from the detection unit 27 indicating that the fuel flap 15 does not open, it determines that the fuel flap 15 is in a fully closed state, or that although the fuel flap 15 is operating normally, the detection unit 27 erroneously detects that the fuel flap 15 is in a fully closed state, i.e., a so-called stuck-closed state of the detection unit 27, and then proceeds to step S18.

[0056] In step S18, the control unit 24 determines that the fuel flap 15 of the fuel filler lid device 23 is malfunctioning or that the detection unit 27 is in a stuck-closed state because the fuel flap 15 maintains a fully closed state in conjunction with the retraction operation of the lock pin 26B, and then proceeds to step S19. Note that the control unit 24 may control the multifunction display device 29 to warn the occupants of the vehicle 11 of the above failure state.

[0057] In step S19, the control unit 24 controls the lock mechanism 26, energizes the solenoid 26A to release the retracted state of the lock pin 26B, and extends the lock pin 26B from the housing of the solenoid 26A until the tip of the lock pin 26B returns to the position of the dotted line a. Note that in conjunction with the operation of the lock pin 26B, the fuel flap 15 returns to the fully closed state again.

[0058] In step S20, the control unit 24 determines whether or not a certain time has elapsed after the release of the retraction of the lock pin 26B. Then, in the YES of step S20, when the control unit 24 determines that the certain time has elapsed, it proceeds to step S15 and determines the operating state of the fuel flap 15 of the fuel filler lid device 23 by the control method after step S15 described above.

[0059] On the other hand, in the case of NO in step S20, when the control unit 24 determines that the above-mentioned fixed time has not elapsed, it proceeds to step S21. Then, in step S21, when the occupant of the vehicle 11 stops the vehicle 11 in a parking lot or the like and presses the ignition switch, the vehicle 11 becomes in the ignition-off state. Thereafter, the vehicle fuel device 10 of the vehicle 11 also becomes in the off state, and the determination of the operating state of the fuel filler flap 15 of the fuel filler lid device 23 is also completed.

[0060] As described above, in the vehicle fuel device 10, at the timing when refueling work is not being performed on the vehicle 11 during the running of the vehicle 11, the lock pin 26B is actuated, and by detecting the opening and closing operation of the fuel filler flap 15, the operating state of the fuel filler flap 15 of the fuel filler lid device 23 and the above-mentioned closed and fixed state of the detection unit 27 can be determined. Further, in the vehicle fuel device 10, it is also possible to determine the operating state of the fuel filler flap 15 of the fuel filler lid device 23 and the above-mentioned closed and fixed state of the detection unit 27 a plurality of times within one driving cycle of the vehicle 11.

[0061] By this method for detecting a failure of the vehicle fuel device 10, the diagnostic frequency of the operating state of the fuel filler flap 15 of the fuel filler lid device 23 and the above-mentioned closed and fixed state of the detection unit 27 is improved, and the above-mentioned closed and fixed state of the fuel filler flap 15 and the detection unit 27 of the fuel filler lid device 23 can be discovered at an early stage.

[0062] Also, in the vehicle fuel device 10, the open state of the fuel filler flap 15 has at least two states: a semi-open state in which the lock receiving portion 41 maintains a state of being locked to the lock pin 26B, and a fully open state in which the lock receiving portion 41 is in a non-locked state with respect to the lock pin 26B. And when determining the operating state of the fuel filler flap 15 of the fuel filler lid device 23, the fuel filler flap 15 becomes the above-mentioned semi-open state, thereby preventing the fuel filler flap 15 from becoming in the fully open state during running, and realizing safe running of the vehicle 11.

[0063] Furthermore, in the failure detection method of the vehicle fuel device 10 of the present embodiment, although the case where the operating state of the fuel flap 15 of the fuel filler lid device 23 and the above-described closed and fixed state of the detection unit 27 are determined at a timing when refueling work is not being performed on the vehicle 11 has been described, the present invention is not limited to this case. For example, in the vehicle fuel device 10 of the present embodiment, even during refueling work on the vehicle 11, the operating state of the fuel flap 15 of the fuel filler lid device 23 and the above-described closed and fixed state of the detection unit 27 can be determined. And FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a control method during refueling work on the vehicle 11 in the failure detection method of the vehicle fuel device 10 of the present embodiment.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 5, in step S31, when an occupant such as a driver boards the vehicle 11 and presses an ignition switch (not shown), the vehicle 11 becomes in an ignition-on state. In step S32, due to the pressing of the ignition switch, the vehicle fuel device 10 of the vehicle 11 also becomes in an on state.

[0065] In step S33, the control unit 24 determines whether or not the fuel amount in the fuel tank 13 has increased. And in the case of YES in step S33, when the control unit 24 determines that the fuel amount in the fuel tank 13 has increased, the process proceeds to step S34. On the other hand, in the case of NO in step S33, when the control unit 24 determines that the fuel amount in the fuel tank 13 has not increased, the control unit 24 continues to monitor the fuel amount in the fuel tank 13.

[0066] In step S34, the control unit 24 determines whether or not the fuel flap 15 is in a fully open state based on a detection signal from the detection unit 27. And in the case of YES in step S34, when the control unit 24 determines that the fuel flap 15 is in a fully open state, the process proceeds to step S35.

[0067] In step S35, the control unit 24 determines that the fuel amount has increased and the fuel flap 15 is fully open, so it judges that the fuel flap 15 has opened normally and fueling has been performed, and determines that the fuel flap 15 and the detection unit 27 of the fuel filler lid device 23 are operating normally, and then proceeds to step S37.

[0068] On the other hand, in the NO of step S34, when the control unit 24 determines that the fuel flap 15 is not in the fully closed state, it proceeds to step S36.

[0069] In step S36, the control unit 24 determines that although the fuel amount has increased, the fuel flap 15 has not become fully open, and the fuel flap 15 of the fuel filler lid device 23 is malfunctioning or the detection unit 27 is in a stuck-closed state, and then proceeds to step S37. Note that the control unit 24 may control the multifunction display device 29 to warn the occupants of the vehicle 11 of the above failure state.

[0070] In step S37, when the occupant of the vehicle 11 stops the vehicle 11 in a parking lot or the like and presses the ignition switch, the vehicle 11 becomes in the ignition-off state. Thereafter, the vehicle fuel device 10 of the vehicle 11 also becomes in the off state, and the determination of the operating state of the fuel flap 15 of the fuel filler lid device 23 is also completed.

[0071] Note that various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0072] 10 Vehicle fuel device 11 Vehicle 12 Engine 13 Fuel tank 14 Vehicle body 15 Fuel flap 16 Canister 20 Fuel filler 21 Filler tube 22 Fueling space 22A Opening 23 Fuel filler lid device 24 Control unit 25 Fuel filler cap 26 Lock mechanism 26A Solenoid 26B Lock pin 27 Detection unit 27A Pressing plate 27B Switch device 27C Button 28 Fuel supply switch 29 Multi-functional display device 30 Fuel gas discharge path 32 Relief valve 33 Pressure sensor 34 Leak diagnosis device 35 Filter 36 Purge path 37 Purge valve 38 Intake path 39 Injector 41 Lock receiving part 41A Shaft part 41B Opening adjustment part 41C Inclined surface 42 Rotating arm part 42A Rotating shaft

Claims

1. A method for detecting a failure of a vehicle fuel device, comprising a control unit that determines at least an operating state of a fuel flap or a stuck state of a detection unit that detects an opening / closing operation of the fuel flap, wherein the control unit uses an operation detection result of the lock unit input from a lock mechanism having a lock unit that regulates the opening / closing operation of the fuel flap and an opening / closing detection result of the fuel flap input from the detection unit to determine at least an operating state of the fuel flap or a stuck state of the detection unit. A method for detecting a failure of a vehicle fuel device, characterized in that.

2. The control unit determines that the fuel flap is in a failure state or the detection unit is in a stuck state when the operation detection result indicating that the lock unit has operated is input from the lock mechanism and the opening / closing detection result indicating that the fuel flap does not open is input from the detection unit. The method for detecting a failure of a vehicle fuel device according to claim 1, characterized in that.

3. After determining that the fuel flap is in a failure state or the detection unit is in a stuck state, the control unit returns the lock unit of the lock mechanism to its original position before operation. The method for detecting a failure of a vehicle fuel device according to claim 2, characterized in that.

4. Within one driving cycle from when the vehicle ignition is turned on to when the vehicle ignition is turned off, the control unit determines at least once the operating state of the fuel flap or the stuck state of the detection unit other than during refueling operations. The method for detecting a failure of a vehicle fuel device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that.

5. A fuel flap, a lock mechanism having a lock unit that regulates the opening / closing operation of the fuel flap, and a control unit that determines at least an operating state of the fuel flap or a stuck state of a detection unit that detects an opening / closing operation of the fuel flap, wherein the control unit uses an operation detection result of the lock unit input from the lock mechanism and an opening / closing detection result of the fuel flap input from the detection unit to determine at least an operating state of the fuel flap or a stuck state of the detection unit. A vehicle fuel device, characterized in that.

6. A method for detecting a failure of a vehicle fuel device, which controls a locking portion of a locking mechanism that regulates the opening and closing operation of a fuel flap, and includes a control portion that determines a closed and fixed state of a detection portion that detects at least an operating state of the fuel flap or the opening and closing operation of the fuel flap, comprising: The control portion determines at least the operating state of the fuel flap or the closed and fixed state of the detection portion based on whether the opening and closing detection result of the fuel flap input from the detection portion is interlocked with the operation of the locking portion. A method for detecting a failure of a vehicle fuel device, characterized by this.

7. A fuel flap, A locking mechanism having a locking portion that regulates the opening and closing operation of the fuel flap, A control portion that controls the operation of the locking portion and determines at least the operating state of the fuel flap or the closed and fixed state of a detection portion that detects the opening and closing operation of the fuel flap, The control portion determines at least the operating state of the fuel flap or the closed and fixed state of the detection portion based on whether the opening and closing detection result of the fuel flap input from the detection portion is interlocked with the operation of the locking portion. A vehicle fuel device, characterized by this.

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