The present disclosure relates to a filler neck closure system for a fuel tank, and particularly to a filler neck closure for use with a vehicle fuel tank filler neck. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a capless filler neck closure for a fuel tank filler neck.
According to the present disclosure, a filler neck closure assembly includes a nozzle-receiving housing associated with a vehicle fuel tank filler neck. The nozzle-receiving housing is formed to include a nozzle-receiving passageway sized to receive the tip of a fuel-dispensing pump nozzle therein during refueling of the fuel tank.
In illustrative embodiments, the filler neck closure assembly is capless and coupled to an outer end of the filler neck. The filler neck closure assembly and filler neck cooperate to define a fill tube for conducting liquid fuel from a nozzle to a fuel tank onboard a vehicle. A movable outer dust shield normally closes an outer nozzle receiver included in the nozzle-receiving housing and a movable inner closure door normally closes an inner nozzle receiver included in the nozzle-receiving housing. The movable inner closure door is arranged to open into a fuel-conducting passageway formed in the filler neck.
In illustrative embodiments, a vacuum latch is adapted to prevent opening of the inner closure door due to vacuum forces in the filler neck. The vacuum latch is configured to move from a normally locked configuration, blocking opening of the inner closure door, to an unlocked configuration, allowing opening of the inner closure door when a fuel-dispensing pump nozzle is inserted into the nozzle-receiving housing for refueling of the fuel tank.
Additional features of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of illustrative embodiments exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the disclosure as presently perceived.
The detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying figures in which:
A filler neck closure assembly 10 is provided in a vehicle 12 to close a filler neck 14 extending from a fuel tank 16 onboard the vehicle 12 and to accept a fuel-dispensing pump nozzle 18 during fuel tank refueling as suggested in
Filler neck closure assembly 10 is configured to close off filler neck 14 from atmosphere 101 until fuel-dispensing pump nozzle 18 is inserted into assembly 10 as suggested in
Vacuum latch 24 is configured to block movement of inner closure door 22 from opening in response to vacuum forces built up in filler neck 14 when a fuel-dispensing pump nozzle (i.e. 18) is not inserted into filler neck closure assembly 10 as suggested in
Vehicle 12 illustratively includes fill tube 13, fuel tank 16, engine 100, and fuel vapor control system 110 as shown diagrammatically in
Filler neck closure assembly 10 of the exemplary embodiment is a capless closure adapted to close off filler neck 14 from atmosphere 101 except during refueling as suggested in
Nozzle-receiving housing 20 is illustratively made up of an outer nozzle receiver 31, an inner nozzle receiver 32, and a cover 33 as shown in
Inner closure door 22 shown includes a closure flap 38 and a catch 40 as shown in
Vacuum latch 24 illustratively comprises a deformable metallic material and is movable from a normally locked configuration to an unlocked configuration upon contact with fuel-dispensing fuel nozzle 18 as suggested in
Vacuum latch 24 provides means for engaging inner closure door 22 to block movement of inner closure door 22 from the closed position to the opened position between refueling events when no fuel nozzle 18 is inserted into nozzle-receiving passageway 25 so that inner closure door 22 does not move to the opened position in response to the application of vacuum pressure from within the associated vehicle fuel tank 16. Vacuum latch 24 further provides means for disengaging inner closure door 22 to allow movement of inner closure door 22 from the closed position to the opened position during refueling events when a fuel nozzle 18 is inserted into nozzle-receiving passageway 25 so that inner closure door 22 does not block insertion of fuel nozzle 18 into filler neck 14 to discharge liquid fuel into filler neck 14 and the associated vehicle fuel tank 16.
Vacuum latch 24 illustratively includes a connector portion 44 formed to have tabs 45, a release portion 46, and an engagement portion 48 as shown in
Engagement portion 48 of vacuum latch 24 is illustratively T-shaped as shown in
Fuel vapor control system 110 illustratively includes fuel vapor recovery canister 112, a fuel tank isolation valve 114, an air filter 116, and a purge valve 118 as shown in
Closure 10 with vacuum latch 24 of the present disclosure is adapted to block air ingress into the fuel tank when a vacuum pressure forms within the tank, allowing the vacuum to eventually be balanced by a separate auxiliary valve pulling air through a canister and into the tank as needed.
According to aspects of the present disclosure, the upper housing of a capless filler head uses an assembled metal bracket, sometimes called vacuum latch 24, that latches onto the filler door, sometimes called an inner closure door 22, to keep it closed until pushed to the side upon insertion of the nozzle 18 during fuel fill process. The bracket or vacuum latch 24 acts as a lever and upon being pushed to the side unhooks the door 22 to allow fill. Upon pulling out the nozzle 18 the door 22 closes and the lever bracket 26 re-latches the door 22. The bracket 24 is designed as a stainless steel spring cantilever. Cantilever bracket spring lever 26 is inserted into the housing 20 as a snap in fit and also trapped by upper door assembly. No gluing or welding or separable mechanical mounting necessary. Stainless steel cantilever design does not require separable springs and plastic molded latching mechanisms. Allows the door to remain closed under vacuum conditions so the FTIV can open and perform the vacuum balance as needed through the canister.
This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/286,137, filed Jan. 22, 2016, which is expressly incorporated by reference herein.
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