This invention relates to a fuel supply unit for vehicle and, more particularly, to a fuel tank flange assembly having an integral manifold.
In fuel supply units for vehicles, a fuel tank flange is necessary to cover an opening provided in the fuel tank. The opening is necessary for inserting components into the fuel tank that are needed for the proper performance of the fuel supply unit. The fuel tank flange is often used to mount, directly thereon, certain components such as valves, ports, sensors and fasteners.
There is a need to provide, on the fuel tank flange, a fuel compatible polymeric manifold for holding single or multiple components necessary for proper fuel supply unit performance that isolates outlets of the components from the internal tank environment.
An object of the invention is to fulfill the need referred to above. In accordance with the principles of the present invention, this objective is achieved by providing a flange assembly for a fuel supply unit of a vehicle. The assembly includes a flange constructed and arranged to cover an opening in a fuel tank. The flange has an interior portion constructed and arranged to be exposed to fuel. The interior portion is in communication with an outlet provided at an exterior of the flange. A plastic manifold is mounted to the interior portion of the flange so as to communicate with the outlet. The manifold is constructed and arranged to mount at least one fuel supply component thereon.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method provides a flange assembly for a fuel supply unit of a vehicle. The method provides a flange that is constructed and arranged to cover an opening in a fuel tank. The flange has an interior portion constructed and arranged to be exposed to fuel. The interior portion is in communication with an outlet provided at an exterior of the flange. The method includes mounting a plastic manifold to the interior portion of the flange so as to communicate with the outlet. At least one fuel supply component is mounted on the manifold.
Other objects, features and characteristics of the present invention, as well as the methods of operation and the functions of the related elements of the structure, the combination of parts and economics of manufacture will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description and appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification.
The invention will be better understood from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments thereof, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which:
With reference to
With reference to
In the illustrated embodiment, the manifold 16 includes at least one upstanding support member 20 that engages a conventional fill limiting vent valve 22. Two support members 20 are shown in the preferred embodiment. Preferably, each support member 20 includes an opening 23 that receives a tab 24 coupled with the valve 22 in a snap arrangement. The valve 22 is a primary vapor venting device that communicates with outlet port 15. Port 15 communicates with a conventional vapor canister (not shown). In addition, the manifold 16 includes a generally cylindrical portion 25 In communication with the outlet 15. The cylindrical portion 25 receives a grade vent valve 26 (
With reference to
Although two valves are shown mounted to the manifold, it can be appreciated that other components that are necessary for proper operation of a fuel supply unit can be mounted to the manifold 16. For example, struts 34 (
The manifold 16 can be employed in fuel tanks for gasoline, ethanol, hybrid or diesel vehicles.
The foregoing preferred embodiments have been shown and described for the purposes of illustrating the structural and functional principles of the present invention, as well as illustrating the methods of employing the preferred embodiments and are subject to change without departing from such principles. Therefore, this invention includes all modifications encompassed within the spirit of the following claims.
This application claims the benefit of the earlier filing date of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/726,580, filed on Oct. 14, 2005, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
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60726580 | Oct 2005 | US |