CA1146099A - Fuel tank filler tube assembly and method of making same - Google Patents
Fuel tank filler tube assembly and method of making sameInfo
- Publication number
- CA1146099A CA1146099A CA000381122A CA381122A CA1146099A CA 1146099 A CA1146099 A CA 1146099A CA 000381122 A CA000381122 A CA 000381122A CA 381122 A CA381122 A CA 381122A CA 1146099 A CA1146099 A CA 1146099A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- tube
- fuel delivery
- fuel
- fuel tank
- boss
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Landscapes
- Cooling, Air Intake And Gas Exhaust, And Fuel Tank Arrangements In Propulsion Units (AREA)
Abstract
FUEL TANK FILLER TUBE ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE:
A filler tube assembly for a fuel tank of an auto-motive vehicle fabricated as an aluminum tube interference fit to a plastic housing through use of magnetic force having a flexible vent tube extending between the housing and the end of the tube to be inserted in the fuel tank.
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE:
A filler tube assembly for a fuel tank of an auto-motive vehicle fabricated as an aluminum tube interference fit to a plastic housing through use of magnetic force having a flexible vent tube extending between the housing and the end of the tube to be inserted in the fuel tank.
Description
~146Q99 The present invention relates to fuel filler tube assemblies for vehicular mounted fuel tanks.
This is a division of applicants copending Canadian Patent: application Serial No. 321,981, filed February 21, 1979.
Fuel filler tube assemblies currently in widespread use by the automotive industry generally consist of a large number of parts, usually ~abricated from ferrous metals. A
fuel delivery tube is secured to the fuel tank and extends to a position proximate a wall of the vehicle body. The tube is lQ formed with a sheet met~l baffle plate dividing it into upper and lower sections to provide separate liquid and vapor paths from the tank. Because of governmental restrictions on the use of leaded fuels the end of the tube remote fromt~e tank generally terminates in one of many well-known multipiece restrictor assemblies to prevent introduction of substantial quantities of leaded fuel into the tank. The restrictor assembly, in turn, is generally secured as by weldi~ng to a relatively rigid mounting flange hDusing which is attached to a portion of the vehicle body.
While the prior art filler tube assemblies described have been functionally adequate, certain disadvantages have been recognized. First, the use of a large number of parts to perform th~ fuel deli~ery function is not economically desirable or cost effective. Second, the prevailing use of ferrous parts results in a hea~y assembly and leads to requirements for laborious and uneconomi~cal corroSion protection. Finally, the use of rigid fuel tube mounting structures may prove undesirable in certain conditions of inadvertent use which may require withstanding certain mechanical impacts.
Responsi`ve to the disadvantages of the prior art fuel filler tube assemblies, it is an object of the present invention to provide an assembly that is simple in construction and provides a reduced number of parts formed of light, corros~on pc/~
` ` 114~i~99 resistant materials.
It is another object to provide non~rigid means for mounting the assembly.
According to one aspect of the present inv~ntion there is provided a filler tube assembly for a fuel tank installed in a vehicle, the assembly including a unitary housing formed of a relatively flexible material, having a fuel delivery passage formed therethrough including means for effecting attachment of a portion to the body of the vehicle, and including 10 a substantially cylindrical mounting boss extending from one end thereof. A one-piece fuel delivery tube is formed to define a curvilinear fuel delivery passage of substantially circular cross section having a first end providing means for insertion into the fuel tank and a second end being received in inter~erence fit sealing relationship over the cylindrical boss to effect fluid communication between the fuel delivery passage and the one end. An elongated vent tube is flexibly insertable from the fuel delivery tube second end to follow the curvilinear fuel delivery passage substantially through its entire length 2a to effect communication of fuel vapor between the fuel delivery tube first and second ends, the vent tube being attached at one end to a vent tube boss located within the periphery of the mounting boss and extending inwardl~ ~n a direction toward the first end.
This is a division of applicants copending Canadian Patent: application Serial No. 321,981, filed February 21, 1979.
Fuel filler tube assemblies currently in widespread use by the automotive industry generally consist of a large number of parts, usually ~abricated from ferrous metals. A
fuel delivery tube is secured to the fuel tank and extends to a position proximate a wall of the vehicle body. The tube is lQ formed with a sheet met~l baffle plate dividing it into upper and lower sections to provide separate liquid and vapor paths from the tank. Because of governmental restrictions on the use of leaded fuels the end of the tube remote fromt~e tank generally terminates in one of many well-known multipiece restrictor assemblies to prevent introduction of substantial quantities of leaded fuel into the tank. The restrictor assembly, in turn, is generally secured as by weldi~ng to a relatively rigid mounting flange hDusing which is attached to a portion of the vehicle body.
While the prior art filler tube assemblies described have been functionally adequate, certain disadvantages have been recognized. First, the use of a large number of parts to perform th~ fuel deli~ery function is not economically desirable or cost effective. Second, the prevailing use of ferrous parts results in a hea~y assembly and leads to requirements for laborious and uneconomi~cal corroSion protection. Finally, the use of rigid fuel tube mounting structures may prove undesirable in certain conditions of inadvertent use which may require withstanding certain mechanical impacts.
Responsi`ve to the disadvantages of the prior art fuel filler tube assemblies, it is an object of the present invention to provide an assembly that is simple in construction and provides a reduced number of parts formed of light, corros~on pc/~
` ` 114~i~99 resistant materials.
It is another object to provide non~rigid means for mounting the assembly.
According to one aspect of the present inv~ntion there is provided a filler tube assembly for a fuel tank installed in a vehicle, the assembly including a unitary housing formed of a relatively flexible material, having a fuel delivery passage formed therethrough including means for effecting attachment of a portion to the body of the vehicle, and including 10 a substantially cylindrical mounting boss extending from one end thereof. A one-piece fuel delivery tube is formed to define a curvilinear fuel delivery passage of substantially circular cross section having a first end providing means for insertion into the fuel tank and a second end being received in inter~erence fit sealing relationship over the cylindrical boss to effect fluid communication between the fuel delivery passage and the one end. An elongated vent tube is flexibly insertable from the fuel delivery tube second end to follow the curvilinear fuel delivery passage substantially through its entire length 2a to effect communication of fuel vapor between the fuel delivery tube first and second ends, the vent tube being attached at one end to a vent tube boss located within the periphery of the mounting boss and extending inwardl~ ~n a direction toward the first end.
- 2 -1146~99 .' .
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
. These and other objects of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawing in which:
Figure 1 is a partial rear prospective view Or a vehlcle in which the filler tube assembly of the present invention is shown in phantom; -Figure 2 îs an enlarged, partially sectional view of the filler tube assembly of the present invention, truncated for clarity;
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of Figure 2;
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of Figure 3;
Figure 5-is an end view of the housing member Or .
the fuel filler tube assembly of the present invent.ion viewed in the direction of the arrows 5-5 of Figure 2; and . .
. Figure 6 is a partiaI cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
I' . ...
I . , _ .
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Re~erring now to the drawings and in particular to Figure 1, a ruel tank 10 is illustrated as being installed y means not shown in a vehicle 12. The fuel filler tube :
assembly 14 of the present in~ention is arranged to pro~ide fluid commUniCation between the tank 10 and the exterior surrace 16 of the vehicle. A threaded cap 18 closes the exterior end o~ the filler tube assembly 14.
~ ' , ', -.
Turning next to Figure 2, the invention filler tube l ssembly 14 is illustrated as consisting essentially of a housing 20, a fuel delivery tube 22, a leaded fuel restrictor element 4, and a Vent tube 26. -. ' ' , The housing 20 is preferably formed from a plasticsuch aS an acetal as by inj ection rnolding or other process and includes a t~in annular mounting flange portion 28, a thicker, generally cylindrical body portion 30 extending at some con-venient angle fro~ the mounting ~lange portion 28, a generally cylindrical mounting boss portion 32, and a ~ent tube mounting oss 34.
In the prererred embodiment shbwn, the mounting flange ortion 28 includes four circumferentially spaced mounting ears 36, each having a mounting hole 38 formed through it. A pair ~ braces 40, preferabl~ ~ormed o~ a high strength material sUch s steel, bridge two pairs o~ ears 36 engaging the flange portion 8 only at these surfaces, as may best be seen in Figure 5-, to ~rovide structural rigidity. Holes (unnumbered) formed through the braces 40 regis~er ~ith the holes 38 to perlnit insertion o~
fas~eners such as screw~ (not shown) ror attachment .r the . ,- , .
. __ , , ' ' ` ' .
.
11~6~9 housing 20 to the body of the vehicle 12. It can be appreciated that owing to the described frangible construction of the flange portion 28, impact loading of the fuel delivery tube 22 will tend to result in shearing the mounting ears 36 permitting certain movement of the fuel delivery tube without potentially hazardous rupture thereof.
The above-described filler tube assembly including the mounting ears and brace means is also described and is claimed in copending di~isional application Serial No. 381,123 10 filed July 3, 1981.
The body portlon 3Q defines a pocket 42 of generally circular cross secti.on for receiving the cap 18 or similar closure device. An upstanding annular flange 44 may be approximately centrally formed at the inner wall 46 to abuttingly engage the cap 18 in a known manner.
The mounting boss 32 is formed as a cup-like protrusion extending coaxially with the flange 44 from the rear surface 48 of the housing portion 30. Itsinner diameter 50 includes integrally formed threads 52 which may extend into - 20 the flange 44 for receiving the cap 18. A passage which may be a circular hole. 54 is formed through the inner terminating wall 56 for permitting the delivery o~ fuel to the tank 10, and a slot 58 is formed normal to the axis of the boss 32. A
shallow annular groove 60 is formed in the outer diameter 62 of the boss 32 to receiVe an elastomeric sealing member 64, which may best be.seen in ~igure 4.
The sealing member 64 is ~abricated as a substantially tubular member and as~umes the shape shown in the drawings upon assembling the filler tube 22 to the mounting boss 32 in the 30 manner to be described~
pc/~c~
~` ` 1146~99 .' ~ lso formed through the wall 56 is a vent passage 66 which is illustrated as a kidney shaped port in Figures 3-and 5. This passage permits.the escape ~f air and fuel vapor when the tank 10 is filled by insertion of a conventional fuel nozzle (not shown) through and substantially blocking the fuel delivery passage 54.
.
The vent tube mounting boss 34 is preferably formed .
as a blind cylinder extending inwardly from the rear surface . 57 of inner wall 56 parallel to the axis of-the mounting boss 32 and radially offset ~rom the passage 54.
Turning now to the fuel delivery ~ube 22, it is preferably formed of a relatively low strength metal such as aluminum an~ has circular cross section. The inner end 68 . o~ the tube 22 may be of reduced cross section for insertion into the tank 10 and includes a preferably integral retaining barb 70 positioned proximate its terminus for retaining the . inner end Or the vent tube 26. The outer end 72 of the tube 22 is sized to be received in slip fit relationship over the outer diameter 62 o~ mountin~ boss 32 and the sealing member 64 to the position shown in Figure 2 wherein its outer ~ace 74 abuts the rear ~ace 48 of the housing portion 30. Final assembly technique and axial retention Or the parts in the position shown in Figure 2 will be discussed as the description progresses.
l The leaded fuel restrictor member 24 is, toget~er with the seal member 64 trap~ed between the fuel delivery tube 22 ~nd the mounting boss 32 ~f housing 20. As may best be seen in Figure 4, the restric~or m rnber 22 includes a tab portlon 76 . . , ~_ ~" :' .. _ ' , '' received in the slot 58 Or mounting boss 32, a straight retaining portion 78 carried in the annular space 80 (which may be rormed by grooving the boss 32) between the fuel delivery tube 22 and the mounting boss 32 of housing 20. As may best 5 be seen in Figure 4, the restrictor member 22 includes a tab portion 76 received in the slot 58 of mounting boss 32, a straight retaining portion 78 carried in the annular space 80 (which may be formed by grooving the boss 32) between the fuel delivery tube 22 and the mounting boss 22, a curved hinge portion 82~ and a flat door portion 84 which substantially covers the fuel delivery passage 54 in the installed position shown.-A restrictor element such as that shown at 22 must be included in most vehicles produced in the United States to prevent introduction of significant quantities of leaded fuel into the fuel tanks of vehicles using catalytic converters.
~nleaded fuel nozzles in service stations are sized to have smaller diameters than the vehicle ~uel delivery passage such as passage 54. Insertion of the nozzle mechanically displaces the door portion 84 to swing away and permit fueling. Larger leaded nozzles will bottom outsi~de the passage 54 and the restrictor 22 will remain in the closed position shown in Figure 4. It should be noted that the cooperation of the tab portion 76 and the retaining portion 78 of the restrictor member 24 with the fuel delivery tube 22 and the mounting boss 32 of housing 20 arranges the parts to perform the required ~unction without use o~ any added tensioning devices or fasteners, thereby enhancing the economic desirability of the invention fuel fill~r tube assembly 14.
. , . .
. . ,~_ ' . '.
1~6~9 Turning last to the vent tube 26, it is formed of a flexible material such as nylon and has a continuous circular cross section. It is received in force fit relationship over the cylindrical vent tube mounting boss 34 of the housing 20.
It includes a plurality of radially extending through holes 56 positioned proximate its outer end for permitting ~uel vapor to exit from the tank 10. As was described before the inner end of the vent tube 26 is received over the barb 70 at the inner end of the fuel delivery tube 22.
The above-described fuel delivery tube and vent tube combinati.ons is also described and is claimed in above-identified parent application 321,981.
It can be noted by reference to the drawings and the written description as it has thus far progressed the filler tube assembly 14 is assembled to the configuration shown best in Figure 2 without the use of threaded fasteners welding, or other convention assembly expedients. This is accomplished by locally deforming the fuel delivery tube at 88 where it registers with the seal member 64 and the annular groove 60 in the mounting boss 32 of housing 20.
According to the preferred method of effecting this local deformation, during fabrication of the invention filler tube assembly the tu.be 22 is assembled to the bottomed position described and magnetic force inducing dies are brought into a surrounding relationship at an axial position registering with the annular groove 60 of the mounting boss 32. An electro-magnetic field is then established by a known process such as that described in 't~elding and Metal Fabrication", March, 1969 at pp. 102~1Q6, which exerts a crushing force inward on the outer diameter 73 of the outer portion 72 of fuel delivery tube 22. This causes the tube 22 to take the shape illustrated at 88 in ,~ _ pc/ ~
~ I, `1146099 ~lgures 2 and 4 and the seal member 64 to assume the compressively sealing configuration likewise there sho~m.
In one example successfully fabricated by the applicant, the housing was formed of Acetal with the mounting boss 32 having an outer diameter of 2.136/2.126 inches and a ~lall thickness o~
.136 inches. The fuel delivery tube 22 was formed of aluminum having an inner diameter at 72 of 2.145/2.155 inches and a wall thickness of .043 inches minimum. A magnetically generated force of 3.5 kilo-joules was applied to achieve the assembled configu-ration shown.
Turning now to Figure 6, an alternative embodiment of the invention filler tube assembly is shown in which both the housing 120 and the fuel delivery tube 122 are formed of re-, silient non-metallic materials and the parts are compressively urged together into sealing engagement through deformation of a metallic ring 102 which registers axially with the seal 164.
This results in an even lighter structure than the first described embodiment since the use of metallic structure needed to effect compressive deformation by magnetically generated force is minimized.
While only two embodiments of the invention filler tube assembly have been shown and described, those skilled in theart Or automotive fuel filler tube assemblies well appreciate that others are possible without departing from the scope of the ¦ appended claims. . _ ,.,~
.. .
. ~ ' . , ." . '
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
. These and other objects of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawing in which:
Figure 1 is a partial rear prospective view Or a vehlcle in which the filler tube assembly of the present invention is shown in phantom; -Figure 2 îs an enlarged, partially sectional view of the filler tube assembly of the present invention, truncated for clarity;
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of Figure 2;
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of Figure 3;
Figure 5-is an end view of the housing member Or .
the fuel filler tube assembly of the present invent.ion viewed in the direction of the arrows 5-5 of Figure 2; and . .
. Figure 6 is a partiaI cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
I' . ...
I . , _ .
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Re~erring now to the drawings and in particular to Figure 1, a ruel tank 10 is illustrated as being installed y means not shown in a vehicle 12. The fuel filler tube :
assembly 14 of the present in~ention is arranged to pro~ide fluid commUniCation between the tank 10 and the exterior surrace 16 of the vehicle. A threaded cap 18 closes the exterior end o~ the filler tube assembly 14.
~ ' , ', -.
Turning next to Figure 2, the invention filler tube l ssembly 14 is illustrated as consisting essentially of a housing 20, a fuel delivery tube 22, a leaded fuel restrictor element 4, and a Vent tube 26. -. ' ' , The housing 20 is preferably formed from a plasticsuch aS an acetal as by inj ection rnolding or other process and includes a t~in annular mounting flange portion 28, a thicker, generally cylindrical body portion 30 extending at some con-venient angle fro~ the mounting ~lange portion 28, a generally cylindrical mounting boss portion 32, and a ~ent tube mounting oss 34.
In the prererred embodiment shbwn, the mounting flange ortion 28 includes four circumferentially spaced mounting ears 36, each having a mounting hole 38 formed through it. A pair ~ braces 40, preferabl~ ~ormed o~ a high strength material sUch s steel, bridge two pairs o~ ears 36 engaging the flange portion 8 only at these surfaces, as may best be seen in Figure 5-, to ~rovide structural rigidity. Holes (unnumbered) formed through the braces 40 regis~er ~ith the holes 38 to perlnit insertion o~
fas~eners such as screw~ (not shown) ror attachment .r the . ,- , .
. __ , , ' ' ` ' .
.
11~6~9 housing 20 to the body of the vehicle 12. It can be appreciated that owing to the described frangible construction of the flange portion 28, impact loading of the fuel delivery tube 22 will tend to result in shearing the mounting ears 36 permitting certain movement of the fuel delivery tube without potentially hazardous rupture thereof.
The above-described filler tube assembly including the mounting ears and brace means is also described and is claimed in copending di~isional application Serial No. 381,123 10 filed July 3, 1981.
The body portlon 3Q defines a pocket 42 of generally circular cross secti.on for receiving the cap 18 or similar closure device. An upstanding annular flange 44 may be approximately centrally formed at the inner wall 46 to abuttingly engage the cap 18 in a known manner.
The mounting boss 32 is formed as a cup-like protrusion extending coaxially with the flange 44 from the rear surface 48 of the housing portion 30. Itsinner diameter 50 includes integrally formed threads 52 which may extend into - 20 the flange 44 for receiving the cap 18. A passage which may be a circular hole. 54 is formed through the inner terminating wall 56 for permitting the delivery o~ fuel to the tank 10, and a slot 58 is formed normal to the axis of the boss 32. A
shallow annular groove 60 is formed in the outer diameter 62 of the boss 32 to receiVe an elastomeric sealing member 64, which may best be.seen in ~igure 4.
The sealing member 64 is ~abricated as a substantially tubular member and as~umes the shape shown in the drawings upon assembling the filler tube 22 to the mounting boss 32 in the 30 manner to be described~
pc/~c~
~` ` 1146~99 .' ~ lso formed through the wall 56 is a vent passage 66 which is illustrated as a kidney shaped port in Figures 3-and 5. This passage permits.the escape ~f air and fuel vapor when the tank 10 is filled by insertion of a conventional fuel nozzle (not shown) through and substantially blocking the fuel delivery passage 54.
.
The vent tube mounting boss 34 is preferably formed .
as a blind cylinder extending inwardly from the rear surface . 57 of inner wall 56 parallel to the axis of-the mounting boss 32 and radially offset ~rom the passage 54.
Turning now to the fuel delivery ~ube 22, it is preferably formed of a relatively low strength metal such as aluminum an~ has circular cross section. The inner end 68 . o~ the tube 22 may be of reduced cross section for insertion into the tank 10 and includes a preferably integral retaining barb 70 positioned proximate its terminus for retaining the . inner end Or the vent tube 26. The outer end 72 of the tube 22 is sized to be received in slip fit relationship over the outer diameter 62 o~ mountin~ boss 32 and the sealing member 64 to the position shown in Figure 2 wherein its outer ~ace 74 abuts the rear ~ace 48 of the housing portion 30. Final assembly technique and axial retention Or the parts in the position shown in Figure 2 will be discussed as the description progresses.
l The leaded fuel restrictor member 24 is, toget~er with the seal member 64 trap~ed between the fuel delivery tube 22 ~nd the mounting boss 32 ~f housing 20. As may best be seen in Figure 4, the restric~or m rnber 22 includes a tab portlon 76 . . , ~_ ~" :' .. _ ' , '' received in the slot 58 Or mounting boss 32, a straight retaining portion 78 carried in the annular space 80 (which may be rormed by grooving the boss 32) between the fuel delivery tube 22 and the mounting boss 32 of housing 20. As may best 5 be seen in Figure 4, the restrictor member 22 includes a tab portion 76 received in the slot 58 of mounting boss 32, a straight retaining portion 78 carried in the annular space 80 (which may be formed by grooving the boss 32) between the fuel delivery tube 22 and the mounting boss 22, a curved hinge portion 82~ and a flat door portion 84 which substantially covers the fuel delivery passage 54 in the installed position shown.-A restrictor element such as that shown at 22 must be included in most vehicles produced in the United States to prevent introduction of significant quantities of leaded fuel into the fuel tanks of vehicles using catalytic converters.
~nleaded fuel nozzles in service stations are sized to have smaller diameters than the vehicle ~uel delivery passage such as passage 54. Insertion of the nozzle mechanically displaces the door portion 84 to swing away and permit fueling. Larger leaded nozzles will bottom outsi~de the passage 54 and the restrictor 22 will remain in the closed position shown in Figure 4. It should be noted that the cooperation of the tab portion 76 and the retaining portion 78 of the restrictor member 24 with the fuel delivery tube 22 and the mounting boss 32 of housing 20 arranges the parts to perform the required ~unction without use o~ any added tensioning devices or fasteners, thereby enhancing the economic desirability of the invention fuel fill~r tube assembly 14.
. , . .
. . ,~_ ' . '.
1~6~9 Turning last to the vent tube 26, it is formed of a flexible material such as nylon and has a continuous circular cross section. It is received in force fit relationship over the cylindrical vent tube mounting boss 34 of the housing 20.
It includes a plurality of radially extending through holes 56 positioned proximate its outer end for permitting ~uel vapor to exit from the tank 10. As was described before the inner end of the vent tube 26 is received over the barb 70 at the inner end of the fuel delivery tube 22.
The above-described fuel delivery tube and vent tube combinati.ons is also described and is claimed in above-identified parent application 321,981.
It can be noted by reference to the drawings and the written description as it has thus far progressed the filler tube assembly 14 is assembled to the configuration shown best in Figure 2 without the use of threaded fasteners welding, or other convention assembly expedients. This is accomplished by locally deforming the fuel delivery tube at 88 where it registers with the seal member 64 and the annular groove 60 in the mounting boss 32 of housing 20.
According to the preferred method of effecting this local deformation, during fabrication of the invention filler tube assembly the tu.be 22 is assembled to the bottomed position described and magnetic force inducing dies are brought into a surrounding relationship at an axial position registering with the annular groove 60 of the mounting boss 32. An electro-magnetic field is then established by a known process such as that described in 't~elding and Metal Fabrication", March, 1969 at pp. 102~1Q6, which exerts a crushing force inward on the outer diameter 73 of the outer portion 72 of fuel delivery tube 22. This causes the tube 22 to take the shape illustrated at 88 in ,~ _ pc/ ~
~ I, `1146099 ~lgures 2 and 4 and the seal member 64 to assume the compressively sealing configuration likewise there sho~m.
In one example successfully fabricated by the applicant, the housing was formed of Acetal with the mounting boss 32 having an outer diameter of 2.136/2.126 inches and a ~lall thickness o~
.136 inches. The fuel delivery tube 22 was formed of aluminum having an inner diameter at 72 of 2.145/2.155 inches and a wall thickness of .043 inches minimum. A magnetically generated force of 3.5 kilo-joules was applied to achieve the assembled configu-ration shown.
Turning now to Figure 6, an alternative embodiment of the invention filler tube assembly is shown in which both the housing 120 and the fuel delivery tube 122 are formed of re-, silient non-metallic materials and the parts are compressively urged together into sealing engagement through deformation of a metallic ring 102 which registers axially with the seal 164.
This results in an even lighter structure than the first described embodiment since the use of metallic structure needed to effect compressive deformation by magnetically generated force is minimized.
While only two embodiments of the invention filler tube assembly have been shown and described, those skilled in theart Or automotive fuel filler tube assemblies well appreciate that others are possible without departing from the scope of the ¦ appended claims. . _ ,.,~
.. .
. ~ ' . , ." . '
Claims
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A filler tube assembly for a fuel tank installed in a vehicle, the assembly comprising:
A. a unitary housing formed of a relatively flexible material, having a fuel delivery passage formed therethrough including means for effecting attachment to a portion of the body of the vehicle, and including a substantially cylindrical mounting boss extending from one end thereof;
B. a one-piece fuel delivery tube formed to define a curvilinear fuel delivery passage of substantially circular cross section having a first end providing means for insertion into the fuel tank and a second end being received in interference fit sealing relationship over said cylindrical boss to effect fluid communication between said fuel delivery passage and said one end; and C. an elongated vent tube flexibly insertable from said fuel delivery tube second end to follow said curvilinear fuel delivery passage substantially through its entire length to effect communication of fuel vapor between said fuel delivery tube first and second ends, said vent tube attaching at one end to a vent tube boss located within the periphery of said mounting boss and extending inwardly in a direction toward said first end.
A. a unitary housing formed of a relatively flexible material, having a fuel delivery passage formed therethrough including means for effecting attachment to a portion of the body of the vehicle, and including a substantially cylindrical mounting boss extending from one end thereof;
B. a one-piece fuel delivery tube formed to define a curvilinear fuel delivery passage of substantially circular cross section having a first end providing means for insertion into the fuel tank and a second end being received in interference fit sealing relationship over said cylindrical boss to effect fluid communication between said fuel delivery passage and said one end; and C. an elongated vent tube flexibly insertable from said fuel delivery tube second end to follow said curvilinear fuel delivery passage substantially through its entire length to effect communication of fuel vapor between said fuel delivery tube first and second ends, said vent tube attaching at one end to a vent tube boss located within the periphery of said mounting boss and extending inwardly in a direction toward said first end.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000381122A CA1146099A (en) | 1978-04-24 | 1981-07-03 | Fuel tank filler tube assembly and method of making same |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US05/899,685 US4185844A (en) | 1978-04-24 | 1978-04-24 | Fuel tank filler tube assembly |
| US899,685 | 1978-04-24 | ||
| CA000321981A CA1119111A (en) | 1978-04-24 | 1979-02-21 | Fuel tank filler tube assembly |
| CA000381122A CA1146099A (en) | 1978-04-24 | 1981-07-03 | Fuel tank filler tube assembly and method of making same |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1146099A true CA1146099A (en) | 1983-05-10 |
Family
ID=27166086
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000381122A Expired CA1146099A (en) | 1978-04-24 | 1981-07-03 | Fuel tank filler tube assembly and method of making same |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1146099A (en) |
-
1981
- 1981-07-03 CA CA000381122A patent/CA1146099A/en not_active Expired
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |