CA2102645A1 - Self-locking tank closure - Google Patents
Self-locking tank closureInfo
- Publication number
- CA2102645A1 CA2102645A1 CA002102645A CA2102645A CA2102645A1 CA 2102645 A1 CA2102645 A1 CA 2102645A1 CA 002102645 A CA002102645 A CA 002102645A CA 2102645 A CA2102645 A CA 2102645A CA 2102645 A1 CA2102645 A1 CA 2102645A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- closure
- accordance
- tank
- flap
- pour
- 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.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
- B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
- B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
- B60K15/04—Tank inlets
- B60K15/0406—Filler caps for fuel tanks
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
- B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
- B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
- B60K15/04—Tank inlets
- B60K15/0406—Filler caps for fuel tanks
- B60K2015/0419—Self-sealing closure caps, e.g. that don't have to be removed manually
- B60K2015/0429—Self-sealing closure caps, e.g. that don't have to be removed manually actuated by the nozzle
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Sustainable Development (AREA)
- Sustainable Energy (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Cooling, Air Intake And Gas Exhaust, And Fuel Tank Arrangements In Propulsion Units (AREA)
- Basic Packing Technique (AREA)
- Closures For Containers (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
Self-locking tank closure for attachment to a pour-in socket-piece, with a closure flap (4) which is pre-stretched in the direction of a seal seat (2) and swivelable about an axis of revolution (3) in the direction of the inside of the pour-in socket-piece.
In order to make possible the introduction of refueling nozzles which are provided with an absorption nozzle for vapors, it is provided that the closure flap is made of flexible material and/or exhibits a bent shape.
Self-locking tank closure for attachment to a pour-in socket-piece, with a closure flap (4) which is pre-stretched in the direction of a seal seat (2) and swivelable about an axis of revolution (3) in the direction of the inside of the pour-in socket-piece.
In order to make possible the introduction of refueling nozzles which are provided with an absorption nozzle for vapors, it is provided that the closure flap is made of flexible material and/or exhibits a bent shape.
Description
2~ 0?.fi~ :
SELF-LOCKING TANK CLOSURE
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention The invention relates to a self-locking tank closure for attachment to a pour-in socket-piece, with a closure flap pre-stressed in the direction of a seal seat, and turnable about an axis of revolution in the direction of the inside of the pour-in socket-piece.
2. De~cription of Related Art A tank closure of this type is known from DE-A-37 21 049.1.
In self-locking tank closures of this type, which can be screwed into a pour-in socket-piece of a motor vehicle according to the style of a tank cover or attached there by means of a bayonet-closure, the introduction of a modern refueling nozzle, provided with an absorption apparatus, is difficult, since the available space on one side is limited by the diameter of the normal pour-in socket-piece, and on the other side of the opened flap of the tank closure a substantial part of the canal which is intended for introduction of the refueling nozzle is covered.
, SUMMARY OF T~E INVENTION
The invention is based upon the task of forming a tank closure of the hereinabove mentioned type which is built so small that when ~s~
the flap is open a clear width is available, which renders possible the introduction of a refueling nozzle with an absorption nozzle (jet) for tank vapors.
This task is solved, in that the closure-flap is made of flexible material and/or exhibits an arched form.
.
By means of the tank closure in accordance with the invention, which is flexible or arched, it is achieved that the tank closure conforms in its open position to the border of the introduction~
canal of the tank closure, and in this manner a complete or nearly complete opening of the tank closure is made possible, and the inner tube of the tank closure which forms the introduction canal is nearly completely opened up for introduction of a refueling nozzle.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention the closure flap is made of a spring steel sheet metal. If in this embodiment the closure flap is pressed out of its seal seat by introduction of the refueling nozzle and swivels in its open position, the spring steel sheet metal bends automatically in such a manner that it takes on the radius of the inner tube of the tank closure. Because of the elasticity of the spring steel sheet metal, it is elastic after the locking of the closure flap and goes back into its flat form, so that it lies tight on the seal seat.
According to another embodiment of the invention it is provided that the tank closure is permanently arched in such a manner that it exhibits the form of a circular arc in a cross-sectional plane parallel to the axis of revolution. In such an '~.
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embodiment no bending action may be performed upon opening of the tank closure. More importantly, the tank closure maintains permanently such a form as to guarantee that it conforms tightly in the open condition to the wall of the inner tube of the tank closure.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention the closure flap is provided with an excess-pressure valve, which opens upon the occurrence of an excessive inner pressure and releases the gases to the outside, in order to avoid the danger of an explosion.
According to a preferred further construction of such a tank closure it is provided that the excessive pressure valve exhibits a release lever, which is activatable by the edge of the mouth of the refueling nozzle. Thus, when the refueling nozzle approaches the tank closure for purpose of filling the tank, it first moves the release lever, so that the valve opens and the inner pressure of the tank is slowly removed. Since with a refueling nozzle which is provided with an absorber, in this case the absorber can already be activated, the vapors which escape from the tank can be set aside through the absorber system in an environmentally friendly manner.
According to a further preferred embodiment, in which the seal seat is arranged so as to be inclined with respect to the cross-sectional plane of the pour-in socket-piece, optimal use can be made of the space which is available in the mouth-region of the pour-in socket-piece.
In ~n inventive further develop=ent of the tar~ closure ., :~
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barrier is provided which impedes the complete opening of the flap during inner excessive pressure. In this embodiment it is made sure that the tank vapors which are under pressure, which for example have gathered in the warm season during use of the vehicle, escape slowly before the opening of the flap and thus can be completely absorbed by the absorption apparatus and set aside.
Upon a sudden complete opening of the flap the gases which escape under pressure cannot be competely absorbed and would eventually endanger the person who is filling the tank of the vehicle.
In a further preferred embodiment of the invention the barrier is a pressure sensitive moveable part, which is connected at one side with the outer atmosphere and at the opposite side with the inner space of the pour-in socket-piece, wherein a barrier bolt is connected to the movable part, which bolt impedes the opening of the flap in one position of the movable part and releases it in the other position.
Preferably the barrier bolt consists of a ring, which surrounds the seal seat and is moveable parallel to the plane of the seal seat. A grasping hook is furthermore provided on this ring in the opening-path of the closure flap.
Further preferred embodiments of the invention -are to be understood from the sub-claims. The invention will hereinafter be explained in more detail with reference to two exemplary embodiments shown schematically in the Figures.
~.: :".
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
There are shown:
Figure 1: a petrol tank closure according to the invention in longitudinal section;
5Figure 2: the petrol tank closure according to Figure 1 in top vlew;
Figure 3: the petrol tank closure according to Figure 1 when the closure flap is open;
Figure 4: a section along the section line IV-IV in Figure 3;
10Figure 5: a longitudinal section of a petrol tank closure with a permanently pre-arched closure flap.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
In Figure 1 is shown the mouth-end of a petrol pour-în socket-piece 1 of a motor vehicle. The petrol pour-in socket-piece 15exhibits an inner thread 13, which in the usual manner serves as the recipient of a tank cover. In the place of the otherwise usual tank cover, in the representation of Figure 1 a self-locking petrol tank closure in accordance with the invention is screwed into the mouth opening of the pour-in socket-piece 1. The petrol tank 20closure exhibits an inner tube 14 consisting of synthetic resin, which is provided with an outer thread 15 which matches the thread ,.
13. The inner tube 14 forms the pour-in canal for the refueling ~ -~
nozzle. The inner tube 14 exhibits such an outer diameter that it can be taken up by a conventional, normal pour-in socket-piece. In the part thereof which lies at the end of the pour-in socket-piece, ~t O?`fi~
it is however widened towards the outside and exhibits a ring~
shoulder 16, which rests against the mouth-border 18 of the petrol pour-in socket-piece 1 via an intervening packing 17. The inner tube 14 is cut at the end thereof which sticks out of the petrol S pour-in socket-piece diagonally, so that it exhibits one side which stands out further from the petrol pour-in socket-piece than the other side. At this side which sticks out further from the pour-in socket-piece there are provided in the inner tube 1~ two opposed U-shaped members (not shown in the drawing), in which a peg 19 rests, which in this manner forms an axis of revolution 3. A bearing arm 6 is connected with the peg 19, which bears a closure flap 4, which will be further described hereinafter. A torsion spring 20 is wound about the peg 19, which spring rests on one side against the bearing arm 6 and at the other side on the inner wall of the inner tube 14, so that a turning moment is exerted on the bearing arm 6.
A closure flap 4, consisting of a spring steel sheet metal 5 and an elastic packing 7 arranged on the spring steel sheet metal, is fastened on the bearing arm 6.
The closure flap 4 which consists of the spring steel sheet metal 5 and the elastic packing 7, as well as the bearing arm 6 which bears the closure flap, are pierced for reception of an excess pressure valve 8.
The excess pressure valve 8 consists of a valve body 21, which I presses against the elastic packing 7 with a packing-border. A
peg-shaped body 22 is arranged on the side of the valve body 21 which faces the elastic packing, which body 22 consists of four ~t ~?~
ribs displaced by soo, of which ribs 22a, 22b and 22c are to be seen in Figure 1~ The peg-shaped body 22 consisting of the ribs projects [protrudes] through the opening in the elastic seal 7 and the spring steel sheet metal 5 as well as the corresponding aperture in the bearing arm 6. The ribs 22a, 22b, and 22c are so formed that they form a striking shoulder for a conical spring 23, which presses with its other end against a corresponding striking shoulder of the bearing arm 6. Four ribs are arranged on the bearing arm 6, of which two are to be seen in the drawing, namely the ribs with the reference numerals 24a and 24b. The ribs 24a, 24b as well as the two additional ribs not shown, protrude into the spaces between the ribs 22a, 22b, and 22c, so that the peg-shaped body 22 affixed to the valve body 21 is held against turning, but is moveable longitudinally.
By means of the operation of the spring 23 the valve body 21 is pressed firmly against the packing 7, so that the aperture in the packing is closed. However, as soon as an excess pressure loads the inner side, which is in a position to lift off the peg-shaped body 22 consisting of the ribs 22a, 22b, 22c and 22d, the tight connection between the valve body 21 and the elastic packing 7 is lifted and vapors can stream out of the inner space.
Since the excess pressure valve 8 exhibits a release arm 9, which is spaced from the seal surface 7, the excess pressure valve can also be opened in the following manner: the release arm 9 is pressed in the direction of the packing 7, whereby the valve body is tilted and the opening to the inner space is released at the '!,, : . ' ~
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side which lles opposite the release arm 9. Such a release is especially possible by hitting of a refueling nozzle onto the release arm 9.
The end of the inner tube 14 which projects from the pour-in socket-piece is surrounded by a closure cap 25. This consists of a peripheral outer-jacket 26, of an inner plank 27 and an interiorly placed lead-in guide 28. By means of a radial bore 34 one can for example conduct away water which may have gathered in I front of the closed flap. The peripheral plank 27 is supported ¦ 10 (the packing 17 intervening therebetween) upon the mouth border 18 of the petrol pour-in socket-piece. In this manner there results ~ a tight connection between the closure cap 25 and the petrol pour-¦ in socket-piece 1.
The end of the lead-in guide 28 which points at the petrol pour-in socket-piece presents the place struck against and consequently the seal seat 2 for the closure flap 4. Ribs 29 are affixed to the outer jacket 26, whereby the packing 17 is also then : ~:
held in the position shown when the petrol tank closure is separated from the pour-in socket-piece.
The closure cap 25 is adapted to the diagonally-cut form of the inner tube 14. On the side on which the inner tube 14 is longer and on which the peg 19 for the bearing arm 6 is arranged, a hollow space is provided in the closure cap 25, in which a movable part, namely an elastic membrane 10, is arranged, which is loaded by a spring 35. The outer jacket 26 of the closure cap 25 ~ is pierced by a hole 30, so that the membrane 10 which is in the 'I -i~1 :. , - ,, . , , n ~
hollow space is exposed to the outer atmospheric pressure on this side. On the inner side of the membrane 10 lies the inner pressure out of the petrol tank. According to the size of the inner pressure the membrane 10 is moved in the direction of the hole 30 or away from this. The inner tube 14 is at its end facing outwardly provided with an inner shoulder 31, in which the ring 11 is arranged. The inner shoulder 31, and the ring 11 are so dimensioned that the ring 11 is moveable in the direction of the bearing arm 6. In the direction perpendicular to this it is however led with little play through the inner shoulder 31 of the inner tube 14. The middle of the membrane 10 is connected via a frame 32 with the ring 11, so that the movement of the membrane is transferred to the ring 11. A hook 12 is arranged on the ring 11 at the end thereof remote from the axis of revolution 3, which hook then grasps behind the closure cap 4 which consists of the spring steel sheet metal 5 and the packing 7, when - as shown in Figure 1 - the slidable ring 11 is in its right-hand stroke position. This is then the case, when the inner pressure in the petrol tank and therefore on the membrane 10 is sufficient to move the membrane 10 radially outwardly. By means of the hook 12, the opening of the closure lock flap 4 is thus hindered.
However, if the person who will fill the tank of the vehicle attempts to open the flap, he pushes with the refueling nozzle against the release lever 9, so that the excess pressure valve ~
opens and the petrol vapors can escape from the inside of the petrol tank. These can then be absorbed by a refueling nozzle :
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equipped with an absorption nozzle. This is possible, since the petrol vapors escape only slowly. To the extent that the inner pressure is removed, the elastic membrane 10 moves as a result of the action of the spring 35 radially inwardly, i.e. in the direction of the closure flap (in the drawing, to the left). Since the ring 11 follows this movement because of its coupling to the membrane 10, the hook 12 which is arranged on the ring 11 is moved in corresponding manner, so that the closure flap is released and can be pushed open with the refueling nozzle.
Figure 2 shows the petrol tank closure in a view from above.
one can recognize in particular the closure cap 25 with its outer jacket 26 with the air-opening 30 for the membrane 10. In the top view the lead-in guide 28 for the refueling nozzle is also to be seen, which is closed at its lower end by the closure flap which is covered with the pacXing 7. One may well see also the release lever 9 of the excess pressure valve 8. The support peg 19 as well as the bearing arm 6 arranged on this and the torsion spring 20 wound about the support peg 19 are in the presentation of Figure 2 hidden by the closure cap 25, and so they are drawn with broken lines.
Figure 3 shows the section through the same petrol tank closure as Figure 1, however with an open closure flap. As appears from a comparison of Figures 1 and 3, the membrane 10 lies nearer to the center than in Figure 1. This is traceable to the fact that the pressure at the inner side has fallen after opening of the valve and the flap. Accordingly, the ring 11 as well as the hook r~
~. . : : . ' ~ 2~0~4~
12 have moved in such a manner that the hook 12 has set free the open path for the closure flap 4.
Since the closure flap 4 consists of elastic bendable parts, namely the spring steel sheet metal 5 and the packing 7, these parts have become deformed as a result of the opening movement of the flap 4 in adaptation to the periphery of the inner tube. This makes possible the almost complete pull-back of the closure flap out of the lead-in canal for the refueling nozzle. The extent of the opening movement is still increased by the fact that the inner tube 14 exhibits a recess 33 at the place at which the opened closure flap 4 is, in which recess the bearing arm and the excess pressure valve 8 (to the extent that it projects over the bearing arm) can be fitted.
The elastic deformation of the closure flap 4 is especially clearly to be seen in the section of Figure 4. The springy steel sheet metal 5 is rounded off at both its edges which are laid put at both sides of the bearing arm 6, whereby it can slide there with least possible rubbing against the wall of the inner tube 14. As can equally well be seen very clearly in Figure 4, the closure flap 4 can be opened so far until its parts strike against the inner wall of the petrol pour-in socket-piece.
Figure 5 shows an embodiment of the invention in which, instead of a deformable closure flap, a preformed closure flap in the shape of a half circle is provided. Instead of an elastically ; 25 deformable spring steel sheet metal, the closure flap consists of a preformed part 5, which is covered with a packing 7. The plane . .
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of the section in Figure 5 is chosen to be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bearing arm 6.
In this embodiment the closure flap must not be deformed when it is opened, so that no additional forces need be brought to bear.
Of course, the valve seat 2 must be conformed in a saddle shape to the form of the closure flap, in order to obtain a tight seat.
Since the other parts of the petrol tank closure according to Figure 5 are identical to those of the petrol tank closure explained in connection with Figures 1 through 4, a repeated description is omitted.
Having thus described the principles of the invention, together with several illustrative embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense, and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention being set forth in the following claims.
SELF-LOCKING TANK CLOSURE
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention The invention relates to a self-locking tank closure for attachment to a pour-in socket-piece, with a closure flap pre-stressed in the direction of a seal seat, and turnable about an axis of revolution in the direction of the inside of the pour-in socket-piece.
2. De~cription of Related Art A tank closure of this type is known from DE-A-37 21 049.1.
In self-locking tank closures of this type, which can be screwed into a pour-in socket-piece of a motor vehicle according to the style of a tank cover or attached there by means of a bayonet-closure, the introduction of a modern refueling nozzle, provided with an absorption apparatus, is difficult, since the available space on one side is limited by the diameter of the normal pour-in socket-piece, and on the other side of the opened flap of the tank closure a substantial part of the canal which is intended for introduction of the refueling nozzle is covered.
, SUMMARY OF T~E INVENTION
The invention is based upon the task of forming a tank closure of the hereinabove mentioned type which is built so small that when ~s~
the flap is open a clear width is available, which renders possible the introduction of a refueling nozzle with an absorption nozzle (jet) for tank vapors.
This task is solved, in that the closure-flap is made of flexible material and/or exhibits an arched form.
.
By means of the tank closure in accordance with the invention, which is flexible or arched, it is achieved that the tank closure conforms in its open position to the border of the introduction~
canal of the tank closure, and in this manner a complete or nearly complete opening of the tank closure is made possible, and the inner tube of the tank closure which forms the introduction canal is nearly completely opened up for introduction of a refueling nozzle.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention the closure flap is made of a spring steel sheet metal. If in this embodiment the closure flap is pressed out of its seal seat by introduction of the refueling nozzle and swivels in its open position, the spring steel sheet metal bends automatically in such a manner that it takes on the radius of the inner tube of the tank closure. Because of the elasticity of the spring steel sheet metal, it is elastic after the locking of the closure flap and goes back into its flat form, so that it lies tight on the seal seat.
According to another embodiment of the invention it is provided that the tank closure is permanently arched in such a manner that it exhibits the form of a circular arc in a cross-sectional plane parallel to the axis of revolution. In such an '~.
210~
embodiment no bending action may be performed upon opening of the tank closure. More importantly, the tank closure maintains permanently such a form as to guarantee that it conforms tightly in the open condition to the wall of the inner tube of the tank closure.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention the closure flap is provided with an excess-pressure valve, which opens upon the occurrence of an excessive inner pressure and releases the gases to the outside, in order to avoid the danger of an explosion.
According to a preferred further construction of such a tank closure it is provided that the excessive pressure valve exhibits a release lever, which is activatable by the edge of the mouth of the refueling nozzle. Thus, when the refueling nozzle approaches the tank closure for purpose of filling the tank, it first moves the release lever, so that the valve opens and the inner pressure of the tank is slowly removed. Since with a refueling nozzle which is provided with an absorber, in this case the absorber can already be activated, the vapors which escape from the tank can be set aside through the absorber system in an environmentally friendly manner.
According to a further preferred embodiment, in which the seal seat is arranged so as to be inclined with respect to the cross-sectional plane of the pour-in socket-piece, optimal use can be made of the space which is available in the mouth-region of the pour-in socket-piece.
In ~n inventive further develop=ent of the tar~ closure ., :~
~.: : .' : . : . . : --^" 2 ~ 1) .? `~
barrier is provided which impedes the complete opening of the flap during inner excessive pressure. In this embodiment it is made sure that the tank vapors which are under pressure, which for example have gathered in the warm season during use of the vehicle, escape slowly before the opening of the flap and thus can be completely absorbed by the absorption apparatus and set aside.
Upon a sudden complete opening of the flap the gases which escape under pressure cannot be competely absorbed and would eventually endanger the person who is filling the tank of the vehicle.
In a further preferred embodiment of the invention the barrier is a pressure sensitive moveable part, which is connected at one side with the outer atmosphere and at the opposite side with the inner space of the pour-in socket-piece, wherein a barrier bolt is connected to the movable part, which bolt impedes the opening of the flap in one position of the movable part and releases it in the other position.
Preferably the barrier bolt consists of a ring, which surrounds the seal seat and is moveable parallel to the plane of the seal seat. A grasping hook is furthermore provided on this ring in the opening-path of the closure flap.
Further preferred embodiments of the invention -are to be understood from the sub-claims. The invention will hereinafter be explained in more detail with reference to two exemplary embodiments shown schematically in the Figures.
~.: :".
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
There are shown:
Figure 1: a petrol tank closure according to the invention in longitudinal section;
5Figure 2: the petrol tank closure according to Figure 1 in top vlew;
Figure 3: the petrol tank closure according to Figure 1 when the closure flap is open;
Figure 4: a section along the section line IV-IV in Figure 3;
10Figure 5: a longitudinal section of a petrol tank closure with a permanently pre-arched closure flap.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
In Figure 1 is shown the mouth-end of a petrol pour-în socket-piece 1 of a motor vehicle. The petrol pour-in socket-piece 15exhibits an inner thread 13, which in the usual manner serves as the recipient of a tank cover. In the place of the otherwise usual tank cover, in the representation of Figure 1 a self-locking petrol tank closure in accordance with the invention is screwed into the mouth opening of the pour-in socket-piece 1. The petrol tank 20closure exhibits an inner tube 14 consisting of synthetic resin, which is provided with an outer thread 15 which matches the thread ,.
13. The inner tube 14 forms the pour-in canal for the refueling ~ -~
nozzle. The inner tube 14 exhibits such an outer diameter that it can be taken up by a conventional, normal pour-in socket-piece. In the part thereof which lies at the end of the pour-in socket-piece, ~t O?`fi~
it is however widened towards the outside and exhibits a ring~
shoulder 16, which rests against the mouth-border 18 of the petrol pour-in socket-piece 1 via an intervening packing 17. The inner tube 14 is cut at the end thereof which sticks out of the petrol S pour-in socket-piece diagonally, so that it exhibits one side which stands out further from the petrol pour-in socket-piece than the other side. At this side which sticks out further from the pour-in socket-piece there are provided in the inner tube 1~ two opposed U-shaped members (not shown in the drawing), in which a peg 19 rests, which in this manner forms an axis of revolution 3. A bearing arm 6 is connected with the peg 19, which bears a closure flap 4, which will be further described hereinafter. A torsion spring 20 is wound about the peg 19, which spring rests on one side against the bearing arm 6 and at the other side on the inner wall of the inner tube 14, so that a turning moment is exerted on the bearing arm 6.
A closure flap 4, consisting of a spring steel sheet metal 5 and an elastic packing 7 arranged on the spring steel sheet metal, is fastened on the bearing arm 6.
The closure flap 4 which consists of the spring steel sheet metal 5 and the elastic packing 7, as well as the bearing arm 6 which bears the closure flap, are pierced for reception of an excess pressure valve 8.
The excess pressure valve 8 consists of a valve body 21, which I presses against the elastic packing 7 with a packing-border. A
peg-shaped body 22 is arranged on the side of the valve body 21 which faces the elastic packing, which body 22 consists of four ~t ~?~
ribs displaced by soo, of which ribs 22a, 22b and 22c are to be seen in Figure 1~ The peg-shaped body 22 consisting of the ribs projects [protrudes] through the opening in the elastic seal 7 and the spring steel sheet metal 5 as well as the corresponding aperture in the bearing arm 6. The ribs 22a, 22b, and 22c are so formed that they form a striking shoulder for a conical spring 23, which presses with its other end against a corresponding striking shoulder of the bearing arm 6. Four ribs are arranged on the bearing arm 6, of which two are to be seen in the drawing, namely the ribs with the reference numerals 24a and 24b. The ribs 24a, 24b as well as the two additional ribs not shown, protrude into the spaces between the ribs 22a, 22b, and 22c, so that the peg-shaped body 22 affixed to the valve body 21 is held against turning, but is moveable longitudinally.
By means of the operation of the spring 23 the valve body 21 is pressed firmly against the packing 7, so that the aperture in the packing is closed. However, as soon as an excess pressure loads the inner side, which is in a position to lift off the peg-shaped body 22 consisting of the ribs 22a, 22b, 22c and 22d, the tight connection between the valve body 21 and the elastic packing 7 is lifted and vapors can stream out of the inner space.
Since the excess pressure valve 8 exhibits a release arm 9, which is spaced from the seal surface 7, the excess pressure valve can also be opened in the following manner: the release arm 9 is pressed in the direction of the packing 7, whereby the valve body is tilted and the opening to the inner space is released at the '!,, : . ' ~
2tn~
side which lles opposite the release arm 9. Such a release is especially possible by hitting of a refueling nozzle onto the release arm 9.
The end of the inner tube 14 which projects from the pour-in socket-piece is surrounded by a closure cap 25. This consists of a peripheral outer-jacket 26, of an inner plank 27 and an interiorly placed lead-in guide 28. By means of a radial bore 34 one can for example conduct away water which may have gathered in I front of the closed flap. The peripheral plank 27 is supported ¦ 10 (the packing 17 intervening therebetween) upon the mouth border 18 of the petrol pour-in socket-piece. In this manner there results ~ a tight connection between the closure cap 25 and the petrol pour-¦ in socket-piece 1.
The end of the lead-in guide 28 which points at the petrol pour-in socket-piece presents the place struck against and consequently the seal seat 2 for the closure flap 4. Ribs 29 are affixed to the outer jacket 26, whereby the packing 17 is also then : ~:
held in the position shown when the petrol tank closure is separated from the pour-in socket-piece.
The closure cap 25 is adapted to the diagonally-cut form of the inner tube 14. On the side on which the inner tube 14 is longer and on which the peg 19 for the bearing arm 6 is arranged, a hollow space is provided in the closure cap 25, in which a movable part, namely an elastic membrane 10, is arranged, which is loaded by a spring 35. The outer jacket 26 of the closure cap 25 ~ is pierced by a hole 30, so that the membrane 10 which is in the 'I -i~1 :. , - ,, . , , n ~
hollow space is exposed to the outer atmospheric pressure on this side. On the inner side of the membrane 10 lies the inner pressure out of the petrol tank. According to the size of the inner pressure the membrane 10 is moved in the direction of the hole 30 or away from this. The inner tube 14 is at its end facing outwardly provided with an inner shoulder 31, in which the ring 11 is arranged. The inner shoulder 31, and the ring 11 are so dimensioned that the ring 11 is moveable in the direction of the bearing arm 6. In the direction perpendicular to this it is however led with little play through the inner shoulder 31 of the inner tube 14. The middle of the membrane 10 is connected via a frame 32 with the ring 11, so that the movement of the membrane is transferred to the ring 11. A hook 12 is arranged on the ring 11 at the end thereof remote from the axis of revolution 3, which hook then grasps behind the closure cap 4 which consists of the spring steel sheet metal 5 and the packing 7, when - as shown in Figure 1 - the slidable ring 11 is in its right-hand stroke position. This is then the case, when the inner pressure in the petrol tank and therefore on the membrane 10 is sufficient to move the membrane 10 radially outwardly. By means of the hook 12, the opening of the closure lock flap 4 is thus hindered.
However, if the person who will fill the tank of the vehicle attempts to open the flap, he pushes with the refueling nozzle against the release lever 9, so that the excess pressure valve ~
opens and the petrol vapors can escape from the inside of the petrol tank. These can then be absorbed by a refueling nozzle :
~ 2fi~
equipped with an absorption nozzle. This is possible, since the petrol vapors escape only slowly. To the extent that the inner pressure is removed, the elastic membrane 10 moves as a result of the action of the spring 35 radially inwardly, i.e. in the direction of the closure flap (in the drawing, to the left). Since the ring 11 follows this movement because of its coupling to the membrane 10, the hook 12 which is arranged on the ring 11 is moved in corresponding manner, so that the closure flap is released and can be pushed open with the refueling nozzle.
Figure 2 shows the petrol tank closure in a view from above.
one can recognize in particular the closure cap 25 with its outer jacket 26 with the air-opening 30 for the membrane 10. In the top view the lead-in guide 28 for the refueling nozzle is also to be seen, which is closed at its lower end by the closure flap which is covered with the pacXing 7. One may well see also the release lever 9 of the excess pressure valve 8. The support peg 19 as well as the bearing arm 6 arranged on this and the torsion spring 20 wound about the support peg 19 are in the presentation of Figure 2 hidden by the closure cap 25, and so they are drawn with broken lines.
Figure 3 shows the section through the same petrol tank closure as Figure 1, however with an open closure flap. As appears from a comparison of Figures 1 and 3, the membrane 10 lies nearer to the center than in Figure 1. This is traceable to the fact that the pressure at the inner side has fallen after opening of the valve and the flap. Accordingly, the ring 11 as well as the hook r~
~. . : : . ' ~ 2~0~4~
12 have moved in such a manner that the hook 12 has set free the open path for the closure flap 4.
Since the closure flap 4 consists of elastic bendable parts, namely the spring steel sheet metal 5 and the packing 7, these parts have become deformed as a result of the opening movement of the flap 4 in adaptation to the periphery of the inner tube. This makes possible the almost complete pull-back of the closure flap out of the lead-in canal for the refueling nozzle. The extent of the opening movement is still increased by the fact that the inner tube 14 exhibits a recess 33 at the place at which the opened closure flap 4 is, in which recess the bearing arm and the excess pressure valve 8 (to the extent that it projects over the bearing arm) can be fitted.
The elastic deformation of the closure flap 4 is especially clearly to be seen in the section of Figure 4. The springy steel sheet metal 5 is rounded off at both its edges which are laid put at both sides of the bearing arm 6, whereby it can slide there with least possible rubbing against the wall of the inner tube 14. As can equally well be seen very clearly in Figure 4, the closure flap 4 can be opened so far until its parts strike against the inner wall of the petrol pour-in socket-piece.
Figure 5 shows an embodiment of the invention in which, instead of a deformable closure flap, a preformed closure flap in the shape of a half circle is provided. Instead of an elastically ; 25 deformable spring steel sheet metal, the closure flap consists of a preformed part 5, which is covered with a packing 7. The plane . .
., .
: , .. . .
:,.:, ,. -21 02~4~
of the section in Figure 5 is chosen to be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bearing arm 6.
In this embodiment the closure flap must not be deformed when it is opened, so that no additional forces need be brought to bear.
Of course, the valve seat 2 must be conformed in a saddle shape to the form of the closure flap, in order to obtain a tight seat.
Since the other parts of the petrol tank closure according to Figure 5 are identical to those of the petrol tank closure explained in connection with Figures 1 through 4, a repeated description is omitted.
Having thus described the principles of the invention, together with several illustrative embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense, and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention being set forth in the following claims.
Claims (12)
1.) Self-locking tank closure for attachment to a pour-in socket-piece (1) with a closure flap (4) which is pre-stretched in the direction of a seal seat (2) and swivelable about an axis of revolution (3) in the direction of the inside of the pour-in socket-piece, characterized in that the closure flap (4) is made of flexible material and/or exhibits a bent shape.
2.) Tank closure in accordance with Claim 1, characterized in that the closure flap (4) exhibits a spring steel sheet metal.
3.) Tank closure in accordance with Claim 1, characterized in that the closure flap (4) is permanently arched in such a way that it exhibits approximately the form of a circular arc in a sectional plane parallel to the axis of revolution (Figure 5).
4.) Tank closure in accordance with Claim 3, characterized in that the seal seat (2) is deformed to conform to the arched closure flap (4) (Figure 5).
5.) Tank closure in accordance with Claim 1, characterized in that the closure flap (4) is carried by a bearing arm (6).
6.) Tank closure in accordance with Claim 1, characterized in that the closure flap (4) is covered with a packing (7) on the side thereof facing the seal seat (2).
7.) Tank closure in accordance with Claim 1, characterized in that an excess-pressure valve (8) is arranged in the closure flap
8.) Tank closure in accordance with Claim 7, characterized in that the excess-pressure valve (8) exhibits a release lever (9) activatable by a refueling nozzle through the border of the mouth.
9.) Tank closure in accordance with Claim 1, characterized in that the seal seat (2) is arranged to be inclined with relation to the cross-sectional plane of the pour-in socket-piece.
10.) Tank closure in accordance with the preamble of Claim 1, characterized in that a barrier (10,11,12) is provided which impedes the complete opening of the flap (4) in the case of inner excess pressure.
11.) Tank closure in accordance with Claim 10, characterized in that the barrier (10,11,12) exhibits a pressure-sensitive moveable part (10) which is in communication with the outer atmosphere at one side and with the inner space of the petrol pour-in socket-piece at its opposite side, and that the moveable part (10) is coupled to a barrier bolt (11,12).
12.) Tank closure in accordance with Claim 11, characterized in that the barrier bolt exhibits a ring (11) which surrounds the seal seat (2) and is displaceable parallel to the plane of the seal seat (2), and that a hook (12) grasping into the opening path of the closure flap (4) is provided on the ring (11).
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DE4237790A DE4237790C2 (en) | 1992-11-09 | 1992-11-09 | Self-closing container closure |
| DEP4237790.0 | 1992-11-09 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2102645A1 true CA2102645A1 (en) | 1994-05-10 |
Family
ID=6472439
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002102645A Abandoned CA2102645A1 (en) | 1992-11-09 | 1993-11-08 | Self-locking tank closure |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0597314A1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH06336122A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2102645A1 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE4237790C2 (en) |
| MX (1) | MX9306972A (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5732840A (en) * | 1995-04-21 | 1998-03-31 | Stant Manufacturing Inc. | Closure assembly for a tank filler neck |
| USRE37776E1 (en) * | 1995-04-21 | 2002-07-02 | Stant Manufacturing Inc. | Closure assembly for a tank filler neck |
Families Citing this family (19)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SE503109C2 (en) * | 1994-08-11 | 1996-03-25 | Sten Corfitsen | Adapter for automatic refueling of vehicles |
| DE19613894A1 (en) * | 1996-04-06 | 1997-10-09 | Bayerische Motoren Werke Ag | Plastic fuel tank |
| US6705481B2 (en) | 1998-03-20 | 2004-03-16 | Temtec Fahrzeutechnick | Actuatable fuel tank closure having guide pipe |
| DE19812384A1 (en) * | 1998-03-20 | 1999-09-23 | Temtec Fahrzeugtechnik Entwicklungsgesellschaft Mbh | Fuel tank cap |
| WO2000073039A1 (en) | 1999-06-01 | 2000-12-07 | Stant Manufacturing Inc. | Weldable mount for fuel systems component |
| DE19927091A1 (en) * | 1999-06-15 | 2000-12-21 | Mannesmann Vdo Ag | Device for ventilation of a fuel tank having a closure cap and use of a device |
| CA2334149C (en) | 2000-02-03 | 2005-05-10 | Stant Manufacturing Inc. | Weldable mount for fuel systems component |
| US6431200B2 (en) | 2000-02-11 | 2002-08-13 | Stant Manufacturing Inc. | Weldable mount for fuel system component |
| DE10024815A1 (en) * | 2000-05-19 | 2001-11-22 | Bayerische Motoren Werke Ag | Control and control system for the fuel tank system of a motor vehicle |
| JP3624946B2 (en) * | 2001-10-01 | 2005-03-02 | 株式会社タツノ・メカトロニクス | Refueling port unit for automatic refueling support |
| US6662820B2 (en) | 2001-12-06 | 2003-12-16 | Stant Manufacturing Inc. | Weldable mount for fuel system component |
| DE102004048117A1 (en) * | 2004-10-02 | 2006-04-06 | Volkswagen Ag | Self-closing container closure |
| FR2887497B1 (en) * | 2005-06-28 | 2008-09-05 | I T W De France Soc Par Action | HEAD FOR FUEL FILLING TUBE OF A VEHICLE |
| FR2887498B1 (en) | 2005-06-28 | 2008-09-05 | I T W De France Soc Par Action | HEAD FOR FUEL FILLING TUBE OF A VEHICLE |
| DE202006006201U1 (en) * | 2006-04-07 | 2007-09-13 | Reutter Metallwarenfabrik Gmbh | Device for preventing the ejection of fuel from a fuel tank with open filler neck |
| JP4991318B2 (en) * | 2007-01-10 | 2012-08-01 | 株式会社ニフコ | Opening / closing device for fuel filler |
| JP5708406B2 (en) * | 2011-09-27 | 2015-04-30 | 豊田合成株式会社 | Fuel tank opening and closing device |
| CN102748092B (en) * | 2012-07-24 | 2014-12-10 | 潍柴动力股份有限公司 | Oil feeding pipe assembly and engine comprising same |
| JP6029423B2 (en) * | 2012-11-09 | 2016-11-24 | 株式会社キーレックス | Fuel filler pipe fuel filler structure |
Family Cites Families (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CA1138376A (en) * | 1979-07-20 | 1982-12-28 | Stephen I. Clayman | Cap for gasoline tank |
| FR2528804A1 (en) * | 1982-06-22 | 1983-12-23 | Teleplastics Ind Sa | Stopper for filler pipe of vehicle petrol tank - houses onto pipe end using sprung flap door which opens when filling nozzle inserted |
| DE3721049C2 (en) * | 1987-06-25 | 1999-01-21 | Temtec Fahrzeugtechnik Entwicklungsgesellschaft Mbh | Self-closing fuel tank cap |
| EP0296618B1 (en) * | 1987-06-25 | 1990-12-05 | Temtec Fahrzeugtechnik Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH | Self-closing fuel tank seal |
| DE3918947A1 (en) * | 1989-06-09 | 1990-12-13 | Siegfried Ott | LOCK FOR THE FILLING SOCKET OF LIQUID CONTAINERS |
-
1992
- 1992-11-09 DE DE4237790A patent/DE4237790C2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1993
- 1993-10-26 EP EP93117319A patent/EP0597314A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1993-11-08 MX MX9306972A patent/MX9306972A/en unknown
- 1993-11-08 CA CA002102645A patent/CA2102645A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1993-11-09 JP JP30225893A patent/JPH06336122A/en active Pending
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5732840A (en) * | 1995-04-21 | 1998-03-31 | Stant Manufacturing Inc. | Closure assembly for a tank filler neck |
| USRE37776E1 (en) * | 1995-04-21 | 2002-07-02 | Stant Manufacturing Inc. | Closure assembly for a tank filler neck |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| DE4237790C2 (en) | 1996-02-08 |
| DE4237790A1 (en) | 1994-05-11 |
| EP0597314A1 (en) | 1994-05-18 |
| MX9306972A (en) | 1995-01-31 |
| JPH06336122A (en) | 1994-12-06 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |