U.S. patent application number 10/793475 was filed with the patent office on 2005-09-08 for retention plate for fuel pump module.
Invention is credited to Powell, Patrick.
Application Number | 20050194796 10/793475 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34750629 |
Filed Date | 2005-09-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050194796 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Powell, Patrick |
September 8, 2005 |
Retention plate for fuel pump module
Abstract
A fuel tank assembly includes a tank defining an aperture on a
first generally planar surface. A plurality of retaining members
extend outwardly from the first planar surface and are arranged
generally around the aperture. A fuel sender assembly is disposed
in the tank and adapted to mate with the first planar surface of
the tank around the aperture in an assembled position. The fuel
sender assembly defines a second generally planar surface. A
retention plate is adapted to engage the plurality of retaining
members and urge the fuel sender flange against the first planar
surface of the tank in the assembled position. The retention plate
includes a central body portion laterally offset from and adapted
to substantially cover the second planar surface of the fuel sender
flange in the assembled position.
Inventors: |
Powell, Patrick; (Farmington
Hills, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HARNESS, DICKEY & PIERCE, P.L.C.
P.O. BOX 828
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
MI
48303
US
|
Family ID: |
34750629 |
Appl. No.: |
10/793475 |
Filed: |
March 4, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
292/256 ;
220/298 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60K 2015/0321 20130101;
B60K 2015/03453 20130101; B60K 2015/0323 20130101; F02M 37/103
20130101; Y10T 292/20 20150401; B60K 2015/03467 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
292/256 ;
220/298 |
International
Class: |
B65D 045/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A fuel tank assembly comprising: a tank defining an aperture on
a first generally planar surface; a plurality of retaining members
extending outwardly from said first planar surface and arranged
generally around said aperture; a fuel sender assembly disposed in
said tank and adapted to mate with said first planar surface of
said tank around said aperture in an assembled position, said fuel
sender assembly defining a second generally planar surface; and a
retention plate adapted to engage said plurality of retaining
members and urge said fuel sender flange against said first planar
surface of said tank in said assembled position, said retention
plate having a central body portion laterally offset from and
adapted to substantially cover said second planar surface of said
fuel sender assembly in said assembled position.
2. The fuel tank assembly of claim 1 wherein said retention plate
includes a radial flange adapted to cooperate with said retaining
members in said assembled position.
3. The fuel tank assembly of claim 2 wherein said retention plate
includes a radial wall extending between said radial flange and
said central body portion.
4. The fuel tank assembly of claim 3 wherein said radial wall
extends substantially transverse to said second planar surface of
said fuel sender assembly.
5. The fuel tank assembly of claim 4 wherein said radial wall
defines at least one opening adapted to receive a fuel delivery
line and a fuel return line therethrough, said fuel delivery line
and said fuel return line, respectively, communicating with said
fuel sender assembly.
6. The fuel tank assembly of claim 5 wherein said at least one
opening is adapted to receive an electrical connection
therethrough, said electrical connection adapted to connect with an
electrical receiver arranged on said second planar surface of said
fuel sender assembly.
7. The fuel tank assembly of claim 6 wherein said central body
portion defines a passage adapted to provide access to said
electrical receiver and said electrical connection.
8. The fuel tank assembly of claim 7 wherein said retention plate
is rotatable between said assembled position wherein said retention
plate engages said retaining members, and a release position
wherein said retention plate is disengaged from said retaining
members.
9. The fuel tank assembly of claim 8 wherein said at least one
opening provides clearance for said fuel delivery line, said fuel
return line and said electrical connection, respectively, to
accommodate rotation of said retention plate between said assembled
position and said release position.
10. The fuel tank assembly of claim 1 wherein said retention plate
is comprised of stamped steel.
11. A retention plate for securing a fuel sender assembly to an
aperture defined on a planar surface of a fuel tank, said retention
plate comprising: a radial flange adapted to cooperate with
retaining members extending from the fuel tank in an assembled
position; a central body portion laterally offset from and adapted
to substantially cover said fuel sender assembly in said assembled
position; and a radial wall extending between said radial flange
and said central body portion; wherein said retention plate is
adapted to couple the fuel sender assembly to the fuel tank.
12. The retention plate of claim 11 wherein said radial wall
extends substantially transverse to the planar surface of the fuel
tank.
13. The fuel tank assembly of claim 12 wherein said radial wall
defines at least one opening adapted to receive a fuel delivery and
fuel return line therethrough, said fuel delivery line and said
fuel return line, respectively, communicating with the fuel sender
assembly.
14. The fuel tank assembly of claim 13 wherein said at least one
opening is adapted to receive an electrical connection
therethrough, said electrical connection adapted to connect with an
electrical receiver arranged on said second planar surface of the
fuel sender assembly.
15. The fuel tank assembly of claim 14 wherein said central body
portion defines a passage adapted to provide access to said
electrical receiver and said electrical connection.
16. The fuel tank assembly of claim 15 wherein said retention plate
is rotatable between an assembled position wherein said retention
plate engages said retaining members, and a release position
wherein said retention plate is disengaged from said retaining
members.
17. The fuel tank assembly of claim 16 wherein said at least one
opening provides clearance for said fuel delivery line, said fuel
return line and said electrical connection, respectively, to
accommodate rotation of said retention plate between said assembled
position and said release position.
18. The fuel tank assembly of claim 11 wherein said retention plate
is comprised of stamped steel.
19. A method of assembling a fuel sender assembly to a fuel tank
comprising: inserting the fuel sender assembly into an aperture
defined by a planar wall of the fuel tank, the fuel sender assembly
including a fuel sender flange resting radially around said
aperture on said planar wall of the fuel tank; passing a fuel
delivery line and a fuel return line through at least one opening
formed on a retention plate, said at least one opening formed on a
radial wall of said retention plate; and securing said retention
plate to the fuel tank thereby capturing said fuel sender flange in
a secured position between a radial flange extending from said
retention plate and said planar wall of said fuel tank, said
retention plate having a central body portion extending
substantially offset from and covering said fuel sender assembly in
said secured position.
20. The method of claim 19 further comprising: passing an
electrical connection through said at least one opening in said
retention plate; accessing said electrical connection through a
passage formed on said central body portion; and coupling said
electrical connection to an electrical receiver extending from said
fuel sender assembly.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to automotive fuel sending
devices and more particularly, to a retention plate operable to
secure a fuel sender assembly to a fuel tank.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Generally, automotive fuel sending devices are secured
through an aperture in a fuel tank by a locking ring. Typically,
structure incorporated on the locking ring is adapted to
cooperatively mate with structure extending from the fuel tank. In
this manner, a flange from a fuel sender sealably captured between
the locking ring and the fuel tank. Conventionally, the locking
ring includes lands or extensions for engaging L-shaped retaining
members associated with the fuel tank.
[0003] The fuel sender flange typically includes outlet ports
extending therefrom for communicating fuel and vapor away from the
fuel tank. The fuel sender flange also typically includes an
electrical connector thereon for coupling with an electrical
harness providing power to the fuel sender.
[0004] It is desirable to maintain a fluid tight seal between the
fuel sender and fuel tank interface. Accordingly, it is desirable
to provide a fuel sender and fuel tank configuration that resists
torsional deformation or twisting of the tank near the fuel sender
interface to deter fuel or vapor leak thereat during an impact.
Furthermore, it is desirable to protect the fuel sender flange from
damage in the event of an impact.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] A fuel tank assembly includes a tank defining an aperture on
a first generally planar surface. A plurality of retaining members
extend outwardly from the first planar surface and are arranged
generally around the aperture. A fuel sender assembly is disposed
in the tank and is adapted to mate with the first planar surface of
the tank around the aperture in an assembled position. The fuel
sender assembly defines a second generally planar surface. A
retention plate is adapted to engage the plurality of retaining
members and urge the fuel sender flange against the first planar
surface of the tank in the assembled position. A seal is compressed
between first planar and second planar surface. The retention plate
includes a central body portion laterally offset from and adapted
to substantially cover the second planar surface of the fuel sender
flange in the assembled position.
[0006] According to other features, the retention plate includes a
radial flange adapted to cooperate with the retaining members in
the assembled position. The retention plate includes a radial wall
extending between the radial flange and the central body portion.
The radial wall extends substantially transverse to the second
planar surface of the fuel sender assembly. The radial wall defines
at least one opening adapted to receive a fuel delivery and fuel
return line therethrough, the fuel delivery line and the fuel
return line, respectively, communicating with the fuel sender
assembly. At least one opening is adapted to receive an electrical
connection therethrough, the electrical connection adapted to
connect with an electrical receiver arranged on the second planar
surface of the fuel sender assembly. At least one opening provides
clearance for the fuel delivery line, the fuel return line and the
electrical connection, respectively, to accommodate rotation of the
retention plate between an assembled position and a release
position.
[0007] Further areas of applicability of the present invention will
become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter.
It should be understood that the detailed description and specific
examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the
invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are
not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The present invention will become more fully understood from
the detailed description and the accompanying drawings,
wherein:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the retention plate
according to the present teachings shown assembled to a fuel
tank;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a front exploded perspective view of the fuel
sender assembly, retention plate and radial ring according to the
present teachings;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a rear exploded perspective view of the assembly
of FIG. 2;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG.
1;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating outlet ports of
the fuel sender assembly passing through openings provided on the
retention plate;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating an installation
step; and
[0015] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the fuel sender assembly and
retention plate shown in an installed position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0016] The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is
merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the
invention, its application, or uses.
[0017] With initial reference to FIGS. 1-3, a fuel tank assembly
for a motor vehicle is illustrated and generally identified at
reference 10. The fuel tank assembly 10 generally includes a fuel
tank 12, having a fuel tank retaining portion 16, a fuel sender
assembly 20 having a lower fuel sender module 28 and an upper fuel
sender flange 30, and a retention plate 26. The upper fuel sender
flange 30 includes a fuel delivery line or first outlet port 36 for
communicating fuel from the fuel tank 12 and a fuel return line or
second outlet port 34 for communicating return from the fuel tank
12. An electrical receiver 38 is arranged on the upper fuel sender
flange 30 of the fuel sender assembly 20. As will be described in
greater detail, the retention plate 26 according to the present
teachings is operable to couple the upper fuel sender flange 30 of
the fuel sender assembly 20 to the fuel tank 12. In addition, the
retention plate 26 provides an upper boundary for the first and
second outlet port 34 and 36 of the fuel sender assembly 20.
[0018] With particular reference now to FIG. 2, the retaining
portion 16 of the tank 12 will be described in greater detail. The
retaining portion 16 defines a central passage 40 and includes a
radial flange 42 adapted to be coupled to the fuel tank 12. The
central passage 40 of the retaining portion 16 aligns with an upper
aperture 46 (FIG. 4) formed on a generally planar upper surface 48
of the fuel tank 12. The retaining portion 16 includes a plurality
of retaining members 50 overmolded into tank 12. The retaining
members 50 extend in a generally L-shaped configuration around the
retaining portion 16. It is appreciated that the retaining members
50 may comprise other configurations. While the retaining portion
16 is shown as an integrally molded feature of the tank 12, it may
also comprise a distinct component in the form of a ring for
example and adapted to mate with the tank 12.
[0019] With reference now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the fuel sender flange
30 will be described in greater detail. The fuel sender flange 30
defines a generally planar upper surface 54 and a collar 56
extending radially therearound. The collar 56 defines a cylindrical
wall 58 and a radial flange 60 (FIG. 3). The radial flange 60 is
adapted to be supported by the radial flange 42 (FIG. 2) of the
retaining portion 16 of the tank 12 in an assembled position. The
first outlet port 36 generally includes an inlet 66 extending
toward and communicating with the fuel sender 28 and an outlet 68
extending away from the fuel sender 28 and generally defining a
right angle with respect to the inlet 66.
[0020] The second outlet port 34 generally includes an inlet 62
extending toward and communication with the fuel sender 28 and an
outlet 64 extending away from the fuel sender 28 and generally
defining a right angle with respect to the inlet 62. The respective
outlets 64 and 68 of the outlet ports 34 and 36 extend
substantially transverse to the planar upper surface 54. A pair of
cylindrical extension rods 70 are formed on the fuel sender flange
30 for facilitating installation of the fuel sender assembly
20.
[0021] Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, the retention plate 26 will be
described in further detail. The retention plate 26 generally
includes a central body portion 74, a radial wall 76 and a radial
flange 80. The radial wall 76 extends substantially transverse to
the radial flange 80 and the flange 60 of the fuel sender flange
30. The central body portion 74 defines an upper planar surface 84
substantially lateral to and offset from the planar upper surface
54 of the fuel sender flange 30 (as best illustrated in FIG.
4).
[0022] As best shown in FIG. 1, the central body portion 74 covers
portions of the first and second outlet port 34 and 36,
respectively, as well as the electrical receiver 38. In this way,
the central body portion 74 provides protection for these
components associated with the fuel sender flange 30. The central
body portion 74 defines a passage 88 for communicating with the
electrical receiver 38 during assembly. The radial wall 76 defines
a first, second and third opening 90, 92 and 94, respectively. The
first and second opening 90 and 92 are adapted to accept the first
and second outlet ports 34 and 36, respectively, therethrough in an
assembled position (FIG. 1). The third opening 94 is adapted to
accept an electrical harness 100 therethrough (FIG. 7). The
electrical harness 100 includes a connector 102 for mating with the
electrical receiver 38 on the fuel sender flange 30. It is
appreciated that while three openings 90, 92 and 94 are described
as accommodating the outlet ports 34 and 36, and the electrical
harness 100, fewer or additional distinct openings may be arranged
on the radial wall 76. For example, a single opening may be adapted
to accept the outlet ports 34 and 36 and the wire harness 100.
Likewise, a plurality of openings may be arranged on the radial
wall 76 for accommodating these and other components associated
with the fuel sender assembly 20. A seal such as an o-ring 116 is
further provided between the retaining portion 16 of the tank 12
and the flange 60 (FIG. 4).
[0023] Referring now to FIG. 2, a series of complementary slots 110
are arranged in the radial flange 80 of the retention plate 26 for
cooperating with the retaining members 50 of the retaining portion
16. In addition, a complementary series of upwardly extending lands
114 are arranged around the radial flange 80 of the retention plate
26 for engaging the L-shaped retaining members 50 and for urging
the retention plate 26 into the fuel sender flange 30 to influence
a seal between the flange 60 of the fuel sender flange 30 and the
radial flange 42 of the retaining portion 16.
[0024] The retention plate 26 is comprised of a rigid material such
as, but not limited to, stamped steel. The structure of the
retention plate 26 is robust and, as a result, is resistant to
deformation. Specifically, the central body portion 74 provides
structural support to discourage twisting or other deformation of
the radial flange 80 and the retention plate 26 as a whole. As a
result, the radial flange 80 provides torsional resistance at the
interface between the flange 60 of the fuel sender flange 30 and
the fuel tank 12. In this way, if the fuel tank 12 becomes dented
or deformed during an accident for example, the retention plate 26
is adapted to resist leakage by providing resistance to twisting of
the fuel tank 12 or other dimensional distortion at the fuel sender
upper flange 30, fuel tank 12 interface.
[0025] Turning now to FIGS. 5 and 6, an exemplary method for
assembling the retention plate 26 to the fuel sender assembly 20
and fuel tank 12 will be described. First, the fuel sender assembly
20 is positioned into the aperture 46 of the fuel tank 12 such that
the collar 56 of the fuel sender flange 30 is supported by the
radial flange 42 of the retaining portion 16 of the fuel tank 12
(FIGS. 2 and 3). Next, the first and second outlet ports 34 and 36
are passed through the respective first and second openings 90 and
92 on the radial wall 76 of the retention plate 26. The L-shaped
retaining members 50 are then passed through the respective slots
110 around the radial flange 80 of the retention plate 26. At this
point, the lands 114 arranged on the radial flange 80 are
positioned adjacent to the L-shaped retaining members 50.
[0026] Next, the retention plate 26 is rotated clockwise to engage
the respective lands 114 with the L-shaped retention members 50
(FIG. 7). It is noted that the first and second opening 90 and 92,
respectively, in the retention plate 26 accommodates rotation of
the retention plate 26 between a release or disengaged position
(FIG. 6) to an assembled position (FIG. 7) without interfering with
the first and second outlet ports 34 and 36.
[0027] The electrical connector 102 is then passed through the
third opening 94 and connected to the electrical receiver 38.
Access to complete this connection may be provided by the passage
88 on the central body portion 74. It is appreciated that the
electrical connector 102 may be secured to the electrical receiver
38 at an alternate point during assembly, such as, prior to
securing the retention plate 26 to the fuel tank 12.
[0028] Those skilled in the art can now appreciate from the
foregoing description that the broad teachings of the present
invention can be implemented in a variety of forms. Therefore,
while this invention has been described in connection with
particular examples thereof, the true scope of the invention should
not be so limited since other modifications will become apparent to
the skilled practitioner upon a study of the drawings, the
specification and the following claims.
* * * * *