U.S. patent application number 12/029855 was filed with the patent office on 2008-06-05 for fuel tank filler neck and method of manufacturing same.
This patent application is currently assigned to Shelby Enterprises, Inc.. Invention is credited to Patrick R. O'Connell.
Application Number | 20080128415 12/029855 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46278529 |
Filed Date | 2008-06-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080128415 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
O'Connell; Patrick R. |
June 5, 2008 |
FUEL TANK FILLER NECK AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SAME
Abstract
A filler neck assembly includes a funnel member having a tubular
body defining a transition portion between an inlet opening and an
outlet opening and a nozzle receptor disposed within the tubular
body. The nozzle receptor positions a nozzle relative to the
transition portion to create a suctioning effect that prevents fuel
vapors from escaping into the atmosphere during fueling.
Inventors: |
O'Connell; Patrick R.;
(Rochester Hills, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HARNESS, DICKEY & PIERCE, P.L.C.
P.O. BOX 828
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
MI
48303
US
|
Assignee: |
Shelby Enterprises, Inc.
Romeo
MI
|
Family ID: |
46278529 |
Appl. No.: |
12/029855 |
Filed: |
February 12, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10615485 |
Jul 8, 2003 |
7343942 |
|
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12029855 |
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09998113 |
Nov 30, 2001 |
6588459 |
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10615485 |
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09454103 |
Dec 3, 1999 |
6330893 |
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09998113 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
220/86.2 ;
141/286; 141/46 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60K 15/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/86.2 ;
141/46; 141/286 |
International
Class: |
B60K 15/04 20060101
B60K015/04; B65B 3/18 20060101 B65B003/18 |
Claims
1. A filler neck assembly comprising: a funnel member having a
tubular body defining a transition portion between an inlet opening
and an outlet opening; and a nozzle receptor disposed within the
tubular body and operable to position a nozzle relative to the
transition portion to create a suctioning effect that prevents fuel
vapors from escaping into the atmosphere during fueling.
2. The filler neck assembly of claim 1, wherein the fuel from the
nozzle is directed toward the transition portion.
3. The filler neck assembly of claim 1, wherein the inlet opening
is larger than the outlet opening and the transition portion is
disposed between the inlet opening and the outlet opening.
4. The filler neck assembly of claim 1, wherein the funnel member
induces a swirling motion to fuel from the nozzle during
fueling.
5. The filler neck assembly of claim 1, further comprising a
sealing surface formed of the tubular body about the inlet
opening.
6. The filler neck assembly of claim 5, wherein the inlet opening
is rolled over to create the sealing surface.
7. The filler neck assembly of claim 1, wherein the outlet opening
is barbed.
8. The filler neck assembly of claim 1, further comprising a hose
bead formed about the outlet opening.
9. The filler neck assembly of claim 1, further comprising a hose,
wherein the outlet opening is attached to the hose.
10. The filler neck assembly of claim 9, further comprising a vent
hole formed on the tubular body.
11. The filler neck assembly of claim 1 0, further comprising a
vent tube connected to the tubular body about the vent hole.
12. The filler neck assembly of claim 11, further comprising a fuel
tank, the vent tube and the hose connecting the tubular body and
the fuel tank.
13. The filler neck assembly of claim 1, wherein the nozzle
receptor is disposed proximate to the inlet opening.
14. The filler neck assembly of claim 1, further comprising a hose
and a fuel tank, the hose connecting the outlet opening and the
fuel tank.
15. The filler neck assembly of claim 14, wherein the transition
portion includes an elliptically-shaped junction between a first
portion of the tubular body including the inlet opening and a
second portion of the tubular body includes the outlet opening.
16. The filler neck assembly of claim 15, wherein the
elliptically-shaped junction lies on a plane inclined at an angle
to an axis of at least one of the inlet opening and outlet
opening.
17. The filler neck assembly of claim 1, wherein the inlet opening
has a diameter D.sub.1, the outlet opening has a diameter D.sub.2,
and D.sub.1 is at least one and a half times D.sub.2.
18. The filler neck assembly of claim 1, wherein the funnel member
is seamless and is formed from a single piece of material.
19. The filler neck assembly of claim 1, wherein the inlet opening
and outlet opening are axially offset.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/615,485 filed on Jul. 8, 2003, which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/998,113 filed
on Nov. 30, 2001 (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,588,459), which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/454,103
filed on Dec. 3, 1999 (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,330,893). The
disclosures of the above applications are incorporated herein by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to the fuel tank filler neck
connected to the gas tank of an automobile.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Gas tank fuel systems with reduced gasoline vapor loss are
becoming increasingly important in the automobile industry to
reduce needless loss of fuel. The typical solution to this problem
has been to reduce the diameter of at least a section of the fuel
tank filler neck. Though this approach has been somewhat
successful, it is limited because as the diameter of the filler
neck is decreased, the resistance to flow of the gasoline is
increased. The increased resistance causes the fill neck to become
filled during vehicle refueling thereby blocking release of any
pressure buildup and causing the fuel nozzle to shut off
prematurely before the fuel tank is full. Another consideration in
preventing the loss of fuel, is the permeability of the materials
from which the fuel tank system is made. Fuel vapors escape by
diffusing through the various types of mild steels of which
components of fuel tank systems are typically made. This fuel
escape is particularly apparent after the mild steel components
have corroded to any degree.
[0004] Another disadvantage of the current methods of reducing
gasoline vapor losses is that typically the end of the gas line
filler neck is flared out in order to provide a sufficient diameter
to accept the gas nozzle during refueling. These filler necks are
often made by a process of repeated reductions and expansions of a
seamed welded tube. Accordingly, there is an increasing tendency
for the integrity of the weld to leak as thinner diameter tubes are
utilized.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] A filler neck assembly includes a funnel member having a
tubular body defining a transition portion between an inlet opening
and an outlet opening and a nozzle receptor disposed within the
tubular body. The nozzle receptor positions a nozzle relative to
the transition portion to create a suctioning effect that prevents
fuel vapors from escaping into the atmosphere during fueling.
[0006] The above objects and other objects, features, and
advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the
following detailed description of the best mode for carrying out
the invention when taken in connection with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The present invention will become more fully understood from
the detailed description and the accompanying drawings,
wherein:
[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic of a fuel tank filler neck
incorporated in a automobile fuel tank system;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a fragmented cross sectional view of the fuel tank
filler neck and an attached elongated member in the fuel tank
system of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a schematic dimensional view of the filler neck as
a funnel member according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of a rolled over top
modification of the fuel tank filler neck according to another
embodiment of the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of a barbed end design of
the fuel tank filler neck according to another embodiment of the
present invention;
[0013] FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of a hose bead modification
of the fuel tank filler neck according to another embodiment of the
present invention; and
[0014] FIGS. 7a-7i are schematic illustrations of the method steps
for making the fuel tank filler neck of this invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0015] With reference to FIG. 1 a schematic of an embodiment of
fuel tank filler neck 2 incorporated into automobile fuel tank
system 4 is provided. Filler neck 2 for receiving fuel nozzle 6 for
a motor vehicle fuel tank includes a one-piece funnel member 8
having a tubular body. One piece funnel member 8 may be made of a
number of types of metals, suitable materials include but are not
limited to cold rolled steel, zinc nickel, zinc galvanized, 304
stainless steel, 409 stainless steel, terne plate, tin plate,
nickel plate, galvaneal, and aluminum. Funnel member 8 may also be
made from injection molded plastics. Suitable injection molded
plastics include, but are not limited to Acetal (25% glass fiber),
PPH (40% glass fiber), Nylon 66 (33% glass fiber), Liquid Crystal
Polymer (50% glass fiber) and Nylon 66 (60% glass ceramic fiber).
The various grades of stainless steel are more desirable in that
such materials are more efficient in preventing gasoline vapors
from escaping into the environment.
[0016] One end of funnel member 8 is defined by inlet opening 10
which is attached to nozzle receptor 12. Gas cap 14 screws directly
into nozzle receptor 12. Fuel tank system 4 attaches to automobile
body 16 through opening 18. Movable cover 20 conceals gas cap 14
when the vehicle is not being refueled. The other end of funnel
member 8 is defined by outlet opening 22 that is attached to
elongated tube member 24. Elongated tube member 24 attaches to fuel
tank 26.
[0017] During refueling gas cap 14 is removed and gas nozzle 6 is
inserted into nozzle receptor 12. Fuel flows out of gas nozzle 6
into funnel member 8. Funnel member 8 induces a swirling motion in
the fuel as the fuel proceeds to flow into elongated tube member
24. The swirling motion of the fuel continues as the fuel fills
fuel tank 26. The swirling motion of the fuel created by funnel
member 8, creates a suctioning effect that prevents fuel vapors
from escaping into the atmosphere during refueling. The swirling
motion of the fuel also creates a central void that allows any
pressure buildups created during refueling to vent, thereby
preventing premature shutoff of the fuel nozzle. Vent tube 25
connects to funnel member 8 at funnel vent hole 27 and to fuel tank
26 at fuel tank hole 29. Vent tube 27 allows displaced vapors in
fuel tank 26 to be vented during refueling. The venting
configuration defined by vent tube 27 may be replaced by a system
that re-circulates the fuel vapor. Such system are known to
individuals skilled in the art.
[0018] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, funnel member 8 defines in
off-set axial relation a relatively large inlet opening 10 adapted
for attachment to a gas nozzle receptor 12 and a relatively small
necked down outlet opening 22 adapted for attachment to inlet 28 of
elongated tubular member 24. The off-set axial relation between the
inlet opening 10 and outlet opening 22 causes fuel emerging from
gas nozzle 6 to impinge on side 30 of funnel member 8 and thereby
causes fuel to spiral as the fuel proceeds forward to elongated
tube member 24. Gas cap 14 screws directly into gas nozzle receptor
6. Filler neck 2 may optionally be provided with vent opening 27
for attachment to vent tube 25. Vent opening 27 may either be
drilled in funnel member 8 after it drawn or it may be incorporated
in the sheet stock before funnel member 8 is drawn.
[0019] Funnel member 8 is drawn and is therefore seamless. Funnel
member 8 is provided with an cutouts 30, 32 adjacent to inlet
opening 10 for attaching the nozzle receptor 6 to funnel member 8.
Cutouts 30, 32 allow nozzle receptor 6 to snap into position via
wings 34, 36 that protrude out of nozzle receptor 6. Because funnel
member 8 is seamless, insert section 38 of nozzle receptor 6 is
able to make intimate contact with funnel member 8 thereby creating
a leak-proof seal via 0-ring 40. Funnel member 8 is attached to the
elongated member inlet 28 by braised joint 42. Optionally, filler
neck 2 may be coated with an anti-corrosive coating 44.
[0020] With reference to FIG. 3, relatively large diameter section
46 forming the inlet opening 10 and the spaced-apart relatively
smaller diameter tubular section 48 forming the outlet opening 22
are in an axially offset relationship. The large diameter section
46 and the small diameter tubular section 48 are connected to one
another by tapered section 50 which gradually blends from the large
diameter section 46 to the small diameter section 48. Tapered
section 50 intersects large diameter section 46 at
elliptically-shaped junction 52 which lies in a plane inclined at
angle A which is 60-85 degrees from the axis of the tubular
sections. The funnel inlet opening 10 has a diameter D.sub.1 of 60
mm and the tubular section has a diameter D.sub.2 of 25 mm with a
coaxial offset at a distance X which is 15 mm. This offset axial
relationship is sufficient to achieve fuel swirl during fuel
filling.
[0021] With reference to FIG. 4, a modification of filler neck 2 is
illustrated. Rolled over top 54 is formed at the top of large
diameter section 46. In this modification, rolled over top 54
provides a sealing surface onto which gas cap 14 makes a seal. Gas
cap 14 screws directly into nozzle receptor 12. Nozzle receptor 12
is held in position by crimps 56, 58 which project into
indentations 60, 62 in nozzle receptor 12.
[0022] With reference to FIG. 5, a modification of filler neck 2 is
illustrated. The surface of the smaller diameter tubular section 48
is provided with barbs 64, 66, 68. This modification allows for
plastic or rubber tubing to be utilized for the formation of
elongated tube member 24.
[0023] With reference to FIG. 6, a modification of filler neck 2 is
provided. The surface of the smaller diameter tubular section 48 is
provided with hose bead 70. This modification allows for plastic or
rubber tubing to be utilized for the formation of elongated tube
member 24.
[0024] The fuel tank filler neck of this invention may be made by a
number of processes which includes eyelet/progressive stamping,
eyelet stamping, progressive die stamping, transfer die stamping,
and hydroforming. If the fuel tank filler neck is made of plastic,
injection molding and compression molding are suitable methods for
manufacturing the fuel tank filler neck.
[0025] The eyelet/progressive stamping method of manufacturing the
fuel tank filler neck of this invention will now be described with
reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 7. First, the filler neck 2 for
motor vehicle fuel tank system 4 is formed by deep-drawing a
seamless funnel member 8 having an elongated tubular body 24 with
an enlarged inlet opening 10 at one end and a relatively small
outlet opening 22 at the opposite end. A length of butt-seam tubing
is cut to form a tubular member 24 of desired length. An end of the
tubular member is telescopically aligned with outlet opening 22 of
funnel member 8 and securely joins the funnel and tubular members
together. Elongated tubular member 24 is bent to a desired shape.
Nozzle receptor 12 is attached to funnel member 8 adjacent funnel
inlet opening 10. In a refinement of this embodiment, the
configuration is then leak tested to verify the integrity of
joining funnel member 8 to tubular member 24 and the attachment of
nozzle receptor 12 to funnel member 8, and the integrity of the
butt-seam joint 42 and the tubular member 24 subsequent to bending.
The funnel member 8 is attached to the tubular member 24 by
braising, adhesive bonding, or welding. In yet another refinement
of this embodiment, a portion of the filler neck 2 is configured to
induce a sufficient swirl to create a hollow passage for suctioning
fuel vapors into the tank 26 and to allow venting of any pressure
buildup during in fuel tank 26 during refueling.
[0026] With reference to FIG. 7, schematic illustrations of the
method steps for making the fuel tank filler neck of this invention
and attaching the elongated tube member are provided. In step 7a,
sheet stock is preformed into a circular blank that is drawn into a
funnel shape in step 7b. The ends of the funnel shape are next
trimmed in step 7c to remove excess stock and thereby form funnel
member 8. In step 7d, pipe stock is cut to desired length to form
elongated tube member 24. Elongated tube member 24 is then flared
at the ends in step 7i in order to provide an attachment mechanism
to the funnel member. The elongated tube and funnel member are then
aligned in step 7f and brazed together in step 7g. The funnel
member and elongated tube combination is then bent in step 7h.
Nozzle receptor 12 is then inserted in step 7i.
[0027] While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and
described, it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and
describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words
used in the specification are words of description rather than
limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *