FUEL FILLER CLOSURE DEVICE FOR AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE

• US 20090056830A1
• Filed: 08/27/2007
• Published: 03/05/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 08/27/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC (Ford Motor Company)
• Original Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC (Ford Motor Company)
• Inventors: Aitken, Brian Thomas, Beier, Robert Joseph
• Granted Patent: US 8,151,837 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 141/350
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 15/0409 Provided with a lock
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 2015/0429 actuated by the nozzle

Abstract

A fuel filler closure device for an automotive vehicle includes a valve body adapted for mounting to a fuel filler pipe and having a filler passage. An access door mounted within the valve body has an open position allowing placement of a fuel nozzle within the filler passage and a closed position for blocking insertion of a filler nozzle. The locking mechanism selectively permits the access door to move from the closed position to the open position. The locking mechanism may include either a manual locking device, or an electronic or other type of remote lock which will be responsive to a vehicle condition.

Claims

1. A fuel filler closure device for an automotive vehicle, comprising:

a valve body adapted for mounting to a fuel filler pipe, with said valve body having a filler passage;

an access door mounted within said valve body, with said access door having an open position allowing placement of a fuel nozzle within said filler passage, and a closed position for blocking insertion of a filler nozzle; and

a locking mechanism for selectively permitting said access door to move from said closed position to said open position.

2. A fuel filler closure device according to claim 1, wherein said valve body is generally cylindrical.

3. A fuel filler closure device according to claim 1, wherein said access door comprises a primary access door cooperating with a sealing system to prevent fuel vapor from leaving the filler closure device when the access door is in the closed position.

4. A fuel filler closure device according to claim 1, wherein said access door is mounted proximate an outer surface of the valve body, with said fuel filler closure device further comprising a sealed door underlying said access door.

5. A fuel filler closure device according to claim 4, wherein said access door is unsealed.

6. A fuel filler closure device according to claim 1, wherein said locking mechanism comprises a manually lockable plunger.

7. A fuel filler closure device according to claim 1, wherein said locking mechanism comprises a remotely lockable plunger.

8. A fuel filler closure device according to claim 7, wherein said remotely lockable plunger is adapted for locking and unlocking in response to a condition activated by a motorist.

9. A fuel filler closure device according to claim 7, wherein said remotely lockable plunger is adapted for locking and unlocking in response to the proximity of an electronic device.

10. A fuel filler closure device according to claim 7, wherein said electronic device comprises an electronic key fob.

11. A fuel filler closure device according to claim 7, wherein said electronic device comprises a refueling station.

12. A fuel filler closure device according to claim 1, wherein said access door is pivotably mounted to said valve body.

13. A fuel filler closure device for an automotive vehicle, comprising:

a valve body adapted for mounting to a fuel filler pipe, with said valve body having a filler passage;

a primary access door mounted within said valve body, with said access door having an open position allowing placement of a fuel filler nozzle within said filler passage, and a closed position for blocking insertion of a filler nozzle;

a normally-closed, sealed door for preventing fuel vapor from leaving said filler closure device, with said sealed door being slidably mounted within said valve body in a position underlying said access door; and

a locking mechanism for selectively permitting said primary access door to move from said closed position to said open position, so as to allow a fuel filler nozzle to open said sealed door, thereby permitting filling of a tank associated with said filler closure device.

14. A fuel filler closure device according to claim 13, wherein said locking mechanism is adapted for locking and unlocking said primary access door in response to the presence of at least one vehicle condition.

15. A fuel filler closure device according to claim 14, wherein said at least one vehicle condition comprises a command issued by a motorist.

16. A fuel filler closure device according to claim 14, wherein said at least one vehicle condition comprises a command issued by a passive trigger.

17. A fuel filler closure device according to claim 16, wherein said passive trigger comprises an electronic key fob having a radio frequency identification device.