Fuel filler closure device for automotive vehicle

• US 8,151,837 B2
• Filed: 08/27/2007
• Issued: 04/10/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 08/27/2007
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC (Ford Motor Company)
• Original Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC (Ford Motor Company)
• Inventors: Beier, Robert Joseph, Aitken, Brian Thomas
• Primary Examiner(s): MAUST, TIMOTHY LEWIS
• Application Number:
  US11/845,266
• Publication Number:
  US 20090056830A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,688 Days
• Field of Search: 141/350, 220/86.2
• 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, with said locking mechanism comprising a remotely lockable plunger adapted for locking and unlocking in response to the proximity of an electronic device, wherein a refueling station comprises said electronic device.

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 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.

4. A fuel filler closure device according to claim 3, wherein said access door is unsealed.

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