Fuel filler system for automotive vehicle
AssigneeFord Global Technologies, LLC
InventorsBrian Thomas Aitken, Robert Joseph Beier
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A capless fuel filler device includes an anti-contamination seal mounted upon an external portion of a fuel filler passage extending through the device. An anti-contamination plug may selectively be inserted into the combination passage so as to sealingly engage the anti-contamination seal. A contaminant drain leading from the valve body's fuel and nozzle passage serves to not only remove liquid contaminants from the fuel and nozzle passage, but also to mitigate any incidental buildup of vacuum within the fuel tank.
Claims11
A fuel filler system for an automotive vehicle, comprising:
- a filler pipe having a first end adapted for connection with a fuel tank, and a second end for receiving fuel;
- and
- a capless closure device attached to the second end of the filler pipe, with said closure device comprising:
- a valve body having a combination fuel and nozzle passage extending therethrough;
- a nozzle-actuated valve mounted within said combination passage, with said valve having a sealing position and a filling position;
- an anti-contamination seal mounted about an external portion of said fuel passage;
- an anti-contamination plug adapted to be inserted into said combination fuel and nozzle passage so as to sealingly engage said anti-contamination seal;
- and
- a contaminant drain extending from said combination fuel and nozzle passage at a position outboard of said nozzle-actuated valve and inboard of the portion of the anti-contamination seal engaged by said anti-contamination plug.
A capless fuel filler closure device for an automotive vehicle, comprising:
- a valve body having a combination fuel and nozzle passage extending therethrough;
- a nozzle-actuated valve mounted within said combination passage, with said valve having a sealing position and a filling position;
- an anti-contamination seal mounted about an external portion of said fuel passage;
- and
- a vacuum relief and contaminant drain having an inlet basin located within said combination passage at a position adjacent said nozzle-actuated valve.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.