CA1283020C - Roll over fuel cap - Google Patents
Roll over fuel capInfo
- Publication number
- CA1283020C CA1283020C CA000550068A CA550068A CA1283020C CA 1283020 C CA1283020 C CA 1283020C CA 000550068 A CA000550068 A CA 000550068A CA 550068 A CA550068 A CA 550068A CA 1283020 C CA1283020 C CA 1283020C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- valve member
- cap
- valve
- passageway
- filler neck
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
- B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
- B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
- B60K15/04—Tank inlets
- B60K15/0406—Filler caps for fuel tanks
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
- F16K17/00—Safety valves; Equalising valves, e.g. pressure relief valves
- F16K17/36—Safety valves; Equalising valves, e.g. pressure relief valves actuated in consequence of extraneous circumstances, e.g. shock, change of position
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
- F16K17/00—Safety valves; Equalising valves, e.g. pressure relief valves
- F16K17/36—Safety valves; Equalising valves, e.g. pressure relief valves actuated in consequence of extraneous circumstances, e.g. shock, change of position
- F16K17/366—Safety valves; Equalising valves, e.g. pressure relief valves actuated in consequence of extraneous circumstances, e.g. shock, change of position the closure member being a movable ball
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
- B60K15/00—Arrangement in connection with fuel supply of combustion engines or other fuel consuming energy converters, e.g. fuel cells; Mounting or construction of fuel tanks
- B60K15/03—Fuel tanks
- B60K15/035—Fuel tanks characterised by venting means
- B60K2015/03542—Mounting of the venting means
- B60K2015/03547—Mounting of the venting means the venting means are integrated in the fuel cap or inlet cover
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
- Y10T137/0753—Control by change of position or inertia of system
- Y10T137/0777—With second control
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
- Y10T137/0753—Control by change of position or inertia of system
- Y10T137/0874—Vent opening or closing on tipping container
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A fuel cap having a pressure-vacuum valve assembly for sealing a vehicle fuel tank is provided.
The cap has a normally closed vent to vent the fuel tank, with a first valve member to open the vent when the pressure within the tank reaches a predetermined superatmospheric level. The cap also has a second valve member to open the vent when the pressure within the tank reaches a predetermined subatmospheric level. The cap includes a roll-over valve disposed above the first and second valve members to close the vent when the vehicle and cap are rolled over to a substantially inverted orientation to prevent fuel from spilling out of the cap.
A fuel cap having a pressure-vacuum valve assembly for sealing a vehicle fuel tank is provided.
The cap has a normally closed vent to vent the fuel tank, with a first valve member to open the vent when the pressure within the tank reaches a predetermined superatmospheric level. The cap also has a second valve member to open the vent when the pressure within the tank reaches a predetermined subatmospheric level. The cap includes a roll-over valve disposed above the first and second valve members to close the vent when the vehicle and cap are rolled over to a substantially inverted orientation to prevent fuel from spilling out of the cap.
Description
~Z~3132C~
Roll Over Fu~l C~p Backq~oun~ an~5~mm~ LL~&nliQn The present invention relates to a vented fuel cap for a ~ehicle havin~ a pressure-vacuum valve an~ a roll-over safety valve. More ~articularly, the present invention relates to a ventecl fuel cap having a pressure-vacuum valve and a roll-o~er safety valve mounted a~ially above the pressure-vacuum valve.
Fuel caps havinq pressure-vacuum valves and roll-over safety ~alves are generally known. The pressure-vacuum valve is provided in such fuel caps for venting the fuel tank to the atmosphere when the pressure in the tank exceeds a predetermined, superatmospheric level, and also when the pressure in the tank drops below a predetermined subatmospheric level. The roll-over safety valves are provided to pre~ent the flow of fuel ; through the cap if the vehicle should be rolled over to a generally i~verted orientation. The pressure-vacuum valve generally includes a pair o valves that are normally closed, and which open automatically in response to predetermined changes in the pressure within the fuel tank. One valve, the pressure valve, functions to relea e escess vapors in the tank when the pressure e~ceeds a predetermi~ed level. The second valve, the vacuum valve, functions to control the inhalation o~
atmospheric air when the pressure in the tank drops below a predetexmined subatmospheric level. The pressure-vacuum valve arrangement is provided, and generally reguired, ~or protection of the environment.
.~
~28302~
Roll Over Fu~l C~p Backq~oun~ an~5~mm~ LL~&nliQn The present invention relates to a vented fuel cap for a ~ehicle havin~ a pressure-vacuum valve an~ a roll-over safety valve. More ~articularly, the present invention relates to a ventecl fuel cap having a pressure-vacuum valve and a roll-o~er safety valve mounted a~ially above the pressure-vacuum valve.
Fuel caps havinq pressure-vacuum valves and roll-over safety ~alves are generally known. The pressure-vacuum valve is provided in such fuel caps for venting the fuel tank to the atmosphere when the pressure in the tank exceeds a predetermined, superatmospheric level, and also when the pressure in the tank drops below a predetermined subatmospheric level. The roll-over safety valves are provided to pre~ent the flow of fuel ; through the cap if the vehicle should be rolled over to a generally i~verted orientation. The pressure-vacuum valve generally includes a pair o valves that are normally closed, and which open automatically in response to predetermined changes in the pressure within the fuel tank. One valve, the pressure valve, functions to relea e escess vapors in the tank when the pressure e~ceeds a predetermi~ed level. The second valve, the vacuum valve, functions to control the inhalation o~
atmospheric air when the pressure in the tank drops below a predetexmined subatmospheric level. The pressure-vacuum valve arrangement is provided, and generally reguired, ~or protection of the environment.
.~
~28302~
Esamples of ~nown types of fuel cap~ having pressure-vacuum valves and roll-over safety valves are di~closed in U. S. Patent 4,162,021 to Crute issued July 24, 1979; U. S. Patent 3,985,260 to Evans i~sued October 12, 1976; and U. $. Patent 3,938,692 to Crute issued : ~ebruary 17, 1976. ~he fuel cap~ di~clo~ed in these patents all have a roll-oYer ~afety valve that is located below the pressure-vacuum valve of the cap. In these known caps, the roll-over safety valve is configured to be a part of the venting portion o~ the cap. Therefore, vapor venting ~rom the cap, or air entering through the cap must pass through the roll-over safety valve.
One problem with these known fuel caps is that because the roll-over sa~ety valves are located axially below the pressure-vacuum valve, the cap is generally longer a~ially than the outer housing of the cap. This e~tended length generally forces the roll-over safety valve to e~tend asially beyond the housing of the cap, ~: which places the roll-over safety valve in a position : 20 where it is susceptible to breakage or other damage.
hnother problem wi~h these known fuel caps is that the roll-over safety valves are generally configured to be a part of the venting means of the cap. Thus the in~lowing air~ or outflowing vapor is forced to pass arsund the ball which may, in certain circumstance~ force the ball axially upwardly to prematurely seal the roll-ov~r safety valve. It iæ also possible for fuel to ; spla~h into the rvll-over safety valve to prematurely : ~eal the valve.
.
. .
~IIL2~33020 One object of the present invention i5 to provida an improved pressure-vacuum valve venting fuel cap with a roll-over safety valve that is not located in a position where it is susceptible to breakage or other damage.
Another object of the present i~vention is to provide a pressure-vacuum valve venting ~uel cap with a roll-over ~afety valve that is not a part of the venting : means of the cap.
According to the pre~ent invention, a pressure-vacuum cap ~or a vehicle fuel tank having a normally upwardly e~tending filler neck ormed with a peripherally and radially estending sealing ~urface ~oncentric with the longitudinal axis of the neck is provided. The cap includes a cover and a valve hous;ng providiny a pa~sageway e~tending a~ially therethrough and having means for connecting the housing to the filler neck. The a~ially upper portion of the passageway is formed to include a valve seat. The valve housing is also formed to include a peripherally and radially outwardly e~tending shoulder that has at least one opening formed therethrough, and a radially inwardly : e~tendinq, asially upwardly facing sealing surface that is disposed around he lowe~ portion of the passageway.
~5 A first v21ve member is disposed within the passageway above the sealing æurface and formed to include ~n aperture therethrouqh. A firæt spring means for yielqably urging the first valve member asially downwardly against the sealing ~urface to clos~ the passageway is provided, the spring means being calibrated . -4-:
to provide for movement o~ the first valve member a~ially upwardly away from the sealing ~urface to open the pa sageway when the pressure in the filler neck reaches a predetermined superatmospheric level. A second valve member is disposed below the first valve member and is concentric with the apertur~ in the first valYe member.
Second spring means for yieldably urging the second valve mPmber a~ially upwardly to close the aperture in the first valve member are also provided. The second spring means are calibrated to provide ~or movement of the second valve member a~ially downwardl~ away from the first valve member to open the aperture in the first ; valve member to vent the filler neck and the ~uel tank through the passageway when the pressure in the filler neck reaches a predetermined subatmospheric level.
Sealing means disposed within the passageway above the first valve member are provided. The sealing means is formed ~o be received in the valve seat in the upper portion o~ the passageway when the filler neck is tilted to a substantially inverted orisntation to close the passageway.
One feature of the foregoing structure is that the passaqeway and valve seat in the valve housing and the seali~g means disposad within ~he passageway cooperate to form a roll-over safety valve that i~
dispo~ed above the pressure-vacuum val~e in the cap. One advanta~e of this faature is that the roll-over valve is located entirely within the housing of the cap, and ~oes not e~tend a~ially beyond the lower portion of the housing. Another advantase of this feature is that the ~L;283~
~: cap has a shorter axial dimension than was heretofore posRible in such caps.
In pre~erred smbodiments of th~ present invention, a series of columns are circumferentially spaced around the valve housinSI above the first valve : member and b~tween the first vallve member and the valve seat. A circular plate i~ mounted on the column~ and configured to support the sealing means. One feature of the foregoing structure is that, because the columns are spaced apart ~rom each other a~d the columns ~upport sealing means, the inflow of air and the outflow of vapor are routed around the sealing means to place the sealing means out of the venting path of the cap. One advantage of this feature is that because the æealing means is not ~ 15 part of the venting path of the cap, the sealing means : cannot be forced a~ially upwardly by either ezcess vapor - or splashing fuel to prematurely seal the valve seat and the roll-over safety valve.
Also in preferred em~odiments of the present ` 20 invention, the sealing means comprises a ball that has a :~ density greater than the fuel in the fuel tank, and the plate supporting the ball includes a centrally disposed opening ~ormed therein that is sized to capture a portion of the ball. One feature of the foregoing structure is that when the ball is not in use to seal the valve seat when the cap is rolled over to a substantially inverted position, the ball is captured in the support plate i~ a non-use position. One advantage of this feature is that : th~ ball is not permitted to move within the roll-over safety valve when the cap is in the normal position.
~' .
~3~
This greatly lessens the chances that the ball can be bounced asially upwardly to prematurely ~eal the valve seat to close off the venting capability of the cap.
Additional objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of preferred embodiments exemplif~ing the best mode of carrying out thle invention as presently perceived.
~ ~ io~ Q~ p~o~Lin~s The detailed description particularly ref~rs to the accompanying figures in which:
Fig. 1 is a transverse sectional view æhowing one embodiment of the present învention;
Fig. 2 is a transverse ~ectional view ~howing the embodiment of Fig. 1 in a substantially inverted orientation; and Fig. 3 is a transverse sectional view showing another embodiment of the present invention.
~tail~gL~cr-ipti~n ~f th~_Vrawin~s Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to Fig. 1, a fuel cap 10 is shown or closing a filler neck 12 of the type having a peripherally and radially e~tending, upwardly facing sealing ~urface 14 concentri~
with the a~is of the neck 12. The cap 10 inclu~es a cover lB, and a valve housing or body 42. The valv~
housing 42 includes a radiaIly outer, a~ially e~tending .
wall 30 and a radially inner, step-shaped wall 32. The 1~:8302~
outer wall 30 includes threads formed on its radially outer surface that are adapte~ to engage threads formed on the filler neck 12. The outer wall 30 also includes a fir~t radially outwardly turned, p~ripherally e~tending flange 16 disposed ahove a second ra~ially outwardly turned, peripherally e~tending flange 17. Flange 16 includes a conventional override pawl Z6 and an opening 28.
A radially inwardly extending groove 22 is formed in the outer wall 30 between flange 16 and flange 17. The groove 22 is formed in such a manner that the outer wall 30 is waakened somewhat between ~lange 16 and flange 17. In the event of an impact of sufficient strength to the cover 18, the cover 18 and the ~lange 16 may be displacsd from the remainder of the cap 10.
Because flange 17 is located asially below grooYe 22, the ~lange 17 and remaining portion of housing 42 will remain intact to seal i~ler neck 12.
The cover 18 is rotat~onally attached to the flange 16 by a ring-lock Z0. An outer gasket 24 encircles the outer wall 30 a~ially below the flange 17 to ~ooperate with the sealing ~urface 14 of the filler neck 12 to sealingly engage the cap 10 to the filler neck 12. Twi tin~ of the cover 18 conventionally rotates the fuel cap 10 to move the valv~ housing 4~ a~ially downwardly to capture the outer gasket 24 betw~en the - filler neck 12 and the flange 17.
: The valve housing 42 is a generally cylindrically-shaped, hollow shell molded preferably from plastic~ The valve housing 42 is divided into two 83();~0 halves, an a~ially upper portion 44 an~ an a~ially lower portion 46. The agially upper portion 44 of the housing 42 includes a cup 19 which includes an upright side wall 34 which, at its upper edge, terminates in an axially upwardly estending, concentric reduced portion 54 which has a centrally disposed vent opening 56 formed therein.
The cup 19 also includes a peripherally and radially outwardly e~tending flange 36 that is attached to the radially inner shoulder of flange 17 by a conventional method, such as gluing or ultrasonic welding.
A series of circumferentially ~paced columns 48 are collectively disposed a~ially below the cup 19 in the housing 12. The columns 48 each have a rad;ally inwardly ,e~tending ledge 50 which collectively support a ball retainer 76, the ball retainer 76 having an opening.78 formed therethrough. The ball retainer 76, upright side wall 34, and reduced portion 54, cooperate to define an a~ially upper chamber 58 in the asially upper portion 44 of the valve housing 42. A ball 98 is disposed within the upper chamber 58 and is formed from æteel, or other suita~le material. The ball 9~ has a diameter greater than both the ball retainer opening 78 and the vent opening 56. It will be understood that when the fuel cap 10 i~ in a ~ubstantially upright position (Fig. 1), the ball 98 will be normally ~eated in the ball retainer opening 78.
The asially lower portion 46 of the valve housing 42 includes a ætep-shaped inner wall 32 which e~tends radially inwardly and asially downwardly rom the outer wall 30 in a step-wise fashion forming an upwardly 83~)ZO
g facing enclosure. The lower portion 46 al80 include~ a floor 86 having at least one vent opening lO0 formed therein. The inner wall 32 is provide~ with a peripherally and radially inwardly e~tending ledge 64 which forms a pressure valve ~;eat 60.
A pressure-vacuum valYe mean~ i8 provided in the lower portion 96 of the housing 42 to control venSing of pressure and ~acuum which may be developed in the fuel tank. The pressure-vacuum valve means includes a disc-like valve member 62 and a vacuum plunger 82. A
æpring retainer 70 is conventionally placed above the valve member 62. A coil compression sprinq 72 iæ
: disposed above the valve member 62 and serves as a pressure ~pring means yieldably urging the valve member : 15 62 into clos;ng engagement with the valve s~at 60. The : upper end o the spring 72 is secured around a concentric, downwardly estending ridqe 74 on the underside of the ball retainer 76 that is centere~
a~ially above the spring cup 70.
The valve member 62 is provided with a concentric opening 80 e~tending therethrough. The vacuum ` plunger 82 is yieldably urged azially upwardly against .~ the lower surface of the valve member 62 by a spring 84.
The vacuum plunger 82 e~tends through the opening ao to normally seal tAe opening 80 when the vacuum plunger 82 is at its upper limit. In ~he i~lustrative embodiment, the lower end of the spring 84 re~ts upon the floor 86 which iæ provided with a peripherally an~ upwardly e~tending guide ridge 88 or hol~inq the lower end of the spring 84 se~urely in position.
~2~3~
In operation, the fuel cap 10 is installed in the f;ller neck 12 of a vehicle in a known manner ~o that the flange 17 of the fuel cal? 10 engages sealing ~urface : 14 of the filler neck 12. The outer gasket 24, which encircles the valve housing 42 below the flange 17, contacts the ssaling ~urace 14 to effect a ~eal between the fuel cap 10 and the ~iller neck 12.
. In Fig. 1, the fuel cap 10 and the ~iller neck 12 are shown in a normal, upright position. In the uppsr chamber 5~, the ball 98 is located over the ball retainer opening 78 in a position where it will normally not affect the venting capability of the fuel cap 10. In the lower portion 46 of the valve bousing 42, the valve member 62 is in its lowest position resting on the pressure valve seat 60. The vacuum valve plug ~2 is raised upwardly by spring 84 to a posit;on where it closes off the vacuum Yent opening 80.
~ It will be understood that it is ~ometimes ; desirable to let the vapor from the uel in the vehicle fuel tank (not shown) vent to the atmosphere when the :: pressure within the tank reaches a predetermined superatmospheric level. When the pressure in the fuel tank e~ceeds a predetermined, superatmospheric level, the spring 72 will compres~ to permit vapor in the tank to vent between the valve member 52 and the valve seat 60.
The vapor is permitted to flow upwardly and outwardly through ~paces 52 formed between the circumferentially : spaced ~olumns 48, through the upper chamber 58 and the vent opening 56, then radially outwardly and downwardly through openings 96 formed between the co~er 18 and the outside ~urface of cup 19, and finally through opening 28 : in flange 16. It will be undlerstood that this path, illustrated by arrows 90 i~ Fig. 1, compri~es a vapor release means. Also, when thle pressure in the tank drops below a predetermined, subatmlDspheric level, the ; calibrated spring 84 compress,es to permit air to mo~e ~ ~rom the atmosphere into the ven~ opening 56 and through : spaces 52, vacuum vent openin~ 80, and vent opening 100 into the vehicle fuel ~ank.
It will ~e appreciated that ther2 is a necessity to close this vapor release means whenever there is a possibility that fuel in the tank will spill or ~plash through the vapor release means because of an unusual orientation of the vehicle. Fig. 2 shows the fuel cap 10 and the filler neck 12 in a position where the vehicle has rolled to a substantially inverted positaon. The ball 98, being heavier than the fuel, will roll down the reduced portion 54 of the cap 19 to ~eal the vent opening 56, and thus to seal the vapor release means. Thiæ
action prevents fuel from flowing through the vapor release means whe~ the vehicle is in this orientation.
As previously diæcusæed, when the cover 18 is ~ubjected to an impact of sufficient ~trength, the hou~in~ 42 will fracture along groove 22 and allow the cover 18 and flange 16 to be di6placed from ~he cap 10.
Because ~lange 17 i~ located aæially below groove 22, the remaining portion of the housing 42, including the æealing me~ns, will remain intact tO seal the ~iller neck 12 r .
: . ' ~330Zi~) Reerring now to Fig. 3, Fig. 3 show~ anoth~r embodiment of the present invention, and specifically a fuel cap 210 that is designed to be fit~ed into a filler neck 212 having a bayonet-type locking mechanism. The .~ 5 filler neck 212 includes an ax:ially downwardly turned,peripherally e~tending flange 214 which has a cam profile edge as will be discussed late:r.
The cap 210 has an outer cover 218 to which a cup 220 and a handle 222 are rigid~y fastened by means of a concentric riv~t 226. The cup 220 is an asially downwardly opening, generally cylindrical cup that provides an upper shoulder 224 that is spaced a~ially apart from the outer cover 218 to define a space therebetween. Disposed within this ~pace is an inner gasket 228, an outer ~asket 230, and a diaphragm spring 232. The gasket 230 is configured to bear against both the shoulder 224 of the cup 220 and the ~ealing surface : 216 of the filler neck 212 when the cap 210 is engaged with the filler neck 212 to provide a seal between the :: 20 cuy 220 and the filler neck 212, Both of the gaskets 228, 230 may be formed from synthetic rubber, and the diaphr~gm ~pring 232 may be formed from ~tainless ~teel or ~ra~s. The diaphragm spring 232 is configured to yieldably urge the outer peripheral edge of the outer gasket 230 a~ially downwardly.
The cup 220 i~ formed with radially outwardly ~: e~ending ears 236 (only one of which is shown3 which .;~ conventionally pass a~ially downwardly through notches in -~ ~he sealing surface 216 in the filler neck 212 to engage ~ 30 the cam profile edge of the flange 214. Twistin~ of the 33~20 outer cover 218 by the handle 222 conventionally rotatss the cap 210 and causes the ears 236 to cooperate with the cam profile edge of the f~an~e 214 to move the cup 220 a~ially downwardly to press the gasket 230 axially downwardly against the sealing surface 216. The cup 220 ha~ an openin~ 238 ~ormed ther2in between the rivet 226 and the shoulder 224, The opening 238 communicates with a space 240 formed between the outer cover 218 and the diaphra~m spring 232 to provide a portion of a venting pa~h between the cap and the atmosphere. This venting path will be discussed in greater detail later.
A valve body 244 is dispo~ed within the downwardly facing cup 220 to e2tend axially downwardly into the filler neck 212. The valve body 244 is circular lS in shape and includes a centrally disposed, reduced diameter portion 248 that is formed to include a centrally disposed opening 252. The reduced diameter portion 248 and opening 252 cooperate to form an a~ially downwardly facing valve sea~ ~S0. The valve body 244 also ;ncludes a lower portion 254 having a radially inwardly e~tending surface that is formed to include an a~ially upwardly e~tending circular ridge 258. A vent openîng 256 is formed in the lower portion 25~ to permit venting communication between the interior of the valve body 244 and the fuel tank ~not ~hown).
A retaining member 262 is dispo~ed within the valve body 244 an~ inclu~es an asi~lly upwardly e~tending, circular outer wall 264, an a~ially upw~rdly e~tending, circular middle wall 266, and an asially s 30 upwardl~ e~tending, circular inner wall 263. The pace ~Z~33~:)20 . -~4-between the outer wall 264 ~nd the middle wall 266 is configured to receive the lower end of a coil spring 272 that e~tends a~ially upwardly from the retaining member 262 to the upper portion 246. A ball 274 i8 di~posed within ths valve body 24~ ancl normally rest~ between the middle wall 266 and d;rectly upon the shorter inner wall 268. The circular inner wall 268 forms an opening 270 that the ball 274 normally seals. The larger middle wall 266 serves to retain the ball 274 when the ball 274 is unseated rom the inner wall 268, such as when the cap 210 and filler neck 212 are in a substantially inverted orientationO
A pressure valve 278 having a centrally disposed - opening 280 i~ positioned between the lower æurface of the retainin~ member 262 and the rid~e 258. It will be understood that the spring 272 and the retaining member : 262 cooperate to normally urge the pre~sure valve 278 a~ially downwardly against the ridge 258 to prevent any : venting between the pres~ure valve 278 and the rid~e 258. A vacuum valve 282 is disposed within the opening 28Q of the pressure valve 278 to normally seal the opening 280. The vacuum valve 282 is normally biased - asially upwardly to Eeal the opening 2~ by a coil spring 284 that is positioned between the lower ~urface of the vacuum valve 282 and the lower portion 254 of the valve body 244 near the vent openin~ 256.
The pressure valve 278 and the vacuum valve 282 Eunction in a manner ~imilar to the valve member 62 in the vacuum plunger ~2 in the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 and 2 to permit the cap 210 to control venting of 1;~83C~20 ~15-pressure and vacuum that may be developed in the ~uel tank. When the pressure in the fuel tank reaches a predetermined, superatmospheric level, or a predetermined, subatmospheric level, the pre~sure valve 278 or the vacuum valve 282, resp~ctively will be activated to open a venting path from the fuel tank. It will be understsod that the venting path comprises the path through the vent opening 256, through the valve body 244, through the openings 252 and 238, through the space 240, and to the atmosphere. It will be under~tood that it is necessary to seal this venting path when the cap 210 and filler neck 212 are oriented in a substantially inverted orientation tnot shown). When the cap 210 and filler neck 212 are in thiæ orientation, the ball 274 acts in a m~nner similar to the ball 98 ;n the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 and 2 to seal the valve seat 250 to block the above deseribed venting path.
As can be seen from the above discussion, the fuel caps of the present invention permit fuel vapor to vent through the vapor release means when the vehicle is ; in a normal upri~ht position and is operating undar normal conditions. Yet, the invention still provides roll-over protection preventing fuel spillage when the vehicle is in a substantially inverted position.
~lthough the inventio~ has been described in ; detail with reference to pre~erred embodiments and specific e~amples, variations and modificatione e~ist within the scope and spirit of the invention as described and defined in the following claims.
. , ~ .
One problem with these known fuel caps is that because the roll-over sa~ety valves are located axially below the pressure-vacuum valve, the cap is generally longer a~ially than the outer housing of the cap. This e~tended length generally forces the roll-over safety valve to e~tend asially beyond the housing of the cap, ~: which places the roll-over safety valve in a position : 20 where it is susceptible to breakage or other damage.
hnother problem wi~h these known fuel caps is that the roll-over safety valves are generally configured to be a part of the venting means of the cap. Thus the in~lowing air~ or outflowing vapor is forced to pass arsund the ball which may, in certain circumstance~ force the ball axially upwardly to prematurely seal the roll-ov~r safety valve. It iæ also possible for fuel to ; spla~h into the rvll-over safety valve to prematurely : ~eal the valve.
.
. .
~IIL2~33020 One object of the present invention i5 to provida an improved pressure-vacuum valve venting fuel cap with a roll-over safety valve that is not located in a position where it is susceptible to breakage or other damage.
Another object of the present i~vention is to provide a pressure-vacuum valve venting ~uel cap with a roll-over ~afety valve that is not a part of the venting : means of the cap.
According to the pre~ent invention, a pressure-vacuum cap ~or a vehicle fuel tank having a normally upwardly e~tending filler neck ormed with a peripherally and radially estending sealing ~urface ~oncentric with the longitudinal axis of the neck is provided. The cap includes a cover and a valve hous;ng providiny a pa~sageway e~tending a~ially therethrough and having means for connecting the housing to the filler neck. The a~ially upper portion of the passageway is formed to include a valve seat. The valve housing is also formed to include a peripherally and radially outwardly e~tending shoulder that has at least one opening formed therethrough, and a radially inwardly : e~tendinq, asially upwardly facing sealing surface that is disposed around he lowe~ portion of the passageway.
~5 A first v21ve member is disposed within the passageway above the sealing æurface and formed to include ~n aperture therethrouqh. A firæt spring means for yielqably urging the first valve member asially downwardly against the sealing ~urface to clos~ the passageway is provided, the spring means being calibrated . -4-:
to provide for movement o~ the first valve member a~ially upwardly away from the sealing ~urface to open the pa sageway when the pressure in the filler neck reaches a predetermined superatmospheric level. A second valve member is disposed below the first valve member and is concentric with the apertur~ in the first valYe member.
Second spring means for yieldably urging the second valve mPmber a~ially upwardly to close the aperture in the first valve member are also provided. The second spring means are calibrated to provide ~or movement of the second valve member a~ially downwardl~ away from the first valve member to open the aperture in the first ; valve member to vent the filler neck and the ~uel tank through the passageway when the pressure in the filler neck reaches a predetermined subatmospheric level.
Sealing means disposed within the passageway above the first valve member are provided. The sealing means is formed ~o be received in the valve seat in the upper portion o~ the passageway when the filler neck is tilted to a substantially inverted orisntation to close the passageway.
One feature of the foregoing structure is that the passaqeway and valve seat in the valve housing and the seali~g means disposad within ~he passageway cooperate to form a roll-over safety valve that i~
dispo~ed above the pressure-vacuum val~e in the cap. One advanta~e of this faature is that the roll-over valve is located entirely within the housing of the cap, and ~oes not e~tend a~ially beyond the lower portion of the housing. Another advantase of this feature is that the ~L;283~
~: cap has a shorter axial dimension than was heretofore posRible in such caps.
In pre~erred smbodiments of th~ present invention, a series of columns are circumferentially spaced around the valve housinSI above the first valve : member and b~tween the first vallve member and the valve seat. A circular plate i~ mounted on the column~ and configured to support the sealing means. One feature of the foregoing structure is that, because the columns are spaced apart ~rom each other a~d the columns ~upport sealing means, the inflow of air and the outflow of vapor are routed around the sealing means to place the sealing means out of the venting path of the cap. One advantage of this feature is that because the æealing means is not ~ 15 part of the venting path of the cap, the sealing means : cannot be forced a~ially upwardly by either ezcess vapor - or splashing fuel to prematurely seal the valve seat and the roll-over safety valve.
Also in preferred em~odiments of the present ` 20 invention, the sealing means comprises a ball that has a :~ density greater than the fuel in the fuel tank, and the plate supporting the ball includes a centrally disposed opening ~ormed therein that is sized to capture a portion of the ball. One feature of the foregoing structure is that when the ball is not in use to seal the valve seat when the cap is rolled over to a substantially inverted position, the ball is captured in the support plate i~ a non-use position. One advantage of this feature is that : th~ ball is not permitted to move within the roll-over safety valve when the cap is in the normal position.
~' .
~3~
This greatly lessens the chances that the ball can be bounced asially upwardly to prematurely ~eal the valve seat to close off the venting capability of the cap.
Additional objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description of preferred embodiments exemplif~ing the best mode of carrying out thle invention as presently perceived.
~ ~ io~ Q~ p~o~Lin~s The detailed description particularly ref~rs to the accompanying figures in which:
Fig. 1 is a transverse sectional view æhowing one embodiment of the present învention;
Fig. 2 is a transverse ~ectional view ~howing the embodiment of Fig. 1 in a substantially inverted orientation; and Fig. 3 is a transverse sectional view showing another embodiment of the present invention.
~tail~gL~cr-ipti~n ~f th~_Vrawin~s Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to Fig. 1, a fuel cap 10 is shown or closing a filler neck 12 of the type having a peripherally and radially e~tending, upwardly facing sealing ~urface 14 concentri~
with the a~is of the neck 12. The cap 10 inclu~es a cover lB, and a valve housing or body 42. The valv~
housing 42 includes a radiaIly outer, a~ially e~tending .
wall 30 and a radially inner, step-shaped wall 32. The 1~:8302~
outer wall 30 includes threads formed on its radially outer surface that are adapte~ to engage threads formed on the filler neck 12. The outer wall 30 also includes a fir~t radially outwardly turned, p~ripherally e~tending flange 16 disposed ahove a second ra~ially outwardly turned, peripherally e~tending flange 17. Flange 16 includes a conventional override pawl Z6 and an opening 28.
A radially inwardly extending groove 22 is formed in the outer wall 30 between flange 16 and flange 17. The groove 22 is formed in such a manner that the outer wall 30 is waakened somewhat between ~lange 16 and flange 17. In the event of an impact of sufficient strength to the cover 18, the cover 18 and the ~lange 16 may be displacsd from the remainder of the cap 10.
Because flange 17 is located asially below grooYe 22, the ~lange 17 and remaining portion of housing 42 will remain intact to seal i~ler neck 12.
The cover 18 is rotat~onally attached to the flange 16 by a ring-lock Z0. An outer gasket 24 encircles the outer wall 30 a~ially below the flange 17 to ~ooperate with the sealing ~urface 14 of the filler neck 12 to sealingly engage the cap 10 to the filler neck 12. Twi tin~ of the cover 18 conventionally rotates the fuel cap 10 to move the valv~ housing 4~ a~ially downwardly to capture the outer gasket 24 betw~en the - filler neck 12 and the flange 17.
: The valve housing 42 is a generally cylindrically-shaped, hollow shell molded preferably from plastic~ The valve housing 42 is divided into two 83();~0 halves, an a~ially upper portion 44 an~ an a~ially lower portion 46. The agially upper portion 44 of the housing 42 includes a cup 19 which includes an upright side wall 34 which, at its upper edge, terminates in an axially upwardly estending, concentric reduced portion 54 which has a centrally disposed vent opening 56 formed therein.
The cup 19 also includes a peripherally and radially outwardly e~tending flange 36 that is attached to the radially inner shoulder of flange 17 by a conventional method, such as gluing or ultrasonic welding.
A series of circumferentially ~paced columns 48 are collectively disposed a~ially below the cup 19 in the housing 12. The columns 48 each have a rad;ally inwardly ,e~tending ledge 50 which collectively support a ball retainer 76, the ball retainer 76 having an opening.78 formed therethrough. The ball retainer 76, upright side wall 34, and reduced portion 54, cooperate to define an a~ially upper chamber 58 in the asially upper portion 44 of the valve housing 42. A ball 98 is disposed within the upper chamber 58 and is formed from æteel, or other suita~le material. The ball 9~ has a diameter greater than both the ball retainer opening 78 and the vent opening 56. It will be understood that when the fuel cap 10 i~ in a ~ubstantially upright position (Fig. 1), the ball 98 will be normally ~eated in the ball retainer opening 78.
The asially lower portion 46 of the valve housing 42 includes a ætep-shaped inner wall 32 which e~tends radially inwardly and asially downwardly rom the outer wall 30 in a step-wise fashion forming an upwardly 83~)ZO
g facing enclosure. The lower portion 46 al80 include~ a floor 86 having at least one vent opening lO0 formed therein. The inner wall 32 is provide~ with a peripherally and radially inwardly e~tending ledge 64 which forms a pressure valve ~;eat 60.
A pressure-vacuum valYe mean~ i8 provided in the lower portion 96 of the housing 42 to control venSing of pressure and ~acuum which may be developed in the fuel tank. The pressure-vacuum valve means includes a disc-like valve member 62 and a vacuum plunger 82. A
æpring retainer 70 is conventionally placed above the valve member 62. A coil compression sprinq 72 iæ
: disposed above the valve member 62 and serves as a pressure ~pring means yieldably urging the valve member : 15 62 into clos;ng engagement with the valve s~at 60. The : upper end o the spring 72 is secured around a concentric, downwardly estending ridqe 74 on the underside of the ball retainer 76 that is centere~
a~ially above the spring cup 70.
The valve member 62 is provided with a concentric opening 80 e~tending therethrough. The vacuum ` plunger 82 is yieldably urged azially upwardly against .~ the lower surface of the valve member 62 by a spring 84.
The vacuum plunger 82 e~tends through the opening ao to normally seal tAe opening 80 when the vacuum plunger 82 is at its upper limit. In ~he i~lustrative embodiment, the lower end of the spring 84 re~ts upon the floor 86 which iæ provided with a peripherally an~ upwardly e~tending guide ridge 88 or hol~inq the lower end of the spring 84 se~urely in position.
~2~3~
In operation, the fuel cap 10 is installed in the f;ller neck 12 of a vehicle in a known manner ~o that the flange 17 of the fuel cal? 10 engages sealing ~urface : 14 of the filler neck 12. The outer gasket 24, which encircles the valve housing 42 below the flange 17, contacts the ssaling ~urace 14 to effect a ~eal between the fuel cap 10 and the ~iller neck 12.
. In Fig. 1, the fuel cap 10 and the ~iller neck 12 are shown in a normal, upright position. In the uppsr chamber 5~, the ball 98 is located over the ball retainer opening 78 in a position where it will normally not affect the venting capability of the fuel cap 10. In the lower portion 46 of the valve bousing 42, the valve member 62 is in its lowest position resting on the pressure valve seat 60. The vacuum valve plug ~2 is raised upwardly by spring 84 to a posit;on where it closes off the vacuum Yent opening 80.
~ It will be understood that it is ~ometimes ; desirable to let the vapor from the uel in the vehicle fuel tank (not shown) vent to the atmosphere when the :: pressure within the tank reaches a predetermined superatmospheric level. When the pressure in the fuel tank e~ceeds a predetermined, superatmospheric level, the spring 72 will compres~ to permit vapor in the tank to vent between the valve member 52 and the valve seat 60.
The vapor is permitted to flow upwardly and outwardly through ~paces 52 formed between the circumferentially : spaced ~olumns 48, through the upper chamber 58 and the vent opening 56, then radially outwardly and downwardly through openings 96 formed between the co~er 18 and the outside ~urface of cup 19, and finally through opening 28 : in flange 16. It will be undlerstood that this path, illustrated by arrows 90 i~ Fig. 1, compri~es a vapor release means. Also, when thle pressure in the tank drops below a predetermined, subatmlDspheric level, the ; calibrated spring 84 compress,es to permit air to mo~e ~ ~rom the atmosphere into the ven~ opening 56 and through : spaces 52, vacuum vent openin~ 80, and vent opening 100 into the vehicle fuel ~ank.
It will ~e appreciated that ther2 is a necessity to close this vapor release means whenever there is a possibility that fuel in the tank will spill or ~plash through the vapor release means because of an unusual orientation of the vehicle. Fig. 2 shows the fuel cap 10 and the filler neck 12 in a position where the vehicle has rolled to a substantially inverted positaon. The ball 98, being heavier than the fuel, will roll down the reduced portion 54 of the cap 19 to ~eal the vent opening 56, and thus to seal the vapor release means. Thiæ
action prevents fuel from flowing through the vapor release means whe~ the vehicle is in this orientation.
As previously diæcusæed, when the cover 18 is ~ubjected to an impact of sufficient ~trength, the hou~in~ 42 will fracture along groove 22 and allow the cover 18 and flange 16 to be di6placed from ~he cap 10.
Because ~lange 17 i~ located aæially below groove 22, the remaining portion of the housing 42, including the æealing me~ns, will remain intact tO seal the ~iller neck 12 r .
: . ' ~330Zi~) Reerring now to Fig. 3, Fig. 3 show~ anoth~r embodiment of the present invention, and specifically a fuel cap 210 that is designed to be fit~ed into a filler neck 212 having a bayonet-type locking mechanism. The .~ 5 filler neck 212 includes an ax:ially downwardly turned,peripherally e~tending flange 214 which has a cam profile edge as will be discussed late:r.
The cap 210 has an outer cover 218 to which a cup 220 and a handle 222 are rigid~y fastened by means of a concentric riv~t 226. The cup 220 is an asially downwardly opening, generally cylindrical cup that provides an upper shoulder 224 that is spaced a~ially apart from the outer cover 218 to define a space therebetween. Disposed within this ~pace is an inner gasket 228, an outer ~asket 230, and a diaphragm spring 232. The gasket 230 is configured to bear against both the shoulder 224 of the cup 220 and the ~ealing surface : 216 of the filler neck 212 when the cap 210 is engaged with the filler neck 212 to provide a seal between the :: 20 cuy 220 and the filler neck 212, Both of the gaskets 228, 230 may be formed from synthetic rubber, and the diaphr~gm ~pring 232 may be formed from ~tainless ~teel or ~ra~s. The diaphragm spring 232 is configured to yieldably urge the outer peripheral edge of the outer gasket 230 a~ially downwardly.
The cup 220 i~ formed with radially outwardly ~: e~ending ears 236 (only one of which is shown3 which .;~ conventionally pass a~ially downwardly through notches in -~ ~he sealing surface 216 in the filler neck 212 to engage ~ 30 the cam profile edge of the flange 214. Twistin~ of the 33~20 outer cover 218 by the handle 222 conventionally rotatss the cap 210 and causes the ears 236 to cooperate with the cam profile edge of the f~an~e 214 to move the cup 220 a~ially downwardly to press the gasket 230 axially downwardly against the sealing surface 216. The cup 220 ha~ an openin~ 238 ~ormed ther2in between the rivet 226 and the shoulder 224, The opening 238 communicates with a space 240 formed between the outer cover 218 and the diaphra~m spring 232 to provide a portion of a venting pa~h between the cap and the atmosphere. This venting path will be discussed in greater detail later.
A valve body 244 is dispo~ed within the downwardly facing cup 220 to e2tend axially downwardly into the filler neck 212. The valve body 244 is circular lS in shape and includes a centrally disposed, reduced diameter portion 248 that is formed to include a centrally disposed opening 252. The reduced diameter portion 248 and opening 252 cooperate to form an a~ially downwardly facing valve sea~ ~S0. The valve body 244 also ;ncludes a lower portion 254 having a radially inwardly e~tending surface that is formed to include an a~ially upwardly e~tending circular ridge 258. A vent openîng 256 is formed in the lower portion 25~ to permit venting communication between the interior of the valve body 244 and the fuel tank ~not ~hown).
A retaining member 262 is dispo~ed within the valve body 244 an~ inclu~es an asi~lly upwardly e~tending, circular outer wall 264, an a~ially upw~rdly e~tending, circular middle wall 266, and an asially s 30 upwardl~ e~tending, circular inner wall 263. The pace ~Z~33~:)20 . -~4-between the outer wall 264 ~nd the middle wall 266 is configured to receive the lower end of a coil spring 272 that e~tends a~ially upwardly from the retaining member 262 to the upper portion 246. A ball 274 i8 di~posed within ths valve body 24~ ancl normally rest~ between the middle wall 266 and d;rectly upon the shorter inner wall 268. The circular inner wall 268 forms an opening 270 that the ball 274 normally seals. The larger middle wall 266 serves to retain the ball 274 when the ball 274 is unseated rom the inner wall 268, such as when the cap 210 and filler neck 212 are in a substantially inverted orientationO
A pressure valve 278 having a centrally disposed - opening 280 i~ positioned between the lower æurface of the retainin~ member 262 and the rid~e 258. It will be understood that the spring 272 and the retaining member : 262 cooperate to normally urge the pre~sure valve 278 a~ially downwardly against the ridge 258 to prevent any : venting between the pres~ure valve 278 and the rid~e 258. A vacuum valve 282 is disposed within the opening 28Q of the pressure valve 278 to normally seal the opening 280. The vacuum valve 282 is normally biased - asially upwardly to Eeal the opening 2~ by a coil spring 284 that is positioned between the lower ~urface of the vacuum valve 282 and the lower portion 254 of the valve body 244 near the vent openin~ 256.
The pressure valve 278 and the vacuum valve 282 Eunction in a manner ~imilar to the valve member 62 in the vacuum plunger ~2 in the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 and 2 to permit the cap 210 to control venting of 1;~83C~20 ~15-pressure and vacuum that may be developed in the ~uel tank. When the pressure in the fuel tank reaches a predetermined, superatmospheric level, or a predetermined, subatmospheric level, the pre~sure valve 278 or the vacuum valve 282, resp~ctively will be activated to open a venting path from the fuel tank. It will be understsod that the venting path comprises the path through the vent opening 256, through the valve body 244, through the openings 252 and 238, through the space 240, and to the atmosphere. It will be under~tood that it is necessary to seal this venting path when the cap 210 and filler neck 212 are oriented in a substantially inverted orientation tnot shown). When the cap 210 and filler neck 212 are in thiæ orientation, the ball 274 acts in a m~nner similar to the ball 98 ;n the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 and 2 to seal the valve seat 250 to block the above deseribed venting path.
As can be seen from the above discussion, the fuel caps of the present invention permit fuel vapor to vent through the vapor release means when the vehicle is ; in a normal upri~ht position and is operating undar normal conditions. Yet, the invention still provides roll-over protection preventing fuel spillage when the vehicle is in a substantially inverted position.
~lthough the inventio~ has been described in ; detail with reference to pre~erred embodiments and specific e~amples, variations and modificatione e~ist within the scope and spirit of the invention as described and defined in the following claims.
. , ~ .
Claims (13)
1. In a pressure-vacuum cap for a vehicle fuel tank of the type including a normally closed vent means to vent the fuel tank, a first valve member to open said vent means when the pressure within the tank reaches a predetermined superatmospheric level, and a second valve member to open said vent means when the pressure within the tank reaches a predetermined subatmospheric level, the improvement comprising means disposed above the first and second valve members for closing said vent means when the vehicle and cap are rolled over to a substantially inverted orientation such that fuel in said fuel tank is prevented from spilling out of said cap.
2. The cap of claim 1, wherein aid closing means comprises an axially upwardly and radially inwardly extending funnel-shaped member disposed above said first and second valve members that is formed to include a centrally disposed opening therethrough, said opening formed to include a downwardly facing sealing surface.
3. The cap of claim 2, wherein said closing means further comprises a ball trapped for movement within said funnel-shaped member and adapted to seat in said downwardly facing sealing surface to close said vent means when said vehicle and cap are rolled over to a substantially inverted orientation.
4. A pressure-vacuum cap for a vehicle fuel tank having a normally upwardly extending filler neck formed with a peripherally and radially extending sealing surface concentric with the longitudinal axis of said neck, the cap comprising a cover, a valve housing providing a passageway extending axially therethrough and including means for connecting said housing to said filler neck, the axially upper portion of said passageway formed to include a valve seat, said valve housing formed to include a peripherally and radially outwardly extending shoulder having at least one opening formed therethrough, said valve body also formed to include a radially inwardly extending, axially upwardly facing sealing surface disposed around the lower portion of said passageway, a first valve member disposed within said passageway above said sealing surface, said first valve member formed to include an aperture therethrough, first spring means to yieldably urge said first valve member axially downwardly against said sealing surface to normally close said passageway, said first spring means being calibrated to provide for movement of said first valve member axially upwardly away from said sealing surface to open said passageway when the pressure in said filler neck reaches a predetermined superatmospheric level, a second valve member disposed below said first valve member and concentric with said aperture in said first valve member, second spring means to yieldably urge said second valve member axially upwardly to normally close said aperture in said first valve member, said second spring means being calibrated to provide for movement of said second valve member axially downwardly away from said first valve member to open said aperture in said first valve member to vent said filler neck and fuel tank through said passageway when the pressure in said filler neck reaches a predetermined subatmospheric level; and sealing means disposed within said passageway above said first valve member and formed to be received in said valve seat in the upper portion of said passageway when said filler neck is tilted to a substantially inverted orientation to close off said passageway.
5. The cap of claim 4, wherein said upper portion of said passageway is formed to include an axially upwardly and radially inwardly extending concentric reduced portion of said reduced portion including a centrally disposed opening formed therein.
6. The cap of claim 4, wherein said sealing means comprises a ball disposed between said first valve member and said reduced portion, said ball having a density greater than the fuel in the fuel tank.
7. The cap of claim 6, further comprising, a series of columns circumferentially spaced around said valve housing above said first valve member and between said first valve member and said reduced portion, and a circular plate mounted on said columns to support said ball.
8. The cap of claim 7, wherein said plate is formed to include a centrally disposed opening, said opening being sized to capture a portion of said ball.
9. The cap of claim 8, wherein said first valve member, said plate and captured ball, and said columns define a chamber within said valve housing.
10. The cap of claim 9, wherein said columns are spaced apart to form slots, said slots cooperating to place said chamber in venting communication with said passageway.
11. A pressure-vacuum cap for a vehicle fuel tank having a normally upwardly extending filler neck, the cap comprising a cover, a valve housing providing a central passageway having a lower, middle, and upper portion extending therethrough, and including means for connecting said housing to said filler neck, said valve housing formed to include a peripherally and radially outwardly extending shoulder, said shoulder having at least one opening formed therethrough, said shoulder being configured to engage said cover, said valve housing also formed to include a radially inwardly extending, axially upwardly facing first sealing surface disposed around the lower portion of said passageway, an axially upwardly and radially inwardly extending funnel-shaped member bridging the upper portion of said passageway, said member formed to include a centrally disposed opening therethrough, said opening formed to include a downwardly facing second sealing surface;
a first valve member disposed within said passageway above said first sealing surface, said first valve member formed to include an aperture therethrough, first spring means to yieldably urge said first valve member axially downwardly toward said first sealing surface to normally close said passageway, said first spring means being calibrated to provide for movement of said first valve member axially upwardly away from said first sealing surface when the pressure in said filler neck reaches a predetermined, superatmospheric level to open said passageway, a second valve member disposed below said first valve member and concentric with said aperture in said first valve member, second spring means to yieldably urge said second valve member axially upwardly to normally close said aperture in said first valve member, said second spring means calibrated to provide for movement of said second valve member axially downwardly away from said first valve member to open said aperture in said first valve member when the pressure in said filler neck reaches a predetermined subatmospheric level to vent said filler neck, a ball disposed above said first valve member and between said first valve member and said funnel-shaped member to seat in said second sealing surface to close said passageway when the filler neck and the cap are rolled over to a substantially inverted orientation, whereby fuel from said fuel tank is prevented from flowing through said passageway when the filler neck and the cap are in the substantially inverted orientation.
a first valve member disposed within said passageway above said first sealing surface, said first valve member formed to include an aperture therethrough, first spring means to yieldably urge said first valve member axially downwardly toward said first sealing surface to normally close said passageway, said first spring means being calibrated to provide for movement of said first valve member axially upwardly away from said first sealing surface when the pressure in said filler neck reaches a predetermined, superatmospheric level to open said passageway, a second valve member disposed below said first valve member and concentric with said aperture in said first valve member, second spring means to yieldably urge said second valve member axially upwardly to normally close said aperture in said first valve member, said second spring means calibrated to provide for movement of said second valve member axially downwardly away from said first valve member to open said aperture in said first valve member when the pressure in said filler neck reaches a predetermined subatmospheric level to vent said filler neck, a ball disposed above said first valve member and between said first valve member and said funnel-shaped member to seat in said second sealing surface to close said passageway when the filler neck and the cap are rolled over to a substantially inverted orientation, whereby fuel from said fuel tank is prevented from flowing through said passageway when the filler neck and the cap are in the substantially inverted orientation.
12. The cap of claim 11, further comprising means for supporting said ball at a position above said first valve member in said middle portion of said passageway.
13. The cap of claim 12, wherein said support means is formed to include slots therethrough to permit venting communication between said lower portion and said upper portion of said passageway.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US07/001,362 US4716920A (en) | 1987-01-08 | 1987-01-08 | Roll over fuel cap |
| US07/001,362 | 1987-01-08 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1283020C true CA1283020C (en) | 1991-04-16 |
Family
ID=21695662
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000550068A Expired - Fee Related CA1283020C (en) | 1987-01-08 | 1987-10-23 | Roll over fuel cap |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4716920A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1283020C (en) |
Families Citing this family (27)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4676390A (en) * | 1986-07-22 | 1987-06-30 | Stant Inc. | Pressure-release fuel cap |
| US4765505A (en) * | 1986-07-22 | 1988-08-23 | Stant Inc. | Delayed actuation fuel cap |
| JPH06102469B2 (en) * | 1986-12-26 | 1994-12-14 | 豊田合成株式会社 | Cap with valve |
| JPH0647796Y2 (en) * | 1987-05-29 | 1994-12-07 | 豊田合成株式会社 | Cap with positive pressure valve |
| US4913303A (en) * | 1987-06-16 | 1990-04-03 | Stant Inc. | Liquid splash control fuel cap |
| JP2557671B2 (en) * | 1987-12-11 | 1996-11-27 | 豊田合成株式会社 | Fuel cutoff valve |
| JP2781218B2 (en) * | 1989-09-06 | 1998-07-30 | オーエム工業株式会社 | Oil filler cap with pressure valve |
| US5065782A (en) * | 1991-01-08 | 1991-11-19 | Stant Inc. | Tank venting control assembly |
| US5341160A (en) * | 1991-04-17 | 1994-08-23 | Hewlett-Packard Corporation | Valve for ink-jet pen |
| US5123557A (en) * | 1991-07-22 | 1992-06-23 | Drawbaugh Don R | Gas stopper and methods of constructing and utilizing same |
| US5572245A (en) * | 1994-03-10 | 1996-11-05 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Protective cover apparatus for an ink-jet pen |
| DE19927091A1 (en) * | 1999-06-15 | 2000-12-21 | Mannesmann Vdo Ag | Device for ventilation of a fuel tank having a closure cap and use of a device |
| GB2376460A (en) * | 2001-06-15 | 2002-12-18 | Ford Global Tech Inc | Fuel filler cap |
| US20060254642A1 (en) * | 2005-04-20 | 2006-11-16 | Kshirsagar Girish S | Air vent valve for beverage makers |
| US8286658B2 (en) * | 2005-06-07 | 2012-10-16 | Stant Usa Corp. | Roll-over valve with shared overfill protection and vacuum relief |
| US7654403B2 (en) * | 2005-09-02 | 2010-02-02 | Stant Manufacturing Inc. | Fuel tank vacuum-relief system |
| US20100132805A1 (en) * | 2006-04-19 | 2010-06-03 | B/E Intellectual Property | Air vent valve for beverage makers |
| JP5735317B2 (en) * | 2011-03-23 | 2015-06-17 | 本田技研工業株式会社 | Evaporative fuel processing device for vehicle |
| DE102011050416A1 (en) * | 2011-05-17 | 2012-11-22 | Tecinnovation Gmbh | filler cap |
| FR2975974A1 (en) * | 2011-06-06 | 2012-12-07 | Itw De France | Stopper for sealing head of pipe that is utilized for filling fuel tank of vehicle, has fastener and connecting element that are formed by single-piece driving element, and gripping cap directly attached to driving element |
| TWI495814B (en) * | 2013-03-21 | 2015-08-11 | Sanyang Industry Co Ltd | Two-way valve |
| WO2014179524A1 (en) | 2013-05-01 | 2014-11-06 | Stant Usa Corp. | Fuel vapor transfer system |
| US10377230B2 (en) * | 2015-12-14 | 2019-08-13 | Masao Iwami | Filler cap for fuel tank |
| US10041456B2 (en) * | 2016-06-28 | 2018-08-07 | Kohler Co. | System and method for vibration resistant rollover valve |
| EP3279022B1 (en) * | 2016-08-04 | 2019-07-03 | F.A.R.M.A. S.r.l. Fabbrica Accessori Ricambi Moto e Auto | Valve assembly for fuel tanks of vehicles |
| CN106585367B (en) * | 2017-02-24 | 2023-07-28 | 浙江春风动力股份有限公司 | Fuel tank cap |
| EP3981634A1 (en) * | 2020-10-09 | 2022-04-13 | F.A.R.M.A. S.r.l. Fabbrica Accessori Ricambi Moto e Auto | Cap for vehicle fuel tanks |
Family Cites Families (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US1893942A (en) * | 1929-09-28 | 1933-01-10 | Quaker City Iron Works | Safety valve for gasoline tanks and the like |
| US4162021A (en) * | 1974-09-30 | 1979-07-24 | Stant Manufacturing Company, Inc. | Pressure-vacuum relief fuel tank cap with roll-over safety valve feature |
| US3938692A (en) * | 1974-09-30 | 1976-02-17 | Stant Manufacturing Company, Inc. | Pressure-vacuum relief fuel tank cap with roll-over safety valve feature |
| US4000828A (en) * | 1975-06-02 | 1977-01-04 | Stant Manufacturing Company, Inc. | Gas tank cap with roll-over valving |
| US3985260A (en) * | 1975-09-26 | 1976-10-12 | Stant Manufacturing Company, Inc. | Gas cap with clamp-in roll-over valve |
-
1987
- 1987-01-08 US US07/001,362 patent/US4716920A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1987-10-23 CA CA000550068A patent/CA1283020C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US4716920A (en) | 1988-01-05 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| CA1283020C (en) | Roll over fuel cap | |
| US4913303A (en) | Liquid splash control fuel cap | |
| US4813453A (en) | Vehicle fuel tank vapor recovery system | |
| US5044389A (en) | High volume fuel vapor release valve | |
| US4685584A (en) | Vented fuel cap with bump and grade seal | |
| EP0667253B1 (en) | Fuel vapour vent assembly with liquid trap | |
| CA1277570C (en) | Roll-over valve | |
| CA1072494A (en) | Gas tank cap with roll-over valving | |
| US4887733A (en) | Pressure-release fuel cap | |
| US7543597B2 (en) | Vent valve assembly with lever arrangement | |
| US4694847A (en) | Roll-over valve with sealing ball | |
| US4351350A (en) | Valving assembly for a liquid-containing tank | |
| EP0777833B1 (en) | Vapor recovery system with two stage valve | |
| US4646772A (en) | Fuel tank mounted roll-over valve | |
| US6591855B2 (en) | Fuel cutoff valve | |
| US5443561A (en) | Fuel vapor discharge limiting device for fuel tank | |
| US5996607A (en) | Installing a fill limiting vent valve in a fuel tank | |
| EP1199207A2 (en) | Fuel tank vent control valve | |
| EP1221566B1 (en) | Noise dampened float type fuel vapor vent valve | |
| US6253970B1 (en) | Aerosol container with safety device | |
| US4787529A (en) | Vapor-liquid control fuel cap | |
| US5640989A (en) | Fuel cut-off valve | |
| US6840263B2 (en) | Multifunctional valve for the fuel tank of a motor vehicle | |
| US4501377A (en) | Manhole cover and assembly for tank for transporting flammable liquids | |
| US3918606A (en) | Fuel tank filler cap |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKLA | Lapsed |