Abstract:
Disclosed herein are embodiments of a reinforcement structure for a vehicle fuel filler tube. In one aspect, a fuel filler tube assembly for a vehicle comprises: a fuel filler tube configured to fluidly connect a fuel filler adaptor with a fuel reservoir and having an exposed segment; an elastomeric sleeve at least partially circumscribing the exposed segment; and a rigid reinforcement plate at least partially overlaying the sleeve, the plate extending longitudinally along a circumferential portion of the exposed segment and shaped to approximate a contour of the exposed segment.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to fuel filler tube assemblies for vehicles. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Vehicles, such as passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles, may have fuel filler tube assemblies including, among other components, a fuel filler tube configured to convey fuel from a fuel filler adaptor located at the exterior of the vehicle to a fuel reservoir located underneath the vehicle. Due to design or other considerations, it may be desirable to include a reinforcement structure for one or more portions of the fuel filler tube. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    Disclosed herein are embodiments of a reinforcement structure for a vehicle fuel filler tube. In one aspect, a fuel filler tube assembly for a vehicle comprises: a fuel filler tube configured to fluidly connect a fuel filler adaptor with a fuel reservoir and having an exposed segment; an elastomeric sleeve at least partially circumscribing the exposed segment; and a rigid reinforcement plate at least partially overlaying the sleeve, the plate extending longitudinally along a circumferential portion of the exposed segment and shaped to approximate a contour of the exposed segment. 
         [0004]    In another aspect, a vehicle comprises: a vehicle body structure housing a fuel reservoir and including a fuel filler adaptor at an exterior thereof; a fuel filler tube routed within the vehicle body structure and configured to fluidly connect the fuel filler adaptor with the fuel reservoir, the fuel filler tube having an exposed segment; an elastomeric sleeve at least partially circumscribing the exposed segment; and a rigid reinforcement plate at least partially overlaying the sleeve, the plate extending longitudinally along a circumferential portion of the exposed segment and shaped to approximate a contour of the exposed segment. 
         [0005]    These and other aspects will be described in additional detail below. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]    The various features, advantages and other uses of the present apparatus will become more apparent by referring to the following detailed description and drawing in which: 
           [0007]      FIG. 1  is a partial cut away perspective view of a vehicle body structure showing a fuel filler tube assembly including a fuel filler tube; 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  is a detail perspective view of the fuel filler tube assembly of  FIG. 1  showing a reinforcement structure for the fuel filler tube; and 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of the fuel filler tube and reinforcement structure shown in  FIG. 2 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0010]    Disclosed herein is a fuel filler tube assembly for a vehicle that includes a fuel filler tube and a reinforcement structure for the fuel filler tube. 
         [0011]      FIG. 1  is a partial cut away view of a vehicle body structure  12  for a vehicle  10 . As a non-limiting example, the vehicle body structure  12  can include any number of frame components  14   a  and  14   b,  body panels  16  and wheelhouse panels  20 , as shown, and can also include floor panels, trim pieces and a variety of powertrain and driveline components, for example. 
         [0012]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , a fuel filler tube assembly  30  is disposed within the vehicle body structure  12 . The fuel filler tube assembly  30  includes a fuel filler tube  32 , which is a hollow tubular structure configured to convey fuel from a fuel filler adaptor  34  to a fuel reservoir  36  generally positioned on an underside of the vehicle  10 . The fuel filler adaptor  34  is in fluid communication with a first distal end  40  of the fuel filler tube  32 . The fuel filler adaptor  34  may be mounted to the body panel  16 , for example, to provide fluid access to the fuel reservoir  36  from an exterior of the vehicle  10  via the fuel filler tube  32 . The illustrated fuel filler adaptor  34  is configured for accepting the nozzle of a conventional vehicle fuel dispenser, although the fuel filler adaptor  34  could alternatively be configured for use with other fuel dispensers. 
         [0013]    The first distal end  40  of the fuel filler tube  32  can be integral with the fuel filler adaptor  34 , for example, or could be fitted to the fuel filler adaptor  34  using hoses, clamps or other suitable attachment devices. A second distal end  42  of the fuel filler tube  32  in fluid communication with the fuel reservoir  36  can similarly be integral with the fuel reservoir  36 , for example, or could be fitted to the fuel reservoir  36  using hoses, clamps or other suitable attachment devices. 
         [0014]    The fuel filler  32  tube could have a circular, ovoid, oblong or polygonal cross section, for example, or a combination thereof, and can be shaped and sized for routing through the vehicle body structure  12  according to a combination of design, space, safety or regulatory constraints, for example. The illustrated fuel filler tube  32  is non-linear and includes an elbow portion  44  integrally connecting a generally vertical segment  46  extending downward from the fuel filler adaptor  34  and a generally horizontal segment  48  extending along the underside of the vehicle  10  to the fuel reservoir  36 . 
         [0015]    The illustrated fuel filler tube assembly  30  may further include a recirculation tube  50 . The recirculation tube  50  is a generally hollow tube configured to convey fuel vapor or other gases from the fuel reservoir  36  to an exterior of the vehicle  10  via, for example, the fuel filler adaptor  34 , such that gases do not become trapped within the fuel reservoir  36  during refueling. The recirculation tube  50  is shaped for routing through the vehicle body structure  12  generally along the path of the fuel filler tube  32 , although the recirculation tube  50  could be alternatively shaped or routed. The fuel filler tube  32  and the recirculation tube  50  can be composed of any suitable fuel and/or chemical-resistant material, such as electro-coated steel, for example. 
         [0016]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , the fuel filler tube  32 , as well as the other components of the fuel filler tube assembly  30 , is secured to the vehicle body structure  12  at various points. The fuel filler tube  32  can be secured with respect to the vehicle body structure  12  through one or more mechanical couplings, such as brackets, welds, clamps or fasteners, or through integral forming with the vehicle body structure  12 , for example, although the fuel filler tube  32  or other components of the fuel filler tube assembly  30  could be otherwise attached to the vehicle body structure  12 . As shown, the first distal end  40  of the fuel filler tube  32  is generally connected to the fuel filler adaptor  34 , as explained above, which is in turn mounted to the body panel  16 . The second distal end  42  of the fuel filler tube  32  is likewise generally connected to the fuel reservoir  36 , which may be attached to one or more of the components of the vehicle body structure  12 . 
         [0017]    The illustrated fuel filler tube assembly  30  further includes a plurality of mounting brackets  60  and  62 . The first mounting bracket  60  attaches between the frame component  14   b  of the vehicle body structure  12  and the fuel filler tube  32  proximate the fuel reservoir  36  along the horizontal segment  46 . The second mounting bracket  62  attaches between the wheelhouse panel  20  of the vehicle body structure  12  and the fuel filler tube  32  at the elbow portion  44 . 
         [0018]    Additional details of the second mounting bracket  62  can be seen with further reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 . The second mounting bracket  62  includes a fuel filler tube attachment portion  64  and a vehicle body structure attachment portion  66 . The fuel filler tube attachment portion  64  attaches to the fuel filler tube  32  at or proximate to the elbow portion  44  by applying a clamping force with two clamping members  68  and  70  having opposed semi-circular portions that are collectively sized for receiving and circumscribing the fuel filler tube  32 . The fuel filler tube attachment portion  64  similarly supports the recirculation tube  50  adjacent the fuel filler tube  32  by clamping the recirculation tube  50  between two opposed semi-circular portions of the clamping members  68  and  70  that are collectively sized for receiving and circumscribing the recirculation tube  50 . Instead of clamping to the fuel filler tube  32  and to the recirculation tube  50 , the fuel filler tube attachment portion  64  could alternatively be welded, fastened or otherwise attached to the fuel filler tube  32  and recirculation tube  50 , for example, or could be formed integrally with the fuel filler tube  32  and/or recirculation tube  50 . 
         [0019]    The clamping member  68  extends beyond the clamping member  70  to form the vehicle body structure attachment portion  66 , which is adapted for attachment to the wheelhouse panel  20  of the vehicle body structure  12 . As shown, the vehicle body structure attachment portion  66  is configured for fastening to the wheelhouse panel  20  with a threaded fastener  72 , although the vehicle body structure attachment portion  66  could alternatively be clamped, welded or otherwise attached to the wheelhouse panel  20  or to other portions of the vehicle body structure  12 . 
         [0020]    The fuel filler tube  32  can include one or more exposed segments along its length, such as the exemplary exposed segment  80 . The exposed segment  80  of the fuel filler tube  32  can be defined by the spatial, geometrical and structural relationships between the fuel filler tube  32 , the various components of the vehicle body structure  12  and/or the environment surrounding the vehicle body structure  12 , for instance. As shown, the exposed segment  80  extends a partial length of the fuel filler tube  32 , and generally includes the elbow portion  44  of the fuel filler tube  32 , along with portions of the vertical segment  46  and the horizontal segment  48  immediately adjacent the elbow portion  44 . The exposed segment  80  illustrated in the drawings and described herein is provided as a non-limiting example. It will be understood that the exposed segment  80  could be multiple discrete segments along the length of the fuel filler tube  32 . Alternatively, all or a part of the exposed segment  80  could be defined otherwise than along a length of the fuel filler tube  32 . For example, the exposed segment  80  could be or include one or more outwardly facing circumferential portions of the fuel filler tube  32 . 
         [0021]    The illustrated fuel filler assembly  30  includes features for reinforcing the exposed segment  80  of the fuel filler tube  32 . Specifically, as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , a reinforcement structure  90  is fitted to the exposed segment  80 . As a non-limiting example, the reinforcement structure  90  may include layered reinforcement for the exposed segment  80 , and in the illustrated example, includes a sleeve  92  disposed about the exposed segment  80  and a reinforcement plate  94  overlaying the sleeve  92 . Although the sleeve  92  and the reinforcement plate  94  are shown as separate components, the sleeve  92  and the reinforcement plate  94  could be integrally formed with one another, for example. 
         [0022]    The sleeve  92  generally provides an absorbent layer for the exposed segment  80  of the fuel filler tube  32 . The configuration of the sleeve  92  may depend on the shape and size of the exposed segment  80 . As shown, the exposed segment  80  extends a partial length of the fuel filler tube  32 , and the sleeve  92  at least partially circumscribes the fuel filler tube  32  along the length of the exposed segment  80 . In the illustrated example, where the exposed segment  80  has a circular cross section, the sleeve  92  is generally tubular and has an annular cross section, with an inner diameter  96  approximating the exterior of the fuel filler tube  32  along the exposed segment  80 , an outer diameter  98 , and a thickness t between the inner diameter  96  and the outer diameter  98 . However, it will be understood that the generally tubular sleeve  90  is provided as a non-limiting example, and that the sleeve  90  could less than fully circumscribe the exposed segment  80 . The sleeve  92  can be shaped in conformance with the contour of the exposed segment  80 , for example, or could be composed of a flexible material suitable for adapting to the contour of the exposed segment  80 . 
         [0023]    The sleeve  92  may also be configured in accordance with other aspects of the fuel filler tube assembly  30 . For instance, although the exposed segment  80  need not be coupled to the vehicle body structure  12 , the second mounting bracket  62  of the illustrated fuel filler tube assembly  30  attaches between the wheelhouse panel  20  of the vehicle body structure  12  and fuel filler tube  32  along the exposed segment  80 . In the illustrated example, the sleeve  92  includes a first sleeve portion  92   a  and a second sleeve portion  92   b,  which are opposedly disposed on the exposed segment  80  about the second mounting bracket  62 . 
         [0024]    As a non-limiting example, the sleeve  92  can be composed all or in part of an elastomeric material that preferably has additional fuel and/or chemical-resistant properties. For instance, the sleeve  92  can be composed of a NBR-PVC material with a thickness t of approximately 4 millimeters. Although the sleeve  92  is generally shown as a contiguous mass, it will be understood that the sleeve  92  may include interstitial vacancies, for example. 
         [0025]    The reinforcement plate  94  overlays the sleeve  92  and generally provides an additional reinforcing layer of the reinforcement structure  90  for the exposed segment  80  of the fuel filler tube  32 . The reinforcement plate  94  can be sized to overlay all of or a lesser portion of the sleeve  92 . In the illustrated example, the reinforcement plate  94  extends along the length of the exposed segment  80 . However, while the sleeve  92  circumscribes the fuel filler tube  32  along the length of the exposed segment  80 , the reinforcement plate  94  is disposed about a lesser portion of the circumference of the fuel filler tube  32  along the exposed segment  80 . As shown, the reinforcement plate  94  may, for example, have a width W approximating a diameter D of the exposed segment  80 . In addition, the reinforcement plate  94  can overlay the second mounting bracket  62 , although the reinforcement plate  94  could alternatively be disposed under the second mounting bracket  62 , for example, or could be composed of multiple discrete parts opposedly disposed about the second mounting bracket  62 . 
         [0026]    As with the sleeve  92 , the configuration of the reinforcement plate  94  may depend on the shape and size of the exposed segment  80 . As shown, the reinforcement plate  94  has a generally curvilinear overall profile that approximates the contour of the exposed segment  80 . Specifically, the reinforcement plate  94  includes a first substantially straight portion  100  extending vertically along the portions of the vertical segment  46  of the fuel filler tube  32  included in the exposed segment  80 , a second substantially straight portion  102  extending horizontally along the portions of the horizontal segment  48  of the fuel filler tube  32  included in the exposed segment  80 , and a curved portion  104  extending along the elbow portion  44 . The first substantially straight portion  100  terminates at a first distal end  110  of the reinforcement plate  94 , at a periphery of the exposed segment  80  along the vertical segment  46  of the fuel filler tube  32 , while the second substantially straight portion  102  terminates at a second distal end  112  of the reinforcement plate  94 , at a periphery of the exposed segment  80  along the horizontal segment  48 . 
         [0027]    The reinforcement structure  90  can include features for attaching the reinforcement plate  94  to the sleeve  92  along the exposed segment  80  of the fuel filler tube  32 . As a non-limiting example, the reinforcement structure  90  includes a plurality of clamps  120 ,  122 ,  124  disposed around the sleeve  92  and the reinforcement plate  94  at various locations along the length of the exposed segment  80 . 
         [0028]    The clamps  120 ,  122 ,  124  are generally circular and circumscribe the sleeve  92  and the reinforcement plate  94 . In the illustrated example, a first clamp  120  circumscribes the first sleeve portion  92   a  and a first attachment portion  130  of the reinforcement plate  94  adjacent the first distal end  110  of the reinforcement plate  94 , a second clamp  122  circumscribes the second sleeve portion  92   b  and a second attachment portion  132  of the reinforcement plate  94  adjacent the second distal end  112  of the reinforcement plate  94 , and a third clamp  124  circumscribes the second sleeve portion  92   b  and a third attachment portion  134  of the reinforcement plate  94  along the curved portion  104 , although it will be understood that the number and/or location of the clamps  120 ,  122 ,  124  could vary. 
         [0029]    The clamps  120 ,  122 ,  124  can be worm gear clamps, for example, although other clamps could be used. In addition, the reinforcement plate  94  could be otherwise attached to the sleeve  92 . For instance, the reinforcement plate  94  could be integral with the sleeve  92 , or could be adhered to the sleeve  92 . Alternatively, the reinforcement plate  94  could be disposed to overlay the sleeve  92  through one or more couplings to the vehicle body structure  12  and/or the fuel filler tube assembly  30 . 
         [0030]    The reinforcement plate  94  can be maintained in a tangential orientation with respect to the exposed segment  80  by contouring the reinforcement plate  94  in its width direction according to the exterior cross sectional shape of the fuel filler tube  32  and/or sleeve  92  along the exposed segment  80 , for example. In the illustrated example of the reinforcement structure  90 , however, the reinforcement plate  94  is substantially flat. Where the reinforcement plate  94  extends outward of an exposed segment  80  and/or sleeve  92  having a circular or other curvilinear cross section, the width W of the reinforcement plate  94  can be necked down at each of the attachment portion  130 ,  132 ,  134 , as shown, so that the reinforcement plate  94  is maintained in stable contact with the sleeve  90  in a tangential orientation with respect to the exposed segment  80  when the clamps  120 ,  122 ,  124  are disposed around the sleeve  92  and the reinforcement plate  94 . 
         [0031]    The reinforcement plate  94  can be configured to reinforce the exposed segment  80 . As a non-limiting example, the reinforcement plate  94  can be composed all or in part of rigid material that preferably has additional fuel and/or chemical-resistant properties. For instance, the reinforcement plate  94  can be composed of electro-coated carbon steel material with a thickness of approximately 0.8 millimeters. Although the reinforcement plate  94  is generally shown as a contiguous mass, it will be understood that the reinforcement plate  94  may include interstitial vacancies, for example. 
         [0032]    It can be seen that the reinforcement structure  90  can be quickly implemented, and can be installed either before or after the fuel filler tube  30  is installed with respect to the vehicle body structure  12 . The sleeve  92 , for example, may be a commercially available hose that defines a longitudinal slit  140  to permit quick disposition over the exposed segment  80 . In addition, the reinforcement plate  94  can be economically constructed from flat stock material, and the clamps  120 ,  122 ,  124  can be readily available worm gear clamps. 
         [0033]    It will be understood that the exposed segment  80  illustrated in the drawings and described herein is provided as a non-limiting example, and the components of the reinforcement structure  90  described herein can be adapted to protect multiple discrete exposed segments along the length of the fuel filler tube  32 , for example, or to protect one or more exposed segments defined otherwise than along a length of the fuel filler tube  32  and/or recirculation tube  50 . In an alternative example, if the exposed segment  80  is defined as a circumferential portion of the fuel filler tube  32 , the sleeve  90  could circumscribe the exposed segment  80  without fully circumscribing the fuel filler tube  32 . 
         [0034]    While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims, which scope is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures as is permitted under the law.