Automotive fuel filling system

Abstract

An automotive fuel filling system which inhibits automotive fueling from a smaller of two different diameter fuel nozzles. The system includes a funnel assembly having a circular port adapted to receive the fuel nozzle. A nozzle valve assembly includes at least two segments and is disposed in series with the port. Each segment, furthermore, is pivotal between an open and a closed position. When all segments are in the closed position, the nozzle valve assembly serves to prevent dust and debris from reaching the flapper valve. A hook is attached to a radially inner end of each nozzle valve segment and a cam is also attached to each nozzle valve segment configured to provide a clearance between the end of only the larger nozzle and the hooks upon insertion of the larger nozzle, but not upon insertion of the smaller nozzle.

1 . An automotive fuel filling system which inhibits automotive fueling from a smaller of two different diameter fuel nozzles comprising:
 a funnel assembly having a circular part,   a nozzle valve assembly having at least two segments disposed in series with said port, each of said segments being pivotal between an open and a closed position,   a hook attached to a radially inner end of each nozzle valve segment,   a cam associated with each nozzle valve segment, said cams being configured so that, upon insertion of the larger diameter fuel nozzle into said port, the larger fuel nozzle contacts each cam on each nozzle valve segment and pivots each nozzle valve segment to said open position which provides a clearance between an end of the larger fuel nozzle and each hook and allows full insertion of the larger fuel nozzle into said port, and   wherein said cams are configured so that, upon insertion of the smaller fuel nozzle into said port, the coaction between each cam and an end of the smaller nozzle is insufficient to create a clearance between the end of the smaller nozzle and each hook wherein at least one of said hooks engages an end of the smaller fuel nozzle and prevents full insertion of the smaller nozzle into said port.   
   
   
       2 . The invention as defined in  claim 1  and comprising a flapper valve positioned downstream and in series with said nozzle valve assembly and movable between a closed and an open position, said flapper valve being biased towards its closed position, said flapper valve being spaced from said nozzle valve assembly by a distance such that upon full insertion of the larger fuel nozzle into said port, said larger nozzle contacts said flapper valve and moves said flapper valve to an open position. 
   
   
       3 . The invention as defined in  claim 2  and comprising a spring which urges said flapper valve towards said closed position. 
   
   
       4 . The invention as defined in  claim 2  and comprising a seal mounted around an outer periphery of said flapper valve. 
   
   
       5 . The invention as defined in  claim 1  wherein said nozzle valve assembly comprises at least three segments. 
   
   
       6 . The invention as defined in  claim 5  wherein said nozzle valve assembly comprises at least four segments. 
   
   
       7 . The invention as defined in  claim 1  wherein each said nozzle valve segment and its associated cam are of a one-piece construction. 
   
   
       8 . The invention as defined in  claim 1  and comprising at least one spring which urges said nozzle valve segments towards said closed position. 
   
   
       9 . The invention as defined in  claim 1  wherein each valve segment and its associated hook are of a one-piece construction. 
   
   
       10 . An automotive fuel filling system which inhibits automotive fueling from a smaller of two different diameter fuel nozzles comprising:
 a funnel assembly having a circular port,   a nozzle valve assembly having at least two segments disposed in series with said port, each of said segments being pivotal between an open and a closed position,   a hook attached to a radially inner end of each nozzle valve segment,   a cam associated with each nozzle valve segment, said cams being configured so that, upon insertion of the larger diameter fuel nozzle into said port, the larger fuel nozzle contacts each cam on each nozzle valve segment and pivots each nozzle valve segment to said open position which provides a clearance between an end of the larger fuel nozzle and each hook and allows full insertion of the larger fuel nozzle into said port, and   wherein said cams are configured so that, upon insertion of the smaller fuel nozzle into said port, the coaction between each cam and an end of the smaller nozzle is insufficient to create a clearance between the end of the smaller nozzle and each hook wherein at least one of said hooks engages an end of the smaller fuel nozzle and prevents full insertion of the smaller nozzle into said port, and   wherein said nozzle valve segments, when in said closed position, block the entry of debris into said funnel assembly.   
   
   
       11 . The invention as defined in  claim 10  and comprising a flapper valve positioned downstream and in series with said nozzle valve assembly and movable between a closed and an open position, said flapper valve being biased towards its closed position, said flapper valve being spaced from said nozzle valve assembly by a distance such that upon full insertion of the larger fuel nozzle into said port, said larger nozzle contacts said flapper valve and moves said flapper valve to an open position. 
   
   
       12 . The invention as defined in  claim 11  and comprising a spring which urges said flapper valve towards said closed position. 
   
   
       13 . The invention as defined in  claim 11  and comprising a seal mounted around an outer periphery of said flapper valve. 
   
   
       14 . The invention as defined in  claim 10  wherein said nozzle valve assembly comprises at least three segments. 
   
   
       15 . The invention as defined in  claim 14  wherein said nozzle valve assembly comprises at least four segments. 
   
   
       16 . The invention as defined in  claim 10  wherein each said nozzle valve segment and its associated cam are of a one-piece construction. 
   
   
       17 . The invention as defined in  claim 10  and comprising at least one spring which urges said nozzle valve segments towards said closed position. 
   
   
       18 . The invention as defined in  claim 10  wherein each valve segment and its associated hook are of a one-piece construction.