Helmeted lock ring for a sender module closure system for a fuel tank

Abstract

An improved sender module closure system for providing a reliable, sealed interface between a sender module and a fuel tank at the access port thereof, includes an interfacing ring set composed of a base ring and a helmeted lock ring. The base ring is permanently connected to the fuel tank at the access port, and has a plurality of upstanding lock fingers. The helmeted lock ring is a separate piece, composed of a lock ring component and an integrally connected helmet component. The lock ring component has a plurality of finger apertures, one for receiving each lock finger. The helmet component protectively covers the sender module and has helmet apertures for external access to connectors of the sender module.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to automotive fuel tanks, particularly the closure system used for sealingly interfacing therewith the sender module, and more particularly to a helmeted lock ring therefor. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Automotive fuel tanks have an access port at an upper wall thereof through which fuel passes and various components are placed, as for example a fuel depth sensor and a fuel pump. Supporting the various components at the access port in sealing relation with the fuel tank is a sender module, which is commonly of plastic construction. [0003] Historically, the integrity of the seal of the sender module with respect to the fuel tank has been a matter of continuing engineering interest. One of the driving forces behind this interest is ever tightening government vapor emissions rules, wherein emissions concerns may be amplified by manufacturing tolerance variations. An additional cause for engineering interest is the need to incre...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0029] The present invention is an improved sender module closure system for providing a reliable, sealed interface between the sender module and the fuel tank at the access port thereof, wherein the improvement resides in the lock ring thereof, wherein the conventional lock ring is replaced by a helmeted lock ring so as to provide, among a range of attributes, strength and protection for the sender module.

[0037] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved sender module closure system for providing a reliable, sealed interface between the sender module and the fuel tank at the access port thereof, wherein the improvement resides in a helmeted lock ring which provides, among various attributes, inherent strength as well as protection for the sender module.

Problems solved by technology

As the size of the access port increases, issues of reliable sealing become more critical, especially in view of crashworthiness vis-a-vis the fuel tank.

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