EP4719803A1

EP4719803A1 - A fuel cap assembly for a vehicle

Info

Publication number: EP4719803A1
Application number: EP24810590.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Kulkarni SUYOG; Verma Sumeet; Gupta ANIL
Original assignee: Minda Corp Ltd
Current assignee: Minda Corp Ltd
Priority date: 2023-05-25
Filing date: 2024-05-25
Publication date: 2026-04-08
Also published as: WO2024241298A1

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a fuel cap assembly. The assembly comprises a frame mounted to an opening of a fuel tank of a vehicle and a lid is pivotally coupled to the frame to be displaced between an open condition and a closed condition. A flap is coupled to the lid to move between an operated and a unoperated condition. A locking mechanism is coupled the lid comprising a first member and a second member to cooperate with the flap. The first member and the second member traverses between a first position and a second position to selectively lock and unlock the lid and an actuator having an actuator plunger selectively engages and disengages with a cavity of the second member to lock and unlock the second member for displacing the lid between the open condition and the closed condition, respectively.

Description

A FUEL CAP ASSEMBLY FOR A VEHICLE

TECHNICAL FIELD

Present disclosure in general, relates to field of automobiles. Particularly, but not exclusively, the disclosure relates to a fuel filler cap of a vehicle. Further embodiments of the present disclosure disclose about a fuel cap assembly of a vehicle.

BACKGROUND

Motorcycles are generally provided with a filler cap assembly for accessing a fuel tank for filling fuel. The filler cap assembly is provided with a lid which is operable (thus, opened) for providing access to the fuel tank and a flap covering a portion of the lid. Further, the lid is provided with a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism predominantly functions as a key-actuated system. Access to a key slot is facilitated by actuating the flap to an open position. To engage the locking mechanism, a user inserts the key into the designated key slot and rotates it to the required position. The key used for this mechanism is identical to the ignition key required for starting an engine of the vehicle. This design necessitates that the vehicle’s ignition system be turned off to permit access to the fuel tank. The ignition key must be switched off and removed from the ignition switch before it can be used to unlock the filled cap, ensuring that the vehicle cannot be operated while the fuel tank is open.

Moreover, the security provided by the key is modest, as the locking mechanism can be manipulated using a duplicate key to open the lid. This vulnerability means that unauthorized access is a potential risk if duplicate keys are available. Additionally, the key- operated locking mechanism is prone to issues such as the key becoming stuck or jammed, particularly due to rust formation within the components. This can make it difficult and cumbersome for the user to open the lid, leading to operational inefficiencies.

Furthermore, the presence of rust and other environmental factors can degrade the performance of the locking mechanism over time. This degradation necessitates frequent maintenance to ensure the lock functions correctly, which is both inconvenient and undesired. Regular maintenance to prevent rust and ensure smooth operation increases the overall upkeep cost and effort, detracting from the convenience and reliability expected by the user. This frequent need for maintenance to address key jamming and rust issues underscores a significant drawback in the design of the key-operated locking system. Additionally, unauthorised access to the fuel tank may be prone to cataatrophic accidents due to leakage of fuel. Thus, the present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitations associated with the prior arts.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One or more shortcomings of existing systems have been overcome, and additional advantages are provided through a fuel cap assembly as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In one non limiting embodiment of the disclosure a fuel cap assembly is disclosed. The assembly comprises a frame rigidly mounted to an opening of a fuel tank of a vehicle. A lid is pivotally coupled to the frame and adapted to displace the lid between an open condition and a closed condition. Further, a flap is pivotally coupled to the lid adapted to move between an operated condition and a unoperated condition. The assembly includes a locking mechanism coupled to an underside of the lid and configured to selectively lock and unlock the lid about the frame. The locking mechanism comprises a bracket fixedly coupled to the underside of the lid. A first member is disposed within the bracket and adapted to cooperate with the flap and a second member is coupled to the first member and disposed within the bracket. The second member is defined with a cavity and having an elongated section with a lip. The first member and the second member are configured to traverse between a first position and a second position to selectively lock and unlock the lid about the frame. Further, an actuator is having an actuator plunger operationally configured to selectively engage and disengage with the cavity of the second member to lock and unlock the second member for displacing the lid between the open condition and the closed condition, respectively

In an embodiment, at least one first resilient member and at least one second resilient member are positioned between the bracket and each of the first member and the second member, respectively to bias the first member and the second member towards the first position.

In further embodiment, the first member is defined with a provision projection adapted to receive a protrusion extending from the flap whereby movement of the flap from the unoperated condition to the operated condition causes the first member and the second member to displace from the first position to the second position.

In an embodiment, the first member and the second member are coupled to each other by a spring ball mechanism for tandem displacement of the first member and the second member between the first position and the second position and to prevent the excessive load when the second member is locked by the actuator plunger

In an embodiment, the spring ball mechanism comprises at least one spring and at least one ball at each end of the at least one spring. The at least one spring is coupled to the first member and the at least one ball is received within a slot defined in the second member.

In an embodiment, the assembly comprises an actuator is disposed within a housing in proximal to the cavity of the second member. The actuator includes a actuator plunger adapted to engage with the cavity in a de-actuated state for restricting opening of the lid in the first position of the second member.

In an embodiment, the actuator plunger is adapted to displace away from the lip and the cavity in an actuated state for allowing opening of the lid, when the second member is displaced from the first position to the second position due to movement of the flap from the unoperated condition to the operated condition.

In an embodiment, the assembly comprises a spring-loaded stopper disposed adjacent to the lip and the actuator plunger for restricting displacement of the actuator plunger in the actuated state and for preventing premature de-actuation of the actuator. In an embodiment, the spring-loaded stopper engages with the actuator plunger to restrict displacement of the second member from the second position to the first position in the open condition of the lid. The spring-loaded stopper disengages with the actuator plunger to displace the second member from the second position to the first position in the unoperated condition of the flap and closed condition of the lid.

In an embodiment, a switch is disposed about the frame and adjacent to the second member. The switch is adapted to be in contact with the second member in the first position and non-contact with the second member when the second member displaces towards the second position.

In an embodiment, the assembly comprises a control unit communicatively coupled to the switch, the actuator and an authentication means of the vehicle. The control unit is configured to receive signals from the switch and the signal represents the contact or the non-contact of the switch with the second member. The control unit further transmits operational signals to the actuator to attain the actuated state from the de-actuated state, upon detecting the authentication means and the signal representing the non-contact, for permitting complete displacement of the second member in the second position, to attain the open condition of the lid. In further embodiment, the control unit is configured to retain the actuator in the de-actuated state, upon detecting the authentication means and the signal representing the contact, to hold the lid in the closed condition.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

Fig. la illustrates a perspective-sectional view of a portion of a fuel cap assembly, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. lb illustrates a top perspective view of the fuel cap assembly, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 1c illustrates a top view of the locking mechanism of the fuel cap assembly, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. Id illustrates a sectional view of a first member and a second member of the locking mechanism, depicting a spring ball mechanism, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2a illustrates a side sectional view of the fuel cap assembly with a flap in an operated condition, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2b illustrates a top view of the locking mechanism in an unlocked state, corresponding to operated condition of the flap and detection of an authentication means, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3a illustrates a side sectional view of the fuel cap assembly with the flap in an operated condition, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3b illustrates a top view of the locking mechanism in a locked state, corresponding to operated condition of the flap without the authentication means, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 4 illustrates a side view of the fuel cap assembly with a lid in an open condition corresponding to unlocked state of the locking mechanism, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the apparatus and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the embodiments in the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.

It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art would be motivated from the present disclosure and modify construction of a fuel cap assembly. However, such modifications should be construed within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings show only those specific details that are pertinent to understand the embodiments of the present disclosure, so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusions, such that a system/ an apparatus that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such system, apparatus, or device. In other words, one or more elements in the system/apparatus proceeded by “comprises... a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or device.

The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Figures la to Figure 4. In the figures, the same element or elements which have similar functions are indicated by the same reference signs. Referring to Figure la to Figure 4 which are exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure illustrating a fuel cap assembly (100) [interchangeably referred as “assembly (100)”].

Figs, la and lb illustrate a fuel cap assembly (100) of a vehicle [not shown in Figures]. In an embodiment, the vehicle may be, for example, a motorcycle, a scooter, a car and any other vehicle including a passenger vehicle or a commercial vehicle. The vehicle may include a fuel tank [not shown in Figures] which may be adapted to store fuel which is utilized for operating a prime mover of a vehicle, for example, an internal combustion engine. The assembly (100) may be disposed directly on the fuel tank or may be connected to a conduit extending from the fuel tank. The fuel tank may be defined with an opening to allow filling the fuel tank with fuel. The assembly (100) comprises a frame (1) rigidly mounted to the opening defined on a portion of the fuel tank. The frame ( 1 ) may be defined with any shape and size as per requirement. Furthermore, the assembly (100) comprises a lid (2) pivotally connected to the frame (1). The lid (2) is adapted to pivotally displace between an open condition and a closed condition. In an embodiment, the lid (2) in the open condition [as seen in Fig. 4] may be configured to allow fuel to be filled into the fuel tank and the lid (2) in the closed condition [as seen in Fig. la and lb] may be configured to close the opening of the fuel tank. Further, in the open condition, the lid (2) is in elevated position about the frame (1). The lid (2) may pivot by at least one hinge mechanism and any suitable mechanism to allow pivoting about the open condition and the closed condition. The assembly (100) further includes a flap (3) which is pivotally coupled to the lid (2). More particularly, the flap (3) is disposed on a portion of the lid (2). The flap (3) is adapted to pivot between an operated condition (OC) and an unoperated condition (UC). In an embodiment, movement of the flap (3) in the operated condition (OC) may trigger unlocking of the lid (2) with the frame (1) [as seen in Fig. 2a] and the flap (3) in the unoperated condition (UC) may retain the lid (2) locked with the frame (1) [as seen in Figs la and lb]. The flap (3) may be elevated about the lid (2) in the operated condition (OC) and the flap (3) may rest on the lid (2) in the unoperated condition (UC).

The assembly (100) further comprises a locking mechanism (4), as illustrated in Fig. 1c, Fig. 2b and Fig. 3b coupled to the lid (2). More specifically, the locking mechanism (4) is coupled to an underside of the lid (2) and configured to selectively lock and unlock the lid

(2) about the frame (1). The locking mechanism (4) comprises a bracket fixedly coupled to the underside of the lid (2). The bracket (17) facilitates in supporting and accommodating the locking mechanism (4), such that the locking mechanism (2) may be pivotable along with the lid (2) in the open condition. The locking mechanism (4) comprises a first member (5) and a second member (7) which is movably accommodated within the bracket (17). The first member (5) is disposed within the bracket (17) and adapted to cooperate with the flap

(3) and the second member (7) is coupled to the first member (5) and disposed within the bracket (17). The first member (5) and the second member (7) are configured to traverse between a first position (FP) and a second position (SP) to selectively lock and unlock the lid (2) about the frame (1). In an embodiment, the first member (5) and the second member (7) may be movably positioned within the bracket (17) under a biasing force of resilient means 9a & 9b respectively In an embodiment, the said first member (5) and second member (7) are configured to connected through the spring (8a) and at least one ball (8b) that is loaded In an embodiment, the assembly (100) comprises at least one first resilient member (9a) and at least one second resilient member (9b) which may be disposed between the bracket (17) and each of the first member (5) and the second member (7), respectively. This configuration allows controlled translatory movement of the first member (5) and the second member (7) between the first position (FP) and the second position (SP). The at least one first resilient member (9a) and at least one second resilient member (9b) is positioned between the bracket (17) and each of the first member (5) and the second member, respectively to bias the first member (5) and the second member (7) towards the first position (FP). The first member (5) and the second member (7) may be adapted to displace to the first position (FP) from the second position to lock the locking mechanism (4) and attain the closed condition of the lid (2) with the frame (1). Similarly, the first member (5) and the second member (7) may be adapted to be displaced in the second position (SP) to unlock the locking mechanism (4) to retain an open condition of the lid (2) with the frame (1). In an embodiment, the at least one first resilient member (9a) and the at least one second resilient member (9b) may be configured to bias the first member (5) and the second member (7), respectively towards the first position (FP).

Further, the first member (5) is defined with a provision projection (6) which is adapted to receive a protrusion (3a) extending from the flap (3) as shown in Fig 2a. Thus, a movement of the flap (3) being pivoted from the unoperated condition (UC) to the operated condition (OC) causes the first member (5) and the second member (7) to displace from the first position (FP) to the second position (SP). Therefore, when the flap (3) is in the operated condition (OP), the protrusion (3a) of the flap (3) may contact the provision projection (6) and causes the first member (5) and the second member (7) to displace from the first position (FP) to the second position (SP) and the spring force in the bracket (17) may cause the flap (3) to displace back to the unoperated condition (UC) from the operated condition (OP) when the at least one first resilient member (9a) and the at least one second resilient member (9b) are in extended state.

In an embodiment, referring to Figs. Id, the first member (5) and the second member (7) are coupled to each other through a spring ball mechanism (8). This configuration of the spring ball mechanism (8) aids in tandem displacement of the first member (5) and the second member (7) between the first position (FP) and to the second position (SP). In an embodiment, in tandem displacement of the first member (5) and the second member (7) from the first position (FP) and to the second position (SP) corresponds to pivoting of the flap (3) to the operated condition (OC) when a load acting on the spring ball mechanism (8) is within a threshold limit. Further, the spring ball mechanism (8) may aid in independent displacement of the first member (5) relative to the second member (7) when the load acting on the spring ball mechanism (8) exceeds the threshold limit. The in tandem displacement of the first member (5) and the second member (7) prevents excessive load when the second member (7) is locked by the actuator plunger (14). In an embodiment, the spring ball mechanism (8) comprises at least one spring (8a) and at least one ball (8b) provided at each end of the at least one spring (8a). The spring (8a) is coupled with the first member (5) and the at least one ball (8b) is received within a slot (7a) defined in the second member (7). More specifically, the spring (8a) may be disposed within the first member (5) and the at least one ball (8b) at each end of the at least one spring (8a) may extend beyond the first member (5) and may be received within the slot (7a) defined in the second member (7).

Referring to Figs. 1c and Id, the second member (7) is defined with a cavity (10). The cavity (10) is defined with an elongated section (11) and a lip (12). Further, the assembly (100) comprises an actuator plunger (14) of an actuator (14a) which is disposed within a housing (13) disposed about the frame (1) and in proximal to the cavity (10) of the second member (7). In this configuration, the actuator plunger (14) may be disposed proximally to the cavity (10) of the second member (7) and configured to displace relative to the cavity (10). As an example, the actuator (14a) ) may be but not limited to a linear actuator, a solenoid and the like. The actuator (14a) having the actuator plunger (14) is operationally engaged within the cavity (10) adapted to abut the lip (12) in a de-actuated state for restricting opening of the lid (2) in the first position (FP). In an embodiment, the actuator plunger (14) may be inserted in the cavity (10) and adapted to abut the lip (12) when the actuator (14a) may be in the de-actuated state. The actuator plunger (14) may be adapted to displace away from the cavity (10) and the lip (12) when the actuator (14a) is in an actuated state for allowing opening of the lid (2), when the second member (7) is displaced from the first position (FP) to the second position (SP) due to movement of the flap (3) from the unoperated condition (UC) to the operated condition (OC). In an embodiment, the actutor plunger (14) may also be adapted to displace along a length of the elongated section

(11) having the cavity (10) when the second member (7) may be displaced from the first position (FP) towards the second position (SP) and abut the lip (12), when the actuator (14a) may be in the de-actuated state to restrict unauthorized opening of the lid (2). Further, the assembly (100) may comprise include a spring-loaded stopper (15). The spring-loaded stopper (15) is disposed adjacent to the lip (12) and the actuator plunger (14). This configuration of the spring-loaded stopper (15) restricts displacement of the actuator plunger (14) in the actuated state and for preventing premature de-actuation of the actuator (14a). More particularly, the spring loaded stopper (15) may be biased towards the lip (12) and may be configured to displace along with the lip (12) towards the second position (SP) such that, when the second member (7) may be in the second position (SP), the locking member (14) in the actuated state may abut the spring loaded stopper (15) for restricting displacement of the actuator plunger (14). The configuration of the spring loaded stopper (15) is to restrict displacement of the actuator plunger (14) when the second member (7) may be in the second position (SP) aids in preventing damage to the locking mechanism (4) that may be caused due to premature de-actuation of the actuator (14a) and also prevents displacement of the actuator plunger (14) from displacing even when the actuator (14a) may be turned off in the actuated state. As illustrated in Fig. 2b, the lip (12) may be adapted to contact a tip of the locking member (14) when the second member (7) may be in the second position (SP) and the actuator (14a) may be in the actuated state such that displacement of the actuator plunger (14) from the actuated state to the de-actuated state may be restricted. The configuration of the lip (12) to restrict displacement of the actuator plunger (14) when the second member (7) may be in the second position (SP) aids in preventing damage to the locking mechanism (4) that may be caused due to premature deactuation of the actuator (14a) and also prevents displacement of the actuator plunger (14) from displacing even when the actuator (14a) may be turned off in the actuated state

The assembly (100) of the present disclosure further includes a switch (16) which is disposed about the frame (1) and adjacent to the second member (7) as shown in Figs. 1c and 2b. In an embodiment, the switch (16) is adapted to be in contact with the second member (7) in the first position (FP) and non-contact with the second member (7) when the second member (7) displaces towards the second position (SP). More particularly, the second member (7) may be adapted to contact the switch (16) in the first position (FP) and may come out of contact with the switch (16) when the second member (7) displaces towards the second position (SP). Further, the switch (16) may be communicatively coupled to a control unit [not shown in Figs]. The control unit may be in-turn communicatively coupled to the actuator (14a). In another embodiment, the control unit is communicatively coupled to the switch (16), the actuator (14a) and the authentication means [now shown in Figs.] The control unit is configured to receive signals from the switch (16) such that the signal represents and corresponds at least one of contact or the non-contact of the switch (16) with the second member (7). The control unit is configured to transmit the operational signals to the actuator (14a) to attain the actuated state from the de-actuated state, upon detecting the authentication means and the signal representing the non-contact, for permitting complete displacement of the second member (7) in the second position (SP), to attain the open condition of the lid (2).

Further, the control unit being communicatively coupled with the authentication means allows the control unit to detect the authentication means of the vehicle. For example, the authentication means may be including but not limited to an authorized key or key fob, a smart card, authorized phone, RFID tags and the like. Upon detection of the authentication means of the vehicle, the control unit may transmit operational signal to the actuator (14a to operate the actuator (14a) from the de-actuated state to the actuated state. Further, the control unit is configured to retain the actuator (14a) in the de-actuated state, upon detecting the authentication means and the signal representing the contact, to hold the lid (2) in the closed condition. In an embodiment, the control unit may be a centralized control unit of the vehicle or may be a dedicated control unit to the assembly (100) associated with the centralized control unit of the vehicle. The control unit may also be associated with other control units including, but not limited to, a body control module (BCM), a central control module (CCM), a general electronic module (GEM), and the like. In an embodiment, the control unit may include a processing unit, where the processing unit may comprise at least one data processor for executing program components for executing user- or systemgenerated requests. The processing unit may be a specialized processing unit such as integrated system (bus) controllers, memory management control units, floating point units, graphics processing units, digital signal processing units, etc. Further, the control unit may be an electronic control unit, disposed in communication with one or more memory devices (e.g., RAM, ROM etc.) via a storage interface. The storage interface may connect to the memory devices including, without limitation, memory drives, removable disc drives, and the like, employing connection protocols such as serial advanced technology attachment (SATA), integrated drive electronics (IDE), IEEE- 1394, universal serial bus (USB), fiber channel, small computing system interface (SCSI), etc.

In an operational embodiment, as seen in Figs. la-2b, the flap (3) of the assembly (100) is operated from the unoperated condition (UC) to the operated condition (OC) in the presence of the authentication means. The pivotal displacement of the flap (3) slidably displaces the first member (5) along with the second member (7) from the first position (FP) to the second position (SP) due to contact between the protrusion (3a) of the flap (3) and the provision projection (6) of the first member (5). The displacement of the first member (5) along with the second member (7) occurs due to the contact between the first member (5) and the second member (7) through the spring ball mechanism (8). Upon initial movement of the second member (7) towards the second position (SP), the switch (16) may come out of contact with the second member (7) thereby transmitting the signal to the control unit. In an embodiment, the initial displacement of the second member (7) may be facilitated due to configuration of the elongated section (11) defined with the cavity (10) which is of a certain length and the lip (12) contacts the actuator plunger (14) of the actuator (14a) actuator (14a) after initial displacement of the second member (7). The control unit may receive the signal from the switch (16) and may check for the authentication means of the vehicle. Upon detection of the authentication means, the control unit may be configured to transmit operational signals to the actuator (14a) for operating the actuator (14a) from the de-actuated state to the actuated state. In the actuated state of the actuator (14a) and inturn the actuator plunger (14), the second member (7) may completely displace to the second position (SP) from the first position (FP). At the second position the lid (2) may disengage from the frame, thereby the lid (2) may be unlocked [as seen in Fig. 4]. Additionally, upon unlocking the lid (2) the spring loaded stopper (15) may be displace along with the lip (12) towards the second position (SP) such that, when the second member (7) may be in the second position (SP), the actuator plunger (14) in the actuated state may abut the spring loaded stopper (15) for restricting displacement of the actuator plunger (14), thereby restricting displacement of the actuator plunger (14) when the second member (7) may be in the second position (SP). In further operational configuration, the spring-loaded stopper (15) engages with the actuator plunger (14) to restrict displacement of the second member (7) from the second position (SP) to the first position (FP) in the open condition of the lid (2). Thus, retaining the lid (2) to be in the open condition as per user requirement and preventing the collapse and pivoting of the lid (2) into the closed condition. Subsequently, the spring-loaded stopper (15) disengages with the actuator plunger (14) to displace the second member (7) from the second position (SP) to the first position (FP) in the unoperated condition (UC) of the flap (3) and closed condition of the lid (2). Due to this disengagement of the spring-loaded stopper (15) with the actuator plunger (14), results in moving the second member (7) and the first member (5) to move towards the first position (FP), thereby pivoting the lid (2) from the open condition to the closed condition.

In further operational embodiment, as seen in Figs. 3a-3b, the flap (3) of the assembly (100) is operated from the unoperated condition (UC) to the operated condition (OC) without the presence of the authentication means. The pivotal displacement of the flap (3) slidably displaces the first member (5) from the first position (FP) to the second position (SP) due to contact between the protrusion (3a) of the flap (3) and the provision projection (6) that may be defined in the first member (5). The displacement of the first member (5) in-turn displaces the second member (7) due to the contact between the first member (5) and the second member (7) through the spring ball mechanism (8). Upon initial movement of the second member (7) towards the second position (SP), the switch (16) may come out of contact with the second member (7) thereby transmitting the signal to the control unit. In an embodiment, the initial movement of the second member (7) may be facilitated as the actuator plunger (14) of the actuator (14a) may displace along the elongated section (11) of the cavity (10). The control unit may receive the signal from the switch (16) and may check for the authentication means of the vehicle. Upon non-detection of the authentication means, the control unit does not transmit operational signals to the actuator (14a) for operating the actuator (14a) from the de-actuated state to the actuated state. In the de-actuated state of the actuator (14a) and in-turn the actuator plunger (14), the lip (12) of the second member (7) may abut the actuator plunger (14) and restrict displacement of the second member (7) towards the second position (SP), thereby retaining the lid (2) of the assembly (100) in the locked condition. Additionally, the force applied by the flap (3) on the first member (5) may be applied on the spring ball mechanism (8) due to restricted movement of the second member (7). The at least one ball of the spring ball mechanism (8) received within the slot (7a) defined in the second member (7) may exert force on the at least one spring. The force exerted on the at least one spring, may compress the at least one spring which may result in displacement of the at least one ball out of the slot (7a) to facilitate displacement of the first member (5) towards the second position (SP) relative to the second member (7) and retain the second member (7) in the first position (FP). This configuration the assembly (100), where displacement of only the first member (5) towards the second position (SP) prevents damage to the locking mechanism (4) even when the flap (3) may be operated without the authentication means. Further, after displacement of only the first member (5) from the first position (FP) to the second position (SP), the first member (5) may be returned to the first position (FP) due to the biasing force applied by the at least one first resilient member (9a), corresponding to unoperated condition of the flap (3).

In another operative configuration, the switch (16) is continuous contact with the second member (7). More specifically, the switch (16) is pressed contact with the second member (7). Upon pivotal displacement of the flap (3) from the unoperated condition (UC) to the operated condition (OC), the second member (7) slidably displaces partially towards the second position (SP) such that only a portion of the length of the cavity (10) is displaced with respect to the actuator plunger (14a). However, an entire displacement of the second member (7) along with the first member (5) is still restricted to attain the open condition of the lid (2). The switch (16) sends a signal to the control unit (12) indicative of the partial movement of the second member (7), the control unit receive the signal from the switch (16) and checks for the authentication means of the vehicle. Upon detection of the authentication means, the control unit transmits operational signals to the switch (16) to be in non-contact with the second member (7) and simultaneously, the control unit transmits the operational signals to the actuator (14a) to attain the actuated state from the de-actuated state the for releasing second member (7) and causing displacement along with the first member (5) from first position (FP) to second position (SP). Additionally, upon nondetection of the authentication means, the control unit does not transmit operational signals to the switch (16) to be in non- contact or an unpressed contact, for releasing second member (7). In another embodiment, the control unit may transmit signals to the switch (16) to the retain contact with the second member (7) or the pressed contact and simultaneously the control unit may transmit the operational signals to the actuator (14a) to be in the de-actuated state. Thus, preventing complete displacement of the second member (7) from the first position (FP) to the second position (SP) until the control unit transmits the operative signal to the switch (16) provided the authentication means is detected. Furthermore, the actuator plunger (14) engages within the cavity (10) only once the switch (16) is in unpressed contact until the control unit transmits the operative signal to the switch (16) for detected authentication means.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, lid (2) and the flap (3) are coupled using one or more hinge mechanism and fastening members. The fastening member is at least one of a nut, a screw, a bolt, threaded washer, a rivet, grommet, or any fasteners in combination that serves the purpose.

The fuel cap assembly (100) as disclosed in the present disclosure can be operated as a standalone device as per the application requirement and can be applied as standard assembly for fuel caps in different types of vehicles.

The assembly (100) in accordance with the present disclosure is economical to manufacture, easy to assemble and less time consuming to for manufacturing and assembly with respect to existing arts.

The assembly (100) with the locking mechanism in accordance with the present disclosure a cost-effective solution for enabling the user to maintain at desired locking and unlocking of the lid, facilitating authorised access to the fuel tank only upon detection of the authorisation means.

It is to be understood that a person of ordinary skill in the art may develop a device and system of similar configuration without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. Such modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure covers such modifications and variations provided they come within the ambit of the appended claims and their equivalents.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations.

In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

List of reference numeral

Claims

WE CLAIM

1. A fuel cap assembly (100), comprising: a frame (1) rigidly mounted to an opening of a fuel tank of a vehicle; a lid (2), pivotally coupled to the frame (1), adapted to displace between an open condition and a closed condition; a flap (3), pivotally coupled to the lid (2), adapted to move between an operated condition (OC) and an unoperated condition (UC); and a locking mechanism (4), coupled to an underside of the lid (2), configured to selectively lock and unlock the lid (2) about the frame (1), wherein the locking mechanism (4) comprises: a bracket (17) fixedly coupled to the underside of the lid (2); a first member (5), disposed within the bracket (17) and adapted to cooperate with the flap (3); a second member (7), coupled to the first member (5) and disposed within the bracket (17), and the second member (7) is defined with a cavity (10) and having an elongated section (11) with a lip (12), wherein the first member (5) and the second member (7) are configured to traverse between a first position (FP) and a second position (SP) to selectively lock and unlock the lid (2) about the frame (1); and an actuator (14a) having an actuator plunger (14) operationally configured to selectively engage and disengage with the cavity (10) of the second member (7), to lock and unlock the second member (7) for displacing the lid (2) between the open condition and the closed condition, respectively.

2. The fuel cap assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises at least one first resilient member (9a) and at least one second resilient member (9b) positioned between the bracket (17) and each of the first member (5) and the second member, respectively to bias the first member (5) and the second member (7) towards the first position (FP).

3. The fuel cap assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first member (5) is defined with a provision projection (6) adapted to receive a protrusion (3a) extending from the flap (3), whereby movement of the flap (3) from the unoperated condition (UC) to the operated condition (OC) causes the first member (5) and the second member (7) to displace from the first position (FP) to the second position (SP).

4. The fuel cap assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first member (5) and the second member (7) are coupled to each other by a spring ball mechanism (8) for tandem displacement of the first member (5) and the second member (7) between the first position (FP) and the second position (SP) and to prevent excessive load when the second member (7) is locked by the actuator plunger (14)

5. The fuel cap assembly (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the spring ball mechanism (8) comprises at least one spring (8a) and at least one ball (8b) at each end of the at least one spring (8a), wherein the at least one spring (8a) is coupled to the first member (5) and the at least one ball (8b) is received within a slot defined in the second member (7).

6. The fuel cap assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuator (14a) is disposed within a housing (13) in proximal to the cavity(10) of the second member (7), wherein the actuator (14a) comprises the actuator plunger (14) adapted to engage with the cavity (10) in a de-actuated state for restricting opening of the lid (2) in the first position (FP) of the second member (7).

7. The fuel cap assembly (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the actuator plunger (14) is adapted to displace away from the lip (12) and the cavity (10) in an actuated state for allowing opening of the lid (2), when the second member (7) is displaced from the first position (FP) to the second position (SP) due to movement of the flap (3) from the unoperated condition (UC) to the operated condition (OC).

8. The fuel cap assembly (100) as claimed in claim 7, comprises a spring-loaded stopper (15) disposed adjacent to the lip (12) and the actuator plunger (14) for restricting displacement of the actuator plunger (14) in the actuated state and for preventing premature de-actuation of the actuator (14a).

9. The fuel cap assembly (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the spring-loaded stopper (15) engages with the actuator plunger (14) to restrict displacement of the second member (7) from the second position (SP) to the first position (FP) in the open condition of the lid (2), and the spring-loaded stopper (15) disengages with the actuator plunger (14) to displace the second member (7) from the second position (SP) to the first position (FP) in the unoperated condition (UC) of the flap (3) and closed condition of the lid (2).

10. The fuel cap assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a switch (16) disposed about the frame (1) and adjacent to the second member (7), wherein the switch (16) is adapted to be in contact with the second member (7) in the first position (FP) and non-contact with the second member (7) when the second member (7) displaces towards the second position (SP).