GB2493847A - Bracket for fuel level sender unit support arm - Google Patents

Abstract

A bracket 41 is provided for mounting a support arm (39 see fig 1) in a fuel tank (1 see fig 1). The support arm (39) carries a fuel level sender unit (35 see fig 1) to measure the level of fuel in the fuel tank (1). The bracket 41 is made up of a base portion 73 and a coupling means (75 see fig 4). The base portion 73 is to be fixedly mounted on an inner surface of the fuel tank (1) and the coupling means (75) is suitable for pivotally coupling the support arm (39) to the bracket 41. A locking device is provided to secure the support arm (39) in the coupling means (75), the locking device comprising a bore 89 as a guide channel for receiving a thread cutting screw 52 or other fastener to lock the support arm (39) in the coupling means (75). The support arm (39) can pivot about one axis or may be mounted as a ball in a socket. The invention also relates to a support arm (39) for mounting in the bracket 41. The invention facilitates installation through an access aperture.

Description

FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates to an apparatus for mounting functional components in a fuel tank. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present application relates to a support arm and a bracket for mounting in a fuel tank. The fuel tank is typically for use in a motor vehicle.

Aspects of the invention relate to an apparatus, to a bracket, to a support arm and to a vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known to form fuel tanks using an extrusion blow-moulding process. The fuel tanks are formed as a sealed moulding and access apertures are cut to allow the installation of functional components, such as fuel pumps, vents and fuel level senders. To reduce the potential emission of hydrocarbons from the fuel, it is desirable to reduce the number of access apertures formed in the fuel tank. However, this can make it difficult to install the required functional components within the fuel tank.

One known approach is to mount the functional components on a flange positioned in the access aperture. For example, US 7,520,293 discloses mounting a manifold in the access aperture to support a tentacle connected to a floating vent valve. Similarly, US 6,298,540 discloses a fuel level sender unit mounted in the access aperture of a fuel tank. However, this approach results in increased loading being applied to the flange (directly or indirectly) and may reduce the efficacy of seals formed around the access aperture.

An alternative approach is to mount the functional components on a suspension arm which is inserted into the fuel tank. It is known from GB 2428415 to provide a moveable carrier on a suspension arm. A peg is moulded into a sidewall of the fuel tank to support a distal end of the suspension arm. The carrier supports a fuel level sender unit and is initially in an installation position to enable it to be introduced through the access aperture. The carrier is then pivoted to a deployed position by the mounting peg when the suspension arm is installed. A proximal end of the suspension arm is supported by a flange located in an access aperture.

US 200810149199 discloses providing an articulated boom for positioning a fuel line in a saddle-type fuel tank. The boom has a spring-loaded mechanism which enables the boom to pivot from a first pressure-loaded position to a second pressure-loaded position by pulling on the fuel line. The proximal end of the boom is mounted on a swirl tank provided in the fuel tank. A retainer provided on the boom presses against the floor of the tank and a support member engages the roof of the tank to fix the boom in position.

There may be problems associated with the apparatus that has to be deployed within the confines of the fuel tank. It can be difficult to determine when these systems have been properly deployed. Also, problems associated with loads being transferred to the access apertures may not be resolved. Additionally, many of the known approaches described above necessitate relatively complex components and require assembly techniques that are often labour intensive. The present invention seeks to address these known drawbacks.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a bracket for mounting a support arm carrying a fuel level sender unit, the bracket comprising: a base portion mountable on an inner surface of a fuel tank; a coupling means for pivotally coupling the support arm to the bracket to enable the support arm to pivot about a first axis; and a locking device to secure the support arm in said coupling means, the locking device comprising a guide channel for receiving a fastener to lock the support arm in said coupling means.

In use, the bracket may be fixedly attached to a sidewall of the fuel tank.

Since the coupling means allows the support arm to pivot within the fuel tank, reduced loads may be transferred to the bracket by the support arm. For example, the fuel tank may flex during vehicle operation, but in some embodiments this flexing can be accommodated by the pivoting movement of the support arm within the fuel tank. Alternatively, flexing of the fuel tank may be accommodated by flexing of the support arm.

The coupling means can engage a proximal end of the support arm. A distal end of the support arm can pivot within the fuel tank. It is not necessary to connect or attach the distal end of the support arm to the fuel tank. For example, the distal end of the support arm could rest on an interior of the fuel tank. The support arm may comprise one or more components.

The support arm may pivot about said first axis. In use, the first axis can be arranged substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The coupling means could be adapted to allow the support arm also to pivot about a second axis.

The guide channel may extend radially with respect to said first axis (X). Conveniently, the guide channel is defined by a bore formed through a boss provided on the coupling means.

The bracket may optionally comprise latching means for positively locating the support arm in the bracket. The latching means may comprise a latch for engagement with a corresponding slot on the support arm, or a slot for receiving therein a corresponding latch on the support arm.

The latching means may comprise a cantilever snap joint.

The coupling means can comprise a sleeve, a barrel, a socket, a pin, a mounting bush or other means for pivotally mounting the support arm on the bracket. The coupling means is adapted to cooperate with a complementary connector provided on the support arm.

The coupling means can define a first bearing surface for cooperating with the connector.

The first bearing surface may be at least partially cylindrical or spherical. A complementary bearing surface can be defined on the support arm connector. In an embodiment, the coupling means comprises a sleeve and the connector comprises a barrel locatable therein.

Alternatively, a ball and socket joint could be employed.

A collar may be provided to limit the pivotal movement of the support arm in a first direction and/or a second direction. The collar can define a recess in which the support arm is received. Alternatively, one or more protuberances may form one or more stop(s) to hmit the travel of the support arm. The latch may be arranged to provide an audible and/or tactile confirmation to an assembly operator that the support ami has been correctly assembled to the bracket during assembly.

The bracket may comprise a latching mechanism to temporarily secure the support arm. The latching mechanism could comprise a recess for receiving a latch provided on the support arm; or a latch locatable in a recess formed in the support arm.

The bracket may comprise an aperture and/or a guide to receive a locking device operable to fixedly couple the support arm to the bracket. Alternatively, the bracket may comprise a locking device. The locking device can comprise a latch, a ratchet, an over-centre lever or other locking mechanism. Alternatively, the locking device can comprise a mechanical fastener such as a screw (for example a thread cutting screw) or a bolt. To facilitate maintenance, the locking device may be unlocked to allow the support arm to be released. In embodiments, the locking device may be locked and/or unlocked when the bracket is mounted in the fuel tank. The bracket may thereby remain in situ while the locking device is locked and/or unlocked.

The bracket may be bonded to the fuel tank or may be moulded in place. In certain embodiments, the base portion of the bracket may be adapted to be welded directly to the inner surface of the fuel tank. For example, the base portion may be adapted to be friction welded or hot plate welded to the fuel tank. Other forms of plastic welding may be employed.

The base portion and the coupling means could be formed separately and joined together.

However, the bracket can be formed as a single piece. For example, the bracket can be moulded from a plastics material. The base portion and the coupling means can be formed integrally.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a support arm for carrying a fuel level sender unit in a fuel tank, the support arm having a connector for coupling the support arm to a bracket as described herein, wherein the connector is operatively configured to enable the support arm to pivot about a first axis.

The connector may comprise a bearing surface to enabie pivoting about the first axis. The bearing surface can be cylindrical or spherical, for example.

An opening may be provided in the first bearing surface for receiving a fastener therein to lock the support arm in said coupling means. The opening may be an elongated slot, the slot being elongated in a direction substantially orthogonal to the first axis (X).

The support arm can carry other fuel tank components in addition to a fuel level sender unit.

For example, the support arm could be suitable for carrying one or more of the following components: a roll over valve, a fill limit vent valve; a fuel level sender unit; a fuel transfer line; a fuel fill limiter. The support arm can have a generally U-shaped configuration.

A biasing member may be provided to bias the support arm to a predetermined orientation.

The biasing member can comprise a resilient member. The resilient member may extend from the support arm for engagement with a sidewall of the fuel tank. The resilient member can be a foot on which the support arm rests under normal operating conditions.

The support arm may comprise a chamber for collecting debris formed when the support arm is coupled to the mounting bracket. The chamber can be formed in the connector.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a combination of the bracket described herein with the support arm described herein. In those arrangements whereby a chamber is provided for collecting debris, the chamber may be closed or substantially sealed by the bracket when the support arm is in position. This arrangement can help prevent debris entering the fuel tank.

According to a still further aspect of the present invention there is provided a fuel tank assembly having the bracket described herein fixedly mounted on a sidewall of the fuel tank.

The bracket can be permanently attached to the sidewall of the fuel tank. The fuel tank has an access aperture formed therein. The bracket may be mounted remote from the access aperture. A support arm as described herein can be pivotally coupled to said bracket. The support arm can be releasably coupled to said bracket. The bracket and/or the support arm can be installed in the fuel tank through the aperture.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a fuel tank assembly having a mounting bracket and support arm according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figures 2A and 2B show first and second perspective views of the cross over arm according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 shows a sectioned view of the mounting bracket and support arm according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the mounting bracket; Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the collar shroud mounted on the cross over arm of an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a resilient foot for supporting the cross over arm of an embodiment of the present invention; Figures 7A and YB show a cross-sectional view and a perspective view of an insert for a diesel fuel system; and Figure 8 shows the insert of Figures 7A and 7B installed in the collar shroud.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates generally to a fuel tank 1 for an automotive vehicle (not shown for clarity). A cross-section of the fuel tank 1 according to an embodiment is shown in Figure 1.

A single chamber saddle-type fuel tank 1 is illustrated but the embodiments of the present invention described herein may find application with other types of fuel tank such as those having internal baffle plates. Furthermore, the illustrated fuel tank 1 could contain petrol (gasoline), diesel, bio-diesel, alcohol, and liquids other than those intended to act as fuels, such as fuel additives such as urea based solutions. For the sake of clarity, the present invention will be described with reference to petrol in the first instance.

The fuel tank 1 comprises a one-piece carcass 3 formed by extrusion blow-moulding using conventional techniques. The fuel tank 1 comprises a first (active) chamber 5 and a second (passive) chamber 7. A saddle 9 is formed between the first and second chambers 5, 7 but they remain in communication with each other. A fuel delivery module (FDM) 11 comprising an integrated fuel pump 13 and a first fuel level sender unit 15 is provided in the first chamberS. A fuel transfer tube 17 (having a filter 19 at its distal end) is provided to enable fuel to be drawn from the second chamber 7 by the fuel pump 13. The fuel delivery module 11 also incorporates a filter module 21 mounted in a flange F sealingly located in an access aperture A formed in the carcass 3.

The fuel tank 1 further comprises an inlet check valve (IGV) 23, a roll over valve (ROV) 25 and a fill limit vent valve (FLVV) 27. The roll over valve 25 and the fill limit vent valve 27 are generally open and allow ventilation of the fuel tank 1. A breather line assembly 28 comprising a breather conduit 29 connects the fill limit vent valve 27 to a breather vent 30.

The breather vent 30 is connected to a vapour canister, such as a charcoal canister (not shown), for the collection and discharge of fuel vapour into an engine inlet manifold (not shown) during operation. The roll over valve 25 is connected to the breather conduit 29 by a T-connector 31. The roll over valve 25 closes if the fuel tank 1 is inverted to prevent fuel escaping through the breather vent 30. The fill limit vent valve 27 closes when the level of the fuel in the fuel tank 1 reaches a maximum fill height. In alternate embodiments, the roll over valve 25 may be kept separate from the breather line assembly by connecting it to another port on the flange F of the fuel delivery module 11.

The first tuel level sender unit 15 comprises a first gauge module 32 and a first sender arm float 33 which pivots in response to changes in the level of the fuel in the first chamberS. A second fuel level sender unit 35 is provided for monitoring the level of the fuel in the second chamber 7. The second fuel level sender unit 35 comprises a second gauge module (not shown) and a second sender arm float 37 which pivots in response to changes in the level of the fuel in the second chamber 7.

A support arm assembly 39 is provided to support the second fuel level sender unit 35 along with the roll over valve 25 and the fill limit vent valve 27. The support arm assembly 39 is pivotally mounted on a bracket 41 (described below) fixedly attached to an inside wall of the carcass 3. The support arm assembly 39 has a modular construction and comprises a cross over arm 43, a collar shroud 45 (which at least partially surrounds the fill limit vent valve 27), a transfer tube support member 47 and a resilient support foot 49.

As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the cross over arm 43 is a one-piece moulding comprising a cylindrical mounting barrel 51, a first valve housing 53 and a second valve housing 55.

The barrel 51 is provided at a proximal end of the cross over arm 43 to pivotally mount the support arm assembly 39 in the mounting bracket 41. The barrel 51 has a longitudinal axis X (extending perpendicular to the plane of the page in Figure 1 and shown in Figure 4) about which the cross over arm 43 can pivot. A first end 57 of the barrel 51 has a tapered or rounded profile to facilitate location of the barrel 51 in the bracket 41. A resilient latching member 59 is provided on the barrel 51 to engage the bracket 41. An elongated slot 61 is formed in the barrel 51 to receive a locking screw 52, or other mechanical fastener! to lock the cross over arm 43 in the bracket 41. A collection chamber 63 is formed in the barrel 51 (see Figure 3).

The cross over arm 43 has a series of transfer tube clips 65 provided along a first guide channel 67 to retain the fuel transfer tube 17. A breather line clip 69 (shown in Figure 1) is mounted on a flange 70 provided on the cross over arm 43 to support the breather line assembly 28.

The first valve housing 53 is located at the top of the cross over arm 43 to house the roll over valve 25. The second valve housing 55 is provided at the distal end of the cross over arm 43 to house the fill limit vent valve 27. A first port 71 for connection to the breather conduit 29 is moulded in the cross over arm 43 proximal the second valve housing 55. The first port 71 s in fluid communication with the second valve housing 55 to connect the fill limit vent valve 27 with the breather vent 30. A second port could optionally be provided for connection to the roll over valve 25 in place of the T-connector 31. As noted above, the roll over valve 25 and the fill limit vent valve 27 may have separate connections to the flange 22 of the fuel delivery module 11.

As shown in Figure 4, the bracket 41 is a one-piece moulding comprising a base plate 73 and a mounting sleeve 75. The base plate 73 is adapted to be permanently attached to the sidewall of the carcass 3. In the present embodiment, the base plate 73 is hot plate welded to the saddle 9 of the fuel tank.

As shown in Figure 4, the sleeve 75 is open at a first end 77 to allow the insertion of the barrel 51. A second end 79 of the sleeve 75 is closed by an end wall 81 profiled to match the first end 57 of the barrel 51. The sleeve 75 has an internal cylindrical bearing surface 82 which matches the outer surface of the barrel 51. The sleeve 75 thereby forms a socket to pivotally mount the support arm assembly 39.

The first end 77 of the sleeve 75 defines a collar 83 for limiting the pivoting motion of the Gross over arm 43. As shown in Figure 4, two protuberances 85 formed on the collar 83 define stops to limit angular rotation about the longitudinal axis X. A slot 87 is formed in the sleeve 75 to receive the resilient latching member 59 when the barrel 51 is introduced into the sleeve 75. To secure the barrel 51 in the sleeve 75 the locking screw 52 is introduced through an aperture 89 in the bracket 41. A guide 91 (shown in Figure 3), comprising a radially projecting boss having an axial bore formed therethrough, is optionally formed on an outer surface of the bracket 41 to support the locking screw 52 (shown in section in Figure 3) as it is screwed into the bracket 41. The locking screw 52 locates in the elongated slot 61 in the elongate barrel 51 to enable rotation of the support arm assembly 39 about the longitudinal axis X. The locking screw 52 can abut each end of the elongated slot 61 to limit the pivoting motion of the cross over arm 43. Alternatively, the width of the elongated slot 61 relative to diameter of the locking screw 52 may be such that, when the screw 52 is tightened, the locking screw 52 bites into the adjacent edges of the slot 61 thereby restricting rotation of the barrel 51 within the sleeve 75. The locking screw 52 may be captive within the bracket 41 to facilitate installation.

In the present embodiment, the locking screw 52 is a thread-cutting screw. As the locking screw 52 is introduced into the bracket 41, swan may be created as a screw thread is cut into the bracket 41. This swarf collects in the chamber 63 in the barrel 51 and is trapped therein since the chamber 63 is closed by the end wall 81 of the sleeve 75, as shown in Figure 3. The swarf is thereby prevented from entering the body of the fuel tank 1.

As shown in Figure 5, the collar shroud 45 comprises a shroud 93 and a guide member 95.

The shroud 93 locates over the second valve housing 55 to mount the collar shroud 45 on the distal end of the cross over arm 43. The fill limit vent valve 27 is housed within the shroud 93.

A second guide channel 97 is formed in the guide member 95 and the fuel transfer tube 17 is secured in the second guide channel 97 by a set of transfer tube clips 99. The support member 47 is a resilient wire member which extends from the guide member 95 and is attached to the filter 19. The support member 47 and the guide member 95 position the end of the fuel transfer tube 17 at the bottom of the second chamber 7 of the fuel tank 1.

A perspective view of the support foot 49 is shown in Figure 6. The guide member 95 has a first clip fastener 101 for receiving a retaining plate 103 to releasably mount the support foot 49. The support foot 49 is moulded from a resilient plastics material and locates in a cooperating formation or detent 105 formed in the sidewall of the carcass 3. In use, the support foot 49 biases the support arm assembly 39 to a predetermined orientation within the fuel tank 1. The support foot 49 sets the height of the fill limit vent valve 27 and, therefore, the effective volume of the fuel tank 1.

The support foot 49 could be formed integrally with the guide member 95. However, by mounting the support foot 49 in the first clip fastener 101 a modular design can be implemented to allow the support arm assembly 39 to be tailored to suit different applications. For example, by changing the dimensions of the support foot 49, the height of the fill limit vent valve 27 within the fuel tank 1 can be altered.

The second gauge module of the second fuel level sender unit 35 is removably mounted on the side of the collar shroud 45 by a second clip fastener 107. It will be appreciated that the second fuel level sender unit 35 could be integrated into the collar shroud 45 and/or the cross over arm 43.

The assembly of the support arm assembly 39 and its installation in the fuel tank 1 will now be described. The carcass 3 is formed using conventional techniques and the aperture A is cut in a sidewall. Using the aperture A for access, the bracket 41 is hot plate welded directly onto an inside wall of the carcass 3. The bracket 41 in the present embodiment is attached to the saddle 9 and faces the aperture A to provide improved accessibility. Thus, the bracket 41 is mounted remote from the aperture A and the operational loads around the aperture A and applied to the flange F may be reduced.

The support arm assembly 39 is assembled by mounting the roll over valve 25 and the till limit vent valve 27 on the cross over arm 43. The collar shroud 45 is then positioned around the fill limit vent valve 27; and the second fuel level sender unit 35 (along with the second sender arm float 37) is mounted on the collar shroud 45. The support foot 49 is attached to the guide member 95 by the first clip fastener 101.

The fuel transfer tube 17 is inserted into the first and second guide channels 67, 97 formed in the cross over arm 53 and the guide member 95 respectively. The transfer tube clips 65, 99 retain the fuel transfer tube 17 in position. The breather conduit 29 is attached to the first port 71 and mounted on the cross over arm 43 by the breather line clip 69. The roll over valve 25 is connected to the breather conduit 29 via the T-connector 31.

The support arm assembly 39 is U-shaped so as to extend over the saddle 9 when positioned in the fuel tank 1. The assembled support arm assembly 39 can be inserted through the aperture A and installed in the fuel tank 1 without deforming the cross over arm 43 or the guide member 95. Thus, the support arm assembly 39 can have a fixed geometry.

The support arm assembly 39 is positioned in the fuel tank 1 such that the second fuel level sender unit 35 and the distal end of the fuel transfer tube 17 are disposed in the second chamber 7. By supporting the fuel transfer tube 17 along its length, the support member 47 and the guide member 95 help to prevent entanglement with the second sender arm float 37 which might obstruct or prevent movement of the second arm float 37.

The roll over valve 25 is positioned at the top of the fuel tank 1. A cap 109 may optionally be provided on the roll over valve 25 to contact the roof of the fuel tankl. The second fuel level sender unit 35 and the collar shroud 45 are located in the second chamber 7. The support foot 49 is then located in the detent 105 formed in the sidewall of the saddle 9 and the barrel 51 inserted into the mounting bracket 41. The latching member 59 on the barrel 51 locates in the slot 87 in the bracket 41 to temporarily secure the cross over arm 53. In the example shown in the Figures, the latching member 59 is arranged to secure the arm assembly by means of a snap-fit configured to provide an audible and/or tactile indication to the assembly operator that the support arm assembly 39 is properly located. The locking screw 52 is then screwed into the aperture 89 in the bracket 41 to secure the support arm assembly 39. The fuel delivery module 11 and the filter module 21 are then installed and the assembly of the fuel tank 1 completed in conventional manner.

As outlined above, the support arm assembly 39 can rotate about the longitudinal axis X. In use, the carcass 3 may flex due to external loading, for example if the vehicle in which the fuel tank 1 is installed travels over rough terrain. The pivotal coupling between the bracket 41 and the support arm assembly 39 can accommodate any such flexing of the fuel tank 1.

Moreover, any loads applied to the fuel tank 1 are not transferred directly to the mounting block 41 since the support arm assembly 39 can pivot within the fuel tank 1. This arrangement can enhance durability and reliability of the fuel tank assembly in use.

Alternatively, in the case that the locking screw 52 acts to hinder or substantially prevent rotation of the barrel 51 within the sleeve 75, flexing of carcass 3 of the fuel tank 1 may be accommodated by flexing of the cross over arm 53 itself. In this case, although forces may be transferred to the mounting block 41, the fact that the mounting block 41 is remote from flange F of the access aperture A, means that any such forces do not have an adverse effect on the integrity of the seal around the filter module 21.

The support foot 49 biases the support arm assembly 39 towards a predetermined position/orientation within the fuel tank 1. Thus, movement of the fuel tank 1 does not affect the supply of fuel from the fuel tankS since the fuel transfer tube 17 remains in substantially the same position. The support foot 49 also helps ensure that the second fuel level sender unit 35 remains at a predetermined height within the fuel tank 1. The support foot 49 may bias the roll over valve 25 against the roof of the fuel tank 1.

The breather line clip 69 supports the breather conduit 29 in a substantially horizontal position. This helps prevent the formation of troughs (so-called U-traps) in the breather conduit 29 where fuel may collect resulting in premature cut-off when the fuel tank 3 is being filled.

The fuel tank 1 has been described with particular reference to petrol (gasoline). It will be appreciated that modifications could be made to render the fuel tank 1 suitable for diesel fuel, alcohol, or a liquid not intended to act as a fuel, for example a fuel additive such as an urea solution. The equivalent diesel fuel tank 1 would incorporate a diesel delivery module (DDM) in place of the fuel delivery module 11. Also, the fuel tank 1 would be vented to the fuel filler cap (not shown) rather than a charcoal canister or the like. Accordingly, the roll over valve 25 can be omitted for diesel applications and a cap 109 provided to contact the roof of the fuel tank 1.

A further optional modification for diesel systems would be to omit the fill limit vent valve 27.

Instead, the fill limit of the fuel tank 1 would be controlled by a tubular insert 111 located inside the shroud 93 to replace the fill limit vent valve 27. As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, an inclined opening 113 is formed at the bottom of the insert 111 to place the interior of the fuel tank 1 in communication with the breather vent 30 via the breather conduit 29. The top of the insert 111 locates inside the second casing 55 and a circumferential flange 115 abuts the top of the second casing 55. An 0-ring 117 is provided around the top of the insert 111 to form a seal with the breather line assembly 28. An external collar 119 is formed on the insert 111 and a pair of latching members 121 cooperates with complementary slots (not shown) in the shroud 93 to secure the insert 111.

A cross-sectional view of the insert 111 installed in the collar shroud 45 of the support arm assembly 39 is shown in Figure 8. In use, when the fuel within the fuel tank 1 covers the opening 113, the air above the fuel in the carcass 3 can no longer vent through the breather vent 30. The carcass 3 is thereby effectively sealed and the continued supply of fuel causes an increase in pressure within the fuel tank 1. The increased pressure causes the fuel dispenser to cut off and the supply of fuel to the fuel tank ito be stopped. The closure of the opening 113 in the insert 111 by the fuel in the fuel tank 1 is thereby equivalent to the closing ot the fill limit vent valve 27. It will be appreciated that the height of the opening 113 in the fuel tank 1 determines the fill limit.

A similar result may be achieved without providing a tubular insert 111. Instead, the shroud 93 can by extended downwardly to the desired height within the fuel tank 1. Once the fuel within the fuel tank 1 covers the bottom of the shroud 93 the breather line assembly 28 is closed and the fuel tank 1 is effectively sealed. The resulting increase in pressures causes the fuel dispenser to cut off and thereby limit supply of fuel to the fuel tank 1. These modifications are believed to be independently patentable and are the subject of a co-pending application.

It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the roll over vent 25 and the fill limit vent valve 27 could be over moulded into the support arm assembly 39. Likewise, the fuel transfer tube 17 could be integrally formed in the support arm assembly 39, for example using gas-assisted moulding.

Claims (1)

1. <claim-text>CLAIMS: 1. A bracket (41) for mounting a support arm (39) carrying a fuel level sender unit (35), the bracket (41)comprising: a base portion (73) mountable on an inner surface of a fuel tank (1); a coupling means (75) for pivotally coupling the support arm (39)to the bracket (41) to enable the support arm (39) to pivot about a first axis (X); and a locking device to secure the support arm (39) in said coupling means (75), the locking device comprising a guide channel for receiving a fastener to lock the support arm (39) in said coupling means (75).</claim-text> <claim-text>2. A bracket (41) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the guide channel extends radially with respect to said first axis (X).</claim-text> <claim-text>3. A bracket (41) as claim in claim 1 or claim 2, the guide channel being defined by a bore formed through a boss provided on the coupling means (75).</claim-text> <claim-text>4. A bracket (41) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising latching means for positively locating the support arm (39) in the bracket (41).</claim-text> <claim-text>5. A biacket as claimed in claim 4, the latching means comprising a latch for engagement with a corresponding slot on the support arm (39), or a slot (87) for receiving therein a corresponding latch (59) on the support arm (39).</claim-text> <claim-text>6. A bracket (41) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the latching means comprises a cantilever snap joint.</claim-text> <claim-text>7. A biacket (41) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling means comprises a sleeve (75) for cooperating with a complementary connector (51) provided on said support arm (39).</claim-text> <claim-text>8. A bracket (41) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the sleeve (75) comprises a first bearing surface which is at least partially cylindrical or spherical.</claim-text> <claim-text>9. A bracket (41) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising a collar (83) for limiting pivotal movement of the support arm (39) about said first axis (X).</claim-text> <claim-text>10. A bracket (41) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base portion (73) and the coupling means (75) are formed integrally.</claim-text> <claim-text>11. A support arm (39) for carrying a fuel level sender unit (35) in a fuel tank (1), the support arm (39) having a connector (51) for coupling the support arm (39) to a bracket (41) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector (51) is operatively configured to enable the support arm (39) to pivot about a first axis (X).</claim-text> <claim-text>12. A support arm (39) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the connector (51) comprises a first bearing surface to enable pivoting about the first axis (X).</claim-text> <claim-text>13. A support arm (39) as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12, wherein an opening is provided in the first bearing surface for receiving a fastener therein to lock the support arm (39) in said coupling means (75).</claim-text> <claim-text>14. A support arm as claimed in claim 13, wherein the opening is an elongated slot (61), the slot (61) being elongated in a direction substantially orthogonal to the first axis (X).</claim-text> <claim-text>15. A support arm (39) as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 14, further comprising a resilient member (49) to bias the support arm (39) to a predetermined orientation.</claim-text> <claim-text>16. A support arm (39) as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 15, further comprising a chamber (63) for collecting debris formed when the support arm (39) is coupled to the mounting bracket (41).</claim-text> <claim-text>17. A combination of the bracket (41) claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 and the support arm (39) claimed in any one of claims 11 to 16.</claim-text> <claim-text>18. A fuel tank assembly (1) having a bracket (41) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to fixedly mounted on a sidewall thereof.</claim-text> <claim-text>19. A fuel tank assembly (1) claimed in claim l8comprising a support arm (39) as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 15 coupled to said bracket (41).</claim-text> <claim-text>20. A vehicle having a bracket, a support arm or an assembly as claimed in any preceding claim.</claim-text> <claim-text>21. A bracket, a support arm or an assembly constructed and/or arranged substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.</claim-text>