MX2012010338A - Neck assembly. - Google Patents

Abstract

A neck assembly of a fuel system component comprises a housing. The housing comprises a sleeve having a first end portion positioned exterior to the fuel system component and a longitudinally opposed second end portion. The housing further comprises an encapsulation ring extending radially outwardly from the second end portion of the sleeve and encapsulated within a wall of the fuel system component. The neck assembly further comprises a valve cartridge at least partially received within the sleeve and secured thereto. The valve cartridge comprises a conduit having a first end portion positioned exterior to the fuel system component and a longitudinally opposed second end portion.

Description

NECK ASSEMBLY Field of the Invention The description refers to a neck assembly for a fuel system component, such as a fuel tank. Specifically, the description refers to a neck assembly for a fuel system component that is made by means of the blow molding process.

Background of the Invention The following is not an admission that anything discussed below is the prior art or part of the general knowledge common to persons skilled in the art.

U.S. Patent No. 6,860,398 (Potter et al.) Discloses low permeation fittings and low permeation plastic containers using the low permeation fittings. Low permeation fittings and low permeation plastic containers are constructed through the process of molding an exterior component in the wall of a plastic container while it is being formed. This causes the orifice of a passage in the outer component to be covered with a wall-forming material. Then, the inner component is inserted into the component REF. 234521 through the wall-forming material with which the wall material is trapped between the internal and external components. Therefore, the barrier layer of the container wall is continuous from the container to the interior of the accessory. A new fuel container, a fuel neck fitting, and a flange for assembling the components in a fuel tank are described.

Summary of the Invention The following summary is provided to introduce the reader to the more detailed discussion that follows. It is not intended that the summary limit or define the claims.

According to one aspect, a collar assembly of a fuel system component is provided. The neck assembly comprises a housing. The housing comprises a sleeve having a first end portion located external to the fuel system component and a second longitudinally opposite end portion. The housing further comprises an encapsulation ring extending radially outwardly from the second end portion of the sleeve and encapsulated within a wall of the fuel system component. The neck assembly further comprises a valve cartridge received, at least partially, within the sleeve and secured therewith. The valve cartridge comprises a first end portion located exterior to the fuel system component and a second longitudinally opposite end portion. The valve cartridge defines a conduit for fluid flow. At least one separate annular seal is located between any two of the sleeve, the valve cartridge and the fuel system component wall.

At least one annular seal could comprise a first seal located between the sleeve and the valve cartridge. The valve cartridge could comprise an outer surface and the sleeve could comprise an inner surface. The outer surface of the valve cartridge could be in orientation relation with the inner surface of the sleeve. At least one of the outer surface of the valve cartridge and the inner surface of the sleeve could comprise a recess in which the first seal is seated.

The collar assembly could further comprise a second annular seal 'located between the valve cartridge and the fuel system component wall. The valve cartridge could comprise a protrusion located in an orientation relationship with an exterior surface of the wall of the fuel system component, and the second seal could be located between the protrusion and the exterior surface of the fuel system component. The projection could comprise a recess in which the second seal is seated.

At least one annular seal could be made of a flexible material, in an elastic form.

The housing could further comprise at least one sleeve connector in the first end portion of the sleeve, and the valve cartridge could further comprise at least one valve cartridge connector in the first end portion of the valve cartridge. The valve cartridge connector could be engaged with the sleeve connector to secure the valve cartridge in the housing.

The sleeve could be made of metal, and the encapsulation ring could be laser welded in the sleeve.

The second end portion of the valve cartridge could extend protruding from the second end portion of the sleeve and could be located within the fuel system component. The second end portion of the valve cartridge could have a valve assembly mounted therewith. Alternatively, the second end portion of the valve cartridge could include a valve. The valve could be selected from the group consisting of a block valve, a check valve, a fill limit vent valve, and a graduation vent valve.

According to another aspect, a neck assembly of a fuel system component is described. The neck assembly comprises a housing. The housing comprises a sleeve having a first end portion located external to the fuel system component and a second longitudinally opposite end portion. An encapsulation ring extends outwardly from the second end portion of the sleeve and is encapsulated within a wall of the fuel system component. At least one sleeve connector is located in the first end portion of the sleeve. The neck assembly further comprises a valve cartridge received, at least partially, within the sleeve and defines a conduit for the flow of fuel. The valve cartridge comprises a first end portion located exterior to the fuel system component and a second longitudinally opposite end portion. At least one valve cartridge connector is located in the first end portion of the valve cartridge. The valve cartridge connector is engaged with the sleeve connector to secure the valve cartridge within the housing.

At least one sleeve connector could be integral with the sleeve, and at least one valve cartridge connector could be integral with the valve cartridge.

At least one valve cartridge could comprise an outer surface, and at least one recess defined in the outer surface. At least one sleeve connector could comprise at least one protrusion extending inward from the sleeve and protruding at least towards a recess.

At least one recess could comprise a plurality of recesses extending around the outer surface of the valve cartridge. At least one protrusion could comprise a plurality of tabs extending inwardly from the sleeve. Each of the tabs could protrude towards one of the recesses.

Alternatively, at least one recess could comprise a single annular recess extending around the outer surface of the valve cartridge. At least one protrusion could comprise a plurality of tabs extending inwardly from the sleeve and protruding towards the annular recess. The recess could comprise a base surface facing the first end portion of the conduit, and the tabs could have a proximal end connected to the sleeve and an opposite distant end that supports the base surface.

The sleeve could be a metal, and the plurality of tabs could comprise biased cuts that are bent towards the recess as a function of the assembly.

The valve cartridge could comprise a lip having a first portion extending laterally radially outwardly from the first end portion of the valve cartridge and a second portion extending in the axial direction towards the second end portion. of the valve cartridge. The lip could define a groove in which the first end portion of the sleeve is received.

The sleeve connector could comprise at least one opening formed through the first end portion of the sleeve, and the valve cartridge connector could comprise at least one protrusion extending inward from the second portion of the lip and is received inside the opening.

The lip could be flexible, in an elastic way, to allow the protrusion to be removed from the opening. The valve cartridge could be secured, removably, inside the housing. In other words, the valve cartridge could be removable from the housing.

According to another aspect, an assembly of. neck of a fuel system component. The neck assembly comprises a housing. The housing comprises a metal sleeve having a first end portion located exterior to the fuel system component. and a second end portion that is longitudinally opposite. The housing further comprises a metal encapsulation ring which is welded to the second end portion of the sleeve and extends radially outwardly from the second end portion of the sleeve. The encapsulation ring is encapsulated within a wall of the fuel system component. A valve cartridge is received, at least partially, inside the sleeve and is secured therewith. The valve cartridge defines a conduit for fuel flow, and comprises a first end portion located exterior to the fuel system component and a second longitudinally opposite end portion.

According to another aspect, a method of securing a neck assembly in a fuel system component is described. The method comprises a) providing a housing comprising i) a sleeve having a first end portion and a second longitudinally opposite end portion, and (ii) an encapsulation ring extending radially outwardly from the second end portion. end portion of the sleeve; b) encapsulating the encapsulation ring in a wall of the fuel system component while the fuel system component is blow molded, whereby the first end portion of the sleeve is located outside the system component, gas; c) providing a valve cartridge defining a conduit for fuel flow and comprising a first end portion and a second longitudinally opposite end portion; d) inserting the valve cartridge into the sleeve of the first end portion of the sleeve towards the second end portion, whereby, the first end portion of the valve cartridge is located exterior to the wall of the system component made out of fuel; and e) securing the valve cartridge in the sleeve.

The method could further comprise sealing the valve cartridge in at least one of the sleeve and the wall of the fuel system component. Sealing the valve cartridge in the sleeve could comprise mounting at least one separate annular seal on the valve cartridge before step (d), and compressing at least one annular seal between the valve cartridge and one of the sleeve and the wall of the fuel system component during stage (e). Alternately, sealing the valve cartridge in the sleeve comprises mounting a separate first annular seal and a second separate annular seal in the valve cartridge prior to step (d), and compressing the first annular seal between the valve cartridge and the sleeve and the second annular seal between the valve cartridge and the fuel system component wall during step (e).

The first end portion of the sleeve could comprise at least one tongue. The valve cartridge could comprise an outer surface, and the first end portion of the valve cartridge could comprise at least one recess formed in the outer surface. Step (e) could comprise bending inward at least one tongue at least within a recess.

The valve cartridge could comprise a lip having a first portion extending radially outwardly from the first end portion of the valve cartridge and a second portion extending in the axial direction toward the second end portion of the valve cartridge. valve cartridge. The lip could have a slot. The method could further comprise inserting the first end portion of the sleeve into the slot while inserting the valve cartridge into the sleeve.

At least one opening could be formed through the first end portion of the sleeve. At least one protrusion could extend inward from the second portion of the lip. Step (e) could comprise pressurizing the protrusion into the opening while inserting the valve cartridge into the sleeve.

The sleeve could be made of metal, the encapsulation ring could be made of metal, and step (a) could comprise the laser welding of the encapsulation ring on the second end portion of the sleeve.

The method could further comprise mounting a valve assembly on the second end portion of the conduit before inserting the conduit into the sleeve.

Brief Description of the Figures Reference is made in the detailed description to the accompanying figures, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a fuel tank including a neck assembly; Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the neck assembly of Figure 1, which also shows a check valve, and a portion of the fuel tank of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the housing of the neck assembly of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a sectional perspective view of the neck assembly of Figure 1; Figure 4A is an enlarged view of the region shown in circle A in Figure 4; Figure 5 is a perspective view of a valve cartridge of the neck assembly of Figure 1; Figure 6 is a perspective view of the internal check valve of Figure 2; or Figure 7 is an exploded view of another neck assembly; Figure 8 is a cross section taken along line 8-8 in Figure 7, showing the neck assembly in the assembled configuration; Figure 8A is an enlarged view of the region shown in circle A of Figure 8; Y Figure 8B is an enlarged view of the region shown in circle B of Figure 8.

Detailed description of the invention No example described below limits any claimed invention and any claimed invention could cover processes or apparatuses that are not described below. The claimed inventions are not limited to apparatuses or processes which have all the characteristics of any apparatus or process described below or features common to multiple or all of the apparatuses described below.

With reference to Figure 1, an example of a fuel system component 10 is shown. The fuel system component 10 is a fuel tank 13 for fuel storage. A fuel filler pipe 12 is provided for transportation of fuel to the fuel tank 13. A ventilation system 14 assists in vapor displacement 'when liquid fuel is introduced into the tank 10. An outlet port 16 controls the release of liquid fuel stored for use on either side in the system. A neck assembly 18 is used to connect the fuel tank 13 to the fuel filler pipe 12.

As will be described in further detail, the neck assembly 18 is secured in the fuel tank 13 by the encapsulation. In this process, a portion of the assembly 18 is placed inside the forming tool during the tank model process and the plastic of the fuel tank 13 is exposed while the plastic of the fuel tank 13 is in its liquid state so which can wrap, that is to say encapsulate, a portion of the neck assembly 18, whereby a hermetic seal is created between the two components.

With reference to Figures 2 and 3 the neck assembly 18 includes a housing 20. The housing 20 includes a sleeve 26 (also known as a positioner), and an encapsulation ring 24. The sleeve 26 is generally cylindrical and has a first end portion 28 and a second longitudinally opposite end portion 30. The second end portion 30 has a flange 31 extending radially outwardly therefrom.

With reference to Figures 3 and 4, the encapsulation ring 24 extends radially outwardly from the second end portion 30 of the sleeve 26. In the example shown, the encapsulation ring 24 is formed separately from the sleeve 26 and is secured in the sleeve 26. Specifically, the sleeve 26 and the encapsulation ring 24 are made of metal. The encapsulation ring 24 comprises a shelf 33 which is located below and in an orientation relationship with the flange 31 of the sleeve 26. The flange 31 and the shelf 33 are welded together, for example, by means of laser welding.

In alternative examples, the encapsulation ring 24 could be spot welded, or MIG welded with the sleeve 26. In these examples, the metal could be coated or protected from corrosion. In further alternative examples, the encapsulation ring 24 could be secured, mechanically, in the sleeve 26, such as by the use of an oscillating connecting lock. Still in further alternative examples, the encapsulation ring 24 could be adhered in the sleeve 26. Still in further alternative examples, the encapsulation ring 24 could be integrally formed with the sleeve 26. Specifically, the encapsulation ring 24 and the sleeve 26 could be manufactured from a plastic, and could be integrally molded. In these examples, the housing 20 could be made from a suitable resin that can withstand the molding of the tank 10.

With reference to Figure 4, as the fuel tank 13 is being molded, the encapsulation ring 24 is encapsulated in a wall 11 of the fuel tank 13, so that the sleeve 26 extends outwardly from. the surface of the tank 13, and the first end portion 28 of the sleeve is located outside the fuel tank 13. In the example shown, the second end portion 30 of the sleeve, which includes the flange 31, is also encapsulated. The encapsulation of the encapsulation ring 24 anchors the housing 20 in the fuel tank 13. Still with reference to Figures 3 and 4, the encapsulation ring comprises various contours 35 and openings 37, which serve to allow the tank plastic to The fuel is wrapped and formed around the encapsulation ring 24 during the molding process, in order to securely anchor the encapsulation ring 24 in the fuel tank 13.

The encapsulation process during the molding of these components is well known in the art and will not be discussed in further detail herein.

With reference to Figures 2, 4 and 5, the neck assembly 18 further includes a valve cartridge 32. The valve cartridge 32 defines a conduit 34 (shown in Figures 4 and 5) through which the fluid could flow. , such as fuel. The valve cartridge 32 has a first end portion 36 and a second longitudinally opposite end portion 38. With reference to Figure 4, the valve cartridge 32 is received, at least partially, inside the sleeve 26, so that then the first end portion 36 of the valve cartridge is located outside in the fuel tank 13, and is sealed and secured in the container. the sleeve 26. As shown, a central portion 40 of the valve cartridge 32 is received within the sleeve 26, and the first end portion 36 and the second end portion 38 of the valve cartridge 32 extend projecting from the first portion. end 28 and the second end portion 30 of the sleeve 26, respectively. Specifically, the first end portion 36 of the conduit 34 extends protruding from the first end portion 28 of the sleeve 26. The second end portion 38 of the conduit 34 extends protruding from the second end portion 30 of the sleeve 26 and is received inside the fuel tank 13. In alternative examples, one or both of the first end portion 36 of the valve cartridge and the second end portion 38 of the valve cartridge could be received inside the sleeve 26.

With reference to Figure 5, the second end portion 38 of the valve cartridge is configured to have a valve assembly 44 mounted therewith. An example of a valve assembly 44 is shown in Figure 6. As exemplified, the valve assembly 44 is an internal check valve, which could be configured to allow fluid to flow although it does not leave the fuel tank. In alternative examples, the valve assembly could be a block valve, a fill limit vent valve, a graduation vent valve, or any other suitable liquid discriminated valve. The valve assembly 44 could be connected to the second end portion 38 of the valve cartridge 32 in any suitable manner.

Still with reference to Figure 5, in the example shown, the valve cartridge 32 includes a plurality of protrusions 48 extending radially outwardly therefrom which are adjacent the second end portion 38 thereof. A plurality of the guide tabs 49 is located between the protrusions 48. With reference to Figure 6, the valve assembly 44 includes a plurality of fins 51, which are separated by axial grooves 53. Each fin 51 has. an opening 50 extending radially therethrough. The second end portion 38 of the valve cartridge 32 could be inserted into the valve assembly 44 while the wings 51 are flexed outwardly through the protrusions 48. The guide tabs 49 could be aligned and inserted into the slots 53. , to ensure that the openings 50 are aligned with the protrusions 48. As the valve cartridge 32 is inserted into the valve assembly, the protrusions 48 will be pressed into the openings 50, to secure the valve assembly 44 in the valve cartridge 32. One or more seals (not shown) could be provided to seal the valve assembly 44 in the valve cartridge 32.

In alternative examples, the valve assembly 44 or a portion thereof could be integrally formed with the second end portion of the valve cartridge 32.

As mentioned above, the valve cartridge 32 is secured in the sleeve 26. Specifically, with reference to Figure 3, the sleeve 26 includes a plurality of sleeve connectors 52 in the first end portion 28 thereof. In the example shown, each of the sleeve connectors 52 includes an opening 54 that is formed through the first end portion 28 of the sleeve 26. The openings 54 are located, in a circumferential position, around the sleeve 26. A ring 55 is located, in axial position, above the openings 54.

In addition, the valve cartridge 32 includes a plurality of valve cartridge connectors 56 in the first end portion 36 thereof. Specifically, with reference to Figure 4A, the valve cartridge 32 includes a lip 58 having a first portion 60 extending radially outwardly from the first end portion 36 of the valve cartridge 32 and a second portion 62 extending in the axial direction towards the second end portion 38 of the valve cartridge 32. The lip 58 defines a groove 66 (shown in Figure 5). The second end portion 62 of the lip comprises a plurality of grooves extending in axial direction 63, defining a plurality of fins 65 in the second end portion 62 of the lip 58. The fins 65 are flexible, in an elastic form. Each other fin 65 includes a protrusion 64 that extends radially inwardly therefrom, and an aperture 67 above the protrusion 64. The protrusions 64 are positioned to be aligned, in circumferential position, with the apertures 37 of the housing 26. Each of the protrusions 64 defines a valve cartridge connector 56.

The valve cartridge connectors 56 engage the sleeve connectors 52 to secure the valve cartridge 32 within the housing 20. Specifically, still with reference to Figures 4 and 4A, for the purpose of mounting the valve cartridge 32 in the housing 26, the second end portion 38 of the valve cartridge 32 could be inserted into the first end portion 28 of the housing 26, and is slid in the axial direction into the housing 26. As the first end portion 36 of the valve cartridge approaches the first end portion 28 of the sleeve, the first end portion 28 of the sleeve 26 will enter the slot 66. The ring 55 will contact the protrusions 64, and will force the wings 65 flex radially outward. As the valve cartridge 32 is further slid into the housing 26, the fins 65 will be pressed in the radially inward direction, so that the protrusions 64 are inserted into the apertures 54. Accordingly, when the cartridge valve 32 is secured in the sleeve 26, the second end portion 30 of the sleeve 26 is received in the slot 66, and the protrusions 64 are received within the openings 54.

In the example shown, the valve cartridge 32 is secured, removably, within the housing 20. Specifically, for the purpose of removing the valve cartridge 32 from the housing 20, the fins 65 could be flexed in the radial direction toward outside, for example, by manually grasping the fins 65, to remove the protrusions 64 from the openings 50, and the valve cartridge 32 could be slid out of the sleeve 26.

In the example shown, the sleeve 26 includes a plurality of sleeve connectors 52, and the valve cartridge 32 includes a plurality of valve cartridge connectors 56. In alternative examples, each sleeve 26 and valve cartridge 32 could include only one sleeve connector 52 and valve cartridge connector 56, respectively. In still further alternative examples, a valve cartridge connector and the sleeve connector could be of another "configuration" For example, a valve cartridge connector could comprise an opening, and a sleeve connector could comprise a protrusion that can be received at the opening.

In the example shown, the sleeve connector 52 and the valve cartridge connector 56 are integrally formed with. the sleeve 26 and the valve cartridge 32, respectively. In alternative examples, the sleeve connector 52 and / or the valve cartridge connector 56 could be formed, separately, from the sleeve 26 and the valve cartridge 32, respectively.

The neck assembly 18 could further include one or more annular seals 68, which are formed, separately, of the valve cartridge 32 and the sleeve 26, and which could be located between any two of the sleeve 26, the valve cartridge 32 and the wall 11 of the fuel tank 13. The seals 68 could serve to avoid or reduce the risk of the liquid and / or vapor escaping from the fuel tank 13.

With reference to Figures 2 and 4, the seals 68 include a first annular seal 70 which is located between the sleeve 26 and the valve cartridge 32. Specifically, the valve cartridge 32 includes an outer surface 72 that is located at orientation relation with the inner surface 74 of the sleeve 26. The outer surface 72 includes an annular recess 76. The first annular seal 70 includes a gasket, an O-ring, or other suitable flexible seal, in an elastic form, which is seated in the annular recess 76, and is compressed between the valve cartridge 32 and the sleeve 26 to prevent fluid flow between them. same.

Still with reference to Figures 2 and 4, the neck assembly 18 further includes a second annular seal 78 which is located between the valve cartridge 32 and the wall 11 of the fuel system component 10. Specifically, the valve cartridge 32 includes a projection 80 (shown in FIG. Figure 4). The projection 80 is located in an orientation relationship with an exterior surface of the wall 11 of the fuel tank 10, and includes an annular recess 82. The second annular seal 78 includes an o-ring, a gasket, or other suitable flexible seal, in an elastic form, which is seated in the annular recess 82, and is compressed between the projection 80 and the outer surface of the wall 11 of the fuel tank 3 to prevent the flow of fluid therebetween.

The first and second annular seals 70 and 78 could be made of any suitable material that provides an airtight seal of the liquid and vapor between the components. In a particular example, the first seal and / or the second seal could be made from a fluroelastomer.

In use, the neck assembly 18 could be assembled by securing together the sleeve 26 and the encapsulation ring 24, for example, by laser welding, if these are formed, separately. Then, the encapsulation ring 24 could be encapsulated in a wall 11 of the fuel tank 13 during the blow molding process of the fuel tank, 13, so that the first end portion 28 of the sleeve 26 is located outside the tank. of fuel 13.

After encapsulation, a hole could have to be cut, punctured or penetrated in the wall 11 of the fuel tank 3, within the area of the encapsulation ring 24.

The first and second seals 70 and 78 could be mounted on the valve cartridge 32 by seating the first seal 70 in the first recess 76 and seating the second seal 78 in the second recess 82. The valve assembly 44 could be secured in the second end portion 38 of the valve cartridge 32 by inserting the second end portion 38 of the valve cartridge 32 into the valve assembly 44, flexing the wings 51 outwardly, positioning the openings 5.0 on the protrusions 48, and allowing the fins 51 are flexed back inward, so that the protrusions 48 are received in the openings 50.

The valve cartridge 32, with ring seals 68 and the valve assembly 44 mounted therewith, could then be mounted in the housing 20 by inserting the valve cartridge 32 into the sleeve 26 of the first end portion 28 of the sleeve 26 towards the second end portion 30, and securing and sealing the valve cartridge 32 in the sleeve 26. As described above, as the first end portion 36 of the valve cartridge approaches the first end portion 28 of the sleeve, the first end portion 28 of the sleeve 26 will enter slot 66. Ring 55 will contact protrusions 64, and will force fins 65 to flex radially outwardly. As the valve cartridge 32 is further slid into the housing 26, the fins 65 will be pressed in the radially inward direction, so that the protrusions 64 are inserted into the apertures 54. In addition, during insertion, the first seal 70 will be compressed between the valve cartridge 32 and the sleeve 26, and the second seal 78 will be compressed between the projection 80 and the wall 11 of the fuel tank 13, to seal the valve assembly 44 in the sleeve 26 and the fuel tank 13.

A fuel filler tube 12 could then be connected to the neck assembly 8 in any suitable manner, for example, using a helical gear clamp or a fold style clamp.

In alternative examples (not shown), a neck assembly could be configured, so that a quick connect coupling could be used to connect the neck assembly to the fuel filler tube 12. In these examples, the assembly The neck could be configured, similarly, to the neck assembly 18 described above, however, the lip could be separated from the first end portion of the valve cartridge, and furthermore could be located towards the second end portion of the valve. conduit.

Another example of a neck assembly is shown in Figures 7-8B, in which the same reference numbers have been used to refer to the same characteristics as in Figures 1-6, with the number seven (7) above of each reference number. The collar assembly 718 is similar to the neck assembly 18, however, in the collar assembly 718, the sleeve connector 752 and the valve cartridge connector 756 are configured, differently, from the sleeve connector 52 and the valve cartridge connector 56 of Figures 1-6.

Specifically, with reference to Figure 8A, the valve cartridge connector 756 includes at least one recess 784 defined on an outer surface 772 of the valve cartridge 732. As exemplified, the valve cartridge connector 756 includes a recess single annular 784 extending around the outer surface 772 of the conduit 734. In alternative examples, the valve cartridge connector 756 could comprise a plurality of recesses extending around the outer surface 772 of the conduit 734. The recess 784 includes a base surface 786 facing the first end portion 728 of the conduit 734.

The sleeve connector 752 includes at least one portion that will be bent in position, so that it becomes a protrusion 788 extending inward from the sleeve 726 and protruding at least toward a recess 784. As exemplified, the protrusion 788 includes a plurality of tabs 790 extending inwardly from sleeve 726 and protruding toward annular recess 784. Tabs 790 have a proximal end 792 connected to sleeve 726, and an opposite distant end 794. The end Distant 794 supports the base surface 786 to secure the valve cartridge 732 in the housing 720.

In examples where the sleeve 726 is fabricated from a metal, the tabs 790 could comprise biased cuts that are formed within the sleeve 726, and the tabs 790 could be folded or bent within the recess 784 once the valve cartridge 732 is inserted into the housing 720. Alternatively the tabs 790 could be flexible, elastically shaped, and could be snapped into the annular recess 782 as the valve cartridge 732 is inserted into the housing 720.

In Figures 7-8B, a valve assembly is not shown; however, it will be appreciated that a valve assembly could be mounted on the second end portion 738 in the same manner as in Figures 1-4.

In the examples described above, the neck assemblies 18 and 718 extend, generally, perpendicular to the wall 11 of the fuel tank 13. In alternative examples, one or more of the parts of a neck assembly could be extended in an angle with the wall 11 of the fuel tank 13. For example, a valve housing and the valve cartridge could extend at an angle of 30 ° with the fuel tank It is noted that in relation to this date better method known by the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is that which is clear from the present description of the invention.

Claims (34)

CLAIMS Having described the invention as above, the content of the following claims is claimed as property:

1. A neck assembly of a fuel system component, characterized in that it comprises: a) a housing comprising (i) a sleeve having a first end portion located exterior to the fuel system component and a second longitudinally opposite end portion, and (ii) an encapsulation ring extending in a radial direction toward outside the second end portion of the sleeve and is encapsulated within a wall of the fuel system component; b) a valve cartridge received, at least partially, inside the sleeve and secured therewith, the valve cartridge has a first end portion located external to the fuel system component and a second end portion longitudinally opposite, the valve cartridge defines a conduit for fluid flow; c) at least one separate annular seal that is located between any two of the sleeve, the valve cartridge, and the wall of the fuel system component.

2. The neck assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one annular seal comprises a first seal located between the sleeve and the valve cartridge.

3. The neck assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: a) the valve cartridge comprises an outer surface and the sleeve comprises an inner surface; b) the outer surface of the valve cartridge is in orientation relation with the inner surface of the sleeve; Y c) at least one of the outer surface of the valve cartridge and the inner surface of the sleeve comprises a recess in which the first seal is seated.

4. The neck assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that it further comprises a second annular seal located between the valve cartridge and the wall of the fuel system component.

5. The neck assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that the valve cartridge comprises a projection located in an orientation relation with an exterior surface of the wall of the fuel system component, and the second seal is located between the projection and the outer surface of the fuel system component.

6. The neck assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that the projection comprises a recess in which the second seal is seated.

7. The collar assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one annular seal is made of a flexible material, in an elastic form.

8. The neck assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing further comprises at least one sleeve connector in the first end portion of the sleeve, and the valve cartridge further comprises at least one valve cartridge connector in the first end portion of the valve cartridge, and the valve cartridge connector is engaged with the sleeve connector to secure the valve cartridge in the housing.

9. The neck assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the sleeve is made of metal, and the encapsulation ring is laser welded in the sleeve.

10. The neck assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the second end portion of the valve cartridge extends projecting from the second end portion of the sleeve and is located within the fuel system component.

11. The neck assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that the second end portion of the valve cartridge has a valve assembly mounted therewith.

12. The neck assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the second end portion of the valve cartridge includes a valve.

13. The neck assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that the valve is selected from the group consisting of a lock valve, a check valve, a fill limit vent valve, and a graduation vent valve,

14. A neck assembly of a fuel system component, characterized in that it comprises: a) a housing comprising (i) a sleeve having a first end portion located exterior to the fuel system component and a second longitudinally opposite end portion, (ü) an encapsulation ring extending outward from the second end portion of the sleeve and is encapsulated within a wall of the fuel system component; and (iii) at least one sleeve connector in the first end portion of the sleeve; Y b) a valve cartridge received, at least partially, within the sleeve, the valve cartridge defines a conduit for fuel flow and comprises (i) a first end portion located exterior to the fuel system component and a second longitudinally opposite end portion, and (ii) at least one valve cartridge connector on the first end portion of the valve cartridge, the valve cartridge connector engaged with the sleeve connector to secure the valve cartridge within the accommodation.

15. The neck assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that at least one sleeve connector is integral with the sleeve, and at least one valve cartridge connector is integral with the valve cartridge.

16. The neck assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that: a) at least one valve cartridge comprises an outer surface; b) at least one valve cartridge connector comprises at least one recess defined in the outer surface of the valve cartridge, and c) at least one sleeve connector comprises at least one protrusion extending inward from the sleeve and protruding at least toward a recess.

17. The neck assembly according to claim 16, characterized in that a) at least one recess comprises a plurality of recesses extending around the outer surface of the valve cartridge; b) at least one protrusion comprises a plurality of tabs extending inwardly from the sleeve; Y c) each of the tongues protrudes towards one of the recesses.

18. The neck assembly according to claim 16, characterized in that at least one recess comprises a single annular recess extending around the outer surface of the valve cartridge, and at least one protrusion comprises a plurality of tabs extending inwardly. from the sleeve and protruding towards the annular recess.

19. The neck assembly according to claim 17, characterized in that the recess comprises a base surface facing the first end portion of the conduit, and the tabs have a proximal end connected to the sleeve and an opposite distant end that supports the base surface.

20. The neck assembly according to claim 17, characterized in that the sleeve is a metal, and the plurality of tongues comprises biased cuts that are bent towards the recess.

21. The neck assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that the valve cartridge comprises a lip having a first portion extending laterally radially outwardly from the first end portion of the valve cartridge and a second portion extending in the axial direction towards the second * end portion of the valve cartridge, the lip defines a slot in which the first end portion of the sleeve is received.

22. The neck assembly according to claim 21, characterized in that the sleeve connector comprises at least one opening formed through the first end portion of the sleeve, and the valve cartridge connector comprises at least one protrusion extending to in from the second portion of the lip and is received inside the opening.

23. The neck assembly according to claim 22, characterized in that the lip is flexible, in an elastic form, to allow the protrusion to be removed from the opening.

24. The neck assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that the valve cartridge is secured, removably, inside the housing.

25. A neck assembly of a fuel system component, characterized in that it comprises: a) a housing comprising (i) a metal sleeve having a first end portion located exterior to the fuel system component and a second longitudinally opposite end portion, and (ii) a metal encapsulation ring welded into the second end portion of the sleeve and extending radially outwardly from the second end portion of the sleeve, the encapsulation ring is encapsulated within a wall of the fuel system component; Y b) a valve cartridge received, at least partially, inside the sleeve and secured therewith, the valve cartridge defines a conduit for fuel flow and comprises a first end portion located external to the fuel system component and a second end portion that is longitudinally opposite.

26. A method of securing a neck assembly in a fuel system component, characterized in that it comprises: a) providing a housing comprising i) a sleeve having a first end portion and a second longitudinally opposite end portion, and (ii) an encapsulation ring extending radially outwardly from the second end portion of the sleeve. sleeve; b) encapsulating the encapsulation ring in a wall of the fuel system component while the fuel system component is blow molded, whereby the first end portion of the sleeve is located outside the fuel system component. gas; c) providing a valve cartridge defining a conduit for fuel flow and comprising a first end portion and a second longitudinally opposite end portion; d) inserting the valve cartridge into the sleeve of the first end portion of the sleeve towards the second end portion, whereby, the first end portion of the valve cartridge is located exterior to the wall of the system component made out of fuel; Y e) secure the valve cartridge in the sleeve.

27. The method in accordance with the claim 26, characterized in that it further comprises sealing the valve cartridge in at least one of the sleeve and the wall of the fuel system component.

28. The method in accordance with the claim 27, characterized in that the sealing of the valve cartridge in the sleeve comprises mounting at least one separate annular seal in the valve cartridge before step (d), and compressing at least one annular seal between the valve cartridge and one of the sleeve and the wall of the fuel system component during stage (e).

29. The method according to claim 27, characterized in that the sealing of the valve cartridge in the sleeve comprises mounting a separate first annular seal and a second separate annular seal in the valve cartridge before step (d), and compressing the first annular seal between the valve cartridge and the sleeve and the second annular seal between the valve cartridge and the fuel system component wall during stage (e).

30. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that: a) the first end portion 'of the sleeve comprises at least one tongue; b) the valve cartridge comprises an outer surface and the first end portion of the valve cartridge comprises at least one recess formed in the outer surface; Y c) step (e) comprises folding in at least one tongue at least into a recess.

31. The method according to claim 26, characterized in that the valve cartridge comprises a lip having a first portion extending radially outwardly from the first end portion of the valve cartridge and a second portion extending in the axial direction towards the second end portion of the valve cartridge, the lip defines a slot, and the method further comprises inserting the first end portion of the sleeve into the slot while inserting the valve cartridge into the sleeve.

32. The method according to claim 31, characterized in that at least one opening is formed through the first end portion of the sleeve, at least one protrusion extends inwardly from the second portion of the lip, and the step (e) ) comprises snapping the protrusion into the opening while inserting the valve cartridge into the sleeve.

33. The method in accordance with the claim 26, characterized in that the sleeve is made of metal, the encapsulation ring is made of metal, and step (a) comprises the laser welding of the encapsulation ring in the second end portion of the sleeve.

34. The method in accordance with the claim 26, characterized in that it further comprises mounting a valve assembly on the second end portion of the conduit before inserting the conduit into the sleeve.