Fuel filler door actuator

Details Fuel filler door actuator Fuel filler door actuator

2000-07-21

2001-11-20

Estremsky, Gary (Department: 3627)

Closure fasteners

Keepers

With movable dog, catch or striker

C292S201000, C292SDIG004

Reexamination Certificate

active

06318771

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates in general to an actuator, and, in particular, to a fuel filler door actuator for controlling the lock state of an automobile fuel filler door.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Conventional automobile fuel filler doors may or may not be equipped with a locking mechanism for preventing access to the fuel tank through the fuel filler assembly. Locking fuel filler doors are, however, becoming favored over the non-locking versions, especially in relatively expensive automobiles and in locations where fuel costs are relatively high. By locking the fuel filler door, an automobile owner may prevent fuel theft and vandalism by introduction of damaging contaminants to the fuel tank.
Known locking mechanisms for fuel filler doors include: key locks, cable release assemblies, and solenoid assemblies. Key locks are assembled directly to the fuel filler door, and are opened using a key, e.g., the ignition key. Key locks, however, create the potential for lock “freeze-up” or lock corrosion that can prevent all entry to the fuel filler. These locks also possess undesirable styling features.
Cable release systems generally include a mechanical door latch that is released by manipulation of a cable, e.g., inside the automobile passenger compartment. As these systems age, however, they often require excessive manual force for opening the door. In addition, extensive cable routing is required when the system is installed.
Solenoid systems generally have a single action, spring return motion for releasing a door which is spring biased to open. These systems require high current draw and specific dedicated wiring and switching. In addition, solenoid systems require significant space for mounting and are relatively expensive.
Thus, prior art fuel filler door locking mechanisms suffer from a variety of disadvantages. Generally, these mechanisms do not provide for convenient and reliable operation. In addition, these mechanisms require difficult, expensive, and cumbersome installation.
There is, therefore, a need in the art for a cost-effective, compact, and reliable fuel filler door lock actuator that may be conveniently operated and efficiently assembled to an automobile.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide a cost-efficient, compact, and reliable fuel filler door actuator.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a fuel filler door actuator that may be operated through an automobile central door locking system.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a fuel filler door actuator which may be operated through an automobile central door locking system and which has a reliable and effective manual override mechanism.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a fuel filler door actuator for controlling the lock state of a fuel filler door having an exterior surface which is flush to the automobile exterior body panels, thereby improving styling by obviating the need for a finger access dimple or a pull tab on the door.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide a fuel filler door actuator that is inherently locking and tamper resistant.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a fuel filler door actuator that may be conveniently installed by mounting to the automobile fuel filler assembly.
Yet a further object of the invention is to provide a fuel filler door actuator that is cost-effective to produce and install.
These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent from a review of the description provided below.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is organized about the concept of providing a fuel filler door lock actuator that is compact, reliable, and cost-effective. The actuator includes a locking arm and an alternate action (“push-push”) mechanism. The locking arm is selectively driveable by an electric motor to engage or disengage with the fuel filler door of an automobile. The alternate action mechanism, including a spring-biased plunger having a cam track with a cam follower riding in the track, is engageable by and mounted adjacent to the fuel filler door and is capable of linear movement with respect to the door by alternating between an inward recessed position and an outwardly extended position each time an inward force is applied to the door. In the event of a loss of electrical power to the actuator, a manual override mechanism is provided which allows unpowered opening of the fuel door.
In particular, an actuator consistent with the invention includes an alternate action mechanism having a plunger portion configured for mounting adjacent a fuel filler door. The plunger portion is configured to move alternately between a first inward position and an outward position upon application of a force thereto through the door. A locking arm is coupled to an electric motor through a gear train. The arm is positionable in a door lock condition by energization of the motor in a first direction when the plunger portion is in the inward position. The motor may be substantially sealed in a cavity in the housing.
To provide manual override, the plunger may be positionable in a second inward position that is further inward relative to the housing than the first inward position. The plunger may include a portion positioned to contact a gear in the gear train, or a feature on the gear, when the plunger is in the second inward position for rotating the gear and thereby moving the arm from the door lock condition to a door unlock condition. In one embodiment, the plunger is positioned to contact an override tooth on the gear, the override tooth being larger than a plurality of drive teeth on the gear. In another embodiment, the plunger is positioned to contact a feature on a face of the gear.
The actuator may further include a cam follower that rides in a cam track in the plunger. For manual override, the cam track may have an override portion, the cam follower having a portion disposed in the override portion when the plunger is in the second inward position. The cam track may include an open portion at a bottom of the plunger to facilitate assembly of the actuator.
The gear train may include an output gear coupled to the arm through an eccentric pin. The eccentric pin may include a portion disposed in a slot in the locking arm, and the locking arm may be pivotable about a first end connected to a housing through a pin. A second end of the arm may be positioned for engaging a portion of the fuel filler door. The coupling of the locking arm to the gear train through the eccentric pin provides “tamper resistance”, since the gear train may not be back driven by a force applied to the second end of the arm.


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