Fuel filler tube assembly and manufacturing method

Abstract

A fuel filler tube assembly is provided and may include a filler tube having a tubular body defining an inlet larger than an outlet and a funnel insert having a first cylindrical section, a second cylindrical section, and a third cylindrical section disposed between the first cylindrical section and the second cylindrical section. The first cylindrical section may be received in the inlet of the filler tube with the inlet engaging the insert between the first cylindrical section and the third cylindrical section when the first cylindrical section is disposed within the inlet of the filler tube.

1 . A fuel filler tube assembly comprising:
 a filler tube including a tubular body defining an inlet larger than an outlet; and   a funnel insert including a first cylindrical section, a second cylindrical section, and a third cylindrical section disposed between said first cylindrical section and said second cylindrical section, said first cylindrical section received in said inlet of said filler tube with said inlet engaging said insert between said first cylindrical section and said third cylindrical section when said first cylindrical section is disposed within said inlet of said filler tube.   
     
     
         2 . The fuel filler tube assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said funnel insert is a seamless tube. 
     
     
         3 . The fuel filler tube assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said funnel insert includes integrally formed threads. 
     
     
         4 . The fuel filler tube assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising a fuel cap selectively engaging said funnel insert. 
     
     
         5 . The fuel filler tube assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said funnel insert includes a sealing surface formed about said second cylindrical section. 
     
     
         6 . The fuel filler tube assembly of  claim 5 , wherein said second cylindrical section includes an inlet opening and a portion of said funnel insert defining said inlet opening creates a sealing surface. 
     
     
         7 . The fuel filler tube assembly of  claim 1 , wherein said insert includes a tapered surface disposed between said first cylindrical section and said third cylindrical section. 
     
     
         8 . The fuel filler tube assembly of  claim 7 , wherein said inlet contacts said tapered surface when said first cylindrical section is disposed within said inlet. 
     
     
         9 . The fuel filler tube assembly of  claim 7 , wherein said inlet is welded to said tapered surface.