Single-sound oil filler cap with springback function

By designing a single-sound, spring-loaded filler cap with a ratchet and torsion spring structure, the problem of traditional filler caps requiring multiple rotations is solved, achieving simplified operation and accurate judgment in noisy environments.

CN224090030UActive Publication Date: 2026-04-07DAI SHENG AUTOMOTIVE TECH (SUZHOU) CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-01-08
Publication Date
2026-04-07

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Traditional fuel filler caps require multiple rotations to ensure a seal when tightened, which is cumbersome and makes it difficult to judge whether they are tightened by sound feedback in noisy environments.

Method used

Design a single-click retractable filler cap with a ratchet and torsion spring structure. A single click indicates that it is tightened properly, and the rebound sensation indicates whether it is fully tightened, simplifying the operation process.

Benefits of technology

The system enables the fuel filler cap to be sealed with just one beep when rotated and tightened, improving ease of operation and accuracy in noisy environments.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model provides a single-sound oil filler cap with a springback function, which comprises a valve body connected with an oil pipe head, a handle cap buckled on the valve body, a ratchet wheel in one-way transmission connection between the handle cap and the valve body, and a torsion spring supported between the handle cap and the valve body in a torsion manner, a plurality of inner ring pawls distributed in the circumferential direction are arranged on the inner ring of the wheel disc, a plurality of outer ring pawls distributed in the circumferential direction are arranged on the outer ring of the wheel disc, the inner ring pawls and the outer ring pawls are in one-to-one correspondence in the circumferential direction and are the same in rotating direction, a circle of first ratchets are arranged on the inner side of the handle cover, and a circle of second ratchets are arranged in the middle of the upper end of the valve body. The first ratchets are meshed with the outer ring pawls, and the second ratchets are meshed with the inner ring pawls; a limiting structure used for limiting the relative rotation angle of the handle cover and the valve body is further arranged on the connecting face of the handle cover and the valve body. According to the oil filler cap, the internal design structure is optimized, so that the oil filler cap can be sealed in place only by hearing a prompt sound once when the oil filler cap is rotated and tightened, and the operation convenience and practicability are improved.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of fuel filler cap technology, and in particular to a fuel filler cap with a single click and a spring-loaded function. Background Technology

[0002] Both traditional gasoline-powered vehicles and hybrid vehicles requiring refueling need a fuel filler cap for sealing the fuel filler neck. When tightening the cap, a "click" sound should be heard when the torque reaches the designed value to indicate that the cap is tightened. Currently, the most common type on the market is the multi-click cap, which uses a simple pawl and ratchet gear mechanism. It emits a continuous "click" sound when rotated to a certain extent, reminding the operator that it is properly tightened. In actual use, after hearing the "click," the operator needs to turn the cap several more times to ensure a complete seal, greatly increasing the cumbersome and time-consuming operation. Furthermore, relying solely on sound as the sole indicator of tightening often fails to provide satisfactory feedback in noisy environments. Utility Model Content

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is: in order to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, this utility model provides a single-click refill cap with a spring-loaded function. Only one "click" sound can be heard, which indicates that it has been tightened. Even in noisy environments, the tightness can be judged by the refill cap's spring-loaded function. It is simple, quick, convenient and practical to operate.

[0004] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its technical problem is: a single-sound rebound filler cap, including a valve body connected to the oil pipe head, a handle cap snapped onto the valve body, a ratchet that drives unidirectionally between the handle cap and the valve body in the cross-section, and a torsion spring that provides axial torsional support between the handle cap and the valve body. The ratchet includes a disc, the inner ring of which has multiple circumferentially evenly distributed inner ring pawls, and the outer ring of which has multiple circumferentially evenly distributed outer ring pawls. The inner and outer ring pawls correspond one-to-one in the circumferential direction and rotate in the same direction. The inner side of the handle cap has a first ring of ratchet teeth, and the middle of the upper end of the valve body has a second ring of ratchet teeth. The first ratchet teeth mesh with the outer ring pawls, and the second ratchet teeth mesh with the inner ring pawls. A limiting structure for restricting the relative rotation angle between the handle cap and the valve body is also provided on the connecting surface.

[0005] Furthermore, the upper end of the valve body is provided with a ratchet groove, and the ratchet is disposed in the ratchet groove. The ratchet groove is used to limit and install the ratchet.

[0006] Furthermore, to reduce the overall volume of the filler cap, a blind hole is provided in the middle of the valve body, and a raised ring is formed at the upper edge of the blind hole. The second ratchet is disposed on the side wall of the raised ring. The blind hole enables a recessed structure, thereby effectively utilizing the internal space and realizing the placement of the internal second ratchet.

[0007] Furthermore, in order to limit the rotation angle between the handle cover and the valve body, the limiting structure includes two limiting blocks disposed on the inner side of the handle cover, and the outer wall of the ratchet groove is provided with a limiting groove corresponding to the limiting blocks. During assembly, the limiting blocks are embedded in the limiting grooves.

[0008] Furthermore, the limiting groove is an arc-shaped groove with a corresponding central angle of 90°.

[0009] Furthermore, the inner wall of the handle cover is provided with multiple wedge-shaped protrusions along the circumference. During assembly, these protrusions are engaged below the edge of the valve body. The protrusions engage with the valve body to achieve a snap-fit ​​connection, facilitating assembly and disassembly.

[0010] Furthermore, to achieve the positioning of the torsion spring, a torsion spring positioning structure is also included. This structure comprises a first sleeve disposed on the top of the inner wall of the handle cover and a second sleeve disposed on the valve body. The first and second sleeves are positioned vertically opposite each other. The first sleeve has an axially extending first groove on its side wall, and the second sleeve has an axially extending second groove on its side wall. The upper end of the torsion spring is inserted into the first sleeve, and its end is engaged in the first groove. The lower end of the torsion spring is inserted into the second sleeve, and its end is engaged in the second groove. The second sleeve is disposed within the blind hole.

[0011] Furthermore, in order to achieve a seal when connected to the oil pipe head, the lower end of the valve body is provided with a threaded part for threaded connection with the oil pipe head, and an annular groove is provided on the valve body above the threaded part, and a sealing ring is provided in the annular groove.

[0012] The beneficial effects of this utility model are: the single-sound resilient filler cap provided by this utility model, through the optimization of the internal design structure, allows the filler cap to be sealed in place with only one sound when rotated and tightened, thus improving the convenience and practicality of operation. Attached Figure Description

[0013] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0014] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the fuel filler cap of this utility model.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a side view of the fuel filler cap of this utility model.

[0016] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of AA.

[0017] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of BB.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the handle cover.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a ratchet.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the valve body.

[0021] Figure 8 This is a side view of the valve body.

[0022] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of CC.

[0023] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a torsion spring.

[0024] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the sealing ring.

[0025] In the diagram: 1. Handle cover; 1.1. Handle; 1.2. First sleeve; 1.3. First groove; 1.4. First ratchet; 1.5. Limiting block; 1.6. Protrusion; 2. Ratchet; 2.1. Inner ring pawl; 2.11. Inner ring cantilever; 2.12. Inner ring tooth; 2.2. Outer ring pawl; 2.21. Outer ring cantilever; 2.22. Outer ring tooth; 2.3. Wheel; 3. Torsion spring; 4. Valve body; 4.1. Second sleeve; 4.2. Second groove; 4.3. Second ratchet; 4.4. Blind hole; 4.5. Threaded part; 4.6. Ring groove; 4.7. Limiting groove; 4.8. Ratchet groove; 5. Sealing ring. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These drawings are simplified schematic diagrams, illustrating only the basic structure of the invention in a schematic manner. Therefore, they only show the components relevant to the invention. Orientations and references (e.g., up, down, left, right, etc.) are used only to aid in the description of the features in the drawings. Therefore, the following specific embodiments are not intended to be limiting, and the scope of the claimed subject matter is defined solely by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0027] like Figures 1-11As shown, this utility model discloses a single-sound, spring-loaded filler cap, comprising a valve body 4 connected to the oil pipe head, a handle cover 1 snapped onto the valve body 4, a ratchet 2 unidirectionally connected between the handle cover 1 and the valve body 4 in cross-section, and a torsion spring 3 axially torsionally supported between the handle cover 1 and the valve body 4. The handle cover 1 has a grip 1.1, which is a straight structure bulging from the center of the handle cover 1. The upper end of the valve body 4 has a ratchet groove 4.8, and the ratchet 2 is disposed within the ratchet groove 4.8. The ratchet groove 4.8 enables the limiting and installation of the ratchet 2. The ratchet 2 includes a disc 2.3. The inner ring of the disc 2.3 has multiple circumferentially evenly distributed inner ring pawls 2.1, and the outer ring of the disc 2.3 has multiple circumferentially evenly distributed outer ring pawls 2.2. The inner ring pawls 2.1 and outer ring pawls 2.2 correspond one-to-one in the circumferential direction and rotate in the same direction. The inner side of the handle cover 1 has a ring of first ratchet teeth 1.4, and the middle of the upper end of the valve body 4 has a ring of second ratchet teeth 4.3. The first ratchet teeth 1.4 engage with the outer ring pawls 2.2, and the second ratchet teeth 4.3 engage with the inner ring pawls 2.1. The outer ring pawls 2.2 and the first ratchet teeth 1.4, and the inner ring pawls 2.1 and the second ratchet teeth 4.3 can all rotate relative to each other in the same direction. A limiting structure for restricting the relative rotation angle between the handle cover 1 and the valve body 4 is also provided on the connecting surface. Figure 4 and Figure 7 As shown, to limit the rotation angle between the handle cover 1 and the valve body 4, the limiting structure includes two limiting blocks 1.5 disposed on the inner side of the handle cover 1. The outer wall of the ratchet groove 4.8 is provided with a limiting groove 4.7 corresponding to the limiting blocks 1.5. During assembly, the limiting blocks 1.5 are embedded in the limiting grooves 4.7. The limiting grooves 4.7 are arc-shaped grooves with a corresponding central angle of 90°. When the inner ring pawl 2.1 and the second ratchet 4.3 rotate relative to each other by one tooth, the limiting blocks 1.5 on the handle cover 1 can just rotate within the limiting grooves 4.7 of the valve body 4. To achieve a seal when connected to the oil pipe head, the lower end of the valve body 4 is provided with a threaded part 4.5 for threaded connection with the oil pipe head. An annular groove 4.6 is provided on the valve body 4 above the threaded part 4.5, and a sealing ring 5 is provided in the annular groove 4.6.

[0028] like Figure 3 and Figure 9 As shown, a blind hole 4.4 is provided in the middle of the valve body 4, and a convex ring is formed at the upper edge of the blind hole 4.4. The second ratchet 4.3 is provided on the side wall of the convex ring.

[0029] like Figure 3 , Figure 5 , Figure 9 and Figure 10As shown, to achieve the positioning of the torsion spring 3, a torsion spring positioning structure is also included. This structure includes a first sleeve 1.2 disposed on the top of the inner wall of the handle cover 1 and a second sleeve 4.1 disposed on the valve body 4. The first sleeve 1.2 and the second sleeve 4.1 are positioned vertically opposite each other. The first sleeve 1.2 has an axially extending first groove 1.3 on its side wall, and the second sleeve 4.1 has an axially extending second groove 4.2 on its side wall. The upper end of the torsion spring 3 is inserted into the first sleeve 1.2, and its end is engaged in the first groove 1.3. The lower end of the torsion spring 3 is inserted into the second sleeve 4.1, and its end is engaged in the second groove 4.2. The second sleeve 4.1 is disposed within the blind hole 4.4.

[0030] like Figure 5 As shown, the inner wall of the handle cover 1 has multiple wedge-shaped protrusions 1.6 along the circumferential direction. During assembly, the protrusions 1.6 are engaged below the edge of the valve body 4. The protrusions 1.6 engage with the valve body 4 to achieve a snap-fit ​​connection, making assembly and disassembly convenient.

[0031] Working principle:

[0032] In this embodiment, there are four inner pawls 2.1 and four outer pawls 2.2. The outer pawl 2.2 includes an outer cantilever 2.21 and an outer tooth 2.22 integrally connected to the wheel 2.3. The outer cantilever 2.21 is elastic, and the outer tooth 2.22 has a force-bearing surface 2.22a and an inclined surface 2.22b. The inner pawl 2.1 includes an inner cantilever 2.11 and an inner tooth 2.12 integrally connected to the wheel 2.3. The inner cantilever 2.11 is elastic, and the inner tooth 2.12 has a force-bearing surface 2.12a and an inclined surface 2.12b. The first ratchet 1.4 has a force-bearing surface 1.4a and an inclined surface 1.4b, and the second ratchet 4.3 has a force-bearing surface 4.3a and an inclined surface 4.3b.

[0033] like Figure 4 As shown, the lower end of the handle cover 1 is movably connected to the upper end of the valve body 4 and can rotate relative to it. When tightening the filler cap, first rotate the handle cover 1 clockwise. The force-bearing surface 1.4a of the first ratchet 1.4 contacts and abuts against the force-bearing surface 2.22a of the outer ring tooth 2.22. The inclined surface 1.4b of the first ratchet 1.4 fits against the inclined surface 2.22b of the outer ring tooth 2.22. The first ratchet 1.4 drives the outer ring pawl 2.2 to rotate. The ratchet 2 is a one-piece structure. The force is transmitted from the outer ring pawl 2.2 to the inner ring pawl 2.1. The force-bearing surface 2.12a of the inner ring tooth 2.12 contacts and abuts against the force-bearing surface 4.3a of the second ratchet 4.3. The inclined surface 4.3b of the second ratchet 4.3 fits against the inclined surface 2.12b of the inner ring tooth 2.12. The inner ring pawl 2.1 drives the second ratchet 4.3 to rotate, thereby driving the valve body 4 to rotate, realizing the action of tightening the filler cap.

[0034] When the valve body 4 is rotated into place, continue to apply force to the handle cover 1. This force is greater than the force required to tighten the filler cap onto the filler port. Since the valve body 4 is already in place, it will no longer rotate with the handle cover 1. This causes the inner ring pawl 2.1 of the ratchet 2 to skip one tooth of the first ratchet 1.4, producing a "click" sound. At the same time, the limiting block 1.5 on the handle cover 1 moves to the end of the limiting groove 4.7 of the valve body 4 and is blocked from moving forward, so it cannot skip a second tooth and will not produce a second "click" sound. This will give the operator a strong feeling that it is fully tightened.

[0035] After the valve body 4 is in position, continue to rotate the handle cover 1 until the teeth jump. During this process, the torsion spring 3 deforms and generates a certain torque. When the operator releases his hand, the handle cover 1 rebounds under the torque of the torsion spring 3. Even in a noisy environment, the rebound of the handle cover 1 can be used to determine that the filler cap has been tightened.

[0036] Based on the above-described preferred embodiments of this utility model, and through the foregoing description, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the scope of this utility model. The technical scope of this utility model is not limited to the contents of the specification, but must be determined according to the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A single-sound, spring-loaded filler cap, characterized in that: The device includes a valve body connected to an oil pipe head, a handle cover snapped onto the valve body, a ratchet that provides unidirectional transmission between the handle cover and the valve body in its cross-section, and a torsion spring that provides axial torsional support between the handle cover and the valve body. The ratchet includes a disc with multiple circumferentially evenly distributed inner pawls on its inner ring and multiple circumferentially evenly distributed outer pawls on its outer ring. The inner and outer pawls correspond one-to-one in the circumferential direction and rotate in the same direction. A first ratchet tooth is provided on the inner side of the handle cover, and a second ratchet tooth is provided in the middle of the upper end of the valve body. The first ratchet tooth engages with the outer pawl, and the second ratchet tooth engages with the inner pawl. A limiting structure is also provided on the connecting surface of the handle cover and the valve body to restrict their relative rotation angle.

2. The filler cap with a single click and rebound function as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The valve body has a ratchet groove at the upper end, and the ratchet is located in the ratchet groove.

3. The filler cap with a single click and rebound function as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The valve body has a blind hole in the middle, and the upper edge of the blind hole forms a convex ring. The second ratchet is provided on the side wall of the convex ring.

4. The single-sound, spring-loaded filler cap as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The limiting structure includes two limiting blocks disposed on the inner side of the handle cover. The outer wall of the ratchet groove is provided with a limiting groove corresponding to the limiting blocks. During assembly, the limiting blocks are embedded in the limiting grooves.

5. The single-sound, spring-loaded filler cap as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The limiting groove is an arc-shaped groove with a corresponding central angle of 90°.

6. The single-sound, spring-loaded filler cap as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The inner wall of the handle cover has multiple wedge-shaped protrusions along the circumference. During assembly, the protrusions are engaged below the edge of the valve body.

7. The single-sound, spring-loaded filler cap as described in claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a torsion spring positioning structure, which includes a first sleeve disposed on the top of the inner wall of the handle cover and a second sleeve disposed on the valve body. The first sleeve and the second sleeve are positioned opposite each other, and the side wall of the first sleeve is provided with an axially extending first groove, and the side wall of the second sleeve is provided with an axially extending second groove. The upper end of the torsion spring is inserted into the first sleeve and the end is locked in the first groove, and the lower end of the torsion spring is inserted into the second sleeve and the end is locked in the second groove.

8. The single-sound, spring-loaded filler cap as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The lower end of the valve body is provided with a threaded part for threaded connection with the oil pipe head, and an annular groove is provided on the valve body above the threaded part, and a sealing ring is provided in the annular groove.