WO1999011564A1

WO1999011564A1 - Modular fuel dispensing nozzle

Info

Publication number: WO1999011564A1
Application number: PCT/NL1998/000493
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andreas Jacobus Louis Nijsen; Leornardus Henricus Wilhelmus Giesen
Original assignee: OPW Fueling Components Europe BV
Current assignee: OPW Fueling Components Europe BV
Priority date: 1997-09-01
Filing date: 1998-09-01
Publication date: 1999-03-11
Anticipated expiration: 2000-03-01
Also published as: NL1006897C2; AU9006498A

Abstract

This invention relates to a fuel dispensing nozzle (1) which is connectable to a fuel reservoir for filling a tank with fuel, which fuel dispensing nozzle is provided with a through-flow channel for the fuel which debouches into a spout (5) and with a trigger (13) for operating at least one valve (11, 12) in the through-flow channel for opening and/or closing the through-flow channel, which fuel dispensing nozzle takes a modular form and comprises at least one basic module (2) onto which at least one further module to be chosen from a set of at least two further modules can be releasably mounted such that, subject to the chosen further module, the fuel dispensing nozzle can be made suitable for used with different types of fuel. The invention also relates to a module, such as a basic module (3), a closing module, a passage module (7), a spout module (5) or an adapter module (9).

Description

MODULAR FUEL DISPENSING NOZZLE

The invention relates to a fluid dispensing nozzle which is connectable to a fluid reservoir for filling a tank with fluid, which fluid dispensing nozzle is provided with a through-flow channel for the fluid which debouches into a spout and with a trigger for operating at least one valve in the through-flow channel for opening and/or closing the through-flow channel, which fluid dispensing nozzle takes a modular form and comprises at least one basic module onto which at least. one further module to be chosen from a set of at least two further modules can be releasably mounted such that, subject to the chosen further module, the fluid dispensing nozzle can be made suitable for use with different types of fluid. The fluid dispensing nozzle according to the invention has the advantage that it can be made suitable for different types of fluid, such as leaded or unleaded petrol, diesel, petrol mixed with alcohol, alcohol and so on, by releasable mounting of at least one further module on the basic module. The basic module of the fluid dispensing nozzle according to the invention is herein the same for all types of fluid. This means a considerable simplification in the process of manufacturing fluid dispensing nozzles. Furthermore, maintenance of the different dispensing nozzles is thereby also simpler. This in turn has a favourable effect on the cost of the fluid dispensing nozzle.

In a first preferred embodiment the basic module is provided with at least a part of a vapour return channel for recovering fluid vapour and the set of further modules comprises a closing module for closing the vapour return channel and a passage module adapted for co-action with the vapour return channel for recovering the fluid vapour. The closing module is particularly applicable when the fluid dispensing nozzle is to be adapted to diesel. Diesel evaporates considerably less than petrol or alcohol during filling. The arranging of a passage module instead of a closing module affects the characteristic properties of the fluid dispensing nozzle to only a slight degree. Particularly when the fluid dispensing nozzle is a fuel nozzle this is a significant advantage because the filling system of which the nozzle forms part together with a fuel pump no longer has to undergo a certification procedure by the weights and measures inspection when a closing module has been replaced by a passage module. As is known, certification of a filling system by the weights and measures inspection is a costly and time-consuming affair, so that simplification thereof results in a considerable cost-saving.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the set of further modules comprises two or more spout modules of mutually differing diameters which can each be mounted releasably on the basic module. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the basic module is provided with the spout and the set of further modules comprises an adapter module, for instance in the form of an adapter sleeve, which has a larger diameter than the diameter of the spout, which adapter module can be mounted releasably over at least a part of the spout. Both preferred embodiments enable the nozzle to be made suitable in rapid and simple manner for filling tanks having mutually differing filling openings with different types of fluid. As is known, a narrower spout diameter is for instance required for unleaded petrol than for leaded petrol, petrol with lead substitute or diesel. The latter, alternative, preferred embodiment moreover has the advantage that the changing of the spout diameter by means of the adapter module can be performed without this having consequences for the characteristic of the fluid dispensing nozzle. The invention also relates to a module, such as a basic module, a closing module, a passage module, a spout module or an adapter module, evidently intended for use in a fluid dispensing nozzle according to the invention.

The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the drawings, in which figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a modular nozzle according to the invention in a first embodiment; figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the modular nozzle according to the invention in a second embodiment ; figure 3 shows the basic module of the nozzle in more detail with the opened auxiliary valve; figure 4 shows the basic module with opened main valve; figure 5 shows the basic module with opened auxiliary and main valve; figure 6 shows a graph in which the required force to be exerted by a user is plotted schematically against the stroke of the valve rod; figure 7 is a graph which shows schematically the fuel flow plotted against the stroke of the valve rod; figure 8 is a detailed side cross-sectional view of the end valve of the nozzle according to the invention in the first, closed position; figure 9 shows the end valve of figure 8 in top cross-sectional view; figure 10 shows the end valve of figure 9 in the second, open position; figure 11 shows the end valve in the third, open position; and figure 12 shows the nozzle with hose connecting module .

Figure 1 shows as an example of a fluid dispensing nozzle according to the invention a cross- sectional view of a modular fuel nozzle in a first embodiment designated with 1. Figure 2 shows an alternative embodiment of the nozzle designated with 10. Nozzle 1 comprises a basic module 2 on which one or more further modules can be releasably mounted. The set of further modules contains for instance a closing module 3, a passage module 7, a spout 5 and/or an adapter sleeve 9. In the case of nozzle 1 or 10 nut 4 can be unscrewed, whereafter closing module 3 or passage module 7 can be pushed as desired into the basic module. In figure 2 nozzle 10 is provided with passage module 7. This latter connects vapour return channel 8 to the hose of the fuel pump (not shown) to which the nozzle is connected. Evaporated fuel can hereby be recovered during filling. Conversely, closing module 3 of figure 1 closes the vapour return channel. In nozzle 1 no vapour recovery is possible.

Spout 5 can likewise be mounted releasably onto basic module 2 by means of nut 6. A spout of suitable diameter can be added in simple manner to the basic module. Alternatively, spout 5 can be embodied with a narrower diameter so that it is suitable in particular for use with fuel tanks of vehicles running on unleaded petrol. By placing an adapter sleeve 9 on spout 5 this latter can be made suitable for fuel tanks of vehicles running on leaded petrol or diesel, or unsuitable for f el tanks of vehicles running on unleaded petrol .

Nozzle 1 is suitable in the shown embodiment for filling with diesel. Nozzle 1 can also be used for filling with leaded petrol without applying vapour recovery. Nozzle 10 is suitable in the shown embodiment for filling with unleaded petrol.

The set of modules also comprises a display module (not shown) which is fixed for instance to the basic module, for displaying information such as advertising messages.

Figure 3 shows the basic module of the nozzle in more detail. Main valve 11 opens a main through-flow opening for the fuel. Received in main valve 11 is an auxiliary valve 12 which opens an auxiliary through-flow opening for the fuel. Auxiliary valve 12 is coupled to rod 16 which runs through the main valve and is movable therein. Rod 16 is coupled for movement to trigger 13. Rod 16 is provided with a stop 17 against which rest first biasing means 14 and second biasing means 15. Biasing means 14 and 15 are spring means. First biasing means 14 engage on the other side thereof on the seat 18 of main valve 11. Second biasing means 15 engage on the other side thereof on the main valve 11 itself.

The operation of the nozzle is as follows. By exerting a relatively small force on handle 13 the user opens auxiliary valve 12 through movement of rod 16. This opened situation of the auxiliary valve is shown in figure 3. During movement of rod 16 first and second biasing means 14 and 15 are biased. The quantity of fuel which flows through the auxiliary through-flow opening preferably lies in the range of 10 to 50% of the maximum fuel flow through the nozzle. The dimensions of the auxiliary through-flow opening and the main through-flow opening are more preferably such that approximately 25% of the maximum fuel flows through the auxiliary through- flow opening. When handle 13 is squeezed further inward by the user, the force exerted by the second biasing means 15 on main valve 11 becomes greater at a given moment than the force exerted by the fuel on the main valve. The main valve then opens automatically counter to the direction of flow. This opened situation of the main valve is shown in figure 4. By squeezing handle 13 still further inward, auxiliary valve 12 can be moved from its now closed position to its open position. This situation is shown in figure 5. The fuel flow rate is now maximal.

Figure 6 shows a graph in which line 19 schematically represents the force F which must be exerted by a user on the trigger plotted against the stroke S of rod 16. Figure 7 shows a graph in which line 20 schematically represents the fuel flow V plotted against the stroke of valve rod 16. The transition point in both graphs is caused by springing open of the main valve. It can be seen clearly that the force to be exerted remains within certain limits over the whole range of the stroke. At both a low fuel flow and at a high fuel flow the user can suffice with a relatively low actuating force. The convenience of operation of the nozzle according to the invention is thereby improved considerably relative to that of the known nozzle. As already stated above, the nozzle according to the invention is adapted to suck up evaporated fuel during filling. Spout 5 is provided as standard for this purpose with suction apertures 43 for sucking in evaporated fuel. The operation of this vapour suction system can best be understood with reference to figures 2 and 3. These figures show that vapour return channel 8 can be closed using a ball-like closure body 30. Ball 30 is arranged in a claw 33 which is placed shiftably in the line of vapour return channel 8. Trigger 13 is coupled on one side thereof to lever 31 which in turn is coupled rotatably to claw member 33 via rotation point 34. Lever 31 consists of two arms 31A and 3IB which are mutually connected at connecting point 35. Point 35 can function as a rotation point depending on the position of detection means in the form of membrane 32 and of spacer elements in the form of rollers or rods 36. Point 35 is placed displaceably in the line of rod 16. It is noted that lever arms 31A and 3IB are shown in figure 1 but in figures 2-5 and 12 they are only shown schematically with broken lines.

The operation of the vapour suction system according to the invention is as follows. In figure 2 the nozzle 10 is ready for use and all movable parts are situated in the rest position. Ball 30 closes vapour return channel 8. Membrane 32 is also situated in the rest position. This is also the case for rollers 36. Rotation point 35 has no fixed position, so that when trigger 13 is squeezed lever 31 can rotate freely on rotation point 34. No shifting of claw member 33 herein takes place and ball 30 remains in the shown position, so that vapour return channel 8 remains closed.

As soon as the fuel pump is started, for instance because a user takes nozzle 10 out of the holder, membrane 37 and, as a result thereof membrane 32, moves from the rest position to the operating position under the influence of the fuel pressure. This operating position is shown in figure 3. This has the consequence that rollers 36 also move from the rest position to the operating position, wherein they lie against rod 16 and thereby support rotation point 35 on rod 16. By squeezing trigger 13 rotation point 34 will shift to the position shown in figure 3. Claw member 33 herein pulls ball 30 from its position, so that vapour return channel 8 is opened. The distance through which rotation point 34 can be shifted is adjusted using a stop (not shown) . This adjustable stop determines the stroke of the trigger, and consequently the maximum fluid flow rate of the main valve.

By now exerting more force on trigger 13, rod 16 will then be moved via rotation point 35 to the right in figure 3, whereby auxiliary valve 12 and main valve 11 will be successively opened. When the fuel pump is switched off and the pressure falls away, membrane 37 and, as a result thereof membrane 32, will return from the operating position to the rest position. This also applies for rollers 36. Rod 16 will consequently move to the left in figure 3, whereby the auxiliary valve and/or the main valve are closed. A reliable switch-off mechanism is thus realized.

Closure of the vapour return channel is moreover position-dependent. When the nozzle is hung in the holder of the pump, ball 30 will close the vapour return channel.

Figure 8 shows a detailed side cross-sectional view of the end valve of the nozzle according to the invention. Figure 9 shows the end valve of figure 8 in top cross-sectional view. End valve 21 takes a form such that, in co-action with the inner wall of spout 5 and seat 22 of the end valve, it forms part of a venturi . Underpressure is created by the venturi subject to the quantity of outflowing fuel. The venturi co-acts with the switch-off mechanism, this being elucidated hereinbelow. The shape of end valve 21 is substantially conical. This shape tapers approximately conically from the middle of the end valve to the outer ends thereof. End valve 21 is arranged movably on shaft 23. Spring means 24 are arranged in end valve 21. These spring means rest against a stop 25 which is fixed on shaft 23. As seen in the flow direction of the fuel, a baffle element 26 is situated at the rear which, in the closed situation of end valve 21, closes the opening 29 of the delivery end of spout 5. Body 26 reduces turbulence in the fuel flow as much as possible and, due to the shape thereof, supports opening of the end valve under the influence of the fluid flow.

In figures 8 and 9 the end valve 21 is shown in its closed situation. When during use fuel flows through the nozzle in the direction of the delivery end, end valve 21 moves counter to the action of spring means 24 toward opening 29 under the pressure of the f el. End valve 21 is then situated in the position shown in figure 10. At a low fuel flow rate there will be a high through- flow speed in the narrow opening between seat 22 and end valve 21, which provides a good venturi action. Spring means 24 contribute here in that they have a degressive spring characteristic, at least when the end valve has a small stroke. The spring characteristic of spring means

24 is preferably progressive as the stroke of end valve 21 increases. Figure 11 shows the extreme position of end valve 21 in which it is fully opened at a maximum fuel flow rate. The use of controllable, degressive spring means achieves that, when small quantities of fluid are delivered, a good action of the venturi is also ensured through the narrow opening between seat 22 and end valve 21 (shown in- figure 10) . to to P¹ P> in o U1 o in o in

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Hose connecting module 38 provides a rotary coupling between nozzle 1 and hose 42 which prevents twisting of the hose. Twisting of the hose is undesirable because it results in loops in the hose when the nozzle hangs in the holder on the pump. In addition, lateral forces occur on a twisted hose during filling, which is inconvenient. The dimensions of nut 41 can of course be adapted to any type of hose. It will be apparent that in addition to the illustrated and described embodiment of a nozzle for fuel, many more other embodiments of the fluid dispensing nozzle can be realized according to the invention which fall within the scope of the appended claims .

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Claims

1. Fluid dispensing nozzle connectable to a fluid reservoir for filling a tank with fluid, which fluid dispensing nozzle is provided with a through-flow channel for the fluid which debouches into a spout and with a trigger for operating at least one valve in the through-flow channel for opening and/or closing the through- flow channel, which fluid dispensing nozzle takes a modular form and comprises at least one basic module onto which at least one further module to be chosen from a set of at least two further modules can be releasably mounted such that, subject to the chosen further module, the fluid dispensing nozzle can be made suitable for use with different types of fluid.

2. Fluid dispensing nozzle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the basic module is provided with at least a part of a vapour return channel for recovering fluid vapour and wherein the set of further modules comprises a closing module for closing the vapour return channel and a passage module adapted for co-action with the vapour return channel for recovering the fluid vapour.

3. Fluid dispensing nozzle as claimed in claim 1 or 2 , wherein the set of further modules comprises two or more spout modules of mutually differing diameter which can each be releasably mounted on the basic module.

4. Fluid dispensing nozzle as claimed in claim

1 or 2, wherein the basic module is provided with the spout and wherein the set of further modules comprises an adapter module, for instance in the form of an adapter sleeve, which has a larger diameter than the diameter of the spout, which adapter module can be mounted releasably over at least a part of the spout .

5. Fluid dispensing nozzle as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the fluid dispensing nozzle is a nozzle for filling a tank with fuel.

6. Module, such as a basic module, a closing module, a passage module, a spout module or an adapter module, evidently intended for use in a fluid dispensing nozzle as claimed in any of the foregoing claims.

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