DE202019002832U1 - Misfuelling protection with warning and physical blockage of tank cap and filler neck - Google Patents

Abstract

Misfuelling protection in the form of a badge with a warning mark, which prevents the faulty refueling of an automobile, characterized in that a visual indication of the fuel grade is combined with an additional physical blockage of the gas cap and filler neck (2), the hint before, during and after Refueling process is continuously visible.

Description

Technical area

The invention relates to a misfuelling protection according to protection claim 1. It is a warning to the correct fuel in the form of a coat of arms, which is mounted in the tank lid space so that it covers the tank lid, and does not hinder the full closing of the fuel filler flap. The effectiveness is given above all by the fact that the indication is inevitable and continuously present throughout the refueling process in the direct field of vision.

Background of the invention

It happens that cars, vans, vans, RVs, etc., are refueled incorrectly. In most cases, petrol is fueled in a car with a diesel engine because the diameter of the fuel nozzle is smaller than that of the diesel fuel nozzle. The ADAC expands about 20,000 times this year. Although the diesel fuel nozzle in principle should not fit in a gasoline filler neck due to its larger diameter, the ADAC has found in a study that each of several current petrol models from more than 10 different manufacturers can still be refueled with diesel. Thus, misfuelling is possible with both fuel types.

Misfueling is also an international problem, because the fuel names differ greatly in the different countries on the one hand, on the other hand, are deceptively similar, but just not the same fuel behind the name is, for. Gasolio and Gasolina. This causes confusion and uncertainty when refueling. That is why the EU Commission has adopted Directive 2014/94 / EU, which came into force on 12 October 2018. This prescribes a uniform designation of the fuels with new designations (for example B7, E5, E10, etc.) that must be used on new cars, fuel nozzles and fuel pumps.

The cause of the problem of misfuelling and the resulting costs for towing the vehicle, the pumping and disposal of the fuel, the cleaning of the system, as well as the repair / renewal of the injection system or the entire engine is the man himself. The driver is at Refueling unconcentrated, distracted, in hectic or under stress, or refueling in unfamiliar vehicle (rental car, company car, etc.) for reasons of custom, the wrong fuel grade. Multi-dispenser petrol pumps and misleading or ambiguous names of fuels (V-Power, Ultimate for both diesel and petrol) increase the likelihood of misfuelling.

Also, the frequent disengagement of the breakdown services due to misfuelling although there are retrofit equipment is a clear indication that misfuelling remains a problem. And there are companies all over the world who live off the badly refueled cars and pump out the wrong fuel. Thus it becomes clear that the regular inscriptions, which are manufacturer-side at the fuel caps and flaps, prevent the accidentally wrong refueling.

State of the art

A few vehicle manufacturers have already installed mechanical misfuelling protection in their new cars. However, as these are a significant minority, this does not solve the problem because the majority of motorists remain unprotected.

1. 1. Einsatz in Einfüllstutzen, der sich nur bei richtigem Durchmesser der Zapfpistole öffnet, bekannt unter z.B. DE202013010332U1 oder DE102016221381A1
2. 2. Aufkleber mit Hinweis auf Kraftstoffsorte, erhältlich bei Amazon unter Suchbegriff „Tankdeckel Aufkleber“
3. 3. Akustischer Hinweis auf Kraftstoffsorte, bekannt unter z.B. DE102015002730A1
4. 4. Warnsignal, dass anhand von chemischer Erkennung der Kraftstoffart ausgelöst wird, bekannt unter z.B. DE102014002805A1
5. 5. RFID Schnittstelle zur Kommunikation zwischen Auto und Tankstellen Säule, bekannt unter z.B. DE102008055484B4
6. 6. Hinweisvorrichtung für Brennstoff-Einfüllstutzen und Tanköffnung, bekannt unter DE 20 2015 103 502 U1

For cars that are not factory-equipped with misfuelling protection, there are several aftermarket products on the market. These include the following solutions and technical developments:

1. 1. Use in filler neck, which opens only with the correct diameter of the fuel nozzle, known as eg DE202013010332U1 or DE102016221381A1
2. 2. Fuel grade label, available on Amazon under search term "Fuel cap sticker"
3. 3. Acoustic note on fuel grade, known under eg DE102015002730A1
4. 4. Warning signal that is triggered by chemical detection of the fuel known, for example DE102014002805A1
5. 5. RFID interface for communication between car and gas station column, known under eg DE102008055484B4
6. 6. Information device for fuel filler neck and tank opening, known under DE 20 2015 103 502 U1

Defects of known designs

• Zu 1, Einsätze für Einfüllstutzen bestehen oft aus einer komplizierten Mechanik, funktionieren allein um die Fehlbetankung von Diesel Autos mit Benzin vorzubeugen, und sind aufgrund verschiedener Fahrzeugbauweisen modellspezifisch anstatt universell einsetzbar. Die relativ hohen Kosten wirken sich hinderlich für eine flächendeckende Verwendung aus. Die Kraftstoffbezeichnungen gemäß EU-Richtlinie fehlen.
• Zu 2, Aufkleber sind passiv, leicht übersehbar und müssen beachtet werden, um Wirkung zeigen zu können. Sie werden in der Regel entweder innen oder außen auf der Tankklappe angebracht, und befinden sich somit während des Tankens nicht im direkten Sichtfeld.
• Zu 3, akustische Hinweise allein sind laut ADAC wenig hilfreich, um Fehlbetankungen vorzubeugen. Der Warnhinweis geht in der allgemeinen Geräuschkulisse (z. B. Verkehr) der Tankstelle unter.
• Zu 4, chemische Erkennung mit Warnsignal weist allein nach fehlerhafter Betankung auf die Kraftstoffsorte hin und ist aufgrund verschiedener Fahrzeugbauweisen modellspezifisch und nicht universell einsetzbar.
• Zu 5, Kommunikationsschnittstellen zwischen Autos und Tankstellen sind flächendeckend nicht unmittelbar realisierbar und bieten demnach keinen direkten Schutz für Endnutzer. Dafür müssten alle Autos und alle Tankstellen im ganzen Land mit entsprechender Technik ausgerüstet werden.
• Zu 6, Die Kraftstoffbezeichnung ist erst zu sehen, wenn die Vorrichtung umgeklappt und an die Karosserie gelegt wird. Dann gibt sie im hochgeklappten Zustand den Weg für die falsche Zapfpistole frei und bietet während des Tankens nicht den direkten optischen Vergleich mit der Bezeichnung auf der Zapfpistole (liegt nicht auf der Zapfpistole auf).

The existing retrofit solutions for the problem of misfuelling have the following disadvantages / defects:

• To 1 Filler neck inserts often consist of complicated mechanics, work solely to prevent diesel misfuelling with gasoline, and are model-specific rather than universal due to various vehicle designs. The relatively high costs are a hindrance to one nationwide use. The fuel designations according to the EU directive are missing.
• To 2 , Stickers are passive, easily overlooked and must be noted to be effective. They are usually mounted either inside or outside on the fuel filler flap, and are thus not in direct field of view during refueling.
• To 3 "Acoustic warnings alone are of little help, according to ADAC, to prevent false refueling. The warning is lost in the general background noise (eg traffic) of the petrol station.
• To 4 , chemical detection with warning signal indicates only after incorrect refueling on the type of fuel and is due to various vehicle designs specific to the model and not universally applicable.
• To 5 , Communication interfaces between cars and gas stations are not immediately feasible across the board and thus offer no direct protection for end users. For this, all cars and petrol stations across the country would need to be equipped with appropriate technology.
• To 6 , The fuel label can only be seen when the device is folded down and placed on the body. Then, when folded up, it clears the way for the wrong fuel nozzle and does not offer a direct visual comparison with the designation on the fuel nozzle during refueling (it does not lie on the fuel nozzle).

Technical solution

This misfuelling protection is for protection claim 1 a warning ( 1 ) with simultaneous physical blockage of the tank cap and filler neck ( 2 ). He has a preventive effect because he starts with the cause of misfuelling, namely the human factor. The warning ( 1 ) brings the driver through the combination of optical and haptic stimulus and through interaction from its lack of concentration and reminds him at the crucial moment to refuel the right fuel.

Since the misfuelling protection according to the protection claim 2 is installed so that the fuel cap is covered by the coat of arms ( 2 ), the misfuelling protection must be raised in order to unscrew the gas cap, to be able to insert the fuel nozzle and to be able to screw the gas cap back on. The hint is therefore inevitable. In order to be able to refuel, the motorist has to touch and raise the misfuelling protection several times, which inevitably draws attention to the refueling process and the warning. It is crucial that the misfuelling protection, even when the filler neck is already open (when the danger is greatest), again by gravity just like a second protective flap in front of the filler neck. In addition, the note ( 1 ) during the refueling process on the fuel nozzle and offers the driver a direct visual comparison with the fuel designation on the fuel nozzle.

Achieved benefits

Due to the features and functions described above, this misfueling protection offers high preventive protection against incorrect refueling.

Since the Fehloffankungsschutz according to claims 4 . 5 and 6 is universally suitable and is suitable for both cases (gasoline and diesel vehicles), so immediate refueling can be prevented immediately and comprehensively feasible. For all car drivers, the protection against misfuelling ensures mobility and helps to avoid expensive engine damage. The timely achievement of important destinations in the business and private environment is not jeopardized by avoidable mishaps (incorrect refueling). Less mishandling can save the breakdown services resources and use them otherwise useful (accident assistance, etc.). The environment is spared because less fuel has to be disposed of unnecessarily.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

(1)

Coat of arms with note

(2)

Installation position between tank cap and fuel filler flap

(3)

Self-adhesive fastening strap

(4)

Rounded shape above

(5)

Rounded shape below

(6)

connecting web

(7)

filler cap

(8th)

tank flap

(9)

filler pipe

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 202013010332 U1 [0007]
• DE 102016221381 A1 [0007]
• DE 102015002730 A1 [0007]
• DE 102014002805 A1 [0007]
• DE 102008055484 B4 [0007]
• DE 202015103502 U1 [0007]

Claims (13)

Misfuelling protection in the form of a badge with a warning mark, which prevents the faulty refueling of an automobile, characterized in that a visual indication of the fuel grade is combined with an additional physical blockage of the gas cap and filler neck (2), the hint before, during and after Refueling process is continuously visible. Misfuel protection after Claim 1 , characterized in that the fuel filler cap and the filler neck are hidden by positioning the misfuelling protection between the fuel filler flap and tank lid (2) Misfuelling protection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coat of arms always lays by gravity in front of the tank lid and filler neck. Misfuelling protection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the emblem rests on the fuel nozzle during the refueling process. Misfuelling protection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coat of arms consists of fabric-reinforced PVC tarpaulin and is cut or punched with a drag knife or laser. Misfuelling protection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the misfuelling protection between tank lid and fully closed fuel filler flap common automobiles fits (material thickness <2mm). Misfuelling protection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the material, due to its flexibility, adapts to common body shapes and tank flaps, in particular kinks and edges. Misfuelling protection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the material and the pressure is resistant to diesel and gasoline. Misfuelling protection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shape and size of the coat of arms (1) with rounded corners (4) (5) fits into the tank lid space of common automobiles. Misfuelling protection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the attachment to the car in the tank lid space by a self-adhesive fastening tab (3) is done. Please refer Claim 12 , Misfuelling protection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the emblem (1) and the fastening tab (3) are flexibly connected to a narrow web (6). Misfuelling protection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adhesive flap is provided with a closed-cell acrylate adhesive which is water, aging (UV) and temperature resistant (-35 ° C to 90 ° C), and a tensile strength of at least 59N / cm2 and a peel force of at least 350 N / 100mm. Misfuelling protection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the new fuel designations according to EU Directive 2014/94 / EU are printed according to the standard DIN EN 16942 on the coat of arms, z. B. B7, E5, E10 etc. The conventional foreign fuel names of popular travel countries are also printed on the coat of arms.

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