EP2573448B1 - Unit for delivering gaseous fuel and additive products in a motor vehicle gas system. - Google Patents
Unit for delivering gaseous fuel and additive products in a motor vehicle gas system. Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2573448B1 EP2573448B1 EP12182940.2A EP12182940A EP2573448B1 EP 2573448 B1 EP2573448 B1 EP 2573448B1 EP 12182940 A EP12182940 A EP 12182940A EP 2573448 B1 EP2573448 B1 EP 2573448B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- gaseous fuel
- feed duct
- capsule
- disposable capsule
- additive product
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Active
Links
- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 77
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 65
- 230000000996 additive effect Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 62
- 239000002775 capsule Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 112
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 23
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 23
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 23
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 9
- 238000005192 partition Methods 0.000 claims description 24
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000003313 weakening effect Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 24
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 4
- 239000003915 liquefied petroleum gas Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000004480 active ingredient Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000002485 combustion reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000003344 environmental pollutant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000605 extraction Methods 0.000 description 1
- -1 for example Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012535 impurity Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 231100000719 pollutant Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 239000003380 propellant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
- F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
- F17C9/00—Methods or apparatus for discharging liquefied or solidified gases from vessels not under pressure
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
- F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
- F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
- F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
- F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
- F17C2205/037—Quick connecting means, e.g. couplings
- F17C2205/0373—Adapters
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
- F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
- F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
- F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
- F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
- F17C2205/0376—Dispensing pistols
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
- F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
- F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
- F17C2221/03—Mixtures
- F17C2221/032—Hydrocarbons
- F17C2221/035—Propane butane, e.g. LPG, GPL
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
- F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
- F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
- F17C2223/01—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the phase
- F17C2223/0146—Two-phase
- F17C2223/0153—Liquefied gas, e.g. LPG, GPL
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
- F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
- F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
- F17C2223/03—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the pressure level
- F17C2223/033—Small pressure, e.g. for liquefied gas
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
- F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
- F17C2225/00—Handled fluid after transfer, i.e. state of fluid after transfer from the vessel
- F17C2225/01—Handled fluid after transfer, i.e. state of fluid after transfer from the vessel characterised by the phase
- F17C2225/0146—Two-phase
- F17C2225/0153—Liquefied gas, e.g. LPG, GPL
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
- F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
- F17C2225/00—Handled fluid after transfer, i.e. state of fluid after transfer from the vessel
- F17C2225/03—Handled fluid after transfer, i.e. state of fluid after transfer from the vessel characterised by the pressure level
- F17C2225/033—Small pressure, e.g. for liquefied gas
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
- F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
- F17C2260/00—Purposes of gas storage and gas handling
- F17C2260/05—Improving chemical properties
- F17C2260/056—Improving fluid characteristics
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
- F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
- F17C2265/00—Effects achieved by gas storage or gas handling
- F17C2265/02—Mixing fluids
- F17C2265/025—Mixing fluids different fluids
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
- F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
- F17C2265/00—Effects achieved by gas storage or gas handling
- F17C2265/06—Fluid distribution
- F17C2265/065—Fluid distribution for refueling vehicle fuel tanks
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
- F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
- F17C2270/00—Applications
- F17C2270/01—Applications for fluid transport or storage
- F17C2270/0165—Applications for fluid transport or storage on the road
- F17C2270/0168—Applications for fluid transport or storage on the road by vehicles
Definitions
- This invention relates to a unit for delivering gaseous fuel and additive products in a motor vehicle gas system, as known for example from document WO 2008/012630 .
- the invention relates to a unit for delivering gaseous fuel, for example, liquefied petroleum gas, commonly known by the abbreviation LPG, and the additive products for it.
- gaseous fuel for example, liquefied petroleum gas, commonly known by the abbreviation LPG
- LPG liquefied petroleum gas
- a delivery unit of this kind comprises a supply fitting of a gas system having a collar for receiving and coupling to a gaseous fuel delivery gun. More specifically, the supply fitting is in fluid communication with a tank containing the gaseous fuel.
- an operator couples the gaseous fuel delivery gun to the receiving collar in such a way as to feed the gaseous fuel into the containment tank through the supply fitting.
- the additives are usually sold in pressurized cylinders equipped with a specific delivery fitting.
- Commercially available cylinders contain a predetermined charge of active additive mixed with a propellant.
- the additive contained in the pressurized cylinder is filled into the motor vehicle's gas system using a specific delivery tap equipped with a socket for accommodating and retaining the cylinder's delivery fitting.
- the cylinder's fitting When the operator applies the cylinder's fitting to the socket of the delivery tap, the latter is locked to the receiving collar of the supply fitting. That way, the additive contained in the cylinder is filled into the motor vehicle's gas system through the delivery tap under the action of the pressure inside the cylinder.
- the operator disconnects the delivery tap from the collar of the supply fitting and proceeds to refuelling the vehicle by connecting the gas fuel delivery gun to the coupling collar of the fitting.
- the additive and the gas fuel filled at two different times, are mixed inside the containment tank of the gas system.
- pressurized cylinders for the additive has several disadvantages. Indeed, the cylinders must be stored and handled with care.
- the cylinders must be stored at a controlled temperature of between 20°C and 30°C so as to keep the pressure inside them at the right level to ensure that the additive is expelled properly when it needs to be fed into the gas system.
- the aim of this invention is to provide a unit for delivering gaseous fuel and additive products in a motor vehicle gas system which overcomes the above mentioned disadvantages, that is to say, which allows additive and gas fuel to be supplied simultaneously during refuelling.
- the numeral 1 denotes a unit for delivering gaseous fuel and additive products in a motor vehicle gas system 2 according to a first embodiment.
- the delivery unit 1 comprises a supply fitting 3 of the gas system 2 having a collar C for receiving and coupling to a gaseous fuel delivery gun 8 and a feed duct D having an inlet opening D1 at the receiving and coupling collar C and an outlet opening D2 in fluid communication with a fuel storage tank 4.
- a safety valve 5 is interposed between the storage tank 4 and the supply fitting 3.
- the safety valve 5 is designed to close the connection between the storage tank 4 and the supply fitting 3 once the delivery gun 8 has been coupled, upon completion of the operation of totally or partially filling the storage tank 4.
- the delivery unit 1 comprises a disposable capsule 16 containing at least one charge 17 of additive product and having a facilitated opening means 18 which breaks to form a passageway 45 allowing the charge 17 of additive product to flow out. More specifically, the disposable capsule 16 is inserted at least partly in the feed duct D in such a way that gaseous fuel is fed in through the inlet opening D1 by the delivery gun 8 and gaseous fuel and additive product are delivered simultaneously through the outlet opening D2 under the action of the gaseous fuel pressure.
- the delivery unit 1 comprises a supply pipe 6 designed to be connected to the supply fitting 3 of the gas system.
- the supply pipe 6 has, at a first end of it 6a, a collar 7 for receiving and coupling to the gaseous fuel delivery gun 8 and, at a second end of it 6b, a connector 9 for connecting the pipe 6 to the gas system 2. More specifically, the connector 9 is designed to be coupled to the supply fitting 3 on the motor vehicle.
- the supply fitting 3 is threaded and the connector 9 forms with it a connection of the lead nut and screw type.
- the supply pipe 6 is also equipped, near the connector 9, with a gasket 11 which guarantees a fluid-tight connection between the supply pipe 6 and the supply fitting 3.
- the supply pipe 6 comprises a feed duct 12 extending from the receiving and coupling collar 7 to the connector 9. More specifically, the feed duct 12 is substantially in the shape of a cylinder extending along a longitudinal axis L.
- the feed duct 12 has an inlet opening 13 at the receiving and coupling collar 7 and an outlet opening 14 at the connector 9.
- the inlet opening 13 and the outlet opening 14 are designed to be placed in fluid communication with the delivery gun 8 and the supply fitting 3, respectively.
- the receiving and coupling collar 7 has, at the inlet opening 13, a raised ring 15 which is designed to engage a sealing element, not illustrated, of the dispensing gun 8.
- the delivery unit 1 comprises the disposable capsule 16 containing at least one charge 17 of additive product.
- the charge 17 of additive product is in liquid form.
- the disposable capsule 16 is located at least partly in the feed duct 12.
- the length of the feed duct 12 is at least equal to the length of the disposable capsule 16.
- the disposable capsule 16 has a facilitated opening means 18 which breaks to form a passageway 45 allowing the charge 17 of additive product to flow out.
- facilitated opening means 18 is used to denote lines or areas of weakness or preferential fracture which make it easier for the capsule 16 to be opened.
- facilitated opening means 18 is used to denote plugs or closing elements to be removed manually in order to open the capsule 16.
- the disposable capsule 16 comprises a body 19 containing at least one charge 17 of additive product.
- the containment body 19 extends along a longitudinal axis L1. More specifically, the containment body 19 is substantially in the shape of a cylinder extending along the axis L1.
- the containment body 19 comprises the facilitated opening means 18.
- the disposable capsule 16 comprises an inlet opening 25 for the gaseous fuel and an outlet opening 26 for the gaseous fuel and the additive product.
- the containment body 19 comprises a first partition 21 and, at the outlet opening 26, the containment body 19 comprises a second partition 20.
- the first partition 21 and the second partition 20 are furnished with facilitated opening means 18, in particular with at least one pre-cut or at least one preferential fracture line 22.
- the inlet partition 21 and the second partition 20 each have two pre-cut lines 22.
- the first partition 21 has a pair of preferential fracture lines 22 in the shape of a cross and a further preferential fracture line 22 running along the perimeter of the partition 21 itself.
- the first partition 21 and the second partition 22 break under the action of the pressure of the gaseous fuel, allowing the gaseous fuel to flow into the containment body 19 through the first partition 21 and allowing the gaseous fuel and the additive product to flow out through the second partition 20.
- the capsule 16 At its inlet opening 25 the capsule 16 comprises a flange 23.
- the capsule 16 At its outlet opening 26 the capsule 16 has a supporting surface 24. More specifically, the supporting surface 24 has an annular cross section.
- the flange 23 and the supporting surface 24 are locking means for holding the capsule 16 inside the feed duct 12 after being inserted into the latter.
- the first partition 21 and the second partition 20 of the containment body 19 are located at a certain distance from the flange 23 and from the supporting surface 24, respectively, in such a way as to guarantee a sufficiently large passageway for the gaseous fuel and for the additive product.
- the capsule 16 has a substantially tubular shape. More precisely, the containment body 19 has an external diameter which is substantially constant, whilst the flange 23 has an external diameter which is substantially greater than that of the containment body 19. The external diameter of the containment body 19 is substantially smaller than the internal diameter of the feed duct 12, allowing the capsule 16 to be inserted into it.
- the containment body 19 is substantially in the shape of a bottle, with a bottom surface 27 and a neck 28.
- the external diameter of the containment body 19 is substantially smaller than the internal diameter of the feed duct 12.
- the capsule 16 is furnished with facilitated opening means 18 at its neck 28. More specifically, the neck 28 has a line of weakness 29 or line of preferential fracture. Preferably, the line of weakness 29 runs along the join between the neck 28 and the containment body 19.
- the capsule 16 has an opening tab 30.
- the tab 30 is substantially rectangular in shape.
- the opening tab 30 is connected to the neck 28 and has a hinge line 31. More specifically, the hinge line 31 is contiguous with the line of weakness 29 of the neck 28.
- the capsule 16 can be opened by gripping the opening tab 30 and turning it clockwise or anticlockwise about the hinge line 31 until the neck 28 of the capsule 16 breaks open along the line of weakness 29, defining the passageway 45.
- the disposable capsule 16 has at least one flap 32 extending along the surface of the containment body 19.
- the capsule 16 has two flaps 32.
- the flaps 32 are located diametrically opposite each other relative to the axis L1. More specifically, the flaps 32 extend from the hinge line 31 to the bottom surface 27.
- the shape of the disposable capsule 16 determines a specific configuration of the feed duct 12 adapted to house the capsule 16 itself.
- the feed duct 12 of the supply pipe 6 has a single chamber 10 for housing and retaining the capsule 16.
- the housing and retaining chamber 10 is delimited by the walls of the feed duct 12, by the inlet opening 13 and by a bottom wall 34.
- the housing and retaining chamber 10 is designed to accommodate the containment body 19 of the capsule 16.
- the housing and retaining chamber 10 has an internal diameter which is substantially constant, substantially larger than the containment body 19, which is free to slide inside it.
- the housing and retaining chamber 10 has an annular groove 33, coaxial with the axis L and designed to accommodate the flange 23 of the capsule 16.
- the annular groove 33 is substantially larger in diameter than the portion of chamber 10 designed to accommodate the containment body 19, in such a way that the flange 23, by abutting against the groove 33, prevents the disposable capsule 16 from being inserted completely into the feed duct 12, thereby facilitating its extraction.
- the groove 33 is an element for retaining the capsule 16.
- the bottom wall 34 of the housing chamber 10 is located near the outlet opening 14.
- the bottom wall 34 is substantially annular in shape, coaxial with the axis L.
- the bottom wall 34 constitutes a further element for retaining the disposable capsule 16 inside the feed duct 12. More specifically, the supporting surface 24 of the capsule 16 is designed to come into abutment with the bottom wall 34 when the capsule 16 is fully inserted in the housing chamber 10.
- the housing chamber 10 has a single element for retaining the capsule 16, defined either by the groove 33 or by the bottom wall 34.
- the feed duct 12 of the supply pipe 6 has a first and a second chamber 35 and 36 for housing and retaining the disposable capsule 16.
- the first and second chambers 35 and 36 are in fluid communication via at least one connecting duct 39.
- the connecting ducts 39 are located on opposite sides relative to the axis L.
- Each connecting duct 39 has a respective inlet opening 39a and outlet opening 39b.
- the connecting ducts 39 are substantially circular in cross section.
- the supply pipe 6 has two connecting ducts 39, located on opposite sides relative to the axis L.
- the supply pipe 6 comprises a plurality of ducts 39, located on opposite sides relative to the axis L.
- the supply pipe 6 comprises a blind cavity 37 formed inside the feed duct 12. More specifically, the cavity 37 is coaxial with the axis L.
- the cavity 37 has a substantially rectangular cross section. More specifically, the cavity 37 is delimited by two front walls 42 and two side walls 43. The front walls 42 are located to face each other, whilst each of the side walls 43 is contiguous with both of the front walls 42.
- the cavity 37 also has a bottom wall 37b and an inlet opening 37a.
- the bottom wall 37b is in fluid communication with the second chamber 36.
- the first chamber 35 is delimited by the inlet opening 13 of the supply pipe 6, by the side walls of the feed duct 12 and by a bottom wall 35a.
- the bottom wall 35a comprises the inlet opening 37a of the cavity 37 and the two inlet openings 39a of the connecting ducts 39.
- the bottom wall 35a is located at a predetermined distance from the inlet opening 13. The distance depends strictly on the length of the disposable capsule 16, in particular of the containment body 19.
- the first chamber 35 is designed to at least partly house the containment body 19 of the capsule 16.
- the cavity 37 constitutes an element for retaining the disposable capsule 16.
- the neck 28 of the capsule 16 is designed to be inserted at least partly into the cavity 37 until blocked by the size of the passageway defined by the cavity.
- the neck 28 thus constitutes a locking means by which the capsule 16 is locked in place in the feed duct 12.
- the cavity 37 also constitutes a means of compressing the disposable capsule 16. More specifically, the front walls 42 are located at a distance from each other which is less than the thickness of the neck 28, thereby compressing the latter.
- the bottom wall 37b constitutes an element for abutting against the capsule 16 because, in use, the capsule 16 itself is inserted into the duct 12 until the opening tab 30 comes into abutment with the bottom wall 37b.
- the second chamber 36 is delimited by a top wall 36a, comprising the outlet openings 39b of the connecting ducts 39, by the walls of the feed duct 12 and by the outlet opening 14 of the supply pipe 6.
- the feed duct 12 comprises at least one guide 41.
- the feed duct 12 has two guides 41.
- the guides 41 are located diametrically opposite each other relative to the axis L. More specifically, the guides 41 have a rectangular cross section.
- the guides 41 run parallel with the axis L from the inlet opening 13 along the first chamber 35 to the bottom wall 37b of the cavity 37.
- the feed duct D of the first embodiment of the delivery unit 1 may be configured like the feed duct 12 of the supply pipe 6 of the second or third embodiment of the delivery unit 1, depending on whether the first or the second variant of the disposable capsules 16 is used.
- the first embodiment of the delivery unit 1 comprises the steps of inserting a disposable capsule 16 at least partially into the feed duct D. Coupling the gaseous fuel delivery gun 8 to the receiving and coupling collar C in order to feed the gaseous fuel through the inlet opening D1 of the feed duct D in such a way that the charge 17 of additive product flows out of the capsule 16 through the passageway 45 under the action of the gaseous fuel pressure and the gaseous fuel and additive product flow out simultaneously through the outlet opening D2 of the feed duct D.
- the second and third embodiments of the delivery unit 1, unlike the first embodiment, comprise the step of connecting the supply pipe 6 to the supply fitting 3.
- the supply pipe 6 is connected to the supply fitting 3 of the motor vehicle through the connector 9.
- the operator inserts the disposable capsule 16 into the feed duct 12.
- the capsule 16 is correctly inserted in the feed duct 12 when it abuts against the corresponding retaining element.
- the operator couples the delivery gun 8 to the collar 7 in such a way that the sealing element, not illustrated, of the delivery gun 8 engages the raised ring 15 of the pipe 6.
- the next step is to deliver the gaseous fuel through the delivery gun 8.
- the gaseous fuel is usually delivered at a predetermined pressure p (the pressure value p is approximately 13 ⁇ 10 5 Pa). This pressure causes the charge 17 of additive product contained in the capsule 16 to flow out through the passageway 45. That way, both gaseous fuel and additive product flow out of the outlet opening 14 of the supply pipe 6 and into the motor vehicle's gas system 2 through the supply fitting 3.
- the operator Upon completion of refuelling to user's request, the operator disconnects the delivery gun 8 from the receiving and coupling collar 7. The moment the gun 8 is disengaged from the collar 7, the disposable capsule 16 is expelled from the feed duct 12 through the inlet opening 13 of the pipe 6 under the effect of the pressure created in the feed duct 12 during refuelling.
- the operator can then simply extract the empty capsule 16, which no longer contains the charge 17 of product, from the feed duct 12 and dispose of it in the appropriate waste bin.
- the second and third embodiments differ in the way the disposable capsule 16 is used and inserted, as explained in more detail below.
- the capsule 16 is inserted from the end with the supporting surface 24.
- the capsule 16 slides into the housing and retaining chamber 10 until the flange 23 abuts against the socket 33, stopping the capsule 16 from sliding in any further.
- the first partition 21 faces the inlet opening 13 and the second partition 20 faces the outlet opening 14 of the pipe 6.
- the gaseous fuel delivered by the gun 8 flows directly into the disposable capsule 16 through the capsule's inlet opening 25. More specifically, under the action of the delivery pressure, the gaseous fuel breaks the facilitated opening means 18 of the first partition 21, in particular the two pre-cuts 22 and flows into the containment body 19 of the capsule 16.
- the gaseous fuel also breaks the facilitated opening means 18 of the second partition 20, in particular the two pre-cuts 22.
- the gaseous fuel mixes with the charge 17 of additive product it contains and which is made to flow along with it.
- the disposable capsule 16 is opened manually by the operator before being inserted into the feed duct 12.
- the capsule 16 is opened along the line of weakness 29, using the opening tab 30, to form the passageway 45, as described above.
- the operator manually recloses the capsule 16 in such a way that the neck 28 is substantially aligned with the containment body 19 along the axis L1.
- the capsule 16 is inserted into the pipe 6 from the inlet opening 13. More specifically, the capsule 16 is inserted from the side with the opening tab 30 so that the flaps 32 slide into the respective guides 41.
- the guides 41 ensure that the capsule 16 is positioned correctly in the feed duct 12 in such a way that the neck 28 is inserted into the cavity 37.
- the disposable capsule 16 slides into the first chamber 35 until the neck 28 of the capsule 16 abuts against the walls 42 of the cavity 37, as illustrated in particular in Figures 6 and 8 . That way, the containment body 19 is at least partly positioned in the first chamber 35. In effect, the bottom surface 27 of the capsule 16 protrudes from the inlet opening 13 of the pipe 6.
- the delivery gun 8 when the delivery gun 8 is coupled to the receiving and coupling collar 7, the delivery gun 8 pushes the capsule 16 further into the feed duct 12 by the bottom surface 27, until the latter reaches the position where it lies in substantially the same plane as the raised ring 15. At the same time, the neck 28 of the disposable capsule 16 is inserted further between the front walls 42 of the cavity 37, until it comes into abutment with the bottom wall 37b.
- the connecting duct 37 acts as a means of compressing the neck 28, squeezing it. Compressing the neck 28 facilitates the outflow of the additive charge 17 from the containment body 19 by increasing the size of the passageway 45. Further, since the passageway 45 faces the connecting ducts 39, the additive charge 17 flows from the first chamber 35 to the second chamber 36 through them, as illustrated in particular in Figures 7 and 7b .
- causing the capsule 16 to abut against the bottom wall 37b makes it possible to position the passageway 45 at a predetermined distance from the connecting ducts 39, thereby facilitating the outflow of the additive product charge 17.
- the fuel delivery pressure compresses the containment body 19 of the capsule 16, thus facilitating the outflow of the additive product charge 17 and ensuring that the capsule 16 is emptied completely.
- the gaseous fuel also flows from the first chamber 35 to the second chamber 36 through the connecting ducts 39, taking the additive product along with it.
- the plurality of connecting ducts 39 constitute a filter against any impurities.
- the delivery unit 1 makes it possible to supply a motor vehicle gas system 2 with both gaseous fuel and additive product simultaneously.
- the additive product is fed into the gas system 2 during refuelling with gaseous fuel, since the fuel delivery pressure makes it possible to feed in the additive charge 17 which is contained in the containment body 19 of the capsule 16 and which therefore, unlike the prior art, contains only the active ingredient of the additive product, in liquid form.
- inserting the capsules 16 into the feed duct 12 of the supply pipe 6 is a simple, timesaving operation for the operator to do.
- disposable capsules 16 makes it possible to overcome the above mentioned disadvantages of using pressurized cylinders.
- the disposable capsules 16 are considerably smaller than pressurized cylinders, with obvious advantages in terms of less storage space requirement.
- the disposable capsules 16 are preferably made of a plastic material which means that, when empty, they can be conveniently disposed of in the proper manner after use.
Abstract
Description
- This invention relates to a unit for delivering gaseous fuel and additive products in a motor vehicle gas system, as known for example from document
WO 2008/012630 . - More specifically, the invention relates to a unit for delivering gaseous fuel, for example, liquefied petroleum gas, commonly known by the abbreviation LPG, and the additive products for it.
- Generally speaking, a delivery unit of this kind comprises a supply fitting of a gas system having a collar for receiving and coupling to a gaseous fuel delivery gun. More specifically, the supply fitting is in fluid communication with a tank containing the gaseous fuel.
- When refuelling, an operator couples the gaseous fuel delivery gun to the receiving collar in such a way as to feed the gaseous fuel into the containment tank through the supply fitting.
- In recent years, there has been a considerable increase in the use of additives to be supplied to the motor vehicle gas system for purposes of routine maintenance to the gas system and engine of the motor vehicle. In effect, the additives help clean the functional parts both of the gas system and of the engine by removing pollutants created by gas fuel combustion, so as to maintain the vehicle's performance levels over time.
- The additives are usually sold in pressurized cylinders equipped with a specific delivery fitting. Commercially available cylinders contain a predetermined charge of active additive mixed with a propellant.
- Generally speaking, the additive contained in the pressurized cylinder is filled into the motor vehicle's gas system using a specific delivery tap equipped with a socket for accommodating and retaining the cylinder's delivery fitting.
- When the operator applies the cylinder's fitting to the socket of the delivery tap, the latter is locked to the receiving collar of the supply fitting. That way, the additive contained in the cylinder is filled into the motor vehicle's gas system through the delivery tap under the action of the pressure inside the cylinder.
- When the cylinder is completely empty, the operator disconnects the delivery tap from the collar of the supply fitting and proceeds to refuelling the vehicle by connecting the gas fuel delivery gun to the coupling collar of the fitting. Thus, the additive and the gas fuel, filled at two different times, are mixed inside the containment tank of the gas system.
- From the above it may be inferred that putting additive in the gas fuel is not a simple operation for the operator because the operator must first couple the delivery tap to the supply fitting in order to feed in the additive and only after that has been done can the gas fuel delivery gun be connected to the supply fitting for actual refuelling.
- Moreover, the use of pressurized cylinders for the additive has several disadvantages. Indeed, the cylinders must be stored and handled with care.
- For example, during the winter season, the cylinders must be stored at a controlled temperature of between 20°C and 30°C so as to keep the pressure inside them at the right level to ensure that the additive is expelled properly when it needs to be fed into the gas system.
- Moreover, during use of the cylinder, the operator must ensure that the cylinder remains upside down so that it will be emptied completely.
- If instructions for proper use of the cylinder are not carefully followed by the operator who, in most cases, manages a refuelling station, the motor vehicle's gas system does not receive the correct amount of additive.
- The aim of this invention is to provide a unit for delivering gaseous fuel and additive products in a motor vehicle gas system which overcomes the above mentioned disadvantages, that is to say, which allows additive and gas fuel to be supplied simultaneously during refuelling.
- The specified aim is achieved by a delivery unit and related method having the features set out in the respective
independent claims - Further features and advantages of the invention are more apparent in the detailed description below, with reference to a preferred, non-limiting, embodiment of a delivery unit as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of a delivery unit according to this invention; -
Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of a second embodiment of the delivery unit according to this invention; -
Figure 2a shows a detail of a disposable capsule illustrated inFigure 2 ; -
Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of a third embodiment of the delivery unit according to this invention; -
Figures 4 and 5 are cross sections of the delivery unit ofFigure 2 , with and without the disposable capsule, respectively; -
Figures 6 and 7 are a side view and a cross section of the delivery unit ofFigure 3 ; -
Figure 6a is a side view of the disposable capsule illustrated inFigure 3 ; -
Figure 7b shows a scaled-up detail fromFigure 7 ; -
Figures 8 and 9 are a front view and a cross section of the delivery unit illustrated inFigures 6 and 7 , respectively; -
Figure 10 is a side and cross section view of the delivery unit ofFigure 3 according to a further variant embodiment; -
Figure 11 is a cross section of a detail of the delivery unit ofFigure 6 ; -
Figure 12 is a cross section of a detail of the delivery unit ofFigure 10 . - As illustrated in
Figure 1 , thenumeral 1 denotes a unit for delivering gaseous fuel and additive products in a motorvehicle gas system 2 according to a first embodiment. - The
delivery unit 1 comprises asupply fitting 3 of thegas system 2 having a collar C for receiving and coupling to a gaseousfuel delivery gun 8 and a feed duct D having an inlet opening D1 at the receiving and coupling collar C and an outlet opening D2 in fluid communication with afuel storage tank 4. - A
safety valve 5 is interposed between thestorage tank 4 and thesupply fitting 3. Thesafety valve 5 is designed to close the connection between thestorage tank 4 and the supply fitting 3 once thedelivery gun 8 has been coupled, upon completion of the operation of totally or partially filling thestorage tank 4. - The
delivery unit 1 comprises adisposable capsule 16 containing at least onecharge 17 of additive product and having a facilitated opening means 18 which breaks to form apassageway 45 allowing thecharge 17 of additive product to flow out. More specifically, thedisposable capsule 16 is inserted at least partly in the feed duct D in such a way that gaseous fuel is fed in through the inlet opening D1 by thedelivery gun 8 and gaseous fuel and additive product are delivered simultaneously through the outlet opening D2 under the action of the gaseous fuel pressure. - Unlike the first embodiment, in the second and third embodiments, illustrated in
Figures 2 and3 , respectively, thedelivery unit 1 comprises asupply pipe 6 designed to be connected to thesupply fitting 3 of the gas system. - The
supply pipe 6 has, at a first end of it 6a, acollar 7 for receiving and coupling to the gaseousfuel delivery gun 8 and, at a second end of it 6b, aconnector 9 for connecting thepipe 6 to thegas system 2. More specifically, theconnector 9 is designed to be coupled to the supply fitting 3 on the motor vehicle. - Usually, the
supply fitting 3 is threaded and theconnector 9 forms with it a connection of the lead nut and screw type. Thesupply pipe 6 is also equipped, near theconnector 9, with agasket 11 which guarantees a fluid-tight connection between thesupply pipe 6 and thesupply fitting 3. - The
supply pipe 6 comprises afeed duct 12 extending from the receiving andcoupling collar 7 to theconnector 9. More specifically, thefeed duct 12 is substantially in the shape of a cylinder extending along a longitudinal axis L. - The
feed duct 12 has an inlet opening 13 at the receiving andcoupling collar 7 and an outlet opening 14 at theconnector 9. The inlet opening 13 and the outlet opening 14 are designed to be placed in fluid communication with thedelivery gun 8 and the supply fitting 3, respectively. Also, in order to guarantee a fluid tight connection between thesupply pipe 6 and thedelivery gun 8, the receiving andcoupling collar 7 has, at the inlet opening 13, a raisedring 15 which is designed to engage a sealing element, not illustrated, of thedispensing gun 8. - The
delivery unit 1 comprises thedisposable capsule 16 containing at least onecharge 17 of additive product. Preferably, thecharge 17 of additive product is in liquid form. - The
disposable capsule 16 is located at least partly in thefeed duct 12. The length of thefeed duct 12 is at least equal to the length of thedisposable capsule 16. - The
disposable capsule 16 has a facilitated opening means 18 which breaks to form apassageway 45 allowing thecharge 17 of additive product to flow out. - The term facilitated opening means 18 is used to denote lines or areas of weakness or preferential fracture which make it easier for the
capsule 16 to be opened. Alternatively, the term facilitatedopening means 18 is used to denote plugs or closing elements to be removed manually in order to open thecapsule 16. - The
disposable capsule 16 comprises abody 19 containing at least onecharge 17 of additive product. Thecontainment body 19 extends along a longitudinal axis L1. More specifically, thecontainment body 19 is substantially in the shape of a cylinder extending along the axis L1. - The
containment body 19 comprises the facilitated opening means 18. - In a first variant, illustrated in
Figures 2 and4 , thedisposable capsule 16 comprises an inlet opening 25 for the gaseous fuel and an outlet opening 26 for the gaseous fuel and the additive product. - More precisely, at the inlet opening 25, the
containment body 19 comprises afirst partition 21 and, at the outlet opening 26, thecontainment body 19 comprises asecond partition 20. Thefirst partition 21 and thesecond partition 20 are furnished with facilitated opening means 18, in particular with at least one pre-cut or at least onepreferential fracture line 22. - Preferably, the
inlet partition 21 and thesecond partition 20 each have twopre-cut lines 22. - With reference in particular to
Figure 2a , thefirst partition 21 has a pair ofpreferential fracture lines 22 in the shape of a cross and a furtherpreferential fracture line 22 running along the perimeter of thepartition 21 itself. - Thanks to the pre-cuts 22, the
first partition 21 and thesecond partition 22 break under the action of the pressure of the gaseous fuel, allowing the gaseous fuel to flow into thecontainment body 19 through thefirst partition 21 and allowing the gaseous fuel and the additive product to flow out through thesecond partition 20. - At its
inlet opening 25 thecapsule 16 comprises aflange 23. - At its
outlet opening 26 thecapsule 16 has a supportingsurface 24. More specifically, the supportingsurface 24 has an annular cross section. Theflange 23 and the supportingsurface 24 are locking means for holding thecapsule 16 inside thefeed duct 12 after being inserted into the latter. Advantageously, thefirst partition 21 and thesecond partition 20 of thecontainment body 19 are located at a certain distance from theflange 23 and from the supportingsurface 24, respectively, in such a way as to guarantee a sufficiently large passageway for the gaseous fuel and for the additive product. - From the above description, it may be inferred that the
capsule 16 has a substantially tubular shape. More precisely, thecontainment body 19 has an external diameter which is substantially constant, whilst theflange 23 has an external diameter which is substantially greater than that of thecontainment body 19. The external diameter of thecontainment body 19 is substantially smaller than the internal diameter of thefeed duct 12, allowing thecapsule 16 to be inserted into it. - According to a second variant, illustrated in
Figures 3 and from 6 to 10, thecontainment body 19 is substantially in the shape of a bottle, with abottom surface 27 and aneck 28. - In order to allow the
capsule 16 to be inserted into thefeed duct 12, the external diameter of thecontainment body 19 is substantially smaller than the internal diameter of thefeed duct 12. - In this embodiment, the
capsule 16 is furnished with facilitated opening means 18 at itsneck 28. More specifically, theneck 28 has a line ofweakness 29 or line of preferential fracture. Preferably, the line ofweakness 29 runs along the join between theneck 28 and thecontainment body 19. - In order to facilitate opening of the
capsule 16 along the line ofweakness 29, thecapsule 16 has anopening tab 30. Preferably, thetab 30 is substantially rectangular in shape. - The
opening tab 30 is connected to theneck 28 and has ahinge line 31. More specifically, thehinge line 31 is contiguous with the line ofweakness 29 of theneck 28. - Thus, the
capsule 16 can be opened by gripping theopening tab 30 and turning it clockwise or anticlockwise about thehinge line 31 until theneck 28 of thecapsule 16 breaks open along the line ofweakness 29, defining thepassageway 45. - To ensure that the
capsule 16 is inserted correctly into thefeed duct 12, thedisposable capsule 16 has at least oneflap 32 extending along the surface of thecontainment body 19. - Preferably, the
capsule 16 has twoflaps 32. Theflaps 32 are located diametrically opposite each other relative to the axis L1. More specifically, theflaps 32 extend from thehinge line 31 to thebottom surface 27. - From the above description, it may be inferred that the shape of the
disposable capsule 16 determines a specific configuration of thefeed duct 12 adapted to house thecapsule 16 itself. - Described below are two embodiments of
supply pipes 6 applicable respectively to the first and second variants of thedisposable capsule 16. - As illustrated in
Figures 4 and 5 , thefeed duct 12 of thesupply pipe 6 has asingle chamber 10 for housing and retaining thecapsule 16. - The housing and retaining
chamber 10 is delimited by the walls of thefeed duct 12, by theinlet opening 13 and by abottom wall 34. - More specifically, the housing and retaining
chamber 10 is designed to accommodate thecontainment body 19 of thecapsule 16. The housing and retainingchamber 10 has an internal diameter which is substantially constant, substantially larger than thecontainment body 19, which is free to slide inside it. - Near the
inlet opening 13, the housing and retainingchamber 10 has anannular groove 33, coaxial with the axis L and designed to accommodate theflange 23 of thecapsule 16. - The
annular groove 33 is substantially larger in diameter than the portion ofchamber 10 designed to accommodate thecontainment body 19, in such a way that theflange 23, by abutting against thegroove 33, prevents thedisposable capsule 16 from being inserted completely into thefeed duct 12, thereby facilitating its extraction. - Consequently, the
groove 33 is an element for retaining thecapsule 16. - The
bottom wall 34 of thehousing chamber 10 is located near theoutlet opening 14. Thebottom wall 34 is substantially annular in shape, coaxial with the axis L. - The
bottom wall 34 constitutes a further element for retaining thedisposable capsule 16 inside thefeed duct 12. More specifically, the supportingsurface 24 of thecapsule 16 is designed to come into abutment with thebottom wall 34 when thecapsule 16 is fully inserted in thehousing chamber 10. - In an alternative embodiment, the
housing chamber 10 has a single element for retaining thecapsule 16, defined either by thegroove 33 or by thebottom wall 34. - As illustrated in
Figures 6 to 10 , thefeed duct 12 of thesupply pipe 6 has a first and asecond chamber disposable capsule 16. - The first and
second chambers duct 39. The connectingducts 39 are located on opposite sides relative to the axis L. - Each connecting
duct 39 has a respective inlet opening 39a andoutlet opening 39b. Preferably, the connectingducts 39 are substantially circular in cross section. - As illustrated in
Figures 6 and 7 , thesupply pipe 6 has two connectingducts 39, located on opposite sides relative to the axis L. - In a further alternative embodiment, illustrated in
Figure 10 , thesupply pipe 6 comprises a plurality ofducts 39, located on opposite sides relative to the axis L. - The
supply pipe 6 comprises ablind cavity 37 formed inside thefeed duct 12. More specifically, thecavity 37 is coaxial with the axis L. - With reference in particular to
Figure 11 , thecavity 37 has a substantially rectangular cross section. More specifically, thecavity 37 is delimited by twofront walls 42 and twoside walls 43. Thefront walls 42 are located to face each other, whilst each of theside walls 43 is contiguous with both of thefront walls 42. Thecavity 37 also has abottom wall 37b and aninlet opening 37a. - In an embodiment not illustrated, the
bottom wall 37b is in fluid communication with thesecond chamber 36. - The
first chamber 35 is delimited by the inlet opening 13 of thesupply pipe 6, by the side walls of thefeed duct 12 and by abottom wall 35a. Thebottom wall 35a comprises the inlet opening 37a of thecavity 37 and the twoinlet openings 39a of the connectingducts 39. - More specifically, the
bottom wall 35a is located at a predetermined distance from theinlet opening 13. The distance depends strictly on the length of thedisposable capsule 16, in particular of thecontainment body 19. - Thus, the
first chamber 35 is designed to at least partly house thecontainment body 19 of thecapsule 16. - The
cavity 37 constitutes an element for retaining thedisposable capsule 16. In effect, theneck 28 of thecapsule 16 is designed to be inserted at least partly into thecavity 37 until blocked by the size of the passageway defined by the cavity. Theneck 28 thus constitutes a locking means by which thecapsule 16 is locked in place in thefeed duct 12. - The
cavity 37 also constitutes a means of compressing thedisposable capsule 16. More specifically, thefront walls 42 are located at a distance from each other which is less than the thickness of theneck 28, thereby compressing the latter. Thebottom wall 37b constitutes an element for abutting against thecapsule 16 because, in use, thecapsule 16 itself is inserted into theduct 12 until theopening tab 30 comes into abutment with thebottom wall 37b. - The
second chamber 36 is delimited by atop wall 36a, comprising theoutlet openings 39b of the connectingducts 39, by the walls of thefeed duct 12 and by the outlet opening 14 of thesupply pipe 6. - In order to ensure that the
capsule 16 is inserted correctly in thesupply pipe 6, thefeed duct 12 comprises at least oneguide 41. Preferably, thefeed duct 12 has two guides 41. Theguides 41 are located diametrically opposite each other relative to the axis L. More specifically, theguides 41 have a rectangular cross section. - Since the capsule is inserted from the side where the
inlet opening 13 is, theguides 41 run parallel with the axis L from the inlet opening 13 along thefirst chamber 35 to thebottom wall 37b of thecavity 37. - The feed duct D of the first embodiment of the
delivery unit 1 may be configured like thefeed duct 12 of thesupply pipe 6 of the second or third embodiment of thedelivery unit 1, depending on whether the first or the second variant of thedisposable capsules 16 is used. - In use, the first embodiment of the
delivery unit 1 comprises the steps of inserting adisposable capsule 16 at least partially into the feed duct D. Coupling the gaseousfuel delivery gun 8 to the receiving and coupling collar C in order to feed the gaseous fuel through the inlet opening D1 of the feed duct D in such a way that thecharge 17 of additive product flows out of thecapsule 16 through thepassageway 45 under the action of the gaseous fuel pressure and the gaseous fuel and additive product flow out simultaneously through the outlet opening D2 of the feed duct D. - The second and third embodiments of the
delivery unit 1, unlike the first embodiment, comprise the step of connecting thesupply pipe 6 to thesupply fitting 3. - More specifically, the
supply pipe 6 is connected to thesupply fitting 3 of the motor vehicle through theconnector 9. - At this point, the operator inserts the
disposable capsule 16 into thefeed duct 12. Thecapsule 16 is correctly inserted in thefeed duct 12 when it abuts against the corresponding retaining element. Next, the operator couples thedelivery gun 8 to thecollar 7 in such a way that the sealing element, not illustrated, of thedelivery gun 8 engages the raisedring 15 of thepipe 6. The next step is to deliver the gaseous fuel through thedelivery gun 8. - The gaseous fuel is usually delivered at a predetermined pressure p (the pressure value p is approximately 13×105Pa). This pressure causes the
charge 17 of additive product contained in thecapsule 16 to flow out through thepassageway 45. That way, both gaseous fuel and additive product flow out of the outlet opening 14 of thesupply pipe 6 and into the motor vehicle'sgas system 2 through thesupply fitting 3. - When the
charge 17 of thecapsule 16 is finished, gaseous fuel continues to be filled into the gaseousfuel storage tank 4. In other words, when thecharge 17 of thecapsule 16 is finished, only gaseous fuel flows out through the outlet opening 14 of thepipe 6. - Upon completion of refuelling to user's request, the operator disconnects the
delivery gun 8 from the receiving andcoupling collar 7. The moment thegun 8 is disengaged from thecollar 7, thedisposable capsule 16 is expelled from thefeed duct 12 through the inlet opening 13 of thepipe 6 under the effect of the pressure created in thefeed duct 12 during refuelling. - The operator can then simply extract the
empty capsule 16, which no longer contains thecharge 17 of product, from thefeed duct 12 and dispose of it in the appropriate waste bin. - Lastly, the operator disconnects the
supply pipe 6 from thesupply fitting 3 by screwing it off theconnector 9. - More specifically, the second and third embodiments differ in the way the
disposable capsule 16 is used and inserted, as explained in more detail below. According to the second embodiment illustrated inFigure 4 , thecapsule 16 is inserted from the end with the supportingsurface 24. - Thus, the
capsule 16 slides into the housing and retainingchamber 10 until theflange 23 abuts against thesocket 33, stopping thecapsule 16 from sliding in any further. - Once the
capsule 16 is inserted, thefirst partition 21 faces theinlet opening 13 and thesecond partition 20 faces the outlet opening 14 of thepipe 6. - Since the
flange 23 is substantially co-planar with the raisedring 15, once thedelivery gun 8 is coupled to thecollar 7, the gaseous fuel delivered by thegun 8 flows directly into thedisposable capsule 16 through the capsule'sinlet opening 25. More specifically, under the action of the delivery pressure, the gaseous fuel breaks the facilitated opening means 18 of thefirst partition 21, in particular the two pre-cuts 22 and flows into thecontainment body 19 of thecapsule 16. - Next, after flowing through the
containment body 19, the gaseous fuel also breaks the facilitated opening means 18 of thesecond partition 20, in particular the two pre-cuts 22. - As it flows through the
entire containment body 19, the gaseous fuel mixes with thecharge 17 of additive product it contains and which is made to flow along with it. - At this point, both the gaseous fuel and the additive product flow out of the outlet opening 26 of the
capsule 16 and then out of the outlet opening 14 of thesupply pipe 6. - According to the third embodiment of the
delivery unit 1, illustrated inFigures 6 to 10 , thedisposable capsule 16 is opened manually by the operator before being inserted into thefeed duct 12. - More specifically, the
capsule 16 is opened along the line ofweakness 29, using theopening tab 30, to form thepassageway 45, as described above. Before inserting theopen capsule 16 into thefeed duct 12, the operator manually recloses thecapsule 16 in such a way that theneck 28 is substantially aligned with thecontainment body 19 along the axis L1. - At this point, the
capsule 16 is inserted into thepipe 6 from theinlet opening 13. More specifically, thecapsule 16 is inserted from the side with theopening tab 30 so that theflaps 32 slide into the respective guides 41. - The
guides 41 ensure that thecapsule 16 is positioned correctly in thefeed duct 12 in such a way that theneck 28 is inserted into thecavity 37. - The
disposable capsule 16 slides into thefirst chamber 35 until theneck 28 of thecapsule 16 abuts against thewalls 42 of thecavity 37, as illustrated in particular inFigures 6 and8 . That way, thecontainment body 19 is at least partly positioned in thefirst chamber 35. In effect, thebottom surface 27 of thecapsule 16 protrudes from the inlet opening 13 of thepipe 6. - At this point, when the
delivery gun 8 is coupled to the receiving andcoupling collar 7, thedelivery gun 8 pushes thecapsule 16 further into thefeed duct 12 by thebottom surface 27, until the latter reaches the position where it lies in substantially the same plane as the raisedring 15. At the same time, theneck 28 of thedisposable capsule 16 is inserted further between thefront walls 42 of thecavity 37, until it comes into abutment with thebottom wall 37b. - Since the distance between the
wall 42 is less than the size of theneck 28, the connectingduct 37 acts as a means of compressing theneck 28, squeezing it. Compressing theneck 28 facilitates the outflow of theadditive charge 17 from thecontainment body 19 by increasing the size of thepassageway 45. Further, since thepassageway 45 faces the connectingducts 39, theadditive charge 17 flows from thefirst chamber 35 to thesecond chamber 36 through them, as illustrated in particular inFigures 7 and 7b . Advantageously, causing thecapsule 16 to abut against thebottom wall 37b makes it possible to position thepassageway 45 at a predetermined distance from the connectingducts 39, thereby facilitating the outflow of theadditive product charge 17. - During refuelling with the gaseous fuel, the fuel delivery pressure compresses the
containment body 19 of thecapsule 16, thus facilitating the outflow of theadditive product charge 17 and ensuring that thecapsule 16 is emptied completely. - The gaseous fuel also flows from the
first chamber 35 to thesecond chamber 36 through the connectingducts 39, taking the additive product along with it. - From the
second chamber 36 the gaseous fuel and the additive product flow out of the outlet opening 14 of thesupply pipe 6. - According to the alternative embodiment of the
delivery unit 1, illustrated inFigures 10 and 12 , the plurality of connectingducts 39 constitute a filter against any impurities. - Advantageously, using the
delivery unit 1 makes it possible to supply a motorvehicle gas system 2 with both gaseous fuel and additive product simultaneously. - More specifically, the additive product is fed into the
gas system 2 during refuelling with gaseous fuel, since the fuel delivery pressure makes it possible to feed in theadditive charge 17 which is contained in thecontainment body 19 of thecapsule 16 and which therefore, unlike the prior art, contains only the active ingredient of the additive product, in liquid form. - Further, inserting the
capsules 16 into thefeed duct 12 of thesupply pipe 6 is a simple, timesaving operation for the operator to do. - Moreover, the use of
disposable capsules 16 makes it possible to overcome the above mentioned disadvantages of using pressurized cylinders. Thedisposable capsules 16 are considerably smaller than pressurized cylinders, with obvious advantages in terms of less storage space requirement. - Also, the
disposable capsules 16 are preferably made of a plastic material which means that, when empty, they can be conveniently disposed of in the proper manner after use.
Claims (16)
- A unit for delivering gaseous fuel and additive products in a motor vehicle gas system comprising a supply fitting (3) of the gas system (2) having a collar (C) for receiving and coupling to a gaseous fuel delivery gun (8), a feed duct (D) having an inlet opening (D1) at the receiving and coupling collar (C) and an outlet opening (D2) in fluid communication with a fuel storage tank (4), characterized in that it comprises a disposable capsule (16) containing at least one charge (17) of additive product and having facilitated opening means (18) which breaks to form a passageway (45) allowing the charge (17) of additive product to flow out; the disposable capsule (16) being inserted at least partly in the feed duct (D) in such a way that gaseous fuel is fed in through the inlet opening (D1) by the delivery gun (8) and gaseous fuel and additive product are delivered simultaneously through the outlet opening (D2) under the action of the gaseous fuel pressure.
- The unit for delivering gaseous fuel and additive products in a motor vehicle gas system according to claim 1, comprising a supply pipe (6) of the gas system (2) having a collar (7) for receiving and coupling to the gaseous fuel delivery gun (8), a connector (9) for connecting the pipe (6) to the supply fitting (3) and a feed duct (12) extending from the receiving and coupling collar (7) to the connector (9); the feed duct (12) having an inlet opening (13) at the receiving and coupling collar (7) and an outlet opening (14) at the connector (9), characterized in that the disposable capsule (16) containing at least one charge (17) of additive product is inserted at least partly in the feed duct (12) in such a way that gaseous fuel is fed in through the inlet opening (13) by the delivery gun (8) and the gaseous fuel and additive product are delivered simultaneously through the outlet opening (14) under the action of the gaseous fuel pressure by way of the feed duct (D).
- The delivery unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the feed duct (D; 12) defines at least one housing and retaining chamber (10; 35) for the disposable capsule (16), delimited by the walls of the feed duct (D; 12), by the inlet opening (D1; 13) and by a bottom wall (34; 35a).
- The delivery unit according to claim 3, characterized in that the housing and retaining chamber (10; 35) comprises at least one element (33; 34; 37) for retaining the disposable capsule (16).
- The delivery unit according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing and retaining chamber (35) comprises means (37) for compressing the disposable capsule (16) and extending inside the feed duct (D; 12).
- The delivery unit according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the feed duct (D; 12) comprises a first and a second chamber (35, 36) in fluid communication through at least one connecting duct (39); the first chamber (35) housing the disposable capsule (16) at least partly and comprising a blind cavity (37) acting as a means of compressing the capsule (16).
- The delivery unit according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing and retaining chamber (10) comprises at least one guide (41) allowing the capsule (16) to be inserted correctly.
- The delivery unit according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the feed duct (D; 12) is substantially cylindrical in shape, extending along a longitudinal axis (L).
- A disposable capsule designed for use in a unit for delivering gaseous fuel and additive products in a motor vehicle gas system according to any of the claims from 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises a body (19) containing at least one charge (17) of additive product and extending along a longitudinal axis (L1); the body (19) containing the charge (17) of additive product comprising the facilitated opening means (18) which breaks to form a passageway (45) allowing the charge (17) of additive product to flow out.
- The disposable capsule according to claim 9, characterized in that the containment body (19) comprises a first partition (21) and a second partition (20); the first partition (21) and the second partition (20) being furnished with at least one pre-cut or at least one preferential fracture line (22) designed to break, under the action of the gaseous fuel pressure, allowing the gaseous fuel to flow into the containment body (19) through the first partition (21) and allowing the gaseous fuel and the additive product to flow out simultaneously through the second partition (20).
- The disposable capsule according to claim 9, characterized in that the containment body (19) has a bottom surface (27) and a neck (28); the neck (28) being furnished with at least one weakening line or at least one preferential fracture line (29) designed to break and allow the charge (17) of additive product to flow out through the passageway (45).
- The disposable capsule according to any of the claims from 9 to 11, characterized in that it comprises at least one locking means (23; 24; 28) by which the disposable capsule (16) is locked in place in the feed duct (12).
- The disposable capsule according to any of the claims from 9 to 12, characterized in that it comprises at least one flap (32) extending along the surface of the containment body (19).
- The disposable capsule according to any of the claims from 9 to 13, characterized in that the containment body (19) is substantially cylindrical in shape and extends along the longitudinal axis (L1).
- A method for delivering gaseous fuel and additive products in a motor vehicle gas systems comprising a supply fitting (3) of the gas system (2) having a collar (C; 7) for receiving and coupling to a gaseous fuel delivery gun (8), a feed duct (D; 12) having an inlet opening (D1; 13) at the receiving and coupling collar (C; 7) and an outlet opening (D2; 14) in fluid communication with a fuel storage tank (4), characterized in that it comprises the steps of:inserting a disposable capsule (16) at least partially into the feed duct (D; 12), the capsule (16) comprising at least one charge (17) of additive product and facilitated opening means (18);coupling the gaseous fuel delivery gun (8) to the receiving and coupling collar (C; 7) in order to feed the gaseous fuel through the inlet opening (D1; 13) of the feed duct (D; 12) in such a way that the charge (17) of additive product flows out of the capsule (16) through a passageway (45) under the action of the gaseous fuel pressure and the gaseous fuel and additive product flow out simultaneously through the outlet opening (D2; 14) of the feed duct (D; 12).
- The method according to claim 15, characterized in that it comprises the step of opening the disposable capsule (16) through the facilitated opening means (18), thus forming the passageway (45), before inserting the disposable capsule (16) at least partially into the feed duct (D; 12).
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PL12182940T PL2573448T3 (en) | 2011-09-23 | 2012-09-04 | Unit for delivering gaseous fuel and additive products in a motor vehicle gas system. |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
IT000544A ITBO20110544A1 (en) | 2011-09-23 | 2011-09-23 | GASSOUS FUEL DISPENSER UNIT AND ADDITIVATING PRODUCTS OF A GAS SYSTEM FOR MOTOR VEHICLES. |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2573448A1 EP2573448A1 (en) | 2013-03-27 |
EP2573448B1 true EP2573448B1 (en) | 2013-12-04 |
Family
ID=44993655
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP12182940.2A Active EP2573448B1 (en) | 2011-09-23 | 2012-09-04 | Unit for delivering gaseous fuel and additive products in a motor vehicle gas system. |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP2573448B1 (en) |
IT (1) | ITBO20110544A1 (en) |
PL (1) | PL2573448T3 (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
ITBO20140075U1 (en) * | 2014-09-05 | 2016-03-05 | Morselli Mario | GASSOUS FUEL DISPENSER AND ADDITIVATING PRODUCTS OF A GAS SYSTEM FOR MOTOR VEHICLES. |
IT201700120023A1 (en) * | 2017-10-23 | 2019-04-23 | Mario Morselli | ADDITIONAL PRODUCT ENTRY DEVICE IN A PETROL OR DIESEL FUEL SYSTEM FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE. |
TR201903721A2 (en) * | 2019-03-12 | 2019-04-22 | Antares Kimya Sanayi Ve Ticaret Ltd Sirketi | BOTTLE AND INJECTION APPARATUS FOR ADDITIVE TO THE VEHICLE LPG TANK |
Family Cites Families (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4745772A (en) * | 1987-04-20 | 1988-05-24 | Ferris James E | Air conditioner auxiliary filter/drier refrigerant and chemical additive transfer device |
US6230761B1 (en) * | 1999-03-04 | 2001-05-15 | Alliedsignal Inc. | Injection system |
JP5055883B2 (en) * | 2005-09-07 | 2012-10-24 | トヨタ自動車株式会社 | Hydrogen supply device |
JP5270076B2 (en) * | 2006-07-20 | 2013-08-21 | トヨタ自動車株式会社 | In-vehicle hydrogen storage system |
-
2011
- 2011-09-23 IT IT000544A patent/ITBO20110544A1/en unknown
-
2012
- 2012-09-04 PL PL12182940T patent/PL2573448T3/en unknown
- 2012-09-04 EP EP12182940.2A patent/EP2573448B1/en active Active
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
ITBO20110544A1 (en) | 2013-03-24 |
EP2573448A1 (en) | 2013-03-27 |
PL2573448T3 (en) | 2014-05-30 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US5097806A (en) | Multi-mode engine cleaning fluid application apparatus and method | |
EP2573448B1 (en) | Unit for delivering gaseous fuel and additive products in a motor vehicle gas system. | |
US5257604A (en) | Multi-mode engine cleaning fluid application apparatus and method | |
EP2209985B1 (en) | Apparatus for feeding a fuel, in particular lpg, to an internal combustion engine | |
US9809438B2 (en) | Fluid dispensing apparatus and system | |
JP2001500205A (en) | Additive donation device | |
CN101484737B (en) | No-drip check valves | |
MX2007006372A (en) | A reusable assembly for containing, distributing and consuming mineral water. | |
RU2014125004A (en) | PRESSURE SUPPLY SYSTEM | |
RU2015106360A (en) | CONNECTING DEVICE AND ISSUING UNIT, AND ALSO CAPACITY AND METHOD OF DRINKING DRINKS | |
WO2011134059A1 (en) | Apparatus for mixing and dispensing multiple flowable components | |
KR20170092149A (en) | Fitting for liquid gas cylinders and filling method | |
WO2010100435A1 (en) | Connector assembly for supplying fluid | |
EP2390589A1 (en) | Dispensing device and related dispensing adaptor device | |
WO2020020696A3 (en) | Filler neck for unpressurised fueling shut-off and refueling, and working fluid container comprising a filler neck | |
CN110546083B (en) | Assembly of liner and tank container | |
EP2330330A1 (en) | Filling adapter kit for LPG tank refilling | |
EP3189267B1 (en) | Device for supplying a gaseous fuel and additive products to a gas system for vehicle | |
US20140175133A1 (en) | Cap for beverage container | |
CN107580488B (en) | Container for medical liquids | |
WO2009022141A3 (en) | A device for connection to an inlet of a fuel tank | |
CN115388317A (en) | Multi-container fuel filling and storage systems and methods of using the same | |
EP2416071B1 (en) | Gas container and associated cap | |
ITTV20080017U1 (en) | LPG ADDITIVE LOADING SYSTEM FOR AUTOMOTIVE. | |
US11613388B2 (en) | Method and apparatus for siphoning a beverage into a flexible container |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20121115 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Extension state: BA ME |
|
RIC1 | Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant |
Ipc: F17C 13/08 20060101ALI20130409BHEP Ipc: F17C 5/00 20060101AFI20130409BHEP Ipc: F17C 13/06 20060101ALI20130409BHEP |
|
GRAP | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1 |
|
INTG | Intention to grant announced |
Effective date: 20130715 |
|
GRAS | Grant fee paid |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3 |
|
GRAA | (expected) grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: B1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: GB Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: EP |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: FG4D Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: REF Ref document number: 643685 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20140115 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R096 Ref document number: 602012000612 Country of ref document: DE Effective date: 20140130 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: NL Ref legal event code: VDEP Effective date: 20131204 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: MK05 Ref document number: 643685 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20131204 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20131204 Ref country code: LT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20131204 Ref country code: FI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20131204 Ref country code: NO Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20140304 Ref country code: HR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20131204 Ref country code: NL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20131204 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: LT Ref legal event code: MG4D |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: CY Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20131204 Ref country code: LV Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20131204 Ref country code: RS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20131204 Ref country code: AT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20131204 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: PL Ref legal event code: T3 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: EE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20131204 Ref country code: BE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20131204 Ref country code: IS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20140404 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: RO Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20131204 Ref country code: PT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20140404 Ref country code: ES Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20131204 Ref country code: SK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20131204 Ref country code: CZ Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20131204 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R097 Ref document number: 602012000612 Country of ref document: DE |
|
PLBE | No opposition filed within time limit |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20131204 |
|
26N | No opposition filed |
Effective date: 20140905 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R097 Ref document number: 602012000612 Country of ref document: DE Effective date: 20140905 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20131204 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MC Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20131204 Ref country code: LU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20140904 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: MM4A |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20140904 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: PL |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SM Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20131204 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: BG Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20131204 Ref country code: GR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20140305 Ref country code: MT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20131204 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20150930 Ref country code: CH Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20150930 Ref country code: HU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO Effective date: 20120904 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FR Ref legal event code: PLFP Year of fee payment: 5 |
|
GBPC | Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |
Effective date: 20160904 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GB Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20160904 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FR Ref legal event code: PLFP Year of fee payment: 6 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20131204 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FR Ref legal event code: PLFP Year of fee payment: 7 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: AL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20131204 |
|
P01 | Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered |
Effective date: 20230518 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: TR Payment date: 20230824 Year of fee payment: 12 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: PL Payment date: 20230829 Year of fee payment: 12 Ref country code: FR Payment date: 20230926 Year of fee payment: 12 Ref country code: DE Payment date: 20230928 Year of fee payment: 12 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IT Payment date: 20230925 Year of fee payment: 12 |