ES2376452B1 - GAS COLLECTION DEVICE FOR FUEL TANKS. - Google Patents

Abstract

Gas collection device for fuel tanks. # This device comprises an outlet (11) for connection to a tank (1), a downpipe (12) overflow to the outside of gravity discharge through a hole (24) and in one or more elbows (21) arranged in series, between the descending duct (12) and the discharge orifice (24), connected by respective inverted elbows (23) alternated, by means of intermediate ascending and descending ducts (22). The elbows (21) are arranged nested by configuring a spiral, or in series at the same height. The device may comprise an electric fan (3) for cooling.

Description

dimensioned for placement between the filler neck

Gas collection device for fuel tanks. Object of the invention

The present invention relates to a gas collection device for fuel tanks, of the type used for ventilation and overflow. Background of the invention

In motor vehicles and other devices that operate by means of internal explosion engines with liquid fuel, such as water pumps or electric generators, a fuel tank or tank is available, in which said fuel is stored until it is used.

These tanks usually have a conduit for the evacuation of the gases caused by the evaporation of the fuel, the respiration of the tank in its filling and emptying and which can also act as an overflow, avoiding overfilling of said tank when replenishing its content, which could affect your integrity. In addition, this gas evacuation duct allows air to enter as fuel is consumed.

In fact, especially the tanks and tanks that contain gasoline suffer the problem of the high volatility of this fuel, so the amount of fuel that is released in the form of vapors or gases is considerable and must be evacuated, mainly to avoid risks of fire and overpressures in the tank.

A simple solution is the use of a connection socket to the fuel tank in its upper part and a down conduit to an open end of gravity discharge, which allows the liquid fuel to escape in case of overfilling. This constitution is very simple and economical, but its efficiency is limited and does not prevent the considerable loss of fuel in the form of gases, especially in hot climates, with high temperatures, where evaporation is higher.

Means used to control the fuel gases emitted by the tank include the connection of the overflow to an active carbon tank or "canister", in which said gases are captured until the engine starts, and yet they allow the exit and entry of the atmospheric air However, it is an expensive and difficult to optimize solution.

Document DE4322728 A1 describes a gas collection device for fuel tanks, of the gravity discharge type through an orifice, comprising several elbows arranged in series, between the down conduit and the discharge port, connected by respective elbows inverted alternating through intermediate ascending and descending ducts. This device presents the problem that ventilation is not done naturally, but requires the passage of gases through a storage container with a fuel absorbent material, this tank presenting a pressure regulation inside, and at its Once in the duct. This regulation is carried out by means of complex handling valves with respect to the appropriate opening and closing moments.

On the other hand, document DE2223205 A1 discloses a fuel tank with a ventilation tube that forms, in a section of its path and the tank itself, thereby providing no retention effect of said gasses from condensed form

Document US5255735 A comprises a fan that is used to increase the air flow surrounding a heat exchanger device that is an integral part of a complex fuel cooling mechanism, but which requires a specialized controller for the management of shut-off valves and opening, which does not make said device suitable for a durable and maintenance-free installation. Description of the invention

The gas collection device for fuel tanks, object of this invention, has technical particularities intended to achieve greater efficiency in the control of gases in the tank with a contained manufacturing cost and greater usability.

In fact, the device comprises one or more siphon elbows arranged in series, between the descending duct and the discharge opening, joined by respective elbows inverted alternately, by ascending and descending ducts. This arrangement thus allows to obtain in each of the lower elbows a plug or hydrostatic valve formed by the gasoline gases condensed in small amounts of liquid. These elbows make it difficult and even prevent the escape of gases and fuel vapors, producing a slight rise in the internal pressure, but not dangerous. Each of the siphon elbows consecutively reduces the amount of vapors that can go outside the tank, improving the performance of the device. Thus, if the device has an elbow, the reduction in evaporation fuel losses is considerable, compared to an installation with an overflow only. If the number of elbows rises to three, the performance is very high and prevents a great loss of gasoline. In the case of tropical and very hot climates, it is possible that the presence of five elbows is the most appropriate to optimize the installation.

When the fuel begins to be consumed, the device allows the entry of outside air and also reintroduces the vapors and condensates housed inside the tank, which recovers the fuel that was originally vented outside.

Elbows can be found nested by configuring a spiral, which reduces the necessary space and simplifies its construction.

In another embodiment, the elbows are arranged in series at the same approximate height. These elbows can be placed at a distance from the tank if it is deemed necessary, lengthening the first elbow arranged next to the fuel tank, without causing a significant reduction in performance.

This device can be manufactured at the source with the tank or it can be connected to an existing tank by coupling the first elbow to the outlet opening of the overflow duct.

In the event that the vehicle or device is in a very hot place it may be advantageous to use an electric fan focused on the elbows and ascending and descending sections

3 EN 2376452A1 4

of the device for cooling, which increases the possibility of condensation of evaporated gases. This electric fan can be associated with a temperature sensor for its operation from a certain temperature limit and a timer that defines how long it is on.

Description of the fi gures

To complement the description that is being made and in order to facilitate the understanding of the characteristics of the invention, a set of drawings is attached to the present specification in which, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, the following has been represented:

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Figure 1 shows an elevation view of the device of the invention coupled to the fuel tank.

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Figure 2 shows an elevation view of the spiral shaped device.

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Figure 3 shows an elevation view of the device with the electric cooling fan. Preferred Embodiment of the Invention

As can be seen in the referenced fi gures, the device is coupled to a tank (1) of gasoline fuel by a connection socket (11) in its upper part and which is extended in a descending duct (12), towards some elbows ( 21) arranged in series through ascending and descending ducts (22) with inverted elbows

(2. 3)

intermediate, meeting the last duct

(22)

extended down to a discharge opening (24) in a substantially lower position.

In Figure 2, the device with nested elbows (21, 23) is represented, conforming a spiral elongated vertically, the hole (24) being able to be at various heights.

In Figure 3, the device of Figure 1 is shown, being in front of it an electric fan (3) for projecting air on its outer contour for cooling and causing greater condensation of the vapors and gases of the fuel. The electric fan (3) is associated with an ambient temperature sensor (4) for activation and a timer (5) that regulates the activity time.

Once the nature of the invention has been sufficiently described, as well as an example of a preferred embodiment, it is stated to the appropriate effects that the materials, shape, size and arrangement of the described elements may be modified, as long as this does not imply an alteration. of the essential features of the invention that are claimed below.

5 EN 2376452A1 6

Claims (5)

1. Gas collection device for fuel tanks, of the type comprising a socket (11) for connection to a tank (1) in its upper part and a downflow duct (12) overflow to the outside by gravity discharge through an orifice (24), comprising one or more elbows (21) arranged in series, between the descending duct (12) and the discharge orifice (24), connected by respective inverted elbows (23) alternated, by means of ducts (22) intermediate ascending and descending, characterized in that it comprises an electric fan (3) focused towards the elbows (21) and the ascending and descending ducts (22) for cooling; and because the electric fan (3) is associated with an operating timer (5).

2.

Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the elbows (21, 23) are nested by configuring a spiral.

3.

Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the elbows (21) are arranged in series at the same height.

Four.

Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the electric fan (3) is associated with a temperature sensor (4) for its operation.

 ES 2 376 452 A1   SPANISH OFFICE OF THE PATENTS AND BRAND Application no .: 200950066 SPAIN Date of submission of the application: 24.07.2007 Priority Date: REPORT ON THE STATE OF THE TECHNIQUE 51 Int. Cl.: B60K15 / 035 (2006.01) RELEVANT DOCUMENTS

Category

56 Documents cited Claims Affected

TO

US 5255735 A (RAGHAVA et al.) 26.10.1993, the entire document. 1.4

TO

DE 4322728 A1 (DAIMLER BENZ AG) 12.01.1995, summary; figures. 1.3

TO

GB 1062315 A (VAUXHALL MOTORS Ltd.) 22.03.1967, page 1, lines 8-60; Figure 1. one

TO

US 4369891 A (SHINOZAKI) 25.01.1983, summary; figures 1.3. 1.3

TO

US 4799509 A (WAWRA et al.) 24.01.1989, summary; Figures 1,2,12. 1.3

TO

DE 2223205 A1 (BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG) 22.11.1973, claims 1.9; figure 4. 2

Category of the documents cited X: of particular relevance Y: of particular relevance combined with other / s of the same category A: reflects the state of the art O: refers to unwritten disclosure P: published between the priority date and the date of priority submission of the application E: previous document, but published after the date of submission of the application

This report has been prepared • for all claims • for claims no:

Date of realization of the report 27.02.2012

Examiner F. García Sanz Page 1/4

REPORT OF THE STATE OF THE TECHNIQUE Application number: 200950066 Minimum documentation sought (classification system followed by classification symbols) B60K Electronic databases consulted during the search (database name and, if possible, terms of search used) INVENES, EPODOC State of the Art Report Page 2/4  WRITTEN OPINION Application number: 200950066 Date of Written Opinion: 27.02.2012

Statement

Novelty (Art. 6.1 LP 11/1986)

Claims Claims 1-4 IF NOT

Inventive activity (Art. 8.1 LP11 / 1986)

Claims Claims 1-4 IF NOT

The application is considered to comply with the industrial application requirement. This requirement was evaluated during the formal and technical examination phase of the application (Article 31.2 Law 11/1986).  Opinion Base.- This opinion has been made on the basis of the patent application as published. State of the Art Report Page 3/4  WRITTEN OPINION Application number: 200950066 1. Documents considered.- The documents belonging to the state of the art taken into consideration for the realization of this opinion are listed below.

Document

Publication or Identification Number publication date

D01

US 5255735 A (RAGHAVA et al.) 26.10.1993

D02

DE 4322728 A1 (DAIMLER BENZ AG) 12.01.1995

D03

DE 2223205 A1 (BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG) 11/22/1973

2. Statement motivated according to articles 29.6 and 29.7 of the Regulations for the execution of Law 11/1986, of March 20, on Patents on novelty and inventive activity; quotes and explanations in support of this statement Document D01 which, although considered the closest document of the prior art, is not particularly relevant in isolation or in combination with other documents, discloses a vapor recovery device in a fuel tank of a car. Said device has an outlet duct to the atmosphere, with one socket and several elbows. In addition, there is a fan that is used to increase the flow of air surrounding the heat exchanger, which is the true cooling device of the duct where the gases / fuel vapors drawn from the tank circulate. Also in D1 there is a temperature probe, inside the tank, that detects and sends an electrical signal to a controller, said controller operating as a timer. Document D02 (see basically the summary and the figures), discloses a gas collection device for fuel tanks, of the type comprising a connection socket to a tank in its upper part and a downflow pipe overflow to the outside of gravity discharge through an orifice, comprising several elbows arranged in series, between the descending duct and the discharge orifice, joined by respective inverted elbows alternated by intermediate ascending and descending ducts. In addition, it is evident that in D2 the elbows are arranged in series at the same height. On the other hand, in D03 (see mainly claims 1 and 9, in addition to figure 4) a fuel tank with a ventilation tube is formed which forms, in a section of its trajectory, a propeller / spiral. As explained above, none of the documents considered, or any combination thereof, can be considered of particular relevance to the object of the invention, to the extent that it can be interpreted. On the other hand, it is not obvious that an average expert in the field can conceive said object from said documents. Therefore, this application meets the requirements of novelty and inventive activity according to the requirements of Articles 6.1 and 8.1 of Patent Law 11/86. State of the Art Report Page 4/4