GB2451869A

GB2451869A - Device to prevent incorrect fuelling

Info

Publication number: GB2451869A
Application number: GB0715908A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Anthony Joy
Original assignee: DIESEL DO NICELY Ltd
Current assignee: DIESEL DO NICELY Ltd
Priority date: 2007-08-15
Filing date: 2007-08-15
Publication date: 2009-02-18
Also published as: GB0715908D0

Abstract

A device 30 for connection to an inlet of a fuel tank, the device comprising: a body 32 including an opening to receive a fuel dispenser nozzle, a blocking member 34 at least a portion of which extends through the opening of the body, a part of the blocking member being engageable by a portion of a delivery end of the fuel dispenser nozzle, and biasing means for biasing the blocking member towards an internal surface of the body. Wherein, when the blocking member is engaged by a delivery end of a compatible fuel dispenser nozzle, the blocking member may be urged away from the internal surface of the body as the nozzle is inserted into the opening, the blocking member may include an arcuate wall 36 and may have a nominal cross-sectional diameter or width which is greater than an internal diameter of an incompatible dispenser nozzle.

Description

Title: Device for connection to a fluid inlet of a fuel tank DescriDtion of Invention This invention relates to a device for connection to an inlet of a fuel tank.

It has been appreciated for some time that the advent of domestic vehicles which run on diesel fuel has resulted in diesel fuel being wrongly selected at the pump and used to fill a vehicle which runs on petrol. Such incorrect filling can result in the car being disabled until the carburettor or petrol injectors can be cleaned and the system flushed.

To address this problem, the filler neck, i.e. the part of the vehicle into which a fuel dispenser nozzle is inserted, of a petrol vehicle has been reduced in diameter relative to the filler neck of a diesel-driven vehicle. The fuel dispenser nozzles at service stations have been altered accordingly, so that the external diameter of a diesel dispenser nozzle is larger than that of a petrol dispenser nozzle. A diesel dispenser nozzle will therefore not fit into the filler neck of a petrol fuel tank, which prevents a user filling a petrol-driven vehicle with diesel. * **

However, it is still possible to fill the fuel tank of a diesel vehicle with petrol since a petrol dispenser nozzle can be inserted into the larger filler neck of a diesel tank (as discussed above). Early diesel engines were tolerant of burning a small percentage of other fuels, and thus addressing this problem was overlooked. However, it is no longer the case that diesel engines are tolerant in this way and filling a diesel-driven vehicle with petrol-based fuel can :: 30 now be costly to rectify, particularly if the engine is started. It is very common for users to misfuel their vehicle in this way; it is estimated that around 120,000 instances of delivering petrol to a diesel fuel tank occur each year.

There have been several attempts to address this issue, including audible warning systems, such as the Diesel GuardlM system. The Diesel Guard TM system provides an external audible bleep and warning message reminding a driver to fill his car with the correct fuel. A disadvantage of such a system is that it relies on the user listening to the message and responding to it before the user fills the tank.

Another proposed solution to the problem is the "Diesel Director" filling nozzle, which has an oval cross-section. Standard diesel dispenser nozzles at the forecourt are replaced by "Diesel Director" nozzles and are used with an oval filler neck on the vehicle. A problem with this system is that take up by the petrol companies is required. Infrastructural investment is required both by garage forecourts, to install new fuel dispenser nozzles, and motor manufacturers, to install a modified filler neck.

Other proposed solutions include magnetic filler caps which stick only to a fuel pump which dispenses fuel of the type compatible with the vehicle's engine, and inserts which are positioned in the filler neck of a diesel vehicle and include a blocking member which inhibits the insertion of an incompatible fuel dispenser nozzle. * **

Whilst existing systems that incorporate a blocking member may be simple, the known systems suffer from several drawbacks. A blocking member would need to be positioned well into the fuel filler neck to enable a fuel cap to be correctly connected to close off the filler neck. Such a blocking member is unable to act as a visible reminder to the user, it makes it difficult for the user : , to align the nozzle in the filler neck, and it is easier for an incompatible *SSS.. . . * * dispenser nozzle to bypass the blocking member. Known blocking members also cause turbulence in the fuel, resulting in increased back pressure and reduced or even reversed fuel flow. This, in turn, can cause a sensor in the fuel nozzle, which is positioned so as to detect when the fuel tank is full, to be activated, thereby stopping fuel flow. Therefore, such systems do not work well in practice.

Mechanisms for fixing a blocking member in position relative to a fuel tank neck may rely on the geometry of the fuel filler neck, which may vary between vehicles. Some blocking members may require a straight fuel filler neck.

Another disadvantage is that it may not be possible to install retrospectively the blocking member to a vehicle's filler neck, and the methods of fixing may be elaborate, i.e. expensive and/or time consuming and potentially dangerous.

Some fuel dispenser nozzles are provided with a non-drip' valve which is positioned in the fuel dispenser nozzle, near its delivery end. A disadvantage of known blocking members is that they may impinge on the non-drip valve and inhibit the delivery of fuel, and may damage the nozzle and/or the blocking member during use.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a device for connection to an inlet of a fuel tank, the device comprising: a body including an opening to receive a fuel dispenser nozzle, a blocking member at least a portion of which extends through the opening of *: the body, a part of the blocking member being engageable by a portion of a delivery end of the fuel dispenser nozzle, and biasing means for biasing the blocking member towards an internal surface of * 25 the body. I.... * *

Further features of the first aspect of the invention are set out in claims 2, 3 and 5 to 18 appended hereto.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a device for connection to an inlet of a fuel tank, the device comprising a blocking member at least a portion of which extends through the inlet, a part of the blocking member being engageable by a portion of a delivery end of the fuel dispenser nozzle, and biasing means for biasing the blocking member towards an internal surface of to the inlet.

Further features of the second aspect of the invention are set out in claims 5 to 18 appended hereto.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a fuel tank comprising a device according to the first or second aspects of the invention.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a vehicle having a fuel tank according to the third aspect of the invention.

Non-limiting embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: FIGURE 1A is a perspective view of a delivery end of fuel dispenser nozzle, FIGURE lB is a plan view of a delivery end of a non-drip fuel dispenser nozzle, * ,* FIGURE IC shows a longitudinal cross-section of the delivery end of the non-drip fuel dispenser nozzle of figure 1B, FIGURE 2A is a side cross-sectional view of a device according to the present invention, FIGURES 2B and 2C show a plan view and a side view of the device of figure 2A, respectively, FIGURES 3A and 3B are a plan view and a side cross-sectional view S..... . . respectively, of a delivery end of a first fuel dispenser nozzle in engagement with the device, FIGURES 4A and 4B are a plan view and a side cross-sectional view respectively, of a delivery end of a second fuel dispenser nozzle in engagement with the device, and FIGURE 5 is a cross-sectional view of a second fuel dispenser nozzle in engagement with the device.

Referring firstly to figure 1A, there is shown a fuel dispenser nozzle 10. The nozzle 10 comprises a substantially circular tube having a first end lOa and a second end lOb. The first end lOa is, in use, introduced into a filler neck of a fuel tank (not shown) so that fuel can be delivered to the fuel tank of a vehicle.

The first end lOa will hereinafter be referred to as the delivery end of the fuel dispenser nozzle 10. The nozzle 10 includes a sensor tube 12 which extends longitudinally of the nozzle 10, along an internal surface thereof, and which enables fuel delivery to be suspended if and when the nozzle 10 detects that the tank has been filled. In the present case, the first fuel dispenser nozzle 10 is a nozzle which dispenses fuel other than diesel (for example unleaded petrol). The first fuel dispenser nozzle 10 is therefore an incompatible fuel dispenser nozzle because it is not meant to be used in the filler neck of a diesel fuel tank.

* A second dispenser nozzle 20 is shown in figures lB and IC. The second dispenser nozzle 20 is a diesel dispenser nozzle, and is therefore a compatible fuel dispenser nozzle, as it is meant to be used in the filler neck of a diesel fuel tank. The compatible fuel dispenser nozzle 20 comprises a delivery end 20 andasensortubel2.

The first and second nozzles 10, 20 have different cross-sectional diameters.

As previously discussed, the second, compatible nozzle 20 has a larger cross-sectional diameter than the first, incompatible nozzle 10. A standard unleaded petrol dispenser nozzle 10 has a substantially circular cross-section, having a nominal internal diameter of between 15.3mm and 17.3mm (not including the diameter of the internal sensor tube 12) and an external diameter of 21.3mm.

A standard diesel dispenser nozzle 20 has a substantially circular cross-section having a nominal internal diameter of between 19mm and 19.4mm (not including the diameter of the internal sensor tube 12) and an external diameter of 25.4mm.

The compatible fuel dispenser nozzle 20 comprises a non-drip valve arrangement 14 as shown in figure IC. The non-drip valve arrangement 14 comprises a plug 16 which has a maximum diameter which is smaller than an internal diameter of the nozzle 20. When the fuel dispenser is not in use, the plug 16 is seated against a valve seat 18 which extends radially inwardly from an internal surface of the nozzle 20. When the plug 16 is seated against the valve seat 18, the nozzle 20 is sealed, preventing fuel from passing therethrough. The plug 16 may be held in its sealed position against the seat 18 magnetically. When fuel is to be dispensed through the nozzle 20 the force of the moving fuel is able to overcome the seal between the plug 16 and the seat 18, and the plug 16 moves towards the delivery end 20a of the nozzle 20.

Owing to the diameter of the plug 16 being smaller than the diameter of the nozzle 20, fuel is able to flow through the nozzle 20, around the plug 16.

When the dispensing of fuel is discontinued, the plug 16 is drawn back along * * the nozzle 20 by a spring or similar biasing means 17 such that it reseals against the seat 18, thus reducing the likelihood of fuel dripping from the nozzle 20 once filling has stopped. *

* ** *** * S The nozzle 20 comprises a barrier 19 which extends, approximately diametrically, across the nozzle 20, near its delivery end 20a, to prevent the plug 16 from being forced out of the delivery end 20a when fuel is dispensed.

S.....

S

Referring now to Figure 2A, there is shown a device 30 for connection to an inlet of a fuel tank. More particularly, the device 30 is intended to be connected to the inlet of a diesel fuel tank in order to inhibit the full insertion of an incompatible, for example an unleaded fuel, dispenser nozzle 10 into the inlet, whilst permitting the full insertion of a compatible, i.e. diesel, dispenser nozzle 20, and hence reducing the likelihood of delivering incompatible fuel to the diesel tank. When the device 30 is connected to the inlet of the fuel tank, a part of the device 30 may extend into the in let.

The device 30 includes a body 32, which comprises a cylindrical tube having a first end 32a and a second end 32b. The first end 32a is larger than the second end 32k; the body 32 is therefore tapered from the first end 32? to the second end 32b. This assists in the insertion of the body 32 into the inlet of the fuel tank. The first end 32a comprises an entrance to an opening which extends through the body 32. A fuel dispenser nozzle 10, 20 can be introduced into the opening via the entrance in the first end 32?.

The device 30 further comprises a blocking member 34, which extends through the body 32. The blocking member 34 has a first end 34? and a second end 34k. The first end 34? of the blocking member 34 is positioned near an entrance to the opening of the body, i.e. near the first end 32a of the body 32, and a portion of the first end 34? protrudes slightly from the entrance to the opening of the body 32. Of course, it should be appreciated that the first * ** end 34? need not protrude from the entrance to the opening of the body 32.

The the blocking member 34 is pivotally connected to the body 32 by a connecting member 38 (discussed later). *

*.S... * *

The blocking member 34 comprises two arcuate walls, each of which is substantially trapezoidal in side view (see figure 2A). Each arcuate wall has a long side 34 and a shorter side 34g. The arcuate walls face each other such that together they generally define opposing sides of a cylinder. The long sides 34 of the arcuate walls are spaced from each other by a first break 37.

The short sides 34d of the arcuate walls spaced from each other by a second break 39. The breaks 37, 39 are thus positioned diametrically opposite each another. The width of the breaks 37, 39 is greater than or equal to the width of the sensor tube 12 of the nozzles 10, 20.

It will be appreciated that the blocking member 34 may comprise any number of arcuate walls spaced by any number of breaks 37, 39. It will be appreciated that the blocking member 34 could comprise a single arcuate wall.

An upper surface of each arcuate wall comprises an edge 36 which is inclined to a longitudinal axis of the blocking member 34. Sides 34 and 34 of each arcuate wall each comprise a lip 35 which extends substantially radially outwardly from the longitudinal axis of the blocking member 34.

The inclined edges 36 of the arcuate walls are the parts of the blocking member 34 which are first engaged by a portion of the delivery end 10, 20a of the fuel dispenser nozzles 10, 20 (discussed later).

The blocking member 34 has a nominal cross-sectional diameter or width which is greater than the internal diameter of the incompatible dispenser nozzle 10. A maximum internal diameter of the blocking member 34 must, however, be smaller than the external diameter of incompatible dispenser * nozzle 10; therefore the maximum internal diameter of the blocking member is 21.3mm. However an external diameter or width of the blocking member 34, **** including the lips 35, must be smaller than the internal diameter of a compatible dispenser nozzle 20. Therefore, taking the diameters of both the incompatible nozzle 10 and the compatible nozzle 20 into consideration, the blocking member 34 has a nominal cross-sectional diameter (including the lips 35) of between 15.3mm and 19mm. The nominal cross-sectional diameter is preferably 18.5mm.

As mentioned above, the blocking member 34 is connected to the body 32 by a connecting member 38. The connecting member comprises a first end 38 and a second end 38b. The first end 38a of the connecting member 38 is connected to a lower part of each arcuate wall of the blocking member 34.

The second end 38b of the connecting member 38 is pivotally connected to the body 32 such that the blocking member 34 is pivotally moveable about an axis which extends transversely through the opening of the body 32.

The device 30 includes biasing means for biasing the blocking member towards an internal surface of the body 32. In the present example biasing means (not shown) is connected to the connection member 38 so as to bias the first end 38a of the connection member 38, and thus the blocking member 34, towards the internal surface of the body 32. However, it should be appreciated that the connecting member 38 could itself bias the blocking member 34 towards the internal surface of the body 32. For example the connecting member 38 could be manufactured from a resilient material.

As an alternative to the connecting member 38, the second end 34a of the blocking member 34 may be connected to an axle which extends across the opening in the body 32, about which the blocking member 34 is pivotable by a biasing means, such as a spring.

* * The biasing means causes the blocking member 34 to a position where a longitudinal axis of the blocking member 34 is inclined to a longitudinal axis of the body 32. A portion of the first part 34a of the blocking member 34 preferably contacts an internal surface of the body 32 when the blocking member 34 is in this position. In this example, the part of the blocking member 34 which contacts the internal surface of the body 32 is an uppermost part of the short edge 34d of each arcuate wall. However, it will be appreciated that another part of the blocking member 34 may be biased to contact the internal surface of the body 32. It is, of course, not essential that any part of the blocking member 34 contact the internal surface of the body 32.

The device 30 can be connected to an inlet of a fuel tank, upon manufacture of a vehicle, or can be retrofitted to the neck of the inlet, in a similar manner to replacing the vehicle's filler cap. The device 30 preferably includes a part 50 which is connectable to a fuel cap receiving part of a fuel tank inlet. The part may provide a push or snap fit with the neck of the inlet, or may be connected by some other means. For example the part 50 may be threaded so as to engage a compatible thread on the fuel cap receiving part of a fuel tank inlet.

In use, the body 32 is connected to an upper part of a neck of an inlet of a fuel tank such that the first end 32a is positioned near to or flush with an opening of the inlet into which a fuel dispenser nozzle 10, 20 can be introduced, whilst the second end 32 of the body 32 is positioned inside the inlet. This enables at least a part of the device 30 to be seen when the fuel cap is removed in order to fill the fuel tank. Since a part of the first end 34 of the blocking member 34 protrudes from the first end 32 of the body 32, the blocking member 34 provides a visible warning that diesel fuel should be used.

When a fuel dispenser nozzle 10, 20 is introduced to the first end 32a of the * body 32, the end of the nozzle 10, 20 engages the blocking member 34. If the user attempts to insert the incompatible nozzle 10 into the body 32, the delivery end 10 abuts at least a part of one of the arcuate walls of the blocking member 34. The delivery end 1O engages the inclined edge 36 of at least one of the arcuate walls of the blocking member 34, and a part of the first end of the body 32 and is therefore unable to be inserted further into the body 32. Alternatively, when a user attempts to insert the incompatible nozzle 10 into the body 32 the tip of at least one of the arcuate walls is received in the delivery end lOa, and the nozzle 10 is able to slide a short distance over the tip. However, since the blocking member 34, i.e. the arcuate walls, is wider than the delivery end lOa of the incompatible nozzle 10, the nozzle 10 is unable to receive the blocking member 34 therein. Therefore the incompatible nozzle 10 is inhibited from being inserted into the body 32 by the blocking member 34. The user is thus alerted to the fact that the incompatible nozzle is not correctly inserted.

In order to achieve adequate insertion of the compatible nozzle 20, to be able to dispense fuel safely, it is preferable to insert the nozzle into the device 30 by between 40mm and 100mm. Since adequate insertion of the incompatible nozzle 10 into the body 32 is inhibited, the user is alerted to the fact that he/she has selected an incompatible fuel dispenser nozzle and is encouraged to select another nozzle.

Referring to figures 4A, 4B and 5, if a user attempts to insert a compatible fuel dispenser nozzle 20 is into the opening in the body 32, it too engages the blocking member 34. However, since the nominal external diameter of the cylinder defined by the two arcuate walls is smaller than the internal diameter of the compatible nozzle 20, the compatible nozzle 20 is able to slide along the inclined edge 36 of the arcuate walls.

Continued force applied to the nozzle 20 by the user causes a peripheral wall * of the compatible nozzle 20 to be received between the blocking member 34 and the internal surface of the body 32. The nozzle 20 thus urges the blocking member 34 away from the internal surface of the body 32 against the biasing S..., means so that the axis of the blocking member is substantially parallel with the axis of the body 32. It is therefore possible for the user to insert the compatible nozzle 20 fully into the body 32, such that adequate insertion of the nozzle 20 is achieved, because the arcuate walls can be received in the delivery end 20 of the compatible nozzle 20.

The length of the arcuate walls and the gradient of the inclined edges 36 are such that when the arcuate walls are received in the delivery end 20a of the compatible nozzle 20, the arcuate walls do not impinge on the barrier 19 and/or the non-drip valve arrangement 14 of the nozzle 20 (as shown in figure 5). The fact that the blocking member 34 comprises a two arcuate walls ensures that the sensor tube 12 of the compatible fuel dispenser nozzle 20 does not impede or prevent the reception of the arcuate walls into the delivery end 20a of the nozzle 20. If the sensor tube 12 does impinge on on of the arcuate walls, the user should rotate the compatible nozzle 20 slightly, so as to move the sensor tube 12 into alignment with one of the breaks 37, 39 between the two arcuate walls.

The user of the compatible fuel nozzle 20 is therefore content that the correct nozzle has been selected, and that fuel may be dispensed safely through the compatible nozzle 20, around the non-drip valve arrangement 14, and through the opening in the body 32 to the fuel tank.

When the user has dispensed the required amount of fuel, the nozzle 20 is withdrawn from the body 32. The biasing means returns the blocking member 34 so that it engages or lies close to the internal surface of the body 32, so that it is ready to engage a fuel nozzle 10, 20 the next time the vehicle is refuelled. * I.

By positioning the blocking member 34 near the opening of the device 30, at I...

least part of the blocking member 34 is generally visible to the user as a fuel dispenser nozzle is introduced to the opening of the device, giving a visible warning to the user that the fuel tank requires diesel. The blocking member 34 is then moveable by a compatible dispenser nozzle 20 to permit full insertion of the compatible dispenser nozzle 20, whilst preventing full insertion of a incompatible dispenser nozzle 10.

It will be appreciated that a blocking member 34 and biasing means could be connected to an inlet of a fuel tank, without the need for the provision of the body 32. All references made above relating to the movement of the blocking member 34 relative to the body 32 would then apply to the movement of the blocking member 34 relative to the inlet of the fuel tank, i.e. so that the biasing means biases the blocking member towards and internal surface of the inlet.

It will be appreciated that the device 30 is able to receive both standard and non-drip fuel dispenser nozzles, and requires no modifications to service station equipment.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof. * S. * . S * S. S... * * *.*. *

S..... * .

S

*. S... * S *. * S * S.. *

*S*... * S

Claims

1. A device for connection to an inlet of a fuel tank, the device comprising: a body including an opening to receive a fuel dispenser nozzle, a blocking member at least a portion of which extends through the opening of the body, a part of the blocking member being engageable by a portion of a delivery end of the fuel dispenser nozzle, and biasing means for biasing the blocking member towards an internal surface of the body.

2. A device according to claim I wherein the biasing means biases the blocking member away from a longitudinal axis of the body.

3. A device according to claim I or claim 2 wherein the blocking member is pivotally connected to the body.

4. A device for connection to an inlet of a fuel tank, the device comprising a blocking member at least a portion of which extends through the inlet, a part of the blocking member being engageable by a portion of a delivery end of the fuel dispenser nozzle, and biasing means for biasing the blocking member towards an internal surface of *:*::* to the inlet. * * *S.*

5. A device according to claim 4 wherein the biasing means biases the 25 blocking member away from a longitudinal axis of the inlet.

***... * S

6. A device according to claim I or claim 2 wherein the blocking member : is pivotally connectable to the inlet. * S

7. A device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the blocking member is pivotally moveable about an axis which extends transversely through the opening of the body / inlet.

8. A device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein when the blocking member is biased towards an internal surface of to the body / inlet, a longitudinal axis of the blocking member is inclined with respect to a longitudinal axis of the body / inlet.

9. A device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein when the blocking member is engaged by a delivery end of a compatible fuel dispenser nozzle, the delivery end of the compatible fuel dispenser nozzle urges the blocking member away from the internal surface of the body / inlet as the nozzle is inserted into the opening of the body I inlet.

10. A device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the blocking member is receivable in a delivery end of a compatible fuel dispenser nozzle.

11. A device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the blocking member is not receivable in a delivery end of an incompatible fuel dispenser nozzle. * * ****

12. A device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein a width :: 25 dimension of a part of the blocking member positioned in or near an entrance to the opening of the body I inlet is greater than an internal diameter of an incompatible fuel dispenser nozzle, which incompatible fuel dispenser nozzle is substantially circular in cross-section.

****** * *

13. A device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein a width dimension of a part of the blocking member positioned in or near an entrance to the opening of the body / inlet is smaller than an internal diameter of a compatible fuel dispenser nozzle, which compatible fuel dispenser nozzle is substantially circular in cross-section.

14. A device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein a part of the blocking member positioned in or near an entrance to the opening of the body / inlet comprises an arcuate wall.

15. A device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein a part of the blocking member positioned in or near an entrance to the opening of the body I inlet comprises a plurality of arcuate walls.

16. A device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein a surface of a part of the blocking member which is positioned in or near an entrance to the opening of the body / inlet is inclined to a longitudinal axis of the blocking member.

17. A device according to any one of the preceding claims including a part which is connectable to a fuel cap receiving part of a fuel tank inlet.

18. A device substantially as described herein and/or with reference to the accompanying drawings. S... * . S..

19. A fuel tank comprising a device according to any one of claims ito 18.

S

*.S... * .

20. A vehicle having a fuel tank according to claim 19. S.

21. Any novel feature or novel combination of features substantially as S.....

described herein and/or with reference to the accompanying drawings.