WO1999011567A1

WO1999011567A1 - Fuel dispensing nozzle with vapour recovery

Info

Publication number: WO1999011567A1
Application number: PCT/NL1998/000496
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andreas Jacobus Louis Nijsen; Leonardus Henricus Wilhelmus Giesen
Original assignee: Opw Fueling Components Europe B.V.
Priority date: 1997-09-01
Filing date: 1998-09-01
Publication date: 1999-03-11
Also published as: NL1006899C2; AU9006798A

Abstract

The invention relates to a fuel dispensing nozzle (1) which is connectable to a fuel reservoir for filling a tank with fuel, which fuel dispensing nozzle is provided with a through-flow channel for the fuel which debouches into a spout (5) and with a trigger (13) for operating at least one valve (11, 12) in the through-flow channel for opening and/or closing the through-flow channel, comprising: a vapour return channel (8) connectable to a suction pump for recovering fuel vapour; a closing body (30) movable between a first situation, in which the closing body substantially closes the vapour return channel, and a second situation in which the closing body opens the vapour return channel; characterized in that the trigger can be coupled to the closing body to move the closing body from the first to the second situation.

Description

FUEL DISPENSING NOZZLE WITH VAPOUR RECOVERY

The invention relates to a fluid dispensing nozzle which is connectable to a fluid reservoir for filling a tank with fluid, which fluid dispensing nozzle is provided with a through-flow channel for the fluid which debouches into a spout and with a trigger for operating at least one valve in the through-flow channel for opening and/or closing the through-flow channel, comprising:

- a vapour return channel connectable to a suction pump for recovering fluid vapour;

- a closing body movable between a first situation, in which the closing body substantially closes the vapour return channel, and a second situation in which the closing body opens the vapour return channel . Such a fluid dispensing nozzle is known in practice in the form of a fuel nozzle. In order to minimize the impact on the environment to the greatest possible extent, the known nozzle is equipped with a vapour return channel for guiding evaporated fuel back to the reservoir. Use of such a vapour return channel is the most effective in the case of volatile fluids such as petrol . It is important here that recovery of fluid vapour takes place as far as possible during filling of the tank, since air must be prevented from being drawn into the fluid reservoir, whereby, among other problems, the suction pump could be damaged.

In practice a plurality of the known nozzles are connected to one collective suction pump. When one of the nozzles is in use, the suction pump is in operation and the problem may occur that it creates a vacuum in the vapour return channel of the nozzles not in use. When one of these other nozzles is then used, the vapour return channel is found not to open, or hardly so, whereby the vapour recovery does not function properly. The invention has for its object to provide a nozzle of the type referred to in the preamble which is adapted to open the vapour return channel in reliable and simple manner and as far as possible only during filling. The fluid dispensing nozzle according to the invention has for this purpose the feature that the trigger can be coupled to the closing body to move the closing body from the first to the second situation. In the fluid dispensing nozzle according to the invention the vapour return channel can be opened using the trigger, despite a vacuum possibly being present in the vapour return channel . Linking the opening of the vapour return channel to the trigger also ensures that the vapour recovery takes place only during filling of the tank.

In a first preferred embodiment the coupling between the trigger and the closing body is effected only after detection means have detected that the fluid pump to which the fluid dispensing nozzle is connected during operation is in operation. In the example of the fuel nozzle, the fuel pump starts up when the nozzle is taken out of its holder, assuming that the fuel pump is connected to a power supply. This preferred embodiment can thus prevent opening of the vapour return channel of a nozzle present in the holder and not in use, whereby air could be drawn into the fuel reservoir.

In a further preferred embodiment the closing body is movable from the first to the second situation in a direction substantially opposed to the vapour flow. This measure forms a further protection of the fluid dispensing nozzle because in the case of unexpected starting of the suction pump the closing body is drawn fixedly into the first situation, whereby the closing body only closes the vapour return channel even better. In a further preferred embodiment the trigger is coupled on one side thereof to a lever which consists of two arms mutually connected via a displaceable rotation point, which lever is coupled to the closing body. The detection means are preferably adapted to block displacement of the rotation point of the lever arms after detection means have detected that the fluid pump to which the fluid dispensing nozzle is connected during operation is in operation. Blocking preferably takes place by supporting the rotation point between the lever arms on a rod connected to the valve using spacer elements under the control of the detection means. The detection means preferably comprise a membrane which is movable under the influence of fluid pressure from a rest position to an operating position. By taking the fluid dispensing nozzle out of its holder fluid flows through the inflow end of the fluid dispensing nozzle. The fluid pressure associated therewith is used in this preferred embodiment in simple, reliable and wear-resistant manner to bring about the coupling between the trigger and the closing body, so that the vapour return channel is opened first simply by squeezing the trigger. In this preferred embodiment is also achieved in advantageous manner that the valve of the fluid dispensing nozzle is opened only after the vapour return channel has been opened.

In a further preferred embodiment the closing body is ball-like. When the fluid dispensing nozzle hangs in its holder on the pump, the vapour return channel will always be closed in this embodiment. In addition to being position-dependent, the closure of the vapour return channel with a ball-like closing body is moreover vacuum- resistant .

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

Figure 1 shows as an example of a fluid dispensing nozzle according to the invention a cross- sectional view of a modular fuel nozzle in a first embodiment designated with 1. Figure 2 shows an alternative embodiment of the nozzle designated with 10.

Nozzle 1 comprises a basic module 2 on which one or more further modules can be releasably mounted. The set of further modules contains for instance a closing module 3, a passage module 7, a spout 5 and/or an adapter sleeve 9. In the case of nozzle 1 or 10 nut 4 can be unscrewed, whereafter closing module 3 or passage module 7 can be pushed as desired into the basic module.

In figure 2 nozzle 10 is provided with passage module 7. This latter connects vapour return channel 8 to the hose of the fuel pump (not shown) to which the nozzle is connected. Evaporated fuel can hereby be recovered during filling. Conversely, closing module 3 of figure 1 closes the vapour return channel. In nozzle 1 no vapour recovery is possible.

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

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

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

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

Biasing means 14 and 15 are spring means. First biasing means 14 engage on the other side thereof on the seat 18 of main valve 11. Second biasing means 15 engage on the other side thereof on the main valve 11 itself. The operation of the nozzle is as follows. By exerting a relatively small force on handle 13 the user opens auxiliary valve 12 through movement of rod 16. This opened situation of the auxiliary valve is shown in figure 3. During movement of rod 16 first and second biasing means 14 and 15 are biased. The quantity of fuel which flows through the auxiliary through-flow opening preferably lies in the range of 10 to 50% of the maximum fuel flow through the nozzle. The dimensions of the auxiliary through-flow opening and the main through-flow opening are more preferably such that approximately 25% of the maximum fuel flows through the auxiliary through- flow opening. When handle 13 is squeezed further inward by the user, the force exerted by the second biasing means 15 on main valve 11 becomes greater at a given moment than the force exerted by the fuel on the main valve. The main valve then opens automatically counter to the direction of flow. This opened situation of the main valve is shown in figure 4. By squeezing handle 13 still further inward, auxiliary valve 12 can be moved from its now closed position to its open position. This situation is shown in figure 5. The fuel flow rate is now maximal .

Figure 6 shows a graph in which line 19 schematically represents the force F which must be exerted by a user on the trigger plotted against the stroke S of rod 16. Figure 7 shows a graph in which line 20 schematically represents the fuel flow V plotted against the stroke of valve rod 16. The transition point in both graphs is caused by springing open of the main valve. It can be seen clearly that the force to be exerted remains within certain limits over the whole range of the stroke. At both a low fuel flow and at a high fuel flow the user can suffice with a relatively low actuating force. The convenience of operation of the nozzle according to the invention is thereby improved considerably relative to that of the known nozzle.

As already stated above, the nozzle according to the invention is adapted to suck up evaporated fuel during filling. Spout 5 is provided as standard for this purpose with suction apertures 43 for sucking in evaporated fuel. The operation of this vapour suction system can best be understood with reference to figures 2 and 3. These figures show that vapour return channel 8 can be closed using a ball-like closure body 30. Ball 30 is arranged in a claw 33 which is placed shiftably in the line of vapour return channel 8. Trigger 13 is coupled on one side thereof to lever 31 which in turn is coupled rotatably to claw member 33 via rotation point 34. Lever 31 consists of two arms 31A and 3IB which are mutually connected at connecting point 35. Point 35 can function as a rotation point depending on the position of detection means in the form of membrane 32 and of spacer elements in the form of rollers or rods 36. Point 35 is placed displaceably in the line of rod 16. It is noted that lever arms 31A and 31B are shown in figure 1 but in figures 2-5 and 12 they are only shown schematically with broken lines.

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

As soon as the fuel pump is started, for instance because a user takes nozzle 10 out of the holder, membrane 37 and, as a result thereof membrane 32, moves from the rest position to the operating position under the influence of the fuel pressure. This operating position is shown in figure 3. This has the consequence that rollers 36 also move from the rest position to the operating position, wherein they lie against rod 16 and thereby support rotation point 35 on rod 16. By squeezing trigger 13 rotation point 34 will shift to the position shown in figure 3. Claw member 33 herein pulls ball 30 from its position, so that vapour return channel 8 is opened. It is noted that a rod- like member having an integral ball-head can be applied instead of claw member

33 and ball 30. The distance through which rotation point

34 can be shifted is adjusted using adjusting means such as a stop (not shown) . The position of this adjustable stop determines the stroke of the trigger, and consequently the maximum fluid flow rate of the main valve.

By now exerting more force on trigger 13, rod 16 will then be moved via rotation point 35 to the right in figure 3, whereby auxiliary valve 12 and main valve 11 will be successively opened.

When the fuel pump is switched off and the pressure falls away, membrane 37 and, as a result thereof membrane 32, will return from the operating position to the rest position. This also applies for rollers 36. Rod 16 will consequently move to the left in figure 3, whereby the auxiliary valve and/or the main valve are closed. A reliable switch-off mechanism is thus realized. Closure of the vapour return channel is moreover position-dependent. When the nozzle is hung in the holder of the pump, ball 30 will close the vapour return channel .

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

In figures 8 and 9 the end valve 21 is shown in its closed situation. When during use fuel flows through the nozzle in the direction of the delivery end, end valve 21 moves counter to the action of spring means 24 toward opening 29 under the pressure of the fuel. End valve 21 is then situated in the position shown in figure 10. At a low fuel flow rate there will be a high through- flow speed in the narrow opening between seat 22 and end valve 21, which provides a good venturi action. Spring means 24 contribute here in that they have a degressive spring characteristic, at least when the end valve has a small stroke. The spring characteristic of spring means 24 is preferably progressive as the stroke of end valve 21 increases. Figure 11 shows the extreme position of end valve 21 in which it is fully opened at a maximum fuel flow rate. The use of controllable, degressive spring means achieves that, when small quantities of fluid are delivered, a good action of the venturi is also ensured through the narrow opening between seat 22 and end valve 21 (shown in figure 10) .

The nozzle according to the invention is provided with level detection means for detecting the fuel level in the tank for filling. These level detection means comprise a level detection channel 27 which runs substantially parallel to the through-flow channel, and thereby to the wall of the spout. Level detection channel 27 is connected via membrane 32 and the above described switch-off mechanism to the venturi for sucking up a fluid from the tank of the vehicle during filling. When filling starts, the fluid consists predominantly of fuel vapour mixed with air. However, when this tank is full, fuel will be drawn into the level detection channel. This fuel carries ball-like closing body 28 along to a position in which this closing body closes the part of level detection channel 27 located further upstream. An abrupt pressure difference is herein effected in the level detection channel. Membrane 32 will hereby move from the operating position (figure 3) to the rest position (figure 2) and, in a manner corresponding with that described above, trigger the switch-off mechanism so that the auxiliary and/or main valve is closed. The level detection means of the nozzle according to the invention operate in reliable manner through use of the closing body. Undesired switch-off of the nozzle caused by fuel splashes entering the level detection channel is avoided in the nozzle according to the invention.

Figure 12 shows the modular nozzle 1 according to the invention provided with a hose connecting module

38. This latter is arranged on nozzle 1 instead of the nut 4 shown in figure 1. Hose connecting module 38 consists of an adapter 39, a nut 41 and sleeve 40. Adapter 39 is fixed on basic module 2. Nut 41 serves for connection of a hose 42 onto basic module 2 via adapter

39. Extending in adapter 39 and nut 41 is a sleeve 40 which is placed rotatably in adapter 39. Nut 41 is mounted fixedly on sleeve 40, for instance by means of a threaded connection. Hose connecting module 38 provides a rotary coupling between nozzle 1 and hose 42 which prevents twisting of the hose. Twisting of the hose is undesirable because it results in loops in the hose when the nozzle hangs in the holder on the pump. In addition, lateral forces occur on a twisted hose during filling, which is inconvenient. The dimensions of nut 41 can of course be adapted to any type of hose. It will be apparent that in addition to the illustrated and described embodiment of a nozzle for fuel, many more other embodiments of the fluid dispensing nozzle can be realized according to the invention which fall within the scope of the appended claims .

Claims

1. Fluid dispensing nozzle which is connectable to a fluid reservoir for filling a tank with fluid, which fluid dispensing nozzle is provided with a through- flow channel for the fluid which debouches into a spout and with a trigger for operating at least one valve in the through- flow channel for opening and/or closing the through-flow channel, comprising:

- a vapour return channel connectable to a suction pump for recovering fluid vapour; - a closing body movable between a first situation, in which the closing body substantially closes the vapour return channel, and a second situation in which the closing body opens the vapour return channel; characterized in that the trigger can be coupled to the closing body to move the closing body from the first to the second situation.

2. Fluid dispensing nozzle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the coupling between the trigger and the closing body is effected only after detection means have detected that the fluid pump to which the fluid dispensing nozzle is connected during operation is in operation.

3. Fluid dispensing nozzle as claimed in claim 1 or 2 , wherein the closing body is movable from the first to the second situation in a direction substantially opposed to the vapour flow.

4. Fluid dispensing nozzle as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3 , wherein the trigger is coupled on one side thereof to a lever which consists of two arms mutually connected via a displaceable rotation point, which lever is coupled to the closing body.

5. Fluid dispensing nozzle as claimed in claim 4, wherein the detection means are adapted to block dis- placement of the rotation point of the lever arms after detection means have detected that the fluid pump to which the fluid dispensing nozzle is connected during operation is in operation.

6. Fluid dispensing nozzle as claimed in claim

5, wherein blocking takes place by supporting the rotation point between the lever arms on a rod connected to the valve using spacer elements under the control of the detection means.

7. Fluid dispensing nozzle as claimed in any of the claims 2-6, wherein the detection means comprise a membrane which is movable under the influence of fluid pressure from a rest position to an operating position.

8. Fluid dispensing nozzle as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the closing body is arranged shiftably in the line of the vapour return channel .

9. Fluid dispensing nozzle as claimed in claim

8, wherein adjusting means are provided for adjusting the degree of shifting of the closing body.

10. Fluid dispensing nozzle as claimed in claim

9, wherein the position of the adjusting means co- determines the stroke of the trigger.

11. Fluid dispensing nozzle as claimed in claim 8, 9 or 10, wherein the closing body is arranged in a claw member, which claw member can be coupled to the trigger.

12. Fluid dispensing nozzle as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the closing body is ball-like.

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