WO2005105505A1

WO2005105505A1 - Locking system for a shutter incorporated into the head end of a fuel tank filler pipe

Info

Publication number: WO2005105505A1
Application number: PCT/EP2005/051996
Authority: WO
Inventors: Olivier Kunstmann
Original assignee: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (Societe Anonyme)
Priority date: 2004-05-03
Filing date: 2005-05-02
Publication date: 2005-11-10
Also published as: FR2869574B1; FR2869574A1; DE112005000987T5

Abstract

Shut-off system incorporated into the head end of a fuel tank filler pipe and comprising a shutter (4) able to move under the action of a filler nozzle and a device for locking the shutter comprising a moving piece (15) and an actuator (16), the said moving piece (15) comprising a tab (15') and the actuator (16) commanding the positioning by rotation of the tab (15') in a slot (17) in the head end of the pipe so as to prevent the shutter (4) from moving.

Description

Locking system for a shutter incorporated into the head end of a fuel tank filler pipe

The subject of the present invention relates to a locking system for a shutter incorporated into the head end of a fuel tank filler pipe. Fuel circuits are generally protected from any intrusion either by a cap equipped with a key, or by an electromagnetic actuator system that blocks off the opening of the fuel filler flap. Electromagnetic actuator systems that lock the flaps are currently mounted on the manufacturer finishmg line, fixed into the wing lining, usually by "blind" mounting, for example by slipping the actuator through the hole in which the tail light is installed. In order to avoid this step, some manufacturers prefer to relocate the locking mechanism under the fuel flap (covering the filling bowl) and compel the fuel tank manufacturers to site it directly on the filler pipe, for example via a system with a cap such as the aforementioned, or via a shut-off system incorporated into the filler pipe. Thus, application FR 2 861 655 in the name of the Applicant Company proposes a built-in automatic shut-off system (which opens under the action of a filler nozzle) that can be locked using a ram comprising a rod that can be retracted in a linear movement. Such a blocking mechanism is bulky and, furthermore, acts very locally on the shutter and therefore carries the risk of damaging it if a user tries to force it to move when it is in the blocked position. The present invention aims to solve these problems by proposing a locking mechanism that is not so bulky and that acts over a larger area of the shutter, thus reducing the risk of damage thereto. To this end, the present invention relates to a shut-off system incorporated into the head end of a fuel tank filler pipe and comprising a shutter able to move under the action of a filler nozzle and a device for locking the shutter comprising a moving piece and an actuator, the moving piece of the locking device comprising a tab and the actuator commanding the positioning by rotation of the tab in a slot in the head end of the pipe so as to prevent the shutter from moving. A fuel tank is to be understood as meaning any type of tank capable of storing a liquid and/or gaseous fuel under varying pressure and temperature conditions. More particularly targeted are tanks of the kind encountered in motor vehicles. The expression "motor vehicle" is to be understoo as including cars, motor cycles and trucks. The filler pipe is a duct which communicates with the inside of the tank and allows fuel to be introduced. The tank and the pipe may be made of metal or of plastic. The shut -off system according to the invention is well suited to a tank and filler pipe assembly at least one of the two components of the assembly of which is made of plastic. It is particularly well suited to an assembly in which the filler pipe is made of plastic. As a preference, this shut-off system itself comprises at least one piece made of plastic. As a very particular preference, it is mainly made of plastic. The term "plastic" is understood to mean any material comprising at least one synthetic resin polymer. All types of plastic may be suitable. Plastics that are very suitable belong to the category of thermoplastics. The term "thermoplastic" denotes any thermoplastic polymer, including thermoplastic elastomers, and also blends thereof. The term "polymer" denotes both homopolymers and copolymers (especially binary or ternary copolymers). Non-limiting examples of such copolymers are: random copolymers, linear block copolymers, other block copolymers, and graft copolymers. Any type of thermoplastic polymer or copolymer whose melting point is below the decomposition temperature is suitable. Synthetic thermoplastics, which have a melting range spread over at least 10 degrees Celsius, are particularly suitable. Examples of such materials include those that exhibit polydispersion in their molecular weight. In particular, polyolefins, polyvinyl halides, thermoplastic polyesters, polyketones, polyamides and copolymers thereof may be used. A blend of polymers or copolymers may also be used, as may a blend of polymeric materials with inorganic, organic and/or natural fillers such as, for example, but not exclusively: carbon, salts and other inorganic derivatives, natural fibres, or polymeric fibres. In particular, polyamides filled with fibres (for example glass fibres) are particularly suitable. Advantageously, at least some of these polymeric materials contain a conducting filler (carbon black for example) so as to avoid problems associated with static electricity. It is also possible to use multilayer structures consisting of stacked layers bonded together, which include at least one of the polymers or copolymers described above. The shut-off system that the invention aims to lock is intended to act as a cap that seals off the upper part of the filler pipe when the tank is not being filled, with a view to avoiding any release and loss of liquid fuel and vapour to the atmosphere when the tank contains fuel. This shut-off system, according to the invention, is incorporated into the head end of the filler pipe, that is to say that it is built into a collection of parts which are mounted on the upper end of the filler pipe and whose purpose is to guide a fuel dispensing nozzle and facilitate filling. To this end, the head end of the pipe comprises an opening which communicates with (is in the continuation of) the filler pipe and the shutter of the system according to the invention is able to shut off in a sealed manner when in the closed (locked) position. The shut -off system according to the invention in particular makes it possible for the pipe to be opened automatically via the action of the filler nozzle. Automatic opening is to be understood as meaning opening achieved solely under the action of the dispensing nozzle, to the exclusion of any other mechanical influence. The dispensing nozzle is the one fitted to the flexible hoses of the fuel filling pumps used in service stations. As a preference, the shutter of the system according to the invention can be retracted under the action of a thrust directed against it (particularly by the abovementioned nozzle) along an axis parallel to the axis of the head end of the pipe. The shutter of the system according to the invention may be in various forms. Advantageously, it comprises a moving plate which plugs the opening in the head end of the aforementioned filler pipe when it is in the closed position. As a preference, this plate pivots about an axis. It is advantageously made of plastic but is preferably equipped with a metal cover, particularly for aesthetic and abrasion-resistance reasons (wear following multiple insertions of filler nozzles). This plate is advantageously coupled to a rotary plug valve comprising a cylindrical opening (like in the aforementioned FR appHcation, the content of which is, for this purpose, introduced by reference into the current application), which preferably comprises a seal intended to seal against the filler nozzle. In such a system, the plate is connected to the plug by a coupling member (a system involving pinions for example), such that a thrust exerted on the plate by a tubular nose of a filler nozzle causes the plate to pivot and the plug to turn, placing a cylindrical opening of the said plug in line with the inlet and outlet openings of the valve body. Thus, in such a system, sealing is not achieved directly in the region of the plate, but by means of the underlying plug valve and its sealing device, as appropriate. In consequence, the fact of having to make a slot for the tab in the head end in the region of the plate does not in any way influence the sealing of the system. Such a system is particularly "clean", the part making the seal (the plug) never being exposed to the open air, even at the time of filling. The aforementioned plate (which may or may not be secured to a rotary plug) may comprise a device for calibrating the pressure in the filler pipe and, in particular, a depression and pressure safety valve (an SPD valve) as described in application FR 2753 138, the content of which is also incorporated into this application by reference. The shutter of the system according to the invention is preferably kept in the closed position by a return spring. One spring that is particularly suitable is a torsion spring arranged around the rod and one end of which is secured to the shutter. In a preferred alternative form, the return force of this spring is weak at least at the end of travel, so as to prevent the nozzle from becoming jammed in the head end of the pipe as it is withdrawn. The locking device of the system according to the invention comprises a moving piece, which comprises a tab, and an actuator for controlling the positioning of the tab in a slot made in the head end of the pipe. A "slot" is to be understood as meaning an opening of suitable shape and size so that the tab can slip into it by rotation. As a preference, the said slot is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the head end of the pipe so that the aforementioned rotational movement is about an axis parallel to that of the head end. It is enerally situated under the shutter (or at least under that part thereof that is moved by a thrust with the aid of the nozzle) so that when the tab is inserted therein it blocks the movement of this tab under the action of the nozzle. A "tab" is in fact to be understood as meaning a relatively flat piece which preferably is substantially in the shape of a quarter of a disc and is able to move in rotation about an axis, preferably substantially parallel to the axis of the head end of the pipe. The shape and location of the tab and of its axis of rotation are such that this tab is able to move between a position in which it is outside the slot and frees the movement of the shutter, and a position in which it is inserted in the slot and blocks the movement of the shutter. In the locked position (shutter blocked), the tab is generally in contact with the shutter. As a result, the tab is preferably slightly inclined with respect to its axis of rotation so as to exhibit a leading edge ramp for contact with the shutter. One advantage of such an inclination is that when the shutter has not fully returned to the closed position (something which may happen if a system closes slowly with a spring that has a return force that is weak at the end of its travel), the rotary movement of the tab can force it thereinto. The travel of the tab (its rotational movement) is advantageously limited on the one side to ensure its correct positioning in the slot and, on the other side, to limit the space required for the system. According to the invention, this rotational movement is imparted to the tab by means of an actuator, which may be electrical or electromagnetic, and which is preferably mounted directly along the filler pipe or on the head end of the pipe. The use of a rotary electromagnetic actuator is particularly advantageous. In particular, an actuator of the bistable angular type gives good results in the context of the invention. This can be likened to a small motor which is powered by two electric wires (able to deliver a current of equal strength but opposite sign) and which is secured to a moving (magnetic) piece able to move between two distinct stable angular positions about 90° apart (or even 100 or 110° apart - this can be parametrized depending on the desired difference between the open position and the closed position of the system). Its operation is preferably associated with the overall control of the opening leaves of the vehicle (central locking system). In the "open" position, the tab (which is secured to the moving piece (magnetic piece)), is in a stable first position, outside the slot, and the shutter is free to move. In the "closed" position, the tab is in its other "stable" angular position (hence the name bistable) and plugs the slot, thus forming an obstacle which prevents the shutter from pivoting under the thrust of the nozzle. In order to cause the actuator to move from one stable position to the other, all that is required is for the current to be reversed. This then is a simple system, without any electronics, which requires a simple electrical power supply. The electrical connection of the electric or electromagnetic actuator can be made at the filler bowL However, it is advantageously relocated to the pump/gauge module mounting plate on the fuel tank in order to benefit from the requirement for a connection that already exists in that area. In this case, the system according to the invention will advantageously be equipped with an operating cable (with at least two wires) running down along the pipe (externally) and that comes with the fuel circuit. In such a system, an advantageous and compatible option may be the use of a system detecting the opening of the shutter, for example of the reed switch bundle type. In this case, the electrical power supply to the reed switch bundle is advantageously coupled to the power supply to the locking system. Finally, it is advantageous to be able to lock unlock the system according to the invention manually if the actuator should become defective or in the event of an electrical failure. For that, it might be possible for example to equip the moving piece with a relief of suitable shape so that the tab can be turned manually, using a tool (a screwdriver, an alien key, a torx bit, etc.) and to provide a mark (and or access) at the bowl in line with this relief. The present invention is illustrated nordimitingly by Figures 1 to 3. Figure 1 depicts an exploded view of the elements of the head end of a filler pipe comprising a system according to the invention, the key to which is as follows :

I UPPER CASING 2 LOWER CASING

3 SEAL SUPPORTING ROTARY PLUG 3' PLUG MAGNET

4 INLET FLAP

5 PETROL SEAL CAGE 5' DIESEL SEAL CAGE

6 PLUG POSITIONING SEAL

7 PETROL NOZZLE SEALING GASKET T DIESEL NOZZLE SEALING GASKET

8 PETROL INLET CONE 8' DIESEL INLET CONE

9 PLUG SEAL NUT

10 UNLEADED PETROL FLAP

II RETURN SPRING

12 LOCKING SYSTEM CASING 13 REED SWITCH SENSOR

14 LOWER CASING OUTER SEAL

15 LOCKING SYSTEM MOVING PIECE

16 LOCKING SYSTEM MOTOR The parts illustrated are intended to be mounted in/on a two-part casing (upper casing (1) and lower casing (2)), which two parts make up the substantial part (the support) of the head end of the pipe. The shutter of the system according to the invention is the inlet flap (4) and its locking device consists of a casing (12), a moving piece (15) and a motor (16). As can be seen in Figure 2, which is an enlargement of the parts (4) and (15), the moving piece (15) bears a tab (15') which is slightly inclined with respect to the axis of rotation of the said piece, and which is intended to come and block the movement of the shutter (4) by becoming lodged in a slot (17) made in the upper casing of the filling head (see enlargement of part 1 in Figure 3).

Claims

C LAIM S

1. Shut-off system incorporated into the head end of a fuel tank filler pipe and comprising a shutter (4) able to move under the action of a filler nozzle and a device for locking the shutter comprising a moving piece (15) and an actuator (16), characterized in that the moving piece (15) comprises a tab (15') and in that the actuator (16) commands the positioning by rotation of the tab (15') in a slot (17) in the head end of the pipe so as to prevent the shutter (4) from moving.

2. Shut-off system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the shutter (4) comprises a moving plate which pivots about an axis and, in the closed (locked) position, shuts off an opening in the head end of the pipe which communicates with (is in the continuation of) the filler pipe.

3. Shut-off system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the plate is coupled to a rotary plug valve (3) comprising a cylindrical opening and a seal (7) intended to seal against the filler nozzle.

4. Shut-off system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shutter (4) is kept in the closed position by a return spring (11).

5. Shut-off system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the return force of the spring (11 ) is weak at the end of travel.

6. Shut-off system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the tab (15') is substantially in the shape of a quarter of a disc slightly inclined with respect to its axis of rotation.

7. Shut-off system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuator (16) is a rotary electromagnetic actuator of the bistable angular type.

8. Shut-off system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuator (16) is electrically powered by supply wiring external to the filler pipe and fixed onto or near a mounting plate of a pump/gauge module.

9. Shut-off system according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises a system detecting the opening of the shutter, of the reed switch bundle type, having an electrical supply coupled to that of the locking system.

10. Shut-off system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the moving piece of the actuator (15) is equipped with a screw thread.