Filler tube for the filling of fuel in a vehicle tank

p0001The invention relates to a filler for filling fuel into a vehicle tank according to claim. 1

p0002It is known, on the other hand to provide nozzles for petrol on the one hand and diesel fuel with a different diameter. This measure was introduced after unleaded petrol had to be distinguished from leaded fuel. The nozzles for unleaded petrol having a smaller outside diameter than the nozzles for leaded gasoline and diesel fuel. A misfuelling of diesel vehicle with petrol is not excluded, unless special precautions are taken for this purpose. From DE 101 26 207, which defines the preamble of claim 1 has become known to lock a flap pivotable about a transverse axis in the insertion path of the fuel nozzle in the closed state. The lock is formed by several radially arranged, arranged in circumferentially spaced locking hook which is mounted in a resilient ring and forming a tapered insertion section. If a gasoline pump nozzle inserted, the locking hooks remain in its idle state and the nozzle abuts against the locked door. The diesel fuel nozzle on the other hand moves the pawl radially and thereby unlocks the door, so that the nozzle can open the door. A misfuelling by manipulating the gasoline pump nozzle through which the lock is released, is not excluded.

p0003From DE 101 39 665 and DE 101 26 209 filler have been known for diesel fuel, which are designed such that upon insertion of a diesel fuel nozzle opens a filling valve. When inserting a petrol pump nozzle, however, the valve is either not actuated so that the petrol in the front section of the filler neck remains or there is such a strong restriction that the nozzle automatically shuts off. As is known, the fuel nozzles may include a mechanism that locks the valve in the nozzle, when building up a certain back pressure. This prevents in the first place, that there is an overfilling of the tank.

p0004The known filler require relatively large amount of space and are relatively expensive. They are also not suitable for so-called capless filling systems. This is understood as filling systems, which allow an automatic refueling. The filler is not completed by a special cap, rather the fuel nozzle can be inserted easily. In this context is known from FR 2761934 to provide a cap at the end of a filler neck. It opens inwards and is provided with a seal which cooperates with a sealing edge in the interior of the nozzle. When refueling the flap of the fuel nozzle is swung against the force of a spring. The flap has the task of preventing that contaminants from entering the tank. Opening the flap requires relatively much force, the spring must prevent such. B. Splash opens undesirable pressurized the flap.

p0005The invention has for its object to provide a filler for filling of diesel fuel into a vehicle tank, which requires little space and components to prevent misfuelling, and is also suitable to be used in conjunction with capless Einfüllsystemen and protection provides against the ingress of unwanted media in the tank.

p0006This object is achieved by the features of claim 1.

p0007In the invention, an actuator ring is provided which consists of resiliently yieldable material and / or is biassed by a spring radially inwardly and shared via a preferably axially parallel gap. The actuating ring has a conically narrowing insertion. The narrow cross-section of the insert is smaller than the cross section of a diesel fuel pump nozzle and equal to or greater than the cross-section of a gasoline fuel pump nozzle. In other words, the diesel fuel nozzle can not be passed easily through the narrow cross-section, which is possible for Otto Zapf gun. The actuating ring has, at the end of the tank facing on at least one side of the gap on an operation section. The actuating ring is arranged floatingly in a preferably pot-shaped housing, ie it can move laterally limited, whereby the outer diameter of the actuating ring in the relaxed state is smaller than the inner dimensions of the housing. The tank-side end of the operating ring, a shutter mechanism is associated, which is formed so that it constitutes a stop in the closed position, for an inserted fuel pump nozzle. Therefore in the invention, a gasoline fuel pump nozzle inserted, it can happen though the actuating ring readily, but abuts against the closure mechanism and therefore can not be further inserted. This can be determined by the person who will fill up the tank, readily, so that it can correct the error. If the error is not noticed, an opening of the fuel nozzle would lead to an immediate closure of the valve in the nozzle, there is established the moment a flow stagnation due to the closure mechanism. The locking mechanism must not seal tightly the passage. Sufficient throttling of the fuel flow is sufficient for its function.

p0008If, however, a diesel fuel pump nozzle inserted with a larger diameter, this causes an expansion of the actuation ring. Keep the gap ends facing the actuating ring be away from each other. This movement can be utilized to move the normally closed shutter mechanism in the open position.

p0009The solution of claim 2 is used for the application of the invention to a capless filler neck. The closure mechanism has a movable closure element which closes the passage substantially tight.

p0010A transmission which is necessary to translate the movement of the actuating portion of the actuating ring when inserting a nozzle into an opening movement of the closure mechanism can be simple constructed in the invention. A favorable embodiment of this will be explained further below. Since the actuating ring is floatingly supported, upon insertion of a nozzle with a smaller outer diameter of the ring is not expanded, but can pass through the nozzle without further. The locking mechanism then remains in the closed position.

p0011The locking mechanism is preferably configured such that the passage to the tank is substantially sealed. Thus, the filler according to the invention acts as a protection against dust, debris, dirty water, etc., when a cap is not provided.

p0012In a particular embodiment of the invention provides that the conical insertion portion is formed in the actuation ring of radial circumferentially spaced ribs or bars. The ribs or lamellae prevent an expansion of the operating ring due to z. B. from splashing under pressure. The actuating ring may be integrally molded from plastic, which embodies sufficient spring properties. Alternatively or additionally, an annular spring surrounding the actuation ring which biases the actuation ring radially inwardly.

p0013In a further embodiment of the invention it is provided that the closure mechanism comprises a closing flap with a lateral arm is connected, which is pivotally mounted about an axis and which extends approximately parallel to the axis of the cup-shaped housing. The arm has a slot, into which the first engaging portion of the actuating ring engages, while a second actuating portion is arranged for limited movement in a slightly larger recess stationary.

p0014According to another embodiment of the invention, the confirmation pin portions, wherein a pin engages in a slot in the closing flap and the other peg into a hole of a bearing component. That the closure flap overlying bearing component may be formed by a bearing ring fixedly fastened, having a through-hole for the tank filling coaxially approximately with the closure flap in the closed position. The bearing ring further includes an arcuate slot through which a fixing pin is guided to be engaged in the slot of the arm - the closure flap.

p0015The inventive construction of a filler neck for fuel is also suitable for capless filler neck, because on the one hand, there is a protection for faulty operation and on the other by the closure flap sufficient protection is ensured against the ingress of foreign bodies, dirt, etc. into the tank of the motor vehicle.

p0016In another embodiment of the invention, the closure mechanism comprises a closing flap which is mounted about an axis transverse to the axis of the actuating ring pivotable. It is preferably mounted on the actuating ring itself, and this has in the region of the gap an actuating portion which engages over a radial extension or projection of the closure flap, when it is in the closed position. A spring biases the closure flap in front in this closed position. At the opening of the lock mechanism via a fuel nozzle while the flap must also be pivoted against a spring bias, the spring preload can be kept very small. They must be sufficient to adjust the shutter in the closing position. Larger forces, as sprayed water pressure, they must not stand, because the door is locked in the closed position via the operating portion of the actuating ring.

p0017The invention will now be described with reference to drawings.<dl id="dl0001"><dt>Fig. 1</dt><dd>perspective shows the front part of a filler according to the invention in a view obliquely from above.</dd><dt>FIG. 2</dt><dd>shows the exploded view of the filler neck of FIG. 1.</dd><dt>Fig. 3</dt><dd>3 shows the part of the exploded view of FIG. 2.</dd><dt>Fig. 4</dt><dd>shows in perspective a part of the filler neck according to the invention with a shutter.</dd><dt>Fig. 5</dt><dd>shows a view similar to Fig. 4, however, additionally attached to the view according to Fig. 4 bearing disc.</dd><dt>Fig. 6</dt><dd>shows the addition of the portion of FIG. 5 with an actuating ring. </dd><dt>Fig. 7</dt><dd>shows the back of the bearing ring according to Fig. 5 with the closure flap.</dd><dt>Fig. 8</dt><dd>shows in perspective the top view of the actuating ring shown in FIG. 6 in an enlarged view with the underlying closure flap.</dd><dt>Fig. 9</dt><dd>shows the side view of the entire filler neck according to the invention.</dd><dt>Fig. 10</dt><dd>shows in perspective an actuating ring to a further embodiment of the invention.</dd><dt>Fig. 11</dt><dd>shows an underside view of the representation according to FIG. 10.</dd><dt>Fig. 12</dt><dd>shows the actuating ring shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 in conjunction with a housing insert.</dd><dt>Fig. 13</dt><dd>shows in perspective an outer pot-shaped housing which is pushed over the arrangement of FIG. 12.</dd><dt>Fig. 14</dt><dd>shows an underside view of the representation according to FIG. 12.</dd><dt>Fig. 15</dt><dd>shows an underside view of the representation according to FIG. 13.</dd></dl>

p0018In FIGS. 2 and 3 is a cup-shaped housing 10 with an entrance opening 12 at one end and a lateral projection 14 at the other end. The other end facing the tank, not shown, of an automobile. Below the cup-shaped housing 10, an actuation ring 16 is shown which is divided in the eighteenth On each side of the gap 18 is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, a flap 20 and 22 respectively formed at the lower end which projects approximately radially and at the bottom in each case a pin 24 and 26 has. The pins 24, 26 extend parallel to the axis.

p0019In the interior of the actuating ring a plurality of radial ribs 28 are provided which are arranged at equal circumferential intervals. The ribs form an insertion portion which narrows from the cup-shaped housing 10 continues. The actuating ring 16 is inserted into the pot-shaped housing 10th In the relaxed state the outer diameter of the actuating ring 16 is significantly smaller than the inner diameter of the pot-shaped housing 10th

p0020With the help of three screws 30 a bearing ring 32 is screwed to a mating ring 34, at the same time there is a screw with a housing 36 which includes an unshown capless filling system to which will not be discussed in detail. Such a system has already been explained above by referring to a French publication. It allows the insertion of a fuel nozzle by opening a flap on an automatic way by the nozzle opens the flap and opens the way for the fuel. This part is shown in Fig. 2 to the left of the Group 3. However, it will not be described in detail.

p0021By connecting the rings 32, 34 with the housing 36 and these parts are fixedly mounted in suitable manner to the body of the automobile, which is not shown in detail. Between the rings 32, 34 a shutter shown 38th It has an approximately circular closure plate 40, a radial arm 42 and a bearing eye 44. The bearing lug interacts with an axially parallel pin 46 on the flap 38 facing side of the bearing ring 32 together. The bearing ring has a through hole 48 which is approximately aligned axially with the aperture 12 and also coaxial with an opening 50 in the ring 34th

p0022In the bearing ring 32, an arcuate slot 52 is formed, through which the pin 26 extends. An approximately radial slot 54 receives the second pin 24. The pin 26 engages in a radial elongated slot 56 of the arm 42nd

p0023In FIG. 4 one recognizes the counter ring bearing 34, which can be connected (not shown) to the housing 36 by the screw connection. Furthermore one recognizes the closure plate 40 which closes the opening 50 (Fig. 3), wherein the bearing lug 44 cooperates with an axially parallel pin 58 of the ring 34. The pin 58 is hollow for receiving the pin 46 of the bearing ring 32nd

p0024In Fig. 5 it is shown how the thrust bearing ring 34 and the closure flap 38 of the bearing ring 32 is composed. In Fig. 6 there is shown how in addition the actuating ring 16 is set to the bearing ring 32. In contrast to the illustration according to FIGS. 1 to 3, the actuation ring 16 no ribs, but sector-shaped fins 28a, which together form one located toward the tank tapered insertion section. This is somewhat more explicit in Fig. 8. A narrow cross-section is given at age 60. The diameter of the Engquerschnitts is slightly larger than the diameter of the Otto nozzle, however, significantly smaller than the diameter of the diesel fuel pump nozzle. Therefore, a diesel fuel pump nozzle inserted in the actuating ring, it must expand the actuator ring 16 to be further advanced. Thus, the gap is then increased 18 and the flaps 20, 22 are moved apart.

p0025In FIG. 7, the tank facing side of the bearing ring 32 is shown with the closure flap 38. It can be seen, as the actuator pin 26 extends through the arcuate slot 52 of the bearing ring 32 in engagement with the slot 56. The second pin 24 is located in the elongated slot 54. A moving apart of the pin 24, 26, therefore, leads to a pivoting of the closure flap 38 in clockwise direction, whereby the through hole 48 of the bearing ring 32 is opened. Thereby, the nozzle can be further demonstrated in the direction of the tank to actuate the filling system, which is located in the housing 36th

p0026As already mentioned, the rings 32, 34 and housing 36 are bolted together via the screws 30th The attachment of the housing 36 to the vehicle body is not shown in detail. The attachment of the cup-shaped housing 10, which receives the actuation ring 16 on the bearing ring 32 is not shown. Here can also be made a screw fastening, adhesive bonding or the like.

p0027As the actuation ring 16, also the other parts of the filler neck shown can be made of a suitable plastic material.

p0028If an arrangement under Part 3 in FIG. 2 is used without the other system, it forms a filler neck with cap (not shown) which forms a protection for diesel engines by misfuelling with petrol. If, however, the complete system of Fig. 2 is used, a capless filler neck is realized.

p0029In FIGS. 10 to 15 is shown a filler for filling of diesel fuel, another embodiment. In FIGS. 10 and 11 is an actuating ring 60a can be seen, which is constructed similarly to the actuation ring 16 according to the preceding figures. He has on the inside on a series of spaced through a slit fins 62, the top-down tapered entrance portion for a fuel gun not shown form in Fig. 11. The actuation ring 60a is divided by an axially parallel gap 64, and on each side of the gap 64, the ring axially parallel lugs 66, 68 having opposite incisions. In Fig. 10, an incision is designated 70.

p0030On the opposite side, the gap 64 of the actuation ring 60a arranged in the two circumferentially spaced support bosses 72, 74th A shutter 76 is provided with a forked radial extension 78. By means of a bearing pin 80 in the bearing projections 72, 74 is pivoted Within the fork shaped projection 78 is located a coil spring 82 with an extended leg 84 at one end which abuts against the upper surface of the closure flap 76th Characterized the closure flap 76 is biased into the closed position.

p0031Opposite the bifurcated approach 78 a radial projection 86 is formed on the closure flap 76th It engages laterally in the opposite notches 70 of the lugs 66, 68. Thus, the shutter 76 is locked in the closed position shown in Fig. 10.

p0032In Fig. 12, a conical ring body or insert 90 is shown, which widens in Fig. 12 from top to bottom. The actuation ring 60a is placed on the upwardly facing end face 92nd At the opposite end, the conical insert 90 on two radial flanges 94, 96th In addition, the conical insert 90 on its outer side at intervals locking lugs 98th In FIG. 13 is a cup-shaped housing 100 is shown having a lower conical housing portion 102 and a top to it then cylindrical housing part 104. The housing part 104 is provided with a bottom 106 having an opening 108 through which the operation ring 60a can be seen with closure flap 76th The cup-shaped housing 100 is provided on the outside in circumferential intervals with reinforcing ribs 110 and at the lower end with two diametrically opposed flanges 112, 114 at 13 formed the lower end in Fig.. In the conical housing part 102 also locking holes 112a are to be recognized.

p0033The actuation ring 60a is placed from the inside against the bottom 106 of the housing 100, as can be seen in Fig. 14, wherein 104 is space between the outside of the ring 60a and the inner side of the housing part, so that the operation ring 60a limited free laterally within the housing portion 104 can move. During assembly, then the conical insert 90 is inserted into the housing 100, where the external dimensions of the conical insert 90 approximately correspond to the internal dimensions of the housing part 102 and the locking lugs 98 engage into the locking openings 112a, as shown in Fig. 13. As can be seen in Fig. 15, engage the flanges 94, 96 of the conical insert 90 into the gaps of the flanges 112, 114 with an approximate fit, so that a complete circle is formed. The insert 90 is thus fixed in the housing 100 and secures its part axially the actuation ring 60a in the housing 100. The actuating ring, as mentioned, however, to move radially limited.

p0034If a gasoline pump nozzle in the arrangement according to FIGS. introduced 13 and 15, the slats 62 remain without radial impingement. Therefore, the closure flap 76 remains in the closed position shown in the figures, and the operator, it is not possible to further introduce the fuel nozzle. However, if the larger-diameter diesel fuel nozzle inserted, the actuation ring 60a is expanded, namely so far that the closing position shown in the figures, the closure flap 76 may be abandoned, by the closure flap 76 is pivoted by means of the fuel nozzle. Now can begin the filling operation. If the nozzle is pulled back, the flap passes instantaneously into the closed position shown in the figures back, and the operation ring 60a contracts again to 76 lock the flap back into the locking position.