WO2025029212A1

WO2025029212A1 - Fuel nozzle with improved diffuser

Info

Publication number: WO2025029212A1
Application number: PCT/TR2023/050909
Authority: WO
Inventors: Berkehan BULGURCU
Original assignee: Noztech Petrol Eki̇pmanlari Teknoloji̇ Sanayi̇ Ti̇caret Anoni̇m Şi̇rketi̇
Priority date: 2023-07-31
Filing date: 2023-09-05
Publication date: 2025-02-06

Abstract

The invention relates to a fuel nozzles (N) that includes at least a one- piece body (20) that is equipped with at least one lever (80) and an automatic shut-off mechanism for controlling fluid flow, a diffuser (60) part that is usable for controlling fluid flow which is located inside said body (20) whereby said diffuser (60) comprises a diffuser body (61) positioned fixedly within the body (20); a diffuser body inner support (610) that is in contact with said diffuser body (61); a diffuser body inner gap (614) that allows fluid passage through it which is located between the diffuser body inner support (610) and the inner walls of the diffuser body (61); at least one diffuser cap (62) that moves linearly in the body (20) to control fluid passage within the diffuser body (61) which is located within the said diffuser body inner support (610), and contains at least one diffuser body rear channel (612) to reduce the hydro effect occurring when said diffuser cap (62) is moved to the closed position to interrupt fluid flow provided by an automatic pump, said diffuser body rear channel (612) located on the mentioned diffuser body inner support (610) associated with the diffuser aperture (6100) which is formed between the diffuser body inner support (610) and the diffuser cap (62) when fluid passage is allowed.

Description

FUEL NOZZLE WITH IMPROVED DIFFUSER

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a nozzle suitable for use during the transfer of liquids from one place to another, especially during the transfer from one reservoir to a different reservoir.

The invention relates to innovations specifically in fuel nozzles used during the refueling of vehicle fuel tanks with fuels.

PRIOR ART

Fuel nozzles are among the components of fuel stations that enable safe fueling of vehicles at fuel stations. Fuel stations have separate storage tanks for different types of fuels, and the fuels in these tanks are conveyed to dispensers in a controlled manner. Dispensers located on islands and they have different fuel nozzles for each fuel type. For filling process, the appropriate nozzle is chosen and used to fill vehicles with fuel.

Usually, refueling can be conducted simultaneous on both sides of the refueling island. In this context, the dispenser can manage two different refueling processes same time. Each side of the dispenser has nozzles that allow refueling of different/same types of fuels. For example, on the same side, both gasoline and diesel nozzles can be present. Within each fuel category, multiple types of refueling can also be present. In the gasoline category, the octane level of the fuel can differ, or alongside regular unleaded gasoline, performance fuel can also be available for filling. Similarly, within the diesel product categories, alternative types of diesel fuels can also be sold, (e.g., B7 diesel, standard diesel)

In a general assessment, there are numerous different structures of fuel nozzles utilized in state of the art. These nozzle groups, combined with computer-aided control systems, ensure the safe execution of fuel flow. In state of the art, fuel nozzles includes at least one lever, which facilitates the necessary triggering for fluid extraction from the nozzle/f illing spout of the fuel nozzle. Fuel nozzles operate entirely mechanically without the presence of any electrical/electronic components in accordance with safety-related regulations. The fluid is conveyed through at least one automatic pump, and control is managed through the dispenser. The pump operates when the nozzle is removed from the dispenser body, and fuel is delivered to the nozzle. The flow of fuel from the nozzle (filling spout) is solely controlled through the lever and related mechanism. There is at least one sensor on the dispenser, which detects whether the nozzle is in the compartment that located on the dispenser.

In fuel nozzles, as long as pressure is applied to the lever on the nozzle, the valve opens and allows fuel to flow. To enhance user comfort, there is a locking mechanism on the lever. When this mechanism is engaged, it keeps the lever pressed down. When the tank is full, the lock automatically opens, and the flow is cut off. In the EPO patent document EP460296A1 , there is mention of a structure for the automatic shutoff mechanism used in the known technology. In this context, during the flow process, a vacuum is created in the hose/pipe that is located at the tip of the spout. This vacuum creates a vacuum on a membrane/diaphragm associated with the triggering mechanism to keep the open position of the opening mechanism, thus maintaining the valve group in the open position. The liquid closes the end of the hose/pipe when the tank is full, and it eliminates the created vacuum condition. In this situation, the force on the membrane/diaphragm dissipates, and the latch that holds the lever locked by the reverse force acting on the valve group becomes free. As a result, the valve returns to the closed position.

In fuel systems, as mentioned earlier, fuel is conveyed to the nozzle from a tank through an automatic pump. The valve closes simultaneously with the release of the lever and cuts off the flow when fuel flow is shut off. At the moment of valve closure, hydro back pressure, also known as hydro impact, is generated. This pressure can be three to five times the operating pressure of the current system. Over time, this pressure can lead to cracks in the fuel hose and cause damage to the components of the automatic pump. In state of the art, internal diffuser structures are used to prevent this pressure surge. However, these implementations can result in weak flow performance, and pressure surges can still be high when the fuel flow from the fuel nozzle is interrupted. Furthermore, the production cost of these diffusers used in fuel nozzles is another disadvantage.

As a result, all abovementioned problems have made it necessary to make an improvement in the relevant technical field.

AIM OF THE INVENTION

The present invention aims to eliminate the abovementioned problems and to make a development in the relevant technical field.

The main objective of the invention is to present a fuel nozzle structure that prevents during refueling, the occurrence of pressure surges during fuel shut-off moments.

Another objective of the invention is to prevent the dangerous situation that can arise from wear and tear on hoses and sealing elements due to hydro back effects at fuel stations.

Another objective of the invention is to ensure a longer lifespan for pump equipment and hoses used in fuel filling systems.

Another objective of the invention is to introduce safer and more economical fuel nozzle structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention is related to fuel nozzle with improved diffuser so as to fulfil all aims mentioned above and will be obtained from the following detailed description.

The invention relates a fuel nozzles that including at least one-piece body that equipped with at least one lever and an automatic shut-off mechanism for controlling fluid flow, a diffuser part that usable for control fluid flow that located inside mentioned body chacterized in that; mentioned diffuser comprises a diffuser body positioned fixedly within the body; a diffuser body inner support that in contact with mentioned diffuser body at least from one point; a diffuser body inner gap that allows fluid passage through it that located between the diffuser body inner support and the inner walls of the diffuser body; at least one diffuser cap that moving linearly in the body for controls fluid passage within the diffuser body that located within the mentioned diffuser body inner support and it contains at least one diffuser body rear channel to reduce the hydro effect occurring when the mentioned diffuser cap is moved to the closed position to interrupt fluid flow provided by an automatic pump, that located on the mentioned diffuser body inner support associated with the diffuser aperture which is formed between the diffuser body and the diffuser cap when fluid passage is allowed.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it includes a recessed and protruding diffuser body rear channel outer support that positioned at the rear portion of the diffuser body to create a gap between the diffuser body rear channel and the subsequent component.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a component positioned at the opening in the conical region ensures the closure of the diffuser body by the diffuser cap when there is no fuel passage from the dispenser pump. This prevents fuel leakage within the body while the lever mechanism is in the forward position but there is no fuel passage.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it includes at least one diffuser body side channel on the diffuser cap to reduce hydro effect during closing motion of the diffuser which is positioned over the throat located in the remaining section of the diffuser body which is side of the diffuser body’s opening that is close to the direction of flow during the operation of the fuel nozzle

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it includes a cylindrical-shaped diffuser body contains multiple diffuser body side channels positioned around it in equal internals.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it includes at least one diffuser sealing element that prevents fluid passage between the outer edge of the diffuser and the body that positioned between the diffuser body and the body. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it contains a diffuser sealing element that is placed in a channel opened within the body.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it contains a diffuser sealing element that is placed in a channel created on the outer surface of the diffuser body.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it contains a diffuser cap made of plastic material.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it contains a diffuser cap made of metal material.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it contains a diffuser cap made of brass material.

The protection scope of the invention is specified in the claims and cannot be limited to the description made for illustrative purposes in this brief and detailed description. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can present similar embodiments in the light of the above descriptions without departing from the main theme of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Figure 1 provides the cross-sectional view of the fuel nozzle.

Figure 2 shows details from the closed position of the diffuser of the fuel nozzle.

Figure 3 shows details from the open position (where the flow continues) of the diffuser of the fuel nozzle.

The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of protection as defined in the claims, and they should not be referred to in isolation without resorting to the technical description in the present disclosure to interpret the scope defined in those claims. The mentioned drawings aim to provide clarity in defining the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCES IN FIGURES

10. Spout

100. Spout sealing element 11 . Level detection aperture

12. Filling channel

20. Body

200. Hose fixing means

21 . Detection inter channel

30. Vapor suction body

31 . Vapor suction body front opening

32. Vapor suction body internal opening

40. Plate piston

41 . Piston motion body

42. Piston side body

43. Plate piston spring

44. Rollers

45. Plate piston inner spring

50. Automatic shut-off mechanism body

51 . Membrane

52. Motion transfer bracket

53. Membrane fixation means

54. Membrane spring

55. Suction check valve

60. Diffuser

600. Diffuser sealing element

61 . Diffuser body 610. Diffuser body inner support

6100. Diffuser aperture

611 . Diffuser body side channel

612. Diffuser body rear channel

613. Diffuser body rear channel outer support

614. Diffuser body inner gap

62. Diffuser cap

63. Diffuser spring

70. Lever guard

700. Lever guard connection part

71 . Vapor transfer channel

80. Lever

81 . Lever pin

90. Vapor return hose connection element

91 . Fixing nut

N. Fuel nozzle

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In this detailed description, a fuel nozzles (N) with improved diffuser (60) is described by means of examples only for clarifying the subject matter such that no limiting effect is created.

The subject of the invention relates particularly to innovations made in fuel nozzles (N) used during the filling of vehicle’s fuel tanks.

The invention relates for fuel nozzles (N), including at least one-piece body (20) that equipped with at least one lever (80) and an automatic shut-off mechanism for controlling fluid flow, a diffuser (60) part that usable for control fluid flow that located inside mentioned body (20) chacterized in that; mentioned diffuser (60) comprises a diffuser body (61 ) positioned fixedly within the body (20); a diffuser body inner support (610) that in contact with mentioned diffuser body (61 ) at least from one point; a diffuser body inner gap (614) that allows fluid passage through it that located between the diffuser body inner support (610) and the inner walls of the diffuser body (61 ); at least one diffuser cap (62) that moving linearly in the body (20) for controls fluid passage within the diffuser body (61 ) that located within the mentioned diffuser body inner support (610) and it contains at least one diffuser body rear channel (612) to reduce the hydro effect occurring when the mentioned diffuser cap (62) is moved to the closed position to interrupt fluid flow provided by an automatic pump, that located on the mentioned diffuser body inner support (610) associated with the diffuser aperture (6100) which is formed between the diffuser body (61 ) and the diffuser cap (62) when fluid passage is allowed.

Figure 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the fuel nozzle (N). As shown in the figure, the fuel nozzle (N) comprises at least one body (20), at least one spout (10) connected to the mentioned body (20), and at least one vapor suction body (30) connected to the body (20) from the outside of the spout (10). Fuel reaches the body (20) of the fuel nozzle (N) through a hose fixing means (200). The motion of the lever (80) towards the body (20) induces linear motion in the plate piston (40), and the motion of the diffuser cap (62) within the diffuser body (61 ) of the diffuser (60) permits the passage of fuel. Fuel flows through a filling channel (12) of the spout (10). The components within the body (20) are positioned from the rear towards the front, and the rear part is closed using at least one fixing nut (91 ).

The invention includes a lever (80) with a lever pin (81 ) located at its tip. The mentioned lever pin (81) can be integral with the lever (80) body or can be connected to the tip of the lever (80) body later. In the preferred embodiment, the lever (80) is made of plastic material, while the lever pin (81 ) is made of metal and the lever (80) produced as an over-mold onto the lever pin (81 ). The lever (80) is coaxially connected to the opening where the lever pin (81 ) is positioned within the body (20), with allowing angular movement within that area. The lever pin (81) is associated with the piston motion body (41 ) that is positioned within the body (20). In the preferred embodiment, there is a recess on the piston motion body (41 ), and the lever pin (81 ) is positioned within the mentioned recess.

The plate piston (40) assembly consists of at least three main bodies, with the piston motion body (41 ) located in the central section, and piston side bodies (42) located on the two sided of the mentioned piston motion body (41 ). The piston motion body (41 ) can move linearly in a limited manner between the two piston side bodies (42). At least one plate piston spring (43) positioned on the outer rear part of the plate piston (40) and mentioned plate piston spring (43) applies constant opposing force to counteract the force exerted on the plate piston (40) by the lever (80).

The diffuser (60) that positioned behind the plate piston (40), enables flow passage as the lever pin (81 ) moves the piston motion body (41 ), preferably in the direction towards the spout (10).

The position of the lever (80) can be kept fixed for allowing continuous fluid passage of the fuel nozzle (N) with a locking mechanism which is located on the lever (80).

The fuel nozzle (N) includes an automatic shut-off mechanism body (50) associated with the plate piston (40), preferably positioned in the upper section. A membrane (51 ) located between the mentioned automatic shut-off mechanism body (50) and the body (20), and the membrane (51 ) is connected to the automatic shut-off mechanism body (50) through at least one membrane fixation means (53) at its central part. There is at least one membrane spring (54) on the mentioned membrane fixation means (53). The lower end of the mentioned membrane fixation means (53) (preferably lower side of the membrane (51 ) facing the body (20)), includes a motion transfer bracket (52) that consisting of at least one part. The vertical axis movement of the mentioned motion transfer bracket (52) directly affects the position of the membrane (51 ).

The plate piston (40) includes at least one opening. At least one, preferably two rollers (44) are positioned in the mentioned opening. The mentioned rollers (44) move out the opening and are positioned on the upper part of the piston motion body (41 ) preferably on the piston side body (42) the piston motion body (41 ) to move preferably in the direction of the spout (10) with the angular movement of the lever pin (81 ).

The mentioned rollers (44) are mounted on the motion transfer bracket (52). The motion transfer bracket (52) moves in the direction of the membrane (51 ) and it provides the membrane (51 ) to swell in the opposite direction of the automatic shut-off mechanism body (50) with the change in the position of the rollers (44). In this position, the membrane spring (54) applies a constant force to the rollers (44) in the direction of the plate piston (40). The position is maintained due to the rollers (44) being released from the opening on the plate piston (40).

There is a pressure change and a vacuum effect (venturi effect) occurs at the tip of the spout (10) during the flow of fuel. A level detection aperture (11 ) located in the mentioned region is opened from the inside of the spout (10) towards the body (20), and it reaches the upper part of the membrane (51 ) over the body (20), the loop is completed within the body (20) in the subsequent section. During filling, the vacuum generated when the lever (80) is locked/pressed, ensures that the membrane (51 ) maintains its downward position permanently. When this vacuum is interrupted, the membrane (51 ) changes its position; that causes the rollers (44) to change their position in the opening on the plate piston (40), and plate piston inner spring (45) that positioned behind the plate piston (40) allows the lever (80) to be released. The flow is halted by disengaging the lever (80) locking mechanism through the spring assemblies of the fuel nozzle (N).

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, multiple spout sealing elements (100) are positioned at the junction/connection section between the spout (10) and the body (20), and it includes detection inter channel (21 ) between at least two spout sealing elements (100). The mentioned detection inter channel (21 ) preferably constitutes a channel formed/created on the body (20) that allows the level detection aperture (11 ) to open to the section of the body (20) where the suction check valve (55) is located.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, it comprises at least one suction check valve (55) at any section of the vacuum line preferably near the membrane (51 ) that enables automatic shut-off. The mentioned suction check valve (55) ensures the creation of a vacuum only when the spout (10) of the fuel nozzle (N) is downwardly positioned at the tip of the level detection aperture (11 ). This prevents the fuel nozzle (N) from remaining locked (when the spout (10) is in an upward position) during transportation of the fuel nozzle (N), thus ensures that cut off the fuel flow while it is locked when the fuel nozzle (N) is desired to position the at the dispenser or during transportation on the fuel nozzle (N). In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the vaporization occurring in the tank can be recovered back to the system through the fuel nozzle (N). Accordingly, it includes a vapor suction body (30) that connected to the body (20), preferably located at the upper part of the spout (10). There is a vapor suction body front opening (31 ) at the front end of the vapor suction body (30). This vapor suction body front opening (31 ) is positioned at the tank opening during the filling process, and fuel vapor is drawn in from this section. A vapor suction body internal opening (32) is formed between the spout (10) and the vapor suction body (30) that located on the outer side of the spout (10) due to the external form of the spout (10) and certain sealing elements. This vapor suction body internal opening (32) opens into the vapor transfer channel (71 ) that located within the lever guard (70) on the body (20) reaching the rear part of the body (20) with passing through the body (20), and it opens to the vapor return hose connection element (90). Thus, enables the vaporized fuel vapor from the tank to be recovered back into the system during refueling. Mentioned lever guard (70) is fixed onto the body (20) through at least one, preferably two, lever guard connection parts (700).

Within the scope of the invention, the diffuser (60) is the component that allows fuel flow. As shown in Figure 1 , the diffuser (60) consists of a diffuser body (61 ) positioned within the body (20), and mentioned diffuser body (61 ) comprises preferably conically shaped a diffuser cap (62) that can linearly move and change its position. The diffuser body (61 ) ensures the homogeneous distribution of fuel within the body (20), and the diffuser cap (62) acts as a valve to control the flow.

The position of the mentioned diffuser cap (62) is determined through the plate piston (40). The fuel transferred from the pump through the dispenser to the fuel nozzle (N) applies force to the diffuser cap (62) in the direction of the plate piston (40). The movement of the plate piston (40) allows the diffuser cap (62) to permit fuel flow. Figure 2 illustrates a drawing where fuel flow is blocked, and Figure 3 illustrates a drawing where fuel flow is allowed.

The diffuser (60) is connected to inside of the body (20), preferably through at least one diffuser sealing element (600). This prevents leakage on the outer surface of the diffuser (60). In the preferred embodiment, the diffuser sealing element (600) is at least one o-ring, which can be positioned on the diffuser body (61 ) or in a channel opened on the body (20). The diffuser cap (62) is positioned on diffuser body inner support (610) which included by the diffuser body (61 ). The mentioned diffuser body inner support (610) carries the diffuser body (61 ), allowing the diffuser body (61 ) to move linearly. The diffuser body (61 ) and the diffuser body inner support (610) are connected to each other at least at one point. Between the diffuser body (61 ) and the diffuser body inner support (610), there is a diffuser body inner gap (614), and fluid flow initiates over the diffuser body

(61 ) through this section.

The fluid coming through the diffuser body inner gap (614) makes contact with the conical surface of the diffuser cap with the opening movement of the plate piston (40), and with this movement the diffuser cap (62) moves to the position shown in Figure 3. The front section of the diffuser body (61 ), especially in the throat area where the conical part of the diffuser cap (62) resides contains at least one diffuser body side channel (611). The mentioned diffuser body side channel (611 ) supports the initial movement of the diffuser cap (62), and during cut off the fluid flow, it reduces the hydrodynamic effect (hydro-shock).

During the flow, a diffuser aperture (6100) consist between the diffuser body inner support (610) and the diffuser cap (62). The invention includes a diffuser body rear channel (612) positioned to open to the mentioned aperture in the rear part of the diffuser body inner support (610). there is a diffuser body rear channel outer support (613) which is located on the edge portions of the diffuser body rear channel (612), and the mention diffuser body rear channel outer support (613) in the form of a recess or protrusion to prevent the closing of the diffuser body rear channel (612) by the following component.

After refilling, the hydro effect on the fuel nozzle (N) is mitigated through the diffuser body rear channel (612), and the diffuser aperture (6100) closes when the diffuser cap

(62) returns to its initial position

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a diffuser spring (63) is located between the diffuser cap (62) and the plate piston (40). Through mentioned diffuser spring (63), the diffuser cap (62) is kept in the closed position, and it prevents fuel leakage when the dispenser pump is closed. When a fluid with a certain pressure comes through the dispenser, the pressure causes the diffuser cap (62) to move to the open position if it surpasses the resistance force of the mentioned diffuser spring (63).

Claims

1. For fuel nozzles (N), which including at least one-piece body (20) that equipped with at least one lever (80) and an automatic shut-off mechanism for controlling fluid flow, a diffuser (60) part that usable for control fluid flow that located inside mentioned body (20) chacterized in that; mentioned diffuser (60) comprises a diffuser body (61 ) positioned fixedly within the body (20); a diffuser body inner support (610) that in contact with mentioned diffuser body (61 ) at least from one point; a diffuser body inner gap (614) that allows fluid passage through it that located between the diffuser body inner support (610) and the inner walls of the diffuser body (61); at least one diffuser cap (62) that moving linearly in the body (20) for controls fluid passage within the diffuser body (61 ) that located within the mentioned diffuser body inner support (610) contains at least one diffuser body rear channel (612) to reduce the hydro effect occurring when the mentioned diffuser cap (62) is moved to the closed position to interrupt fluid flow provided by an automatic pump, that located on the mentioned diffuser body inner support (610) associated with the diffuser aperture (6100) which is formed between the diffuser body (61 ) and the diffuser cap (62) when fluid passage is allowed.

2. A diffuser (60) that usable in fuel nozzles (N) according to the claim 1 , characterized in that; the diffuser cap (62) has a conical shape part which is located diffuser body’s (61 ) opening that is close to the direction of flow during the operation of the fuel nozzle (N).

3. A diffuser (60) that usable in fuel nozzles (N) according to the claim 2, comprises; at least one diffuser spring (63) that positioned in the region with the conical shape and located in the opening, that ensures the diffuser cap (62) remains in the closed position when there is no fluid flow.

4. A diffuser (60) that usable in fuel nozzles (N) according to the claim 1 , characterized in that; includes a recessed and protruding diffuser body rear channel outer support (613) that positioned at the rear portion of the diffuser body (61 ) to create a gap between the diffuser body rear channel (612) and the subsequent component.

5. A diffuser (60) that usable in fuel nozzles (N) according to the claim 1 , characterized in that; it includes at least one diffuser body side channel (611 ) on the diffuser cap (62) to reduce hydro effect during closing motion of the diffuser (60) which is positioned over the throat located in the remaining section of the diffuser body (61 ) which is side of the diffuser body’s (61 ) opening that is close to the direction of flow during the operation of the fuel nozzle (N).

6. A diffuser (60) that usable in fuel nozzles (N) according to the claim 5, characterized in that; it includes a cylindrical-shaped diffuser body (61 ) contains multiple diffuser body side channels (611 ) positioned around it in equal internals.

7. A diffuser (60) that usable in fuel nozzles (N) according to the claim 1 , characterized in that; it includes at least one diffuser sealing element (600) that prevents fluid passage between the outer edge of the diffuser (60) and the body (20) that positioned between the diffuser body (61 ) and the body (20).

8. A diffuser (60) that usable in fuel nozzles (N) according to the claim 7, characterized in that; it contains a diffuser sealing element (600) that is placed in a channel opened within the body (20).

9. A diffuser (60) that usable in fuel nozzles (N) according to the claim 7, characterized in that; it contains a diffuser sealing element (600) that is placed in a channel created on the outer surface of the diffuser body (61 ).

10. A diffuser (60) that usable in fuel nozzles (N) according to the claim 1 , characterized in that; it contains a diffuser cap (62) made of plastic material.