Cover-free refueling assembly

Abstract

The uncovered refueling assembly (1) is mounted at the top end of a refueling pipe (2) extending from a fuel tank. The uncovered refueling assembly (1) is provided with a main body (10), a flapper valve (11), and a pair of stop ribs (16). An oil filling port (10a) into which a nozzle (30) of the oil gun (3) is inserted is formed in the main body (10). The flapper valve (11) is provided inside the main body (10) so as to be openable and closable, and opens and closes the filler port (10a). The stopper rib (16) protrudes inward from the inner surface of a liquid fuel flow path formed inside the main body (10). The pair of stopper ribs (16) protrude inward so as to face each other, and restrict the insertion depth of the nozzle (30). The shortest distance between the pair of stopper ribs (16) is set to be smaller than the outer diameter of the tip of the nozzle (30).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a capless fuel filler assembly for a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] In conventional vehicles, a cap is threadedly coupled to a refueling port at the upper end of a refueling pipe extending from the fuel tank toward the side of the vehicle body to seal the refueling port. In recent years, vehicles with a capless refueling assembly installed at the upper end of the refueling pipe are also sold on the market. The capless refueling assembly does not have a cap threadedly coupled to the refueling port, but has a flapper nozzle that is pushed open by the nozzle of a refueling gun. The capless refueling assembly has a flapper valve that is opened by pressing the nozzle of the refueling gun, so the convenience of the capless refueling assembly is good. The following patent document 1 discloses a capless refueling assembly.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-86748 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] The refueling gun has a function for automatically stopping refueling at its top end. The automatic stop function detects the liquid level of the liquid fuel in the refueling pipe and automatically stops refueling. In the mechanism that realizes the automatic stop function, the negative pressure generated by the Venturi effect due to the flow of liquid fuel during refueling is used to suck gas (air and evaporated fuel) from the air inlet hole opened near the top of the nozzle of the refueling gun. If the liquid level of the liquid fuel reaches the air inlet hole, the gas is not sucked, so the refueling is stopped by the pressure change at this time. However, due to the internal shape of the refueling pipe, the refueling assembly and the shape of the refueling gun, the air inlet hole is sometimes blocked by the liquid fuel flowing out of the nozzle of the refueling gun. In this case, the automatic stop function is not normally performed according to the rising liquid level in the refueling pipe, but the automatic stop function erroneously operates due to the liquid fuel flowing out of the nozzle. In the case of a gas station where the user of the vehicle refuels by himself, such a malfunction is very inconvenient.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a capless refueling assembly capable of preventing malfunction of an automatic stop function of a refueling machine.

[0009] Solutions for solving problems

[0010] The capless refueling assembly of the first feature of the present invention is installed at the top end of the refueling pipe extending from the fuel tank. The capless refueling assembly includes a main body, a flapper valve, and a pair of stop ribs. A refueling port for inserting the nozzle of the refueling gun is formed in the main body. The flapper valve is openably and closably arranged inside the main body to open and close the refueling port. A pair of stop ribs protrude inwardly from the inner surface of the flow path of the liquid fuel formed inside the main body. The pair of stop ribs protrude inwardly in a manner of facing each other, limiting the insertion depth of the nozzle. The shortest distance between the pair of stop ribs is set to be smaller than the outer diameter of the top end of the nozzle.

[0011] The capless refueling assembly of the second feature of the present invention is installed at the top end of the refueling pipe extending from the fuel tank. The capless refueling assembly includes a main body, a flapper valve, and at least one stop rib. A refueling port for inserting the nozzle of the refueling gun is formed in the main body. The flapper valve is disposed inside the main body so as to be openable and closable, so as to open and close the refueling port. The stop rib protrudes inward from the inner surface of the flow path of the liquid fuel formed inside the main body, and limits the insertion depth of the nozzle. The shortest distance between the stop rib and the portion of the inner surface of the flow path opposite to the top end of the stop rib is set to be smaller than the outer diameter of the top end of the nozzle.

[0012] Effects of the Invention

[0013] According to the above-mentioned features, it is possible to prevent malfunction of the automatic stop function of the fuel dispenser. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 2 is a cross-sectional view of the capless refueling assembly according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Sectional view along line II-II.

[0016] Figure 3 The capless refueling assembly of the second embodiment (equivalent to Figure 2 ) cross-sectional view.

[0017] Figure 4 A capless refueling assembly (equivalent to Figure 2 ) cross-sectional view.

[0018] Figure 5 A capless refueling assembly (equivalent to Figure 2 ) cross-sectional view. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Hereinafter, a capless refueling assembly (hereinafter simply referred to as an assembly) according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0020] First, the gas pump gun is described. The shape of the nozzle of the gas pump gun is roughly defined by the international standard ISO (ISO9158, ISO9159). The nozzle is bent in the middle and has a straight portion at its tip. In addition, the outer diameter of the nozzle is uniformly 21 mm in the world for gasoline and 24 mm in the world for diesel fuel. The standard specifies the curvature range of the curved portion and the length range of the straight portion. For the automatic stop mechanism, the standard specifies that the position of the above-mentioned air intake hole is set within 22 mm from the tip of the nozzle. The air intake hole is arranged on the inner side of the bend of the nozzle, but opens at the end of the nozzle (refer to Figure 1 ) or openings on the outer peripheral surface of the nozzle. Based on the above ISO, national standards (SAE in the US, JIS in Japan, etc.) are determined.

[0021] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 , and the component 1 of the first embodiment is explained. The component 1 is installed at the end of the fuel filling pipe 2 extending upward from the fuel tank (not shown). The liquid fuel supplied through the component 1 by the fuel gun 3 flows down the inside of the fuel filling pipe 2 and is stored in the fuel tank. At this time, in order to facilitate the filling of the liquid fuel, the gas in the fuel tank is refluxed to the vicinity of the end of the fuel filling pipe 2 by the breather pipe [breather pipe] 20. The lower end of the fuel filling pipe 2 is connected to the lower part of the fuel tank and is provided with a check valve. The lower end of the breather pipe 20 is connected to the upper part of the fuel tank.

[0022] The assembly 1 includes a main body 10 made of resin. Figure 1 In the figure, the main body 10 is depicted as a single component, but it is actually composed of a plurality of resin components. The main body 10 is a thinner cylindrical member on the fuel tank side. In addition, the main body 10 of the present embodiment has a double-layered tube structure having an outer tube 13 and an inner tube 14. A refueling port 10a for inserting the nozzle 30 of the refueling gun 3 is formed at one end of the main body 10. An outer flapper valve 11 for closing the refueling port 10a is provided inside the main body 10. The outer flapper valve 11 is mounted on the main body 10 in a swingable manner so as to be openable and closable, and is always urged by a torsion coil spring to close the refueling port 10a.

[0023] The assembly 1 of this embodiment has an inner flapper valve 12 inside the main body 10 in addition to the outer flapper valve 11. The inner flapper valve 12 is arranged at a position closer to the fuel tank than the outer flapper valve 11. The inner flapper valve 12 is also mounted on the main body 10 in a swingable manner, and is always urged by a torsion coil spring so as to block the middle hole 10b inside the main body 10. When the nozzle 30 of the fueling gun 3 is inserted into the main body 10 from the fueling port 10a, the outer flapper valve 11 and the inner flapper valve 12 are pushed open by the nozzle 30. When the nozzle 30 is pulled out from the main body 10, the outer flapper valve 11 and the inner flapper valve 12 are closed by the torsion coil spring, and the fueling port 10a and the middle hole 10b are closed.

[0024] As described above, the portion of the main body 10 closer to the fuel tank than the middle hole 10b has a double-layer tube structure having an outer tube 13 and an inner tube 14. The inner tube 14 is also called a flow guide. The inner diameter of the outer tube 13 gradually decreases toward the ejection port 10c formed at the top end of the outer tube 13. The inner tube 14 has an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the outer tube 13. The inner diameter of the inner tube 14 also gradually decreases toward the ejection port 14a formed at the top end of the inner tube 14. The gradual change range of the inner diameter of the outer tube 13 and the gradual change range of the inner diameter of the inner tube 14 are roughly consistent with each other along the flow path of the liquid fuel formed inside the main body 10.

[0025] When the assembly 1 is installed in the vehicle, an opening 14b is formed in the upper part of the inner tube 14 to avoid interference with the open inner flapper valve 12. On the other hand, a notch 14c is formed in the lower part of the inner tube 14 to be continuous with the ejection port 14a. In the lower part of the inner tube 14, a pair of guide ribs 15 are formed from the upper edge of the inner tube 14 to the notch 14c. The guide ribs 15 guide the insertion of the nozzle 30 and extend parallel to the flow path of the liquid fuel. In addition, a flow path 31 of the liquid fuel is formed inside the nozzle 30, but as shown in FIG. Figure 1 As shown, an air intake passage 32 for refueling automatic stop is also formed inside the nozzle 30. The top end of the air intake passage 32 is an air intake hole 32a, and the air intake hole 32a opens at the top end of the nozzle 30 in this embodiment.

[0026] A pair of stopper ribs 16 are formed inwardly from the inner peripheral surface of the inner tube 14, that is, the inner surface of the flow path of the liquid fuel. The pair of stopper ribs 16 protrude inwardly from the inner surface of the inner tube 14 when the assembly 1 is installed in the vehicle so as to face each other. Figure 2 As shown, the shortest distance between the pair of stopper ribs 16 is set smaller than the outer diameter of the tip of the nozzle 30. The pair of stopper ribs 16 abut against the nozzle 30 to limit the insertion depth of the nozzle 30. The end edge of the stopper rib 16 abutting against the tip of the nozzle 30 is located within the gradual change range of the inner diameter of the inner tube 14 mentioned above. The stopper rib 16 extends to the ejection port 14a. In addition, Figure 2Only a cross section of the main body 10 is shown, and the refueling pipe 2 is not shown.

[0027] The relationship between the assembly 1 and the inserted nozzle 30 and the avoidance of erroneous operation of the refueling automatic stop will be described.

[0028] When refueling, the nozzle 30 is inserted into the main body 10 from the refueling port 10a. The outer flapper valve 11 and the inner flapper valve 12 are pushed open in sequence by the nozzle 30, and the tip of the nozzle 30 is inserted into the inner tube 14. The nozzle 30 of the refueling gun 3 is bent downward, and the tip of the nozzle 30 is guided by the upper edges of the pair of guide ribs 15 while being inserted deeper into the inner tube 14. The tip of the nozzle 30 is guided by the pair of guide ribs 15, so it reliably abuts against the pair of stopper ribs 16. In addition, the shortest distance between the pair of stopper ribs 16 is set smaller than the outer diameter of the tip of the nozzle 30, so even if the guidance by the guide ribs 15 does not function effectively, the tip of the nozzle 30 reliably abuts against at least one of the stopper ribs 16. As a result, the insertion depth of the nozzle 30 is limited.

[0029] When the top end of the nozzle 30 is in contact with the stop rib 16, the outer peripheral surface of the top end of the nozzle 30 is sufficiently separated from the inner peripheral surface of the inner tube 14 and the inner peripheral surface of the outer tube 13. Therefore, the air inlet hole 32a opened at the top end of the nozzle 30 is also sufficiently separated from these inner peripheral surfaces. Even if the refueling gun 3 is slightly rotated around the axis of the nozzle 30 when the nozzle 30 is inserted, the air inlet hole 32a is sufficiently separated from the inner peripheral surface. If the distance between the air inlet hole 32a and the inner peripheral surface is short, there is a possibility that the flow of the liquid fuel ejected through the flow path 31 of the nozzle 30 collides with the inner peripheral surface, causing the flow of the liquid fuel to be disturbed, and the air inlet hole 32a is blocked by the liquid fuel, automatically stopping the malfunction. Among them, the air inlet hole 32a is sufficiently separated from the inner peripheral surface, so that malfunction is avoided.

[0030] If the insertion depth of the nozzle 30 is not limited and the nozzle 30 can be inserted deep, the air inlet 32a contacts the inner circumferential surface or the distance between the air inlet 32a and the inner circumferential surface becomes very short due to the bending of the nozzle 30. In the present embodiment, the insertion depth of the nozzle 30 is limited, so that the air inlet 32a can be sufficiently separated from the inner circumferential surface. In particular, in the present embodiment, a pair of guide ribs 15 are formed, so that the air inlet 32a can be reliably separated from the inner circumferential surface. Moreover, a notch 14c is formed deep in the guide ribs 15, so that there is no inner circumferential surface of the inner cylinder 14 below the top end of the nozzle 30, and the distance between the nozzle 30 and the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder 13 is also sufficiently ensured. In the case where the air inlet 32a is not opened at the top end of the nozzle 30 as in the present embodiment, but is opened on the outer circumferential surface near the top end of the nozzle 30, the erroneous operation of the automatic stop is also avoided in the same manner.

[0031] Next, refer to Figure 3 , and the assembly 1X of the second embodiment is described. Hereinafter, only the structures that are different from the structures of the first embodiment are described. The same or equivalent structures as the structures of the first embodiment are marked with the same reference numerals and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0032] In the first embodiment described above, a pair of stop ribs 16 are formed opposite to each other. In the present embodiment, a single stop rib 16 is formed. Furthermore, the shortest distance between the stop rib 16 and a portion of the inner surface of the flow path of the liquid fuel (the inner circumferential surface of the inner tube 14) opposite to the top end of the stop rib 16 is set to be smaller than the outer diameter of the top end of the nozzle 30. The insertion of the nozzle 30 is guided by a pair of guide ribs 15, but the top end of the nozzle 30 abuts against the stop rib 16 to limit the insertion depth of the nozzle 30. Furthermore, the shortest distance between the stop rib 16 and a portion of the inner surface of the flow path of the liquid fuel (the inner circumferential surface of the inner tube 14) opposite to the top end of the stop rib 16 is set to be smaller than the outer diameter of the top end of the nozzle 30. Therefore, even if Figure 3 As shown, the tip of the nozzle 30 deviates in the radial direction, and the tip of the nozzle 30 also reliably abuts against the stopper rib 16. As a result, the insertion depth of the nozzle 30 is limited, and the air inlet hole 32a is sufficiently separated from the inner peripheral surface, thereby avoiding malfunction.

[0033] Next, refer to Figure 4 , and a component 1Y of a modified example of the first embodiment is described. Hereinafter, only the structure that is different from the structure of the first embodiment is described. The same or equivalent structures as the structure of the first embodiment are marked with the same reference numerals and their detailed description is omitted.

[0034] In the first embodiment described above, the guide ribs 15 and the notch 14c are formed, but in the present embodiment, these are not formed. By forming the guide ribs 15 and the notch 14c, the air inlet 32a can be more reliably separated from the inner circumferential surface, and therefore, it is preferred. However, the guide ribs 15 and the notch 14c may not be formed as in the present embodiment. The shortest distance between a pair of stop ribs 16 is set to be smaller than the outer diameter of the tip of the nozzle 30, so that even without the guidance of the guide ribs 15, the tip of the nozzle 30 reliably abuts against at least one of the stop ribs 16. As a result, the insertion depth of the nozzle 30 is limited, and the air inlet 32a is sufficiently separated from the inner circumferential surface, thereby avoiding malfunction.

[0035] Next, refer to Figure 5 , and a component 1Z of a modified example of the second embodiment is described. Hereinafter, only the structure that is different from the structure of the second embodiment is described. For the same or equivalent structures as the structure of the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are marked and their detailed description is omitted.

[0036] In the above-mentioned second embodiment, guide ribs 15 and notch portions 14c are formed, but these are not formed in the present embodiment. By forming the guide ribs 15 and notch portions 14c, the air inlet hole 32a can be more reliably separated from the inner circumferential surface, and therefore, it is preferred, but not necessary, to form these. The top end of the nozzle 30 abuts against the stop rib 16 to limit the insertion depth of the nozzle 30. In addition, the shortest distance between the stop rib 16 and the portion of the inner surface of the flow path of the liquid fuel (the inner circumferential surface of the inner tube 14) that is opposite to the top end of the stop rib 16 is set to be smaller than the outer diameter of the top end of the nozzle 30. Therefore, even if Figure 5 As shown, the tip of the nozzle 30 deviates in the radial direction, and the tip of the nozzle 30 also reliably abuts against the stopper rib 16. As a result, the insertion depth of the nozzle 30 is limited, the air inlet hole 32a is sufficiently separated from the inner peripheral surface, and malfunction is avoided.

[0037] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment and modification, the end of the stopper rib 16 is arranged in the gradual change range of the inner diameter of the outer tube 13 and the inner tube 14. The air inlet hole 32a is arranged near the tip portion of the inner side of the bend of the nozzle 30. If the nozzle 30 is inserted deeply, the nozzle 30 is easily fixed in a state where the air inlet hole 32a is in contact with the inner peripheral surface due to the bend of the nozzle 30 and the reduction of the inner diameter of the flow path. However, if the end of the stopper rib 16 is arranged in the gradual change range, the insertion depth of the nozzle 30 is limited, and it is easy to avoid maintaining the contact state between the air inlet hole 32a and the inner peripheral surface. In addition, since the nozzle 30 is not deeply inserted, it is not affected by the reduction of the inner diameter of the flow path, and the position of the nozzle 30 can be avoided even if the nozzle 30 is bent. Therefore, in a state where the tip of the nozzle 30 is in contact with the stopper rib 16, the tip of the nozzle 30 can be moved in the radial direction to separate the air inlet hole 32a from the inner peripheral surface, and malfunction can be more reliably avoided.

[0038] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment and modification, the pair of stopper ribs 16 do not protrude from the lower wall surface of the inner tube 14 when the assembly 1 (1X to 1Z) is mounted on the vehicle, but protrude from the side wall surface inward. Therefore, when the nozzle 30 is inserted, the stopper rib 16 will not be located near the air intake hole 32a, which is located below, and the stopper rib 16 will not hinder the flow of liquid fuel and the liquid fuel will not block the air intake hole 32a.

[0039] According to the component 1 of the first embodiment and the component 1Y of its modified example, a pair of stopper ribs 16 are provided which protrude inward from the inner surface of the flow path of the liquid fuel formed inside the main body 10 (the inner peripheral surface of the inner tube 14). The pair of stopper ribs 16 protrude inwardly toward each other. The shortest distance between the pair of stopper ribs 16 is set smaller than the outer diameter of the top end of the nozzle 30. Therefore, the insertion depth of the nozzle 30 is limited by the pair of relative stopper ribs 16, and the air inlet hole 32a of the nozzle 30 can be sufficiently separated from the inner surface of the flow path (the inner peripheral surface of the inner tube 14). As a result, it is possible to reliably prevent the liquid fuel ejected from the flow path 31 of the nozzle 30 from splashing back to the inner surface of the flow path (the inner peripheral surface of the inner tube 14) and clogging the air inlet hole 32a with the liquid fuel. Therefore, it is possible to reliably avoid malfunction of the automatic stop function of the fuel dispenser.

[0040] According to the assembly 1X of the second embodiment and the assembly 1Z of its modified example, at least one stopper rib 16 protrudes inward from the inner surface of the flow path of the liquid fuel formed inside the main body 10 (the inner peripheral surface of the inner tube 14). The shortest distance between the stopper rib 16 and the portion of the inner surface of the flow path (the inner peripheral surface of the inner tube 14) that faces the top of the stopper rib 16 is set smaller than the outer diameter of the top of the nozzle 30. Therefore, the insertion depth of the nozzle 30 can be limited by the stopper rib 16, so that the air inlet hole 32a is sufficiently separated from the inner surface of the flow path (the inner peripheral surface of the inner tube 14). As a result, it is possible to reliably prevent the liquid fuel ejected from the flow path 31 of the nozzle 30 from splashing back to the inner surface of the flow path (the inner peripheral surface of the inner tube 14) and clogging the air inlet hole 32a with the liquid fuel. Therefore, it is possible to avoid malfunction of the automatic stop function of the fuel dispenser.

[0041] In particular, according to the assembly 1 of the first embodiment and the assembly 1X of the second embodiment, a pair of guide ribs 15 are formed on the inner surface of the flow path (the inner circumferential surface of the inner tube 14), and the pair of guide ribs 15 guide the insertion of the nozzle 30 in parallel with the flow path. The insertion of the nozzle 30 is guided by the guide ribs 15, so that the top end of the nozzle 30 can be more reliably abutted against the stop rib 16, so that the malfunction of the automatic stop function of the fuel dispenser can be more reliably avoided. In addition, the guide ribs 15 can be used to reliably separate the air inlet 32a of the nozzle 30 from the inner surface of the flow path (the inner circumferential surface of the inner tube 14), so from this point of view, the malfunction of the automatic stop function of the fuel dispenser can also be more reliably avoided.

[0042] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment. For example, at least one stopper rib 16 may be provided, two stopper ribs 16 may be provided as in the first embodiment and its modified example, or three or more stopper ribs 16 may be provided. In the case where two stopper ribs 16 are provided, if they are provided in a mutually opposing manner as in the first embodiment and its modified example, the above-mentioned advantages can also be obtained. In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, in addition to the outer flapper valve 11 that opens and closes the fuel filling port 10a, the inner flapper valve 12 is also provided. By providing two flapper valves, it is possible to more reliably prevent the release of evaporated fuel in the fuel tank to the atmosphere, so it is preferred, but it is also possible to provide only the outer flapper valve 11 that opens and closes the fuel filling port 10a without providing the inner flapper valve 12. In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the main body 10 has a double-tube structure formed by the outer tube 13 and the inner tube 14, but it is also possible to have a short tube structure instead of a double-tube structure.

[0043] Description of Reference Numerals

[0044] 1. 1X~1Z, coverless refueling assembly; 2. refueling pipe; 3. refueling gun; 10. main body; 10a, refueling port; 11. outer baffle valve; 15. guide rib; 16. stop rib; 30. nozzle (of refueling gun 3); 32a, air inlet (of nozzle 30).

Claims

1. A capless refueling assembly mounted on the top end of a refueling pipe extending from a fuel tank, wherein: The capless refueling assembly has: a main body formed with a refueling port for inserting a nozzle of a refueling gun; a flapper valve which is openably and closably disposed inside the main body to open and close the fuel filling port; and a pair of stopper ribs which protrude inward from an inner surface of a flow path of liquid fuel formed inside the body and limit the insertion depth of the nozzle; The pair of stop ribs protrude inwardly toward each other. The shortest distance between the pair of stopper ribs is set smaller than the outer diameter of the tip of the nozzle.

2. The capless refueling assembly of claim 1, wherein: A pair of guide ribs are formed on the inner surface of the flow path, the pair of guide ribs guiding insertion of the nozzle in parallel with the flow path.

3. A capless refueling assembly mounted on the top end of a refueling pipe extending from a fuel tank, wherein: The capless refueling assembly has: a main body formed with a refueling port for inserting a nozzle of a refueling gun; A flapper valve, which is openably and closably disposed inside the main body, so as to open and close the fuel filling port; as well as at least one stopper rib protruding inward from an inner surface of a flow path of the liquid fuel formed inside the body to limit the insertion depth of the nozzle, The shortest distance between the stopper rib and a portion of the inner surface of the flow path that faces a tip of the stopper rib is set smaller than an outer diameter of a tip of the nozzle.

4. The capless refueling assembly of claim 3, wherein: A pair of guide ribs are formed on the inner surface of the flow path, the pair of guide ribs guiding insertion of the nozzle in parallel with the flow path.

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