MOTOR VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH A SYSTEM FOR MONITORING COMPLIANCE DURING FUEL FILLING AT SERVICE STATIONS

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor vehicle (1000) comprising steering means (100), drive means (200) supplied by a tank (300) with a filling device (400) comprising a chute (1), a channel (2) and a detector (3) detecting the nature of the fuel injected and controlling a warning indicator, and further comprising a measuring device (5) for the speed and / or flow rate of the incoming fuel and controlling a warning indicator, and relates to a method for monitoring fuel filling operations in such a vehicle (1000) which comprises a first indication phase to indicate the appropriate filling speed to the person in charge of filling, a second detection phase to detect a failure to comply with the filling speed, a third actuation phase to control a possible blockage of the incoming fuel by closing a shutter (6),and a fourth phase of warning the user of the findings and actions taken. Figure from the summary: [Fig.1],

Description

Title of the invention: MOTOR VEHICLE COMPRISING A SYSTEM FOR MONITORING COMPLIANCE WITH FUEL FILLING AT SERVICE STATIONS

[0001] The invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising control means and motor means supplied by a liquid or gaseous fuel stored in a tank provided with a filling device comprising a chute and a channel connecting said chute to said tank, said filling device comprising a detector arranged to detect the nature of a fuel injected into said channel and arranged to control a first alert indicator.

[0002] The invention also relates to a method for monitoring liquid or gaseous fuel filling operations in such a vehicle.

[0003] Known from the prior art is GB2532505A which describes a device that fits into and around the filler head of a diesel engine vehicle and is capable of detecting the presence of gasoline and triggering an audible or visual alarm or alert. The device may include a detector, a control circuit, at least one alarm and a battery. The detector may be a sensor cord and located in the inlet tube of the tank where it is exposed to the fluid introduced into the fuel tank. The device may determine the presence of gasoline by assessing its conductivity or by using a chemical reaction. The device may be installed at the time of vehicle manufacture or may be installed at a later date. The alarm may be visual, such as a constant flashing LED, or may be audible. This device will warn users that they are filling their diesel tank with the wrong type of fuel.

[0004] The technical field of this invention relates to the fuel system of vehicles. More specifically, it relates to the handling of the fuel tank and the precautions to be taken when filling to avoid engine performance problems, to monitor the regulation of the filling speed and its effect on the turbidity of the fuel tank.

[0005] Precautions are particularly necessary with regard to the filling speed, when the level of fuel remaining in the tank is low or even very low. In the context of motor vehicle use, it is generally advisable not to fill fuel into the tank at high speed when the low fuel warning lamp is illuminated. This practice can lead to the migration of sediment and impurities from the bottom of the fuel tank, which can cause clogging of the fuel filter and performance problems of the engine.

[0006] Therefore, in the case of filling with the low fuel warning lamp illuminated, it is recommended to seek the assistance of the service station attendant to fill at the slowest possible speed. Typically, service station nozzles have a trigger that allows the attendant to regulate the filling speed according to customer demand or the vehicle's tank capacity. This operation can help limit turbulence in the fuel tank and thus reduce the risk of disturbance from sediment and impurities.

[0007] However, it should be noted that most service station attendants are likely unfamiliar with this concern, and therefore it is important for the vehicle user to clearly communicate their needs and concerns to obtain the best possible assistance.

[0008] In addition, it is important to pay careful attention to the type of fuel injected into the vehicle's tank: even if service agents are trained to avoid these errors, it is possible for a service agent to be mistaken about the type of fuel for a vehicle.

[0009] The consequences of choosing the wrong fuel for a vehicle depend largely on the type of fuel that has been added. If the wrong fuel is added, it can damage engine and exhaust system components. The consequences can range from mild to severe, depending on the amount and nature of the incorrect fuel added, the length of time the engine has been running on the wrong fuel, and the type of vehicle involved.

[0010] If gasoline is added to a diesel engine vehicle, it can cause damage to the fuel injection system and fuel pump, as well as other parts of the diesel engine. In some cases, it can also cause damage to the catalytic converter.

[0011] If diesel fuel is added to a gasoline engine vehicle, it can cause damage to fuel injectors, spark plugs, and other gasoline engine components. In some cases, it can also cause damage to the catalytic converter.

[0012] The present invention consists in overcoming the two aforementioned cases of problems of filling speed and addition of inappropriate fuel, by developing a technological system which acts according to the state of the tank level and the type of fuel of the vehicle, this system making it possible to increase the safety of the vehicles.

[0013] These problems being old and chronic, different avenues have been explored to overcome these problems.

[0014] A smart nozzle allows each fuel filling transaction to be secured and analyzed, and is capable of automatic recognition of vehicles and the type of fuel required by each. This nozzle cooperates with a passive device, such as a chip or tag, RFID or similar, which is present in the vehicle's fuel tank inlet, to automatically identify the vehicle and its fuel. Naturally, this device only works if the vehicle is equipped with such a passive device capable of communicating with a nozzle or a fuel filling installation at a gas station.

[0015] Another device is a fuel type recognition system, installed in the vehicle: this fuel detection system uses a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor to measure the characteristics of the fuel. Based on the data collected, the system determines the type of fuel that is used, and adjusts the engine parameters accordingly. For example, if diesel fuel is detected in a gasoline car, the system can adjust the fuel injection rate and ignition timing to prevent engine damage. But this is an after-the-fact correction, not a preventative device. Detecting the fuel type, and adjusting the fuel injection rate and ignition timing are solutions to reduce damage caused by inappropriate fuel.Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to the type of fuel, even if the vehicle is equipped with a fuel detection system.

[0016] Another solution is to call on a service station agent to properly adapt the filling speed to the vehicle's situation: it is then appropriate to ask the service station agent to regulate the filling speed of the fuel pump nozzle according to the user's needs and concerns. But it must be admitted that the service station agent is rare, and is not always well trained for situations requiring slow and careful filling. In addition, warning the service station agent by asking him to adjust the filling speed of the nozzle does not guarantee the vehicle user against an oversight on his part or on the part of the service station agent, an oversight which can lead to damage to the vehicle, nor against clumsiness when filling.

[0017] The objective of the present invention is to overcome these drawbacks by proposing a method and a device for protecting and ensuring the proper functioning of a diesel or gasoline engine by deploying a device integrated into a housing in which the fuel tank filler neck is located, arranged to measure the fuel flow rate during filling at a service station. This solution makes it possible to monitor and check the filling state and the type of fuel introduced.

[0018] To achieve this objective, the invention proposes a motor vehicle comprising control means and motor means supplied by a liquid or gaseous fuel stored in a tank provided with a filling device comprising a chute and a channel connecting the chute to the tank, the filling device comprising a detector arranged to detect the nature of a fuel injected into the channel and arranged to control a first alert indicator.

[0019] According to the invention, the filling device also comprises a device for measuring the speed and / or the flow rate of the fuel flow entering the chute and the channel and which is arranged to control the first warning indicator or another warning indicator.

[0020] It is thus possible to determine whether the filling is carried out in accordance with the recommendations, or beyond the filling speed recommendations.

[0021] More particularly, the filling device also comprises a shutter arranged to stop a flow of fuel entering the chute and the channel, and the detector and / or the measuring device is arranged to control the closing of the shutter.

[0022] It is thus possible to stop the flow of incoming fuel to avoid damage to the vehicle.

[0023] More particularly, the filling device comprises an intermediate body, inserted between the chute and the channel, or inserted into a portion of the channel, grouping together on the one hand the shutter and on the other hand the detector and / or the measuring device.

[0024] This provides a single, very compact component that is easy to install, even retrofit, on a fuel filling circuit.

[0025] More particularly, the device for measuring the speed and / or flow rate of the fuel flow is a flow meter.

[0026] This ensures filling safety at a reduced cost.

[0027] More particularly, the control means are interfaced with the detector and / or the measuring device and are arranged to display a fault message to the user at a human-machine interface included in the motor vehicle.

[0028] Thus the user is immediately alerted to any anomaly noted during filling.

[0029] More particularly, said vehicle comprises a fuel level sensor in said tank, linked to said control means and to a low level indicator lamp, and said control means are interfaced with said first warning indicator or said other warning indicator for displaying a particular signal when said low level indicator lamp is lit, to attract the attention of a user or a filling attendant before any new injection of fuel into said chute or said channel.

[0030] Thus it is possible to attract the attention of the user or the person responsible for filling, even before filling.

[0031] More particularly, the filling device comprises an alert indicator single device arranged in a housing in which the chute is located or on a hatch covering the housing, and which is arranged to display a first validation signal or a second warning signal.

[0032] This avoids redundancy of display devices and controls the cost of installation.

[0033] The invention also relates to a method for monitoring liquid or gaseous fuel filling operations in such a vehicle.

[0034] According to the invention, the monitoring comprises a first indication phase to indicate the appropriate filling speed to the person responsible for filling, a second detection phase to detect any non-compliance with the filling speed of the tank taking into account the context, a third actuation phase to control any blocking of the incoming fuel flow by closing a shutter included in said filling device and which is arranged to stop a fuel flow entering said chute and said channel, and a fourth warning phase to warn the user of the findings made and of any action taken.

[0035] It is thus easy to protect against both fuel errors and inappropriate filling speeds.

[0036] The invention will be further detailed by the description of non-limiting embodiments, and on the basis of the appended figures illustrating variants of the invention, in which: - [Fig.l] schematically illustrates a motor vehicle according to the invention, comprising control means, motor means, a fuel tank, its filling device comprising a chute and a channel, a detector arranged to detect the nature of the fuel, a device for measuring the speed and / or the flow rate of the fuel flow, and a channel shutter; - [Fig.2] schematically illustrates on the left side the housing of the filler neck, protected by a hatch, and a warning indicator comprising two sectors, the left one to display a first signal, for example green, of absence of fault or recommended precaution, the right one to display a second signal, for example red, of presence of fault or precaution to be taken, likely to flash, in particular in the event of closure of the shutter, and on the other hand in the right part the message displayed in the passenger compartment at the level of a man-machine interface; the indicator and the interface signal here that everything is in order, and that the user or the person responsible for filling can carry out or continue filling the tank; - [Fig.3] schematically illustrates the devices of [Fig.2], in the case where the fuel level is low and the filler must fill at low speed; - [Fig.4] schematically illustrates the devices of [Fig.2], in the case where the fuel introduced is not suitable, and where the filling operator must stop filling; - [Fig.5] schematically illustrates an intermediate body grouping the butterfly shutter, the detector and the measuring device; - [Fig.6] schematically illustrates four successive stages of a process of monitoring of fueling operations in such a vehicle: a first indication phase, a second detection phase, a third actuation phase, and a fourth warning phase.

[0037] The present invention relates to the implementation of a method for protecting and ensuring the proper functioning of a diesel or gasoline engine by deploying a device integrated into a housing in which the fuel tank filler neck is located by measuring the fuel flow rate during filling at a service station. This solution makes it possible to monitor and verify the filling status and the type of fuel introduced.

[0038] A stopper monitoring system is installed to block the filling in case the filling operator does not correctly follow the instructions issued by the device.

[0039] A notification system will be put in place to inform the driver in the event of injector failure.

[0040] The invention relates to a motor vehicle 1000, comprising an intelligent monitoring system for verifying and ensuring the conformity of fuel filling operations in service stations.

[0041] This device comprises in particular a shutter making it possible to block the entry of fuel.

[0042] The procedure to be adopted to ensure correct operation when filling the tank comprises four essential phases: indication, detection, actuation, warning. The purpose of the indication phase is to indicate the appropriate filling speed to the service station attendant or to the user if he is filling himself. The detection phase must detect any failure to comply with the tank filling speed taking into account the context. The actuation phase must allow the system to be blocked by actuation of the shutter, to prevent the continuation of a filling started under poor conditions (excessive speed and / or inappropriate fuel). The purpose of the warning is to warn the user of the findings made and of any action taken.

[0043] More particularly, with regard to the indication phase, if the indicator lamp of When the fuel tank warning light on a vehicle's dashboard lights up, it indicates that the fuel level is low and it is time to refuel. If the user does not refill the tank in time, the vehicle may run out of fuel and become completely undrivable. Therefore, the user should find the nearest gas station or refueling point and refuel as soon as possible. It is important to follow the recommended fuel type for the vehicle to avoid engine damage or other fuel-related problems. It is also recommended not to drive with too low a fuel level, as this can damage the vehicle's fuel pump. In addition, if the tank is too empty, impurities and sediment can be sucked into the fuel pump and cause damage.

[0044] When a user arrives at a service station to fill up with fuel, the filling attendant, in particular the service station agent, or of course the user himself, must take the following steps to fill the tank: collect information on the nature and quantity of fuel to be filled by consulting the customer or the vehicle, identify the location of the fuel filler flap on the vehicle, open the fuel filler flap and unscrew the fuel cap to allow filling, engage the filling nozzle in the inlet of the fuel filler neck by correctly aligning the nozzles, and fill the tank until the requested quantity of fuel is reached.

[0045] According to the present invention, the system detects the fuel level when the filler opens the tank cap. This device includes an alert indicator. If the fuel level is correct and the filling speed does not present any problems, a visual and / or audible validation indicator, for example a green light, which is included in the alert indicator, lights up to indicate to the filler that he can select the optimal filling speed.

[0046] On the other hand, when the fuel level indicator lamp is on and the filler opens the tank cap, a visual and / or audible warning indicator, for example a red light, which is included in the alert indicator, lights up to warn the filler of the appropriate filling speed. In this case, to avoid any turbulence and to prevent the fuel from being contaminated by residues in the tank, a very low speed is recommended. Similarly, if the filler has chosen the wrong type of fuel, a warning indicator lights up to warn the filler of his error. In particular and without limitation, a single warning indicator is common to both the situations of inappropriate speed and inappropriate fuel.

[0047] In both situations, a monitoring system is advantageously installed at the vicinity of the filler neck to avoid confusion on the part of the filler operator. This system prevents excessive filling speed and prevents the use of inappropriate fuels.

[0048] With regard to the detection phase, an intelligent fuel contamination monitoring and prevention system is in place in case the filler forgets or does not understand the instructions, or if he makes a mistake when filling the tank. This system comprises a fuel flow meter, integrated into the fuel inlet pipe and in particular but not limited to a housing in which the filler neck is located, to measure in real time the flow rate of fuel flowing into the tank. The integration of the fuel flow meter in the vicinity of the filler neck ensures a compact installation and minimal space requirements.

[0049] If the alert indicator advises the filler operator to select a lower filling speed and the filler operator does not follow this instruction, an inappropriately fast flow may pass through the flow meter. If the flow meter detects an inconsistency in the filling speed, it blocks the flow of fuel by commanding the closure of a shutter which switches to the ON mode, and which blocks the incoming fuel flow.

[0050] Advantageously, the monitoring device comprises a fuel detector arranged to detect the nature of the fuel entering the filler neck. Thus, if the filler selects an inconsistent type of fuel, this fuel detector emits an alert, and activates the shutter to prevent any contamination. It is important to note that, when the fuel flow is blocked at the vehicle, it returns to the nozzle which is equipped with a blocking system in the presence of return pressure.

[0051] During the warning phase, when a filling attendant does not respect or follow the instructions indicated on the filling flap, an error message is automatically sent to the vehicle information system. This message informs the driver of the nature of the error made, and of the presence of a risk.

[0052] More particularly, as visible in the figures, the motor vehicle 1000 comprises control means 100 and motor means 200 supplied by a liquid or gaseous fuel stored in a tank 300 provided with a filling device 400.

[0053] The filling device 400 comprises a chute 1 and a channel 2 connecting the chute 1 to the tank 300, and a detector 3 arranged to detect the nature of a fuel injected into the channel 2. This detector 3 is arranged to control a first alert indicator 4.

[0054] According to the invention, the filling device 400 also comprises a device for measurement 5 of the speed and / or flow rate of the fuel flow entering the chute 1 and the channel 2, and is arranged to control the first alert indicator 4 or another alert indicator, if for example it is desired to completely differentiate the alerts relating to the low level in the tank or to the nature of the fuel introduced.

[0055] The filling device 400 comprises a shutter 6, for example and not limited to a butterfly shutter, arranged to stop a flow of fuel entering the chute 1 and the channel 2. The detector 3 and / or the measuring device 5 is arranged to control the closing of the shutter 6.

[0056] Advantageously, the filling device 400 comprises an intermediate body 7, inserted between the chute 1 and the channel 2, or inserted in a portion of the channel 2, which is a single member grouping together on the one hand the shutter 2 and on the other hand the detector 3 and / or the measuring device 5. Preferably the intermediate body 7 groups together the shutter 2 and the detector 3 and the measuring device 5.

[0057] More particularly, the device 5 for measuring the speed and / or flow rate of the fuel flow is a flow meter.

[0058] The control means 100 are advantageously interfaced with the detector 3 and / or the measuring device 5, and are arranged to display a fault message to the user at the level of a human-machine interface 11 that the motor vehicle 1000 comprises.

[0059] Advantageously, the vehicle 1000 comprises a fuel level sensor in the tank 300, linked to the control means 100 and to a low level indicator lamp, and the control means 100 are interfaced with the first warning indicator 4 or the other possible warning indicator, for the display of a particular signal, for example a flashing or an audible signal, when the low level indicator lamp is lit, to attract the attention of a user or a person in charge of filling before any new injection of fuel into the chute 1 or the channel 2.

[0060] In a particular variant, the filling device 400 comprises a single indicator arranged in a housing 8 in which the chute 1 is located or on a hatch 9 for closing the housing 8, and which is arranged to display a first validation signal 4A or a second warning signal 4B.

[0061] The method for monitoring the operations of filling liquid or gaseous fuel in this vehicle 1000 comprises a first indication phase A to indicate the appropriate filling speed to the person carrying out the filling, a second detection phase B to detect any non-compliance with the filling speed of the tank taking into account the context, a third actuation phase C to command any blocking of the incoming fuel flow by closing the shutter 6, and a fourth warning phase D to warn the user of the findings made and of any action taken.

[0062] In summary, the present invention relates to a system for improving user safety and confidence when refueling. The system includes an indicator located inside the hatch to guide the refueling attendant and avoid any potential errors when reading the instructions. If the instructions are not correctly followed, a flow meter system intervenes to prevent fuel contamination by blocking the fuel being introduced. In addition, the system offers an additional option. If the vehicle user requests a specific amount of fuel and the refueling attendant does not fill the tank as requested, the flow meter will display to the driver the amount of fuel actually added. This increases confidence and safety for both drivers and gas station attendants.

[0063] The present invention is innovative, by implementing a filling speed indication system, supplemented by a fuel filling flow meter and a fuel type detector. A notification system is advantageously implemented to inform the user in the event of injector failure. The device is autonomous, specific to the vehicle, and does not require an interface with the external fuel pump.

[0064] The invention thus makes it possible to protect the fuel circuit at reduced cost, to inform the person responsible for filling, in particular a service station agent, of the required filling speed, to reduce the cost of possible repairs, to increase the driver's confidence, and constitutes an effective system of protection against excessively high filling speed and an unsuitable type of fuel, on the basis of a reliable device, with reduced bulk, and suitable for all types of vehicle. The invention therefore improves the overall safety of the vehicle.

Claims

Claims

1. Motor vehicle (1000) comprising control means (100) and motor means (200) supplied with a liquid or gaseous fuel stored in a tank (300) provided with a filling device (400) comprising a chute (1) and a channel (2) connecting said chute (1) to said tank (300), said filling device (400) comprising a detector (3) arranged to detect the nature of a fuel injected into said channel (2) and arranged to control a first warning indicator (4), characterized in that said filling device (400) further comprises a device (5) for measuring the speed and / or the flow rate of the fuel flow entering said chute (1) and said channel (2) and which is arranged to control said first warning indicator (4) or another warning indicator.

2. Motor vehicle (1000) according to claim 1 characterized in that said filling device (400) further comprises a shutter (6) arranged to stop a flow of fuel entering said chute (1) and said channel (2), and in that said detector (3) and / or said measuring device (5) is arranged to control the closing of said shutter (6).

3. Motor vehicle (1000) according to claim 2 characterized in that said filling device (400) comprises an intermediate body (7), inserted between said chute (1) and said channel (2), or inserted in a portion of said channel (2), grouping on the one hand said shutter (2) and on the other hand said detector (3) and / or said measuring device (5).

4. Motor vehicle (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 3 characterized in that said device (5) for measuring the speed and / or the flow rate of the fuel flow is a flow meter.

5. Motor vehicle (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said control means (100) are interfaced with said detector (3) and / or said measuring device (5) and are arranged to display to the user a fault message at a human-machine interface (11) included in said motor vehicle (1000).

6. Motor vehicle (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 5 characterized in that said vehicle (1000) comprises a fuel level sensor in said tank, linked to said control means (100) and to a low level indicator lamp, and in that said means pilot lights (100) are interfaced with said first warning indicator (4) or said other warning indicator for displaying a particular signal when said low level warning lamp is on, to attract the attention of a user or a filling attendant before any new injection of fuel into said chute (1) or said channel (2).

7. Motor vehicle (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said filling device (400) comprises a single indicator arranged in a housing (8) in which said chute (1) is located or on a hatch (9) for closing said housing (8), and which is arranged to display a first validation signal or a second warning signal.

8. Method for monitoring liquid or gaseous fuel filling operations in a vehicle (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said monitoring comprises a first indication phase (A) to indicate the appropriate filling speed to the person responsible for filling, a second detection phase (B) to detect a possible non-compliance with the tank filling speed taking into account the context, a third actuation phase (C) to control a possible blocking of the incoming fuel flow by closing a shutter (6) that said filling device (400) comprises and which is arranged to stop a flow of fuel entering said chute (1) and said channel (2), and a fourth warning phase (D) to warn the user of the findings made and of the possible action taken.

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