Fuel nozzle with Anti-leak seal at the lever

Abstract

Fuel nozzle (N) comprising a body (20), a lever (80) for allowing fluid passage which is containing a lever pin (81) with a pin section (812) that moves at least one piston group for controlling the passage of fluid through said body (20) A lever sealing element (82) surrounds the lever pin (81) to provide sealing between the body (20) and the lever (80); the lever pin (81) includes a spherical section (810) which has a diameter greater than the pin section (812) to enhance the contact between the lever sealing element (82) and the lever pin (81). The lever sealing element has a pin aperture (820) which is equal to or larger in diameter than the pin section (812) to allow the placement of the lever sealing element (82) around the lever pin (81) and a cylindrical section (822) with a diameter smaller than the width of the mentioned lever sealing element (82) that is coaxial with the said pin aperture (820).

Description

[0001] FUEL NOZZLE WITH ANTI-LEAK SEAL AT THE LEVER

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The invention relates to a nozzle structure suitable for use during the transfer of liquids from one place to another, especially during the transfer from one reservoir to a different reservoir.

[0004] The invention relates to a development aimed at eliminating leaks occurring in the lever area that controls fluid flow in a fuel nozzle.

[0005] PRIOR ART

[0006] 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 includes different fuel nozzles for each fuel type. For filling process, the appropriate nozzle is chosen and used to fill vehicles with fuel.

[0007] 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)

[0008] In fuel filling systems, there are certain features in accordance with international regulations that aim to prevent fuel loss and enhance the safety of the fuel filling process. In this regard, it is crucial to prevent losses during fuel transfer and minimize environmental damage. 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.

[0009] 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.

[0010] 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. WO2022263341 A1 PCT patent document refers to a configuration of an automatic cutoff mechanism used in the prior art. In this context, a vacuum is generated in the hose / pipe at the nozzle's tip during the flow. This vacuum creates suction on a membrane / diaphragm to keep the opening mechanism associated with the lever mechanism open, and the flow is maintained in an open position using a valve assembly. 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 the mentioned application, the lever’s pin moving at an angle, and thus causes leakage in this area. Particularly, leakage can increase due to usage over time. The sealing element currently present that usable on the pin is insufficient in ensuring proper sealing.

[0011] As a result, all abovementioned problems have made it necessary to make an improvement in the relevant technical field. AIM OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present invention aims to eliminate the abovementioned problems and to make a development in the relevant technical field.

[0013] The main objective of the invention is establishing a fuel nozzle structure to improve the sealing in the area where the lever pin located that ensures the movement of the plate piston controlling fuel flow during refueling, and enhance the sealing in this region and eliminate leaks that occur in this area.

[0014] Another objective of the invention is to eliminate fuel losses at fuel stations.

[0015] Another objective of the invention is to prevent environmental pollution due to fuel leakage at fuel filling stations.

[0016] Another objective of the invention is to eliminate fuel contact with the user's hand caused by fuel leakage in the lever area.

[0017] Another objective of the invention is to present a fuel nozzle structure with a longer lifespan.

[0018] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The invention is related to an improvement that prevents the lever leakage in fuel nozzles so as to fulfil all aims mentioned above and will be obtained from the following detailed description

[0020] The invention relates a fuel nozzle comprising at least one-piece body; a lever for allowing fluid passage which is containing a lever pin with a pin section that moves at least one piston group for controlling the passage of fluid through said body, characterized in that; at least one lever sealing element which placed on the lever pin to provide sealing between the body and the lever; the lever pin includes a ball section which larger in diameter than the pin section to enhance the contact between the lever sealing element and the lever pin; a pin aperture which equal to or larger in diameter than the pin section which located on the lever pin to facilitate the placement of the mentioned lever sealing element onto the lever pin; a cylindrical section with a diameter smaller than the width of the mentioned lever sealing element that coaxial with the said pin aperture. Another embodiment of the invention, it comprises a sealing channel coaxial with the mentioned pin aperture that located on at least one surface of the pin aperture on the outer part of the cylindrical section.

[0021] Another embodiment of the invention, it characterized by; the cylindrical section being flexed and wound at least at the uppermost region of the ball section, adopting a conical shape in the relevant region, thereby increasing the contact surface between the lever pin and the body. The mentioned tapered section extends towards the pin section. This prevents leakage between the pin section and the sealing element, which ensures the body as isolated.

[0022] Another embodiment of the invention, it, characterized by; the pin section that takes conical shape after the ball section to enhance the contact surface with the lever sealing element and to ensure the stable position of the lever sealing element.

[0023] Another embodiment of the invention, it characterized by; the cylindrical section with a height greater than half of the diameter of the ball section, thereby wrapping around the pin section to increase the contact surface.

[0024] Another embodiment of the invention, it characterized by the sealing element is flexible and resistant to contact with fuel.

[0025] 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.

[0026] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0027] Figure 1 provides the cross-sectional view of the fuel nozzle.

[0028] Figure 2 provides a detailed cross-section view of the lever mechanism of the fuel nozzle.

[0029] Figures 3A and 3B present drawings shows the lever in two different positions.

[0030] Figure 4 provides an exploded sectional view of the lever pin and the lever sealing element. 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.

[0031] DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCES IN FIGURES

[0032] 10. Spout

[0033] 100. Spout sealing element

[0034] 11 . Level detection aperture

[0035] 12. Filling channel

[0036] 20. Body

[0037] 200. Hose fixing means

[0038] 21 . Detection inter channel

[0039] 30. Vapor suction body

[0040] 31 . Vapor suction body front opening

[0041] 32. Vapor suction body internal opening

[0042] 40. Plate piston

[0043] 41 . Piston motion body

[0044] 42. Piston side body

[0045] 43. Plate piston spring

[0046] 44. Rollers

[0047] 45. Plate piston inner spring

[0048] 50. Automatic shut-off mechanism body

[0049] 51 . Membrane

[0050] 52. Motion transfer bracket 53. Membrane fixation means

[0051] 54. Membrane spring

[0052] 55. Suction check valve 0. Diffuser

[0053] 61 . Diffuser body

[0054] 62. Diffuser cap 0. Lever guard

[0055] 700. Lever guard connection part

[0056] 71 . Vapor transfer channel 0. Lever

[0057] 81 . Lever pin

[0058] 810. Ball section

[0059] 81 1 . Fixing section

[0060] 812. Pin section

[0061] 82. Lever sealing element

[0062] 820. Pin aperture

[0063] 821 . Sealing channel

[0064] 822. Cylindrical section

[0065] 90. Vapor return hose connection element

[0066] 91 . Fixing nut

[0067] N. Fuel nozzle DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0068] In this detailed description, an improvement that prevents the lever (80) leakage in fuel nozzles (N) is described by means of examples only for clarifying the subject matter such that no limiting effect is created.

[0069] The subject of the invention is particularly related to the innovation made in fuel nozzles (N) used during the refueling of vehicle fuel tanks with fuels.

[0070] The invention relates a fuel nozzle (N) comprising at least one piece body (20); a lever (80) for allowing fluid passage which is containing a lever pin (81 ) with a pin section (812) that moves at least one piston group for controlling the passage of fluid through said body (20), characterized in that; at least one lever sealing element (82) which placed on the lever pin (81 ) to provide sealing between the body (20) and the lever (80); the lever pin (81 ) includes a ball section (810) which larger in diameter than the pin section (812) to enhance the contact between the lever sealing element (82) and the lever pin (81 ); a pin aperture (820) which equal to or larger in diameter than the pin section (812) which located on the lever pin (81 ) to facilitate the placement of the mentioned lever sealing element (82) onto the lever pin (81 ); a cylindrical section (822) with a diameter smaller than the width of the mentioned lever sealing element (82) that coaxial with the said pin aperture (820).

[0071] 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 ).

[0072] 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 ). In the preferred configuration of the invention, the lever pin (81 ) includes a fixing section (811 ) with a protruding and recessed structure. A strong connection can be established between the lever pin (81 ) and the lever (80) through the mentioned fixing section (811). 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 / aperture on the piston motion body (41 ), and the lever pin (81 ) is positioned within the mentioned recess preferably, over its pin section (812).

[0073] 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).

[0074] 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). Figures 3A and 3B present drawings illustrating the mentioned motion. At least one lever sealing element (82) is positioned between the lever pin (81 ) and the body (20) to enable the execution of the mentioned motion, and to prevent the fluid passing through the body (20) from leaking around the lever pin (81 ).

[0075] 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).

[0076] 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 ).

[0077] 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 ).

[0078] 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).

[0079] 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. The vacuum generated when the lever (80) is locked / pressed during filling, 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).

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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).

[0082] 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). During refueling, thus, enables the vaporized fuel vapor from the tank to be recovered back into the system. Mentioned lever guard (70) is fixed onto the body (20) through at least one, preferably two, lever guard connection parts (700).

[0083] In Figure 4, an exploded drawing of the lever pin (81 ) and the lever sealing element (82) is provided. The lever sealing element (82) has preferably cylindrical shape and includes a pin aperture (820) at its center to allow it to fit onto the lever pin’s (81 ) tip inside the body (20), and the pin aperture (820) has same or larger diameter with the lever pin (81 ). The lever sealing element (82) preferably has a sealing channel (821) that is coaxial with the pin aperture (820) and extending along the its surface that contact with the body (20). This mentioned sealing channel (821 ) is created in the form of a groove on the surface, and it prevents leakage on the body (20).

[0084] The lever sealing element (82) contains a cylindrical section (822) which is extending from the inner part of the sealing channel (821 ), that has same internal diameter as the pin aperture (820). The cross-sectional thickness of the mentioned cylindrical section (822) is preferably uniform and smaller in diameter than the outer diameter of the lever sealing element (82).

[0085] The lever (80) includes at least one ball section (810) which located on the lever pin (81 ). The mentioned ball section (810) is a rounded protrusion formed on the cylindrical surface of the lever pin (81 ). The ball section (810) is positioned at the pin aperture (820) of the lever sealing element (82). The ball section (810) stretches the inner part of the lever sealing element (82) and provides a snug fit due to the greater diameter of the ball section (810) compared to the pin aperture (820).

[0086] The cylindrical section (822) of the invention extends over the ball section (810) and towards the pin section (812). This arrangement prevents leakage between the lever sealing element (82) and the pin section (812) that extends into the body (20). When the lever (80) is positioned in the opening of the body (20), sealing is achieved in the region associated with that.

[0087] Preferably, the cylindrical section (822) positioned on the ball section (810), and it takes on a conical shape when pressure is applied.

[0088] The lever sealing element (82) flexes to maintain the seal, during the angular motion similar to that in Figures 3A and 3B.

[0089] The contact surface between the lever pin (81 ) and the lever sealing element (82) is increased through the cylindrical section (822) of the lever sealing element (82), thus results an improved sealing.

[0090] In another preferred configuration of the invention, the cylindrical section (822) extends from the ball section (810) towards the pin section (812), and it enhances the sealing.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A fuel nozzle (N) comprising at least one-piece body (20); a lever (80) for allowing fluid passage which is containing a lever pin (81 ) with a pin section (812) that moves at least one piston group for controlling the passage of fluid through said body (20), characterized in that;At least one lever sealing element (82) which placed on the lever pin (81 ) to provide sealing between the body (20) and the lever (80); the lever pin (81 ) includes a ball section (810) which larger in diameter than the pin section (812) to enhance the contact between the lever sealing element (82) and the lever pin (81 );A pin aperture (820) which equal to or larger in diameter than the pin section (812) which located on the lever pin (81 ) to facilitate the placement of the mentioned lever sealing element (82) onto the lever pin (81 );A cylindrical section (822) with a diameter smaller than the width of the mentioned lever sealing element (82) that coaxial with the said pin aperture (820).

2. A fuel nozzle according to the claim 1 , comprises a sealing channel (821 ) coaxial with the mentioned pin aperture (820) that located on at least one surface of the pin aperture (820) on the outer part of the cylindrical section (822).

3. A fuel nozzle according to the claim 1 ; characterized by, the cylindrical section (822) being flexed and wound at least at the uppermost region of the ball section (810), adopting a conical shape in the relevant region, thereby increasing the contact surface between the lever pin (81 ) and the body (20).

4. A fuel nozzle according to the claim 1 ; characterized by, the pin section (812) that takes conical shape after the ball section (810) to enhance the contact surface with the lever sealing element (82) and to ensure the stable position of the lever sealing element (82).

5. A fuel nozzle according to the claim 1 ; characterized by, the cylindrical section (822) with a height greater than half of the diameter of the ball section (810), thereby wrapping around the pin section (812) to increase the contact surface.

6. A fuel nozzle according to the claim 1 ; characterized by, the sealing element (82) is flexible and resistant to contact with fuel.

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