Fuel nozzle with a lever locking mechanism

Abstract

Fuel nozzle (N) that comprises a body (20) and an actuating lever (80) which comprises at least one lever pin (81) to open a fuel dispensing valve. A locking element (83) is pivotable around a locking pin (85) to allow angular movement thereof with respect to the lever (80); the locking element (83) comprises a locking ridge (830) at the tip of said locking element (83); a body lock strike (84) is located on the body (20) with at least one locking recess (840) in the direction of the locking ridge (830) of said locking element (83); a locking spring (86) is positioned between the locking element (83) and the lever (80) to enable said locking element (83) to pivot back to its initial position around the locking pin (85) axis when the locking ridge (830) disengages from the locking recess (840) on the body lock strike (84) to hold the position of the lever (80).

Description

[0001] A FUEL NOZZLE WITH A LEVER LOCKING MECHANISM

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The invention relates to a filling equipment which is suitable for use when liquids are transferred from one place to another, especially during the transfer from one reservoir to a different reservoir.

[0004] The subject of the invention particularly relates to innovations in the lever mechanism of fuel nozzles which used during the filling of vehicle’s fuel tanks

[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 have 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 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. In the prior art, lever locks can be located at the front or rear of the lever. The lock is located at the rear of the trigger and engages with stepped pins in this section, particularly in mechanisms using a plate piston that is positioned parallel to the body. The lever is released from this lock when the reservoir is full. One embodiment of this locking structure and the general operating principle of the system are described in EPO patent document EP460296A1. Within this context, a vacuum is created in the hose / pipe at the tip of the nozzle during the flow. 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.

[0011] In general, user must use two hands to activate the lever locking mechanisms which are located at the rear of the lever. It is not possible to activate the lock with the same hand while pressing the lever. This situation creates discomfort for users and also prevents disabled persons from activating the locking mechanism

[0012] In the PCT patent document WO2018175793A8, the locking mechanism that keeps the lever locked is positioned at the front of the fuel nozzle. In this application, the piston that controls the flow is positioned vertically or close to a vertical position relative to the lever.

[0013] As a result, all abovementioned problems have made it necessary to make an improvement in the relevant technical field.

[0014] AIM OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The present invention aims to eliminate the abovementioned problems and to make a development in the relevant technical field.

[0016] The main objective of the invention is to introduce an one-handed activatable locking mechanism structure in fuel nozzles to keep the lever locked during fuel filling, that allows for a continuous flow of fuel by the nozzle.

[0017] Another objective of the invention is during the use of the fuel nozzle, to enhance the user comfort.

[0018] Another objective of the invention is to enable the locking of the fuel nozzle with one hand.

[0019] Another objective of the invention is to provide a user-friendly fuel nozzle structure for individuals with disabilities.

[0020] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] The invention is related to a fuel nozzle with a new lever locking mechanism so as to fulfil all aims mentioned above and will be obtained from the following detailed description.

[0022] The invention relates a fuel nozzle comprising at least one body which is made of at least one part; a spout which is related the body; at least one membrane which is related the designed to automatically cut off the flow when the tank is full during filling; a diffuser which is allowing the passage of the flow, and at least one part a plate piston to control the opening and closing of said diffuser; to actuate said plate piston : comprising a lever with at least one lever pin in contact with said body at least at one point and angularly movable on said contact region to change the position of said plate piston characterized in that; to hold the position of the lever; at least one locking element which connected to at least one locking pin to allow angular movement on said lever; at least one locking ridge at the tip of said locking element; a body lock strike that located on the body with at least one locking recess in the direction of the locking ridge of said locking element; at least one locking spring positioned between said locking element and lever to enable said locking element to rotate back to its initial position around the locking pin axis in case said locking ridge disengages from the locking recess on the body lock strike.

[0023] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, characterized by the locking element located in the front area of the fuel nozzle on the lever.

[0024] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, it comprises multiple locking recesses on the body lock strike at varying distances relative to the lever to enable the lever to lock at different levels.

[0025] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the locking element comprises a hookshaped locking ridge.

[0026] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, it characterized by the body lock strike comprises a notch-shaped locking recess that allows for the engagement of the mentioned hook-shaped locking element.

[0027] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, it characterized by the lever comprises a locking element recess which complementing to the surface shape of the said locking element, that ensures a flat shape on the lever when the locking element is in the locked position.

[0028] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, it characterized by the body lock strike is integral with the body.

[0029] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the lever and locking element are made of plastic material. Preferably, the body lock strike is also made of plastic material and can be fixed onto the body later. In the scope of the invention, a traditional locking mechanism can be positioned on the lever group of the fuel nozzle, or an innovative solution that enables one-handed locking can be used.

[0030] 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.

[0031] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0032] Figure 1 provides the cross-sectional view of the fuel nozzle.

[0033] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the lever of the fuel nozzle.

[0034] Figure 3A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the lever of the fuel nozzle in the closed position.

[0035] Figure 3B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the lever of the fuel nozzle locked in the first level.

[0036] 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.

[0037] DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCES IN FIGURES

[0038] 10. Spout

[0039] 100. Spout sealing element

[0040] 11 . Level detection aperture

[0041] 12. Filling channel

[0042] 20. Body

[0043] 200. Hose fixing means

[0044] 21 . Detection inter channel Vapor suction body

[0045] 31 . Vapor suction body front opening

[0046] 32. Vapor suction body internal opening Plate piston

[0047] 41 . Piston motion body

[0048] 42. Piston side body

[0049] 43. Plate piston spring

[0050] 44. Rollers

[0051] 45. Plate piston inner spring Automatic shut-off mechanism body

[0052] 51 . Membrane

[0053] 52. Motion transfer bracket

[0054] 53. Membrane fixation means

[0055] 54. Membrane spring

[0056] 55. Suction check valve Diffuser

[0057] 61 . Diffuser body

[0058] 62. Diffuser cap Lever guard

[0059] 700. Lever guard connection part

[0060] 71 . Vapor transfer channel Lever

[0061] 801 . Locking element recess 81 . Lever pin

[0062] 82. Lever sealing element

[0063] 83. Locking element

[0064] 830. Locking ridge

[0065] 84. Body lock strike

[0066] 840. Locking recess

[0067] 85. Locking pin

[0068] 86. Locking spring

[0069] 90. Vapor return hose connection element

[0070] 91 . Fixing nut

[0071] N. Fuel nozzle

[0072] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0073] In this detailed description a fuel nozzle (N) with a new lever (80) locking mechanism is described by means of examples only for clarifying the subject matter such that no limiting effect is created.

[0074] The subject of the invention particularly relates to innovations in the lever (80) mechanism of fuel nozzles (N) which used during the filling of vehicle’s fuel tanks.

[0075] The invention relates a fuel nozzle (N) comprising at least one body (20) which is made of at least one part; a spout (10) which is related the body (20); at least one membrane (51 ) which is related the designed to automatically cut off the flow when the tank is full during filling; a diffuser (60) which is allowing the passage of the flow, and at least one part a plate piston (40) to control the opening and closing of said diffuser (60); to actuate said plate piston (40): comprising a lever (80) with at least one lever pin (81 ) in contact with said body (20) at least at one point and angularly movable on said contact region to change the position of said plate piston (40) characterized in that; to hold the position of the lever (80); at least one locking element (83) which connected to at least one locking pin (85) to allow angular movement on said lever (80); at least one locking ridge (830) at the tip of said locking element (83); a body lock strike (84) that located on the body (20) with at least one locking recess (840) in the direction of the locking ridge (830) of said locking element (83); at least one locking spring (86) positioned between said locking element (83) and lever (80) to enable said locking element (83) to rotate back to its initial position around the locking pin (85) axis in case said locking ridge (830) disengages from the locking recess (840) on the body lock strike (84).

[0076] 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 ).

[0077] 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. (It is clear so, it is not shown in the figures.) In the preferred embodiment, the lever connection point is a pin socket / opening located on the body (20) along the axis of the opening where the lever pin (81 ) is positioned. 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.

[0078] 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).

[0079] 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).

[0080] 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).

[0081] 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 ).

[0082] 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 ).

[0083] 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. 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).

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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).

[0086] 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).

[0087] The cross-sectional drawing of the lever (80) included by the invention is given in Figure 2. The lever (80) is positioned in a section, preferably between the body (20) and the lever guard (70) along with at least one lever sealing element (82) which located on the lever pin (81 ). The body (20) and the lever (80) are in contact with each other on at least one axis, and the lever (80) capable angular movement about said pin axis. The sealing in the relevant region is achieved through the lever sealing element (82).

[0088] The purpose of keeping the fuel nozzle (N) continuously open is achieved by locking the lever (80) in a pressed and locked position through the locking element (83). The locking element (83) is in contact with the lever (80) through at least one-piece locking pin (85). The locking element (83) can angularly move about the mentioned locking pin (85) axis on the lever (80). At least one locking spring (86) is located between the mentioned locking element (83) and the lever (80), and mentioned locking spring (86) ensures a constant force is applied to the locking element (83). During the locking process, a force is applied to the locking element (83) by user, and overcoming the force applied by the locking spring (86) for allowing angular movement of the locking element (83). The locking element (83) contains at least one locking ridge (830) at its end to provide locking.

[0089] There is at least one body lock strike (84) in contact with the body (20) to fix the position of the lever (80) with the mentioned locking element (83). The mentioned body lock strike (84) can be integral with the body (20) or can be attached to the body (20) with using techniques like pinning / screwing / bonding. There is at least one locking recess (840) on the mentioned body lock strike (84), and it corresponds to the form of the locking ridge (830) on the mentioned locking element (83). The mentioned locking ridge (830) fits into the locking recess (840), and the position of the lever (80) can be fixed / holded by the force applied by the locking spring (86) to the locking element (83).

[0090] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the locking ridge (830) which located on the locking element (83) is in a hook shape and can engage with at least one indented / recessed form on the body lock strike (84), which is in a claw shape. This placement is visible in Figure 3A and Figure 3B. As a result, the user can lock the lever (80) by one hand for allowing the fuel nozzle (N) to automatically dispense fuel.

[0091] When the filling process is completed and the automatic shut-off is engaged, the plate piston (40) tends to return to its initial position by the membrane (51 ) moving the rollers (44). As part of this mechanism and the recoil / kick effect, the lever (80) moves angularly, and it allows the locking ridge (830) to disengage from the locking recess (840). The locking element (83) moves along the locking pin (85) axis to return to the initial position by the locking spring (86). Simultaneously / After with this action, the lever (80) being returned to its initial position by the lever (80) spring, and the fuel flow cuts off.

[0092] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the lever (80) comprises at least one locking element recess (801 ) thus, provides an aesthetic and user-friendly form is created on the lever (80) when the locking element (83) is associated with the body lock strike (84).

[0093] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, locking of the lever (80) can easily be accomplished by the user's index finger on the hand that applies force to the lever (80) in the normal use of the fuel nozzle (N).

[0094] The protection scope of the invention has been mentioned in the claims that are attached and the invention cannot be limited to the embodiments described in this detailed description. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can provide similar embodiments within the scope of the above-mentioned descriptions without deviating from the main theme of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A fuel nozzle (N) comprising at least one body (20) which is made of at least one part; a spout (10) which is related the body (20); at least one membrane (51 ) which is related the designed to automatically cut off the flow when the tank is full during filling; a diffuser (60) which is allowing the passage of the flow, and at least one part a plate piston (40) to control the opening and closing of said diffuser (60); to actuate said plate piston (40): comprising a lever (80) with at least one lever pin (81 ) in contact with said body (20) at least at one point and angularly movable on said contact region to change the position of said plate piston (40) characterized in that; to hold the position of the lever (80); at least one locking element (83) which connected to at least one locking pin (85) to allow angular movement on said lever (80); at least one locking ridge (830) at the tip of said locking element (83); a body lock strike (84) that located on the body (20) with at least one locking recess (840) in the direction of the locking ridge (830) of said locking element (83); at least one locking spring (86) positioned between said locking element (83) and lever (80) to enable said locking element (83) to rotate back to its initial position around the locking pin (85) axis in case said locking ridge (830) disengages from the locking recess (840) on the body lock strike (84).

2. A fuel nozzle (N) with a lever (80) that can be locked using one hand according to the claim 1 , characterized in that; the locking element (83) located in the front area of the fuel nozzle (N) on the lever (80).

3. A fuel nozzle (N) with a lever (80) that can be locked using one hand according to the claim 1 , comprises; multiple locking recesses (840) on the body lock strike (84) at varying distances relative to the lever (80) to enable the lever (80) to lock at different levels.

4. A fuel nozzle (N) with a lever (80) that can be locked using one hand according to the claim 1 , characterized in that; the locking element (83) comprises a hook-shaped locking ridge (830).

5. A fuel nozzle (N) with a lever (80) that can be locked using one hand according to the claim 4, characterized in that; the body lock strike (84) comprises a notch-shaped locking recess (840) that allows for the engagement of the mentioned hook-shaped locking element (83).

6. A fuel nozzle (N) with a lever (80) that can be locked using one hand according to the claim 1 , characterized in that; the lever (80) comprises a locking element recess (801 ) which complementing to the surface shape of the said locking element (83), that ensures a flat shape on the lever (80) when the locking element (83) is in the locked position.

7. A fuel nozzle (N) with a lever (80) that can be locked using one hand according to the claim 1 , characterized in that; the body lock strike (84) is integral with the body (20).

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