Fuel dispensing nozzle with attitude sensing device

A nozzle including a dispensing path configured such that fluid is dispensable therethrough and into a vessel, and a sensing path in which a negative pressure is generated when fluid flows through the dispensing path. The nozzle further includes an attitude sensing device configured to sense an attitude of the nozzle. The attitude sensing device is in fluid communication with the sensing path and includes a ball received in a track. The track includes a generally spherical portion configured to receive the ball therein to generally block the sensing path when the nozzle is raised to a sufficient angle. The spherical portion has a radius generally corresponding to a radius of the ball.

The present invention is directed to a fuel dispensing nozzle, and more particularly, to a fuel dispensing nozzle with an attitude sensing device.

BACKGROUND

Fuel dispensers are widely utilized to dispense fuels, such as gasoline, diesel, natural gas, biofuels, blended fuels, propane, oil, ethanol or the like, into the fuel tank of a vehicle. Such dispensers typically include a nozzle that is insertable into the fuel tank of the vehicle. The nozzle may include an attitude sensing device that is configured to cause the nozzle to shut off when the nozzle is oriented in a predetermined configuration (i.e., typically when the nozzle is positioned at a particular angle relative to horizontal). However, existing attitude sensing devices are often not triggered at consistent angles and therefore do not provide repeatable, predictable performance.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment the present invention is a nozzle with an attitude device which provides repeatable and predictable performance. More particularly, in one embodiment the invention is a nozzle including a dispensing path configured such that fluid is dispensable therethrough and into a vessel, and a sensing path in which a negative pressure is generated when fluid flows through the dispensing path. The nozzle further includes an attitude sensing device configured to sense an attitude of the nozzle. The attitude sensing device is in fluid communication with the sensing path and includes a ball received in a track. The track includes a generally spherical portion configured to receive the ball therein to generally block the sensing path when the nozzle is raised to a sufficient angle. The spherical portion has a radius generally corresponding to a radius of the ball.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1is a schematic representation of a refilling system10including a plurality of dispensers12. Each dispenser12includes a dispenser body14, a hose16coupled to the dispenser body14, and a nozzle18positioned at the distal end of the hose16. Each hose16may be generally flexible and pliable to allow the hose16and nozzle18to be positioned in a convenient refilling position as desired by the user/operator.

Each dispenser12is in fluid communication with a fuel/fluid storage tank22via a fluid conduit26that extends from each dispenser12to the storage tank22. The storage tank22includes or is coupled to a fuel pump28which is configured to draw fluid out of the storage tank22via a pipe30. During refilling, as shown by the in-use dispenser12′ ofFIG. 1, the nozzle18is inserted into a fill pipe38of a vehicle fuel tank40. The fuel pump28is then activated to pump fuel from the storage tank22to the nozzle18and into the vehicle fuel tank40via a fuel path or dispensing path36of the system10.

In some cases, it is desired to capture vapors expelled from the fuel tank during refilling, and route the vapors to the tank22. In this case, a vapor path34extends from the nozzle18, through the hose16and a vapor conduit24to the ullage space of the tank22. For example, as shown inFIG. 1A, in one embodiment the vapor path34of the hose16is received within, and generally coaxial with, an outer fluid path36of the hose16. A vapor pump or suction source32may be in fluid communication with the vapor path34to aid in the recovery of vapor expelled from the vehicle fuel tank40and route the captured vapors to the ullage space of the tank22. Alternately, in some cases the vapor pump32may be omitted and the vapors may be urged through the vapor path34and to the tank22by the pressure of fluid entering the vehicle fuel tank40.

It should be understood that the arrangement of pumps28,32and storage tank22can be varied from that shown inFIG. 1. In one particular example, the fuel pump28and/or vapor pump32(if utilized) can instead be positioned at each associated dispenser12in a so-called “suction” system, instead of the so-called pressure system shown inFIG. 1. Moreover, it should be understood that the system10disclosed herein can be utilized to store/dispense any of a wide variety of fluids, liquids or fuels, including but not limited to petroleum-based fuels, such as gasoline, diesel, natural gas, biofuels, blended fuels, propane, oil or the like, or ethanol the like.

As best shown inFIG. 2, the nozzle18may include a nozzle body42having a generally cylindrical inlet44leading directly to a main fluid path46and a main vapor path48. The inlet44is configured to be connected to an associated hose16, such as by threaded attachment. The nozzle body42has an outlet50which receives a spout adapter52therein. The spout adapter52, in turn, threadably receives a spout54therein that is configured to dispense liquid flowing therethrough. The spout has a base or straight portion56and an end portion58that is angled downwardly relative to the base portion56. In some cases, the nozzle18may include a vapor recovery boot (not shown) coupled to the spout54and/or spout adaptor52, extending coaxially thereabout to trap vapors and provide an inlet to the vapor path34.

When the nozzle body42is oriented generally horizontally (i.e. the main fluid path46and/or main vapor path48are oriented generally horizontally, as shown inFIG. 2), the base portion56is arranged at an angle A with respect to the horizontal/nozzle body42. The angle A can, in one case, range between about 20° and about 50°; and be about 35° in one embodiment. The end portion58can be arranged at an angle B with respect to the horizontal/nozzle body42. The angle B can, in one case, range between about 40° and about 70°, and be about 55° in one embodiment. The end portion58can form an angle C relative to the base portion56, which can be between about 15° and about 30°, and about 22.5° in one case.

A main fluid valve60is positioned in the fluid path36to control the flow of liquid therethrough and through the nozzle18. Similarly, when a vapor recovery path34is utilized, a main vapor valve62is positioned in the vapor path34to control the flow of vapor therethrough and through the nozzle18. Both the main fluid valve60and main vapor valve62are carried on, or operatively coupled to, a main valve stem64. The bottom of the main fluid valve stem64is positioned above or operatively coupled to a lever66which can be manually raised or actuated by the user. In operation, when the user raises the lever66and refilling conditions are appropriate, the lever66engages and raises the valve stem64, thereby opening the main fluid valve60and main vapor valve62.

As best shown inFIG. 3, a venturi poppet70is mounted in the spout54/spout adaptor52and positioned in the fluid path36. A venturi poppet spring72engages the venturi poppet70and urges the venturi poppet70to a closed position wherein the venturi poppet70engages an annular seating ring74. When fluid of a sufficient pressure is present in the fluid path36(i.e., during dispensing operations), the force of the venturi poppet spring72is overcome by the dispensed fluid and the venturi poppet70is moved to its open position, away from the seating ring74.

When the venturi poppet70is open and liquid flows between the venturi poppet70and the seating ring74, a venturi effect is created in a plurality of radially-extending passages (not shown) extending through the seating ring74and communicating with an annular chamber76(FIG. 2) formed between the spout adaptor52, the nozzle body42and the seating ring74. The annular chamber76is in fluid communication with a venturi passage78formed in the nozzle body42which is, in turn, in fluid communication with a central or venturi chamber80of a no-pressure, no-fill valve or shut-off valve/device82.

The annular chamber76is also in fluid communication with a tube84(FIG. 3) positioned within the spout54. The tube84terminates at, and is in fluid communication with, an opening86positioned on the underside of the spout54at or near the distal end thereof. The tube84, annular chamber76, venturi passage78and other portions of the nozzle18exposed to the venturi pressure, form or define a sensing path88which is fluidly isolated from the fluid flow path36.

When the venturi poppet70is open and fluid flows through the fluid path36, the venturi or negative pressure in the annular chamber76and sensing path88draws air through the opening86and tube84, thereby dissipating the negative pressure. This venturi effect is described in greater detail in U.S. Pat. No. 3,085,600 to Briede, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein. However, it should be understood that a venturi or negative pressure in the sensing path88can be generated by any of a wide variety of mechanisms or devices, and the attitude sensing device disclosed herein is not limited to use with any particular venturi or negative pressure system.

An attitude sensing device, generally designated90, is positioned in, or in fluid communication with, the sensing path88. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, the attitude sensing device90is positioned at an upstream end (with respect to the flow of vapors/fluid therethrough) of the tube84and in the base portion56of the spout54adjacent to the venturi poppet70. Positioning the attitude device90in this manner, and away from the tip of the spout54, protects the attitude sensing device90and avoids direct exposure of the attitude sensing device90to liquids.

The attitude sensing device90includes a spherical ball92received on or in a track94and freely movable (i.e. by rolling) on the track94. When the end portion of the nozzle18is pointed sufficiently downwardly, the ball92generally resides in its retracted, or open, position as shown inFIG. 4. The sensing device90may include a shielding plug102having a generally cylindrical portion104and a deflector portion106. The generally cylindrical portion104slidably fits over the upstream end of the tube84to retain the shielding plug102in place. In the illustrated embodiment, the deflector portion106is generally curved or arcuate in side view, forming a 90° arc in the illustrated embodiment, spanning the sensing path88and defining a restricted orifice108therein.

As shown inFIG. 4, when the ball92is in its retracted position, the ball is positioned immediately adjacent to the deflector portion106, and the deflector portion106extends over and around about the upper upstream quarter of the ball92, leaving the downstream half uncovered. However, the deflector portion106can have any of a wide variety of shapes and configurations beyond that specifically shown herein.

During dispensing operations, incoming air in the sensing path88(created by the venturi described above) impinges upon the deflector portion106and is deflected upwardly and through the restricted orifice108before entering a relatively un-restricted area downstream of the deflector portion106. The fluid dynamics in this area of the sensing path88, along with the presence of the ball92, creates eddy currents just upstream of the deflector portion106/ball92, as schematically shown by the dotted line path inFIG. 4. The eddy currents impinge upon, or interact with, the ball92, forcing the ball92upstream and tight against the deflector portion106, or at least keeping the ball92in place. In this manner, the eddy current helps to retain the deflector ball92in its retracted position, at least until it is desired for the ball92to move to its blocking position, as will be described in greater detail below. Thus, rather than merely shielding the ball from the incoming flow, the deflector portion106also helps to positively retain the ball92in place.

The restricted orifice108may have a surface area of between about ¼ and about 1/10 of the surface area of the portions of the sensing path88located immediately upstream and/or downstream of the restriction108/shielding plug102. If the surface area of the restricted orifice108is too small, the flow becomes choked. On the other hand, if the surface area of the restricted orifice108is too large, the desired eddy currents are not formed. In the illustrated embodiment the gap g defined by the restricted orifice108is of relatively small height, such as about 1/16″ in one embodiment, and can vary between about ⅛″ and 1/32″ in this embodiment, or between about ⅓ and about 1/10 of the diameter/height of the sensing path88.

The track94may include various different shapes along its length. In particular, the track94may include a first or upstream cylindrical portion110, which is generally flat or cylindrical, a first or upstream conical portion or ramp112, a second or downstream conical portion or ramp114, a second or downstream cylindrical portion116and a can, seat or pocket118. In the illustrated embodiment, the pocket118is generally spherical (for the sake of clarity it should be understood that “spherical” as used herein can mean a portion or partial surface of a sphere).

The ball92may rest upon the upstream cylindrical portion110when the ball92is in its retracted position, adjacent to the deflector106. The upstream conical portion112may have a relatively shallow internal angle, such as between about 3° and about 10° (about 7° in the illustrated embodiment), and extend for a relatively short length (i.e. about ⅛ of the length of the downstream conical portion114in one case). The downstream conical portion114may include a sharper, larger angle, such as between about 10° and about 20° (about 15° in the illustrated embodiment). It is noted that the ramps112,114present an incline to the ball92as the ball92rolls within the track94. When the ramps112,114are defined by conical sections, as in the illustrated embodiment, the ramps112,114provide the desired incline regardless of the rotation/orientation of the nozzle18/attitude device90. The downstream cylindrical portion116is positioned between the downstream conical portion114and the spherical pocket118.

The spherical pocket118may have a size and shape generally matching that of the ball92. For example, in one case the pocket118has a radius that is within about 5% of the radius of the ball92in one case (within about 10% in another case) to provide the desired suction forces as outlined in greater detail below. However, at least one of the size or shape of the pocket118may be at least slightly mis-matched with respect to the ball92to ensure that the ball92does not become fully seated in the pocket118to avoid the ball92becoming wedged in the pocket118.

FIG. 4illustrates the attitude sensing device90wherein the end of the nozzle18is pointed downwardly and vapor/air flows through the sensing path88. In this case, as noted above, eddy currents help to retain the ball92in place. In addition, the ball92and track94are configured such that the junction120between the flat cylindrical portion110and the upstream conical portion112is positioned immediately adjacent to the point of contact between the ball92and the track94when the ball92is in its retracted position. Thus, the junction120presents a further impediment to the ball92rolling downstream. The combination of the eddy current and the junction120enable a user of the nozzle18to fill shallow angle containers, or utilize the nozzle18with fill pipes38having shallow angles, without having undesired shut-offs.

The angle of the upstream ramp portion112may be smaller than the angle C (FIG. 2) that the end portion58of the spout54forms relative to the base portion56. For example, in one embodiment the upstream ramp portion112has an angle of about 7 degrees, and the angle C is about 22.5 degrees. In this case, when the end portion58is at an angle of about 15.5 degrees below horizontal, any further raising of the spout54will cause gravity to begin acting upon the ball92to urge the ball92away from the retracted position. However, the eddy currents, the junction120, and friction forces may keep the ball92in place. As the spout54is raised further, the force of gravity upon the ball92eventually overcomes the eddy currents and the retaining force of the junction120such that the ball92moves away from the retracted position to arrive at the upstream ramp portion112, as shown inFIG. 5.

In one particular embodiment, the attitude sensing device90is configured such that the ball92rolls onto the upstream ramp portion112once the end portion58is raised above horizontal. In another embodiment, the attitude sensing device90is configured such that the ball92rolls onto the upstream ramp portion112once the end portion58is below, but approaching, horizontal based upon anticipation that the end portion58will continue to be raised, to provide a quick response time.

Once the ball92arrives at the upstream ramp portion112, it should typically have enough momentum and/or gravity forces acting upon it to roll onto the downstream ramp portion114, as shown inFIG. 6. The shallow nature of the upstream ramp portion112helps to gently guide the ball92to the sharper downstream ramp portion114. However, the upstream ramp112may present a sufficiently shallow angle that the junction120does not present too serious a restriction to the ball92moving away from the refracted position.

As the ball92continues to move downstream, the upper downstream quadrant of the ball begins to approach, and aerodynamically interact, with the spherical pocket118. In particular, as shown inFIG. 7, as the ball92approaches the pocket118and/or downstream cylindrical portion116, a generally restricted pathway130is defined between the upper left surface of the ball92(in the orientation shown in the drawings) and the pocket118/portion116. Due to the scale ofFIG. 7the restricted pathway130at the top surface of the ball92is not necessarily visible but in general a gap would be present there.

Air is accelerated through the restricted pathway130, creating a suction force across the upper downstream portion of the ball, thereby rapidly “pulling” the ball92into its blocking position. The cylindrical portion116extends for a relatively short length but aids in the development of the suction forces over the ball92. The restricted pathway130is generally spherical as the ball92approaches the pocket118. It has been observed that once the ball92is positioned on the downstream ramp portion114, movement of the ball92to its blocking position is due almost entirely to the high suction forces created by the restricted pathway130, and movement of the ball92is not necessarily gravity-dependent. It has also been observed that the ball92rapidly moves to its blocking position once the ball92enters the downstream ramp portion114, thereby providing a highly-responsive attitude device.

The restricted pathway130, and the associated suction force, may act upon the face portion f of the ball shown inFIG. 7, which may extend along the outer surface of the ball92between at least about 15° and about 45° in one case, and more particularly at least about 30°. The significant surface of suction acting upon the face f of the ball92is to be contrasted with, for example, a conical seat in which only a point (or circumferential line) of suction is provided about the ball92, which provides a much lower suction force. In addition, when a conical seat is utilized, if there is any debris in the conical portion, or the conical portion and/or ball is distorted (such as by manufacturing irregularities), the suction effect is lost. In contrast, when using a spherical pocket118, the significantly increased cooperation and greatly lengthened path of constriction130generated between the ball92and the pocket118provides higher suction forces which are able to more easily accommodate debris and manufacturing irregularities.

Moreover, because of the longer development of the vacuum over the face f, incoming air continues to accelerate over the ball92, increasing the vacuum and raising the pressure to atmospheric on the downstream side of the ball92. In addition, as the ball92approaches the pocket118, the restriction130creates higher pressures upstream of the ball92, thereby pushing the ball92in place. Thus, as the ball92approaches the blocking position, it experiences a push/pull effect which amplifies the response time of the attitude sensing device.

When the ball92is in its blocking position (as shown inFIG. 8), the sensing path88is blocked, and the attitude sensing device90prevents air from being drawn through the tube84and sensing path88. This blockage thereby causes a decrease in pressure in the annular chamber76(FIG. 2), and accordingly the pressure in the central chamber80of the shut-off device82decreases significantly.

The decrease in pressure in the central chamber80of the shut-off device82causes a lower diaphragm96of the valve82to be raised, pulling a pin98upwardly, thereby enabling an associated plunger100to move downwardly. The plunger100then moves downwardly, urged by the spring forces of the main fluid valve60and main vapor valve62, causing the lever66to move and the main fluid and main vapor valves60,62to close. Thus, sufficiently low pressure in the sensing path88(such as blockage created by the ball92in combination with the generated venturi) causes the shut-off device82to close the main valves60,62. This interaction between the pin98and the plunger100is shown and described in more detail in U.S. Pat. No. 2,582,195 to Duerr, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Moreover, the operation of the shut-off device82described herein is similar in some respects to that of U.S. Pat. No. 4,453,578 to Wilder, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. In this manner, the attitude sensing device90provides a safety feature in which the nozzle18can only operate when it is pointing in the desired orientation.

It should also be understood that the opening86at the end of the spout54could be blocked, such as when fluid levels in the tank40during refilling reach a sufficiently high level. In this case, the shut-off device82will operate in the same manner as outlined above, causing the main valves60,62to close. Thus the sensing path88can also be utilized to sense overfill conditions and shut off the nozzle18accordingly. Moreover, it should be understood that any of a wide variety of shut-off devices can be utilized, and the attitude sensing device90disclosed herein is not limited to use with any specific shut-off device or system.

Once the nozzle18is pointed sufficiently downwardly, the ball92returns to its retracted position in which the sensing path88is not blocked. In this manner, the nozzle92is then ready for further dispensing operations as desired.

The ball track94may have a transition area132(FIG. 4) positioned between the upstream112and the downstream114ramps. The transition area132is, in one case, defined by a relatively smooth area having a radius. The radius of the transition portion132may be equal to or larger than the radius of the ball92to provide ease of rolling as the ball92rolls from the upstream ramp portion112to the downstream ramp portion114. In particular, if, for example, the transition portion132were to have a radius smaller than that of the ball92, the ball92could engage the track114at two positions simultaneously as the ball92rolls from the upstream112to the downstream114ramp. In this scenario, the upstream point of contact can act as a brake, causing the ball92to hesitate or even stop as it rolls downstream. Thus, if not properly designed, the transition portion132can cause the ball92to become stuck or hung up which prevents consistent, repeatable performance of the attitude sensing device90. In contrast, by forming the transition portion132of a surface having a radius larger than that of the ball92, it can be ensured that the ball92engages the track94at only a single point of rolling contact as the ball92moves from the retracted position to the blocking position, providing consistent, repeatable performance.

Thus, the deflector portion106, in combination with the two-stage ramps112,114, the spherical pocket118and other features described herein provide consistent, repeatable and precise operation of the attitude sensing device90. In particular, during operation the eddy currents and the upstream ramp112portion help to keep the ball92in the retracted position, when appropriate, thereby preventing premature shut-offs of the nozzle18. In contrast, once the nozzle18is raised to a sufficient angle/attitude, the ball92overcomes the retaining forces of the eddy currents and/or upstream ramp portion112. Once the ball92enters or approaches the downstream ramp portion114, the ball92rapidly rolls and/or is sucked or pushed to the blocked position, thereby providing precise shut-off control. The spherical design of the pocket118provides a constricted pathway130about a significant portion of the outer face of the ball92to provide the suction forces and benefits described above.

Having described the invention in detail and by reference to the various embodiments, it should be understood that modifications and variations thereof are possible without departing from the scope of the invention.