Abstract:
A device for protection against incorrect refuelling, the device including a housing having housing tabs, a separating element to be opened to permit refuelling, and a closing element arranged in, and axially moveable axially relative to the housing. The closing element has at a periphery thereof closing tabs assigned to the housing tabs to form a catch connection which is reversibly released by insertion of a suitable filler nozzle to open the separating element.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application claims priority 35 U.S.C. §119 to European Patent Publication No. EP 14195241.6 (filed on Nov. 27, 2014), which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
       TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    Embodiments relate to a device for protection against incorrect refuelling, in particular, of a motor vehicle powered by diesel fuel. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Depending on engine type, motor vehicles require different fuels, wherein refuelling the motor vehicle with an unsuitable fuel can cause enormous damage to the motor vehicle. 
         [0004]    Conventional motor vehicles are normally refuelled at filling stations. The pumps at modern filling stations usually offer several types of fuel, normally diesel and petrol with different octane ratings. 
         [0005]    A first step for preventing incorrect refuelling was the introduction of pump valves with different diameters now, for example, diesel pump valves have a diameter of ≧23.6 mm, petrol pump valves however have a diameter of less than 21.3 mm. 
         [0006]    Pump valves are colloquially called filler nozzles and are connected to the fuel filler pump via a hose. 
         [0007]    By adapting the diameter of the motor vehicle tank connection (tank filler pipe), at least on petrol-powered motor vehicles, incorrect refuelling with diesel can be prevented in a simple manner. 
         [0008]    The risk of accidentally introducing petrol, which is delivered through a petrol filler nozzle smaller than a diesel filler nozzle, into a diesel-powered vehicle however persists. 
         [0009]    The general prior art describes for this problem a number of different solutions for preventing incorrect refuelling of a diesel-powered motor vehicle with petrol. 
         [0010]    German Patent Publication No. DE 103 20 992 A1, for example, describes a device wherein an additional device is introduced into the tank connector of a vehicle. The annular additional device reduces the diameter of the tank connector by way of a plurality of radial elements arranged around the periphery. In the region of the radial elements, the diameter is smaller than the diameter of the suitable filler nozzle. The additional device is designed tapering upward towards the opening so that the suitable filler nozzle can be introduced easily and simply. On further insertion of the suitable filler nozzle, the radial elements are deformed, tipped or moved such that the opening expands and the filler nozzle can be pushed fully into the tank pipe. The elastic or articulated movement of the radial elements causes a tilting or rotational movement of counterhooks on the device. An unsuitable filler nozzle remains attached to the counterhooks and cannot be introduced further into the filler pipe. 
         [0011]    German Patent Publication No. DE 101 57 090 C1 also describes an arrangement for preventing refuelling of a diesel vehicle with lead-free petrol. A blocking lever is provided in the tank connector which is movable to and fro between a rest position and a refuelling position. At its end facing away from the tank opening, the blocking lever is provided with a blocking tab which in the rest position protrudes into the cross section of the tank connector and prevents insertion of an unsuitable filler nozzle into the tank. At its end facing the tank opening, the blocking lever may have an actuation extension which can be actuated by a suitable filler nozzle and moves the blocking lever into a refuelling position. 
         [0012]    Further devices concerned with this topic are disclosed amongst others in German Patent Publication No. DE 20200502 1965 and European Patent Publication No. EP 1790517. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0013]    Embodiments relate to a device for protection against incorrect refuelling, in particular of a diesel-powered motor vehicle. 
         [0014]    In accordance with embodiments, a device for protection against incorrect refuelling, comprises a housing and a closing element arranged in the housing, wherein the closing element may have at least one closing tab on its periphery and the housing may have at least one housing tab assigned to the closing tab, wherein the closing tab with the assigned housing tab forms a catch connection, wherein the closing tab and assigned housing tab are configured so that the catch connection is reversibly released by insertion of a suitable filler nozzle, so that the closing element is moveable axially relative to the housing, whereby a separating element can be opened and refuelling is possible. 
         [0015]    In accordance with embodiments, the suitable filler nozzle may be, in particular, a filler nozzle for a diesel fuel of conventional design. 
         [0016]    In accordance with embodiments, an unsuitable filler nozzle is a filler nozzle of smaller diameter than the diesel filler nozzle, as is the case, for example, for filler nozzles for petrol fuels. 
         [0017]    The device in accordance with embodiments may also be conceivable in tank systems and/or tank types not used primarily for automotive purposes, such as, for example, heating oil tanks. 
         [0018]    The device in accordance with embodiments comprises a housing, wherein the housing may have a tank-side housing end, a filler-side housing end, and a housing interior. The housing may be made of plastic. A housing made of a metallic material may also be used. 
         [0019]    In accordance with embodiments, the closing element is arranged inside the housing, i.e., in the housing interior, ensuring inter alia a compact construction of the device. The closing element may be made of plastic. A closing element made of a metallic material may also be used. 
         [0020]    In accordance with embodiments, the closing element may have at least one closing tab on its periphery, wherein the closing tab is arranged on the periphery of the closing element. The closing tab may be made of the same material as the closing element. 
         [0021]    In accordance with embodiments, the housing may have at least one housing tab on its periphery, wherein a housing tab is assigned to a closing tab. The housing tab may be made of the same material as the housing. 
         [0022]    In accordance with embodiments, the closing tab with the assigned housing tab forms the catch connection. The closing tab and the assigned housing tab are configured such that introduction of the suitable filler nozzle releases the catch connection between the closing tab and the assigned housing tab. On further insertion of the suitable filler nozzle in the direction of the tank-side housing end, the closing element moves axially relative to the housing in the direction of the tank-side housing end. Through this movement, the suitable filler nozzle can be inserted in the device so far that it opens the separating element and refilling of a tank is possible. 
         [0023]    In accordance with embodiments, “axial” means in the direction of or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical housing. “Radial” means in the direction of or parallel to the transverse axis of the cylindrical housing. 
         [0024]    In accordance with embodiments, the catch connection between the closing tab and the assigned housing tab is reversibly released by insertion of the suitable filler nozzle, i.e. when the suitable filler nozzle is removed from the device, the closing tab with the assigned housing tab again forms the catch connection. 
         [0025]    In accordance with embodiments, refinements are described in the dependent claims, the description and the enclosed drawings. 
         [0026]    In accordance with embodiments, the closing element may have at least three closing tabs, wherein the three closing tabs are evenly distributed about the periphery of the closing element. 
         [0027]    In accordance with embodiments, the housing may have at least three housing tabs on its periphery (evenly distributed), wherein each housing tab is assigned to closing tab. 
         [0028]    In accordance with embodiments, the housing and the closing element arranged in the housing are arranged coaxially. 
         [0029]    In accordance with embodiments, the housing is configured substantially cylindrical and the closing element substantially conical, in particular hopper-like. 
         [0030]    In accordance with embodiments, the closing element tapers in the direction of the tank-side housing end. 
         [0031]    In accordance with embodiments, “transverse” designations below always relate to the position of the transverse axis of the cylindrical housing. “Longitudinal” designations correspondingly relate to the position of the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical housing. 
         [0032]    In accordance with embodiments, the hopper-like form of the closing element allows a reduction in the diameter of the device in a constructionally simple manner. A substantially cylindrical form of the closing element is equally advantageous, wherein structurally ribs are provided on the inner periphery of the closing element which taper in the direction of the housing end. 
         [0033]    In accordance with embodiments, the separating element is arranged on the tank-side housing end and is configured such that in a separating element starting position, the housing interior and a tank can be separated so that filling the tank via a filler nozzle is not possible. 
         [0034]    The separating element starting position thus describes a closed position of the separating element. The separating element may be arranged transversely (normal to the longitudinal axis of the housing). 
         [0035]    In accordance with embodiments, the reduction in the diameter of the device, by way of, for example, the hopper-like closing element, prevents incorrect refuelling via an unsuitable filler nozzle since the diameter of the device is configured smaller than the diameter of the unsuitable filler nozzle. The unsuitable filler nozzle, depending on diameter, is blocked at one point of the hopper-like closing element and prevented from further insertion in the direction of the separating element (in the direction of the tank-side housing end) and thus does not reach the separating element. The separating element remains in the separating element starting position. 
         [0036]    Because the separating element remains in the separating element starting position, on an attempt to refill the tank via an unsuitable filler nozzle, the filler nozzle immediately shuts off because of the automatic pump valve system integrated as standard in the pump valve (filler nozzle). The separating element can, however, be moved into an open position, out of the separating element starting position, by a suitable filler nozzle. 
         [0037]    In accordance with embodiments, the separating element is designed as a flap. 
         [0038]    In accordance with embodiments, the separating element is made of an electrically conductive material, in particular a metallic material such as for example spring steel, whereby the separating element serves as a metallic contact point for a suitable filler nozzle and hence acts as an earth. 
         [0039]    Advantageously, the closing element is designed at least partially elastic. 
         [0040]    In accordance with embodiments, the closing element comprises several notches, in particular in the region of the tank-side housing end, whereby the closing element is subdivided at least partly into several closing element segments. Because of the elastic form of the closing element and the formation of several closing element segments, a radial movement of the closing element and/or closing element segments is possible. 
         [0041]    Advantageously, the closing tab and housing tab are configured elastically. 
         [0042]    In accordance with embodiments, an elastic clamping element is arranged on an outer periphery of the housing, wherein the clamping element applies a radial return force to the housing tab, whereby in the absence of a suitable filler nozzle, the housing tab is held in a housing tab starting position. The housing tab starting position thus describes a position in which the closing tabs with the assigned housing tabs form the respective catch connections. 
         [0043]    Advantageously, the housing tab assigned to the closing tab may have a catch device, wherein in the absence of a suitable filler nozzle, the closing tab engages preferably at a closing tab end in the catch device of the assigned housing tab and thus the catch connection is formed. 
         [0044]    In accordance with embodiments, the closing tab is configured such that it may have a radially inward protrusion in the axial direction, wherein the protrusion is configured such that on insertion of the suitable filler nozzle, the closing tab and its assigned housing tab are moved radially outward and thus achieve a release of the catch connection between the closing tab and assigned housing tab. 
         [0045]    In accordance with embodiments, “inward” means in the direction of the central longitudinal axis of the cylindrical housing, while “outward” describes the opposite direction. 
         [0046]    In accordance with embodiments, the closing tab comprises a plurality of slip elements, wherein the slip elements are configured on an outer periphery of the closing element in the direction of the housing. 
         [0047]    In accordance with embodiments, an axial sliding block guide on an inner periphery of the housing is assigned to each slip element, wherein the respective slip element can be guided axially in the respective sliding block guide of the housing. The slip elements may be particularly arranged on the closing element in the region of the tank-side housing end. The sliding block guide is advantageously configured such that the slip elements can be moved radially outward in particular only in the region of the tank-side housing end. 
         [0048]    In accordance with embodiments, the device may have at least one spring element in the region of the tank-side housing end, wherein the spring element applies an axial return force to the closing element, whereby in the absence of the suitable filler nozzle, the closing element is pressed into a closing element starting position. In the closing element starting position, the closing tab of the closing element with its assigned housing tab forms the catch connection. 
         [0049]    In accordance with embodiments, the spring element is formed integrally with the separating element, whereby a reduction in the number of components is achieved together with a more compact construction of the device. 
         [0050]    Due to the overall compact and simple construction, the device can advantageously be installed and removed through a refuelling pedestal of a tank connection of the tank. Fixing in the tank connection takes place preferably by way of a bayonet connection between the housing of the device and the tank connector, wherein any type of tank connector can be used. 
     
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
         [0051]    Embodiments will be illustrated by way of example in the drawings and explained in the description below. 
           [0052]      FIG. 1  illustrates an exploded view of a device, in accordance with embodiments. 
           [0053]      FIG. 2  illustrates a cross-section view (A-A) of the device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0054]      FIG. 3  illustrates a longitudinal depiction of the device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0055]      FIG. 4  illustrates a tank-side cross section depiction of the device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0056]      FIG. 5  illustrates a filling-side cross section depiction of the device of  FIG. 1 . 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
       [0057]    With reference to  FIGS. 1 to 5 , embodiments of a device  1  are described below.  FIG. 1  illustrates an exploded view of the device  1  for protection against incorrect refuelling, and serves for a brief description of the basic components of the device  1 . Details are illustrated more closely in  FIGS. 2 to 5 . 
         [0058]    The device  1  comprises a housing  2  with a closing element  9 , a clamping element  19  and a spring element  21 , wherein the spring element  21  is designed integrally with the separating element  20 . The housing  2  may have a tank-side housing end  3 , a filling-side housing end  4  and a housing interior  5 . The housing  2  may be designed substantially cylindrical. The housing  2  may have a plurality of housing tabs  8  on its periphery. The housing tabs  8  are evenly distributed over the periphery of the housing  8 . 
         [0059]    The closing element  9  may have a plurality of closing tabs  14  on its periphery, wherein the closing tabs  14  are evenly distributed over the periphery of the closing element  9 . The closing element  9  may be substantially conical, in particular hopper-like. The closing element  9  tapers in the direction of the tank-side housing end  3 . The closing element  9  comprises a plurality of notches  11 , whereby the closing element  9  is subdivided at least partially into several closing element segments  13 . A plurality of slip elements  10  is arranged in the region of the closing element segments  13 . 
         [0060]    The separating element/spring element assembly  22  is designed as a circular ring and may have a flap-like separating element  20  and a plurality of tab-like spring elements  21 . The spring elements  21  are distributed substantially evenly over the circular separating element/spring element assembly  22 . The separating element/spring element assembly  22  may be connected via one and/or a plurality of clip connections to the tank-side housing end  3 . The spring elements  21  apply an axial return force to the closing element  9 , whereby in the absence of the suitable filler nozzle, the closing element  9  is pressed into a closing element starting position. 
         [0061]      FIG. 2  illustrates a cross-section view (section A-A) of the device  1  of  FIG. 1 . The closing element  9  is arranged coaxially in the housing  2  (in the housing interior  5 ).  FIG. 2  illustrates the hopper-like formation of the closing element  9 . 
         [0062]    A housing tab  8  is assigned to each closing tab  14 , wherein a respective closing tab  14  with its assigned housing tab  8  in the region of a closing tab end  15  forms the respective catch connection  17 . The housing tab  8  assigned to the respective locking tab  14  comprises a catch device  18 , wherein in the absence of a suitable filler nozzle, the respective closing tab  14  is engaged preferably at the closing tab end  15  in the catch device  18  of the assigned housing tab  8 , and thus, the respective catch connection  17  is formed. 
         [0063]    The closing tabs  14  and assigned housing tabs  8  are configured such that introduction of the suitable filler nozzle releases all catch connections  17  between the respective closing tabs  14  and the assigned housing tabs  8 . On further insertion of the suitable filler nozzle in the direction of the tank-side housing end  3 , the closing element  9  moves axially relative to the housing  2  in the direction of the tank-side housing end  3 . The movement described is indicated in  FIG. 2  by way of an arrow. This movement allows the suitable filler nozzle to be inserted so far in the device  1  that it opens the separating element  20  (folds it aside in the tank-side direction), allowing refilling of a tank. 
         [0064]    The closing tabs  14  are configured such that they each have a radially inward protrusion  16  in the axial direction, wherein the protrusion  16  is configured such that on insertion of the suitable filler nozzle, the closing tabs  14  and the assigned housing tabs  8  are moved radially outward, releasing the respective catch connections  17  between the closing tabs  14  and assigned housing tabs  8 . 
         [0065]    The catch connections  17  between the respective closing tabs  14  and the assigned housing tabs  8  are released reversibly by insertion of the suitable filler nozzle, i.e. when the suitable filler nozzle is removed from the device  1 , all closing tabs  14  together with the assigned housing tabs  8  form the catch connections  17  again (catch). 
         [0066]    The closing element  9  comprises a plurality of slip elements  10 , wherein the slip elements  10  are arranged on the outer periphery of the closing elements  12  in the direction of the housing  2 . An axial sliding block guide on an inner periphery of the housing  7  is assigned to each slip element  10 , wherein the respective slip element  10  can be guided axially in the respective sliding block guide of the housing  2 . 
         [0067]    The slip elements  10  are arranged on the closing element  9  (on the closing element segments  13 ) in the region of the tank-side housing end  3 . The sliding block guide is configured such that the slip elements  10  can be moved radially outward in particular only in the region of the tank-side housing end  3 . 
         [0068]    In the device  1 , stop elements  23  are arranged on the closing element  9  in the region of the tank-side housing end  3  and, on axial movement of the closing element  9  in the direction of the tank-side housing end  3  (arrow direction in  FIG. 2 ), cooperate with the spring elements  21  and serve as an application point for the axial return force of the spring elements  21 . 
         [0069]    The reduction in diameter of the device  1  by way of the hopper-like closing element  9  prevents incorrect refuelling with an unsuitable filler nozzle, since the diameter of the device  1  is less than than the diameter of the unsuitable filler nozzle. The unsuitable filler nozzle, depending on diameter, is blocked at a point of the hopper-like closing element  9 , preventing further insertion in the direction of the separating element  20  (in the direction of the tank-side housing end  3 ), and thus, does not reach the separating element  20 . The separating element remains in the separating element starting position. 
         [0070]    In the device  1 , the flap-like separating element  20  can be moved by a suitable filler nozzle into an open position, folded aside in the tank-side direction. The elastic clamping element  19  is arranged on an outer periphery of the housing  6 , wherein the clamping element  19  applies a radial return force to the housing tab  8 , whereby in the absence of the suitable filler nozzle, the housing tabs  8  are held in a housing tab starting position. 
         [0071]      FIG. 3  illustrates a longitudinal depiction of the device  1 , showing in particular a part of the outer periphery of the housing  6 , the arrangement of the clamping element  19  and the arrangement of one of the housing tabs  8 . 
         [0072]      FIGS. 4 and 5  illustrate cross-section views of the device  1 ,  FIG. 4  illustrating a tank-side view, while  FIG. 5  illustrating a filling-side view. 
         [0073]      FIG. 4  illustrates, in particular, the separating element/spring element assembly  22 . The spring elements  21  and the flap-like separating element  20  are evenly distributed over the periphery of the circular separating element/spring element assembly  22 . The tab-like spring elements  21  and the flap-like separating element  20  extend radially inward. 
         [0074]      FIG. 5  illustrates, in particular the housing  2  and the coaxially arranged closing element  9  together with the separating element  20 . The closing element segments  13  of the closing element  9  taper in the direction of the tank-side housing end  3 . 
         [0075]    The term “coupled” or “connected” may be used herein to refer to any type of relationship, direct or indirect, between the components in question, and may apply to electrical, mechanical, fluid, optical, electromagnetic, electromechanical or other connections. In addition, the terms “first,” “second, etc. are used herein only to facilitate discussion, and carry no particular temporal or chronological significance unless otherwise indicated. 
         [0076]    This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the preferred embodiments, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of embodiments is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. Aspects from the various embodiments described, as well as other known equivalents for each such aspects, may be mixed and matched by one of ordinary skill in the art to construct additional embodiments and techniques in accordance with principles of this application. 
       LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS 
       [0000]    
       
           1  Device 
           2  Housing 
           3  Tank-side housing end 
           4  Filling-side housing end 
           5  Housing interior 
           6  Outer periphery of housing 
           7  Inner periphery of housing 
           8  Housing tab 
           9  Closing element 
           10  Slip element 
           11  Notch 
           12  Outer periphery of closing element 
           13  Closing element segment 
           14  Closing element tab 
           15  Closing element tab end 
           16  Protrusion 
           17  Catch connection 
           18  Catch device 
           19  Clamping element 
           20  Separating element 
           21  Spring element 
           22  Separating element/spring element assembly 
           23  Stop element