U.S. patent application number 10/586364 was filed with the patent office on 2007-07-19 for use of a method and a system for spill-free refilling of liquids, gun for spill-free refilling of liquids, connection for a tank, method and system for control and communication in a spill-free liquid refilling system, method and system for media provision in a spill-free refilling system, spill-fre.
This patent application is currently assigned to IDENTIC AB. Invention is credited to Sylvid Kallberg.
Application Number | 20070163673 10/586364 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31493076 |
Filed Date | 2007-07-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070163673 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kallberg; Sylvid |
July 19, 2007 |
Use of a method and a system for spill-free refilling of liquids,
gun for spill-free refilling of liquids, connection for a tank,
method and system for control and communication in a spill-free
liquid refilling system, method and system for media provision in a
spill-free refilling system, spill-free and liquid-tight refill
Abstract
Method for spill-free refilling for a liquid solution selective
catalytic reduction, SCR, an exhaust after-treatment technology for
diesel engines. The method includes the steps of establishing a
liquid-tight connection between a coupling part of a tank (37), and
a coupling part of a dispensing nozzle of a gun (9) for spill-free
refilling. A system for spill-free refilling of liquids and a gun
for spill-free refilling of liquids, a connection for a vehicle
tank, a method and a system for control and communication in a
spill-free liquid re-filling system, a method and a system for
media provision in a spill-free refilling system, a spill-free and
liquid-tight refilling connection and computer programme products
are disclosed.
Inventors: |
Kallberg; Sylvid;
(Vallentuna, SE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
YOUNG & THOMPSON
745 SOUTH 23RD STREET
2ND FLOOR
ARLINGTON
VA
22202
US
|
Assignee: |
IDENTIC AB
Vallentuna
SE
SE-186 23
|
Family ID: |
31493076 |
Appl. No.: |
10/586364 |
Filed: |
November 3, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
November 3, 2004 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/SE04/01604 |
371 Date: |
September 6, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
141/383 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F01N 3/2066 20130101;
Y02A 50/20 20180101; B60K 2015/03348 20130101; F16L 37/367
20130101; B60K 15/04 20130101; B60K 2015/03197 20130101; Y02T 10/24
20130101; B60K 2015/0319 20130101; F01N 2610/1413 20130101; F01N
3/208 20130101; F01N 2610/1466 20130101; Y02T 10/12 20130101; F01N
2610/02 20130101; F01N 2900/1814 20130101; Y02A 50/2325
20180101 |
Class at
Publication: |
141/383 |
International
Class: |
B65B 1/04 20060101
B65B001/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 19, 2004 |
SE |
0400105-3 |
Claims
1. Method for spill-free refilling for a liquid solution for
selective catalytic reduction, SCR, an exhaust after-treatment
technology for diesel engines, said method comprising the steps of
establishing a liquid-tight connection between a coupling part (5)
of a tank (37), and a coupling part (6) of a dispensing nozzle (9')
of a gun (9) for spill-free refilling.
2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that said solution
constitutes a liquid solution of urea in water, said solution
preferably comprising 32.5% by weight urea in water and preferably
being of the kind provided under the name.
3. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the method
further comprises the steps of providing a mechanical selectivity
in the spill-free connection (5,6), and providing an refilling
authorisation system (35,36).
4. A system for spill-free refilling for a liquid solution for
selective catalytic reduction, SCR, an exhaust after treatment
technology for diesel engines, the system comprising means (5,6)
for establishing a liquid-tight connection between a coupling part
(5) of a tank (37) and a coupling part (6) of a dispensing nozzle
(9') of a gun (9) for spill-free refilling.
5. The system according to claim 4, characterized in that said
solution constitutes a liquid solution of urea in water, said
solution preferably comprising 32.5% by weight urea in water and
preferably being of the kind provided under the name of
AdBlue.RTM..
6. The system according to claim 4, characterized in that the
system comprises a mechanical selectivity system in the spill-free
connection (5,6) and an electric/electronic refilling authorisation
system (35,36).
7. Gun for spill-free refilling of liquids comprising a dispensing
nozzle, a handle part, a trigger with a trigger handle, a valve
arrangement to be activated by the trigger, and a liquid input
connection for connecting the gun to a liquid provision pipe, the
nozzle comprising a nozzle coupling part arranged to be releasably
connected to a tank coupling part to form a liquid-tight connection
for spill-free transfer of liquid from the gun to the tank,
characterized in a release sleeve (14) arranged substantially
outside of the nozzle (9') coupling part (6), the sleeve being
axially movable by means of a link element (15) from a coupling
position to a release position and comprising flange means (13)
arranged to co-act with flange means (12) of a coupling collar (11)
of said nozzle coupling part to move said coupling collar axially
into a release position.
8. Gun according to claim 7, characterized in a trigger device (20)
for transferring a trigger handle (20') movement performed by an
operator of the gun to valve means the trigger device, providing a
sealed, liquid-tight mechanical movement transfer between the
trigger handle (20') and the valve means, comprising a lever rod
(24) carrying a centrally located substantially spherical sealing
and journalling body (25) arranged between an upper (26) and a
lower (27) sealing and lever rod guiding seat, the trigger handle
being arranged for applying a force to the lower end (28) of the
lever rod, said force being substantially perpendicular to the
axial direction of the lever rod, for turning the lever rod in the
journalling arrangement in a plane substantially parallel to the
axial direction of the lever rod, the upper end part (29) of the
lever rod being arranged for applying an axial force to a valve rod
to open the gun valve (30') when said lever rod is turned.
9. Gun according to claim 7, characterized in that the link element
(15) is arranged to provide a releasble locking function to prevent
movement of the release sleeve to the release position if the
trigger handle (20') is out of a non-refilling position.
10. Gun according to claim 9, characterized in that the link
element is provided with two link arms (15'), one on each side of
the release sleeve (14) and pivotally fastened preferably together
with the trigger handle, the link element being provided with at
least one but preferably two elongated holes (15''), one on each
side, in which holes two locking pins (20'') of the trigger handle
are fitted, so that the link element is pivotable to move the
release sleeve to the release position when the trigger handle is
in a non-refilling position and so that the link element is locked
by means of the holes and pins and not pivotable to move the
release sleeve to the re-lease position when the trigger handle is
out of the non-refilling position, e.g. in a refilling
position.
11. Gun according to claim 7, characterized in that a locking arm
(20a) is provided for releasably holding the trigger handle (20')
in a refilling position.
12. Gun according to claim 11, characterized in that the locking
arm at one end, this end being turned from the trigger handle,
being provided with a fastening piece (20a') and in the other end,
this end being free, being provided with a push piece, and between
the ends being provided with a support piece (20a''') turned to the
trigger handle, the locking arm being resilient and arranged to be
pushed against a spring force by an operator of the gun from a
non-holding position to a holding position, in which a free end
(20''') of the trigger handle rests upon the support piece, the
locking arm being arranged by its resilience to return to the
non-locking position when the trigger handle is lifted to release
the support piece and thus permitting the trigger handle to return
to the non-refilling position.
13. Gun according to claim 11, characterized in that the resilient
locking arm is made of a polymeric material in one piece.
14. Connection for a tank for a liquid, the connection being for
spill-free refilling and comprises a tank coupling part arranged to
be connected to a refilling gun coupling part for spill-free
refilling, characterized by inlet (1,1') in the form of a
preferably cylindrical pipe part (2) protruding from a tank wall
piece (3), and an adapter (4,4') to be fitted axially into the tank
inlet and carrying the tank coupling part (5).
15. Connection according to claim 14, characterized in that the
adapter (4') carries i.a. electronic means for communication,
control of the refilling process etc.
16. Connection according to claim 14, characterized in that the
adapter (4'), apart from a spill-free refilling tank coupling part
(5), comprises a non-spill-free inlet.
17. Connection according to claim 14, characterized in that the
tank inlet (1) has standard dimensions so that a standard
adapter/coupling part designed for a specific liquid may be fitted
into it, a mechanical selectivity system being provided.
18. Connection according to claim 14, characterized in that the
adapter (4) carries an antenna (7) arranged to communicate with a
transponder (8) carried by the refilling gun.
19. Connection according to claim 14, characterized in that the
adapter part turned from the tank is adapted to receive a cap
(10,10') covering the adapter and, thus, the tank coupling
part.
20. Connection according to claim 14, characterized in that it is
sealed, refilling being possible only through the tank coupling
part (5) by the refilling gun coupling part (6).
21. Method for control and communication in a spill-free refilling
system, characterized in that refilling of at least one tank (37)
is controlled by means of wireless two-way communication between a
control and communication module (VCM) associated with the tank,
and a pump equipment-mounted control and communication module
(PCM).
22. Method according to claim 21, characterized in that said tank
(37) and said control and communication module (VCM) are
vehicle-mounted.
23. Method according to claim 21, characterized by the steps of
establishing a wireless communication connection between the
control and communication module (VCM) and the pump
equipment-mounted control and communication module (PCM),
transmitting a tank identifying signal identifying the tank from
the control and communication module (VCM) to the pump
equipment-mounted control and communication module (PCM),
determining in the pump equipment-mounted control and communication
module (PCM) to the control and communication module (VCM) whether
to start refilling the tank in dependence of said tank identifying
signal.
24. Method according to claim 23, wherein said tank identifying
signal comprises information of the type of liquid to be held by
said tank.
25. Method according to claim 21, further comprising the step of
transmitting a pump identifying signal identifying the pump from
the pump equipment-mounted control and communication module (PCM)
to the control and communication module (VCM).
26. Method according to claim 21, characterized by the steps of
checking the level of liquid in the tank by means of a level sensor
(38) or level meter and starting refilling only if the level is
below a predetermined threshold level, when the level exceeds a
predefined threshold level, sending a stop signal from the control
and communication module (VCM) to the pump equipment-mounted
control and communication module (PCM), stopping the refilling by
the pump equipment-mounted control and communication module (PCM)
when said stop signal is received in the pump equipment-mounted
control and communication module (PCM).
27. Method according to claim 21, characterized in that said
refilling relates to a liquid solution for selective catalytic
reduction, SCR, an exhaust after-treatment technology for diesel
engines.
28. Method according to claim 21, characterized in that the control
relates to at least one of the following supervision features:
refilling a certain medium into the correct tank (37); starting
refilling at a level below a predetermined upper limit level;
stopping the refilling at a predetermined upper limit level;
transferring static and dynamic vehicle specific information
carried by a vehicle, when applicable, and refilling information to
a superior compiling and storing management system.
29. Method according to claim 21, characterized by the steps of
wireless transfer of pump identity of the refilling gun (9) nozzle
(9') from an identity carrier transponder (8) applied to the nozzle
to the control and communication module (VCM) by means of an
antenna (7) connected to said unit, the antenna being positioned
adjacent to the corresponding tank inlet (1).
30. Method according to claim 21, characterized in that a refilling
procedure comprises the steps of activating the pump control and
wireless communication unit e.g. by removing the gun (9) from a gun
storing position at the pump (23'), establishing a spill-free
connection (5,6) between the gun nozzle and the tank inlet,
registering, checking and storing the pump identity of the gun
nozzle and verifying by the VCM the correctness of the combination
of tank, gun and pump, i.e. liquid provided, performing the
communication between the PCM and the correct VCM, using the pump
identity information and transferring, when applicable, further
vehicle information to the PCM, for storing.
31. A method according to claim 30 wherein the verifying step
comprises checking against authorisation information in a superior
system.
32. A method according to claim 26, further comprising the step of
automatically stopping the refilling when a predetermined level
detected by said sensor/meter is communicated to the PCM via the
VCM or if the dispensing nozzle is disconnected of if the wireless
communication between the VCM and the PCM is broken.
33. A method according to claim 21, further comprising the step of
registering refilling information, e.g. in a superior compiling
storing management system.
34. Method according to claim 21, characterized in that parameter
initiation and other configuration of the VCM and the PCM are in
both cases performed via direct connection to a serial port, via
radio communication or via a superior system, e.g. with Internet
access, communicating with the VCM/PCM, respectively, or
combinations thereof.
35. System for control and communication in a spill-free refilling
system, characterized by a wireless two-way communication system
for communication between a control and communication module (VCM)
associated with at least one tank that is to be refilled and a pump
equipment-mounted communication module (PCM) for controlling
refilling of at least one vehicle-mounted tank (37).
36. System according to claim 35, characterized in that said
control and communication module (VCM) and said tank (37) are
vehicle-mounted.
37. System according to claim 35, characterized in that said
refilling relates to a liquid solution for selective catalytic
reduction, SCR, an exhaust after treatment technology for diesel
engines.
38. System according to claim 35, characterized by an identity
carrier, transponder, (8) applied to the refilling gun nozzle (9')
for wireless transfer of pump identity of the refilling gun nozzle
to the (VCM) by means of an antenna (7) connected to said unit, the
antenna being positioned adjacent the corresponding tank inlet
(1).
39. System according to any one of the claims claim 35,
characterized in that parameter initiation and other configuration
of the VCM and the PCM are in both cases arranged to be performed
via direct connection to a serial port, radio communication or a
superior system, e.g. with Internet access, communicating with the
respectively, or combinations thereof.
40. Spill-free and liquid-tight refilling connection comprising a
first coupling part carried by a refilling gun for spill-free
refilling and a second coupling part carried by a tank inlet, the
coupling parts being arranged to co-act in order to open a
refilling connection in at least two steps, the first coupling part
opening the second coupling part, which thereafter opens the first
coupling part, and to close the refilling connection in at least
two steps, the first coupling part first being closed and
thereafter closes the second coupling part when the connection is
released, characterized in that the first coupling part (5)
comprises a coupling collar (11) movable between a coupling
position and a release position and comprising flange means (12)
arranged to co-act with flange means (13) of a release sleeve (14)
of the gun arranged to be moved axially from a coupling position to
a release position for moving the coupling collar to the release
position of the coupling collar.
41. Connection according to claim 40, characterized in that the
release sleeve is movable by means of a link element (15) of the
gun, the link element being intended to be operated by a refilling
operator.
42. Connection according to claim 41, characterized in that the
link element is intended to serve also as a signalling means
indicating when connection is established and released,
respectively.
43. Connection according to claim 40, characterized in that the
second coupling part (5) is arranged in a liquid-tight sealed
manner in the tank inlet (1), refilling being possible only through
the second coupling part as opened by the first coupling part
(6).
44. Connection according to claim 40, characterized in that the
second coupling part (5) is arranged in the tank inlet (1) so that
the tank (37) is ventilated both for over-pressure in the tank due
to refilling and for under-pressure in the tank due to consumption
of the tank content.
45. Connection according to claim 44, characterized by a membrane
(16), e.g. a rubber membrane arrangement associated with the second
coupling part (5) at the tank inlet (1) for ventilating the tank at
over-pressure in the tank.
46. Connection according to claim 44, characterized in that the
second coupling part, which is opened against a spring force, is
arranged with a spring (17) sufficiently soft to open for
ventilating the tank at under-pressure in the tank.
47. Connection according to claim 44, characterized in that threads
(4'') or the corresponding for mounting a cap (10) to the tank
inlet are provided with at least one channel for ventilating the
tank.
48. Method for media provision in a spill-free refilling system
comprising a storage tank for a refilling liquid medium,
characterized in that said medium is a liquid solution for
selective catalytic reduction, SCR, an exhaust after-treatment
technology for diesel engines and in that the storage tank (43)
content is measured to keep re-cord of input and output of said
liquid solution and in that the temperature of the liquid solution
preferably is measured.
49. Method according to claim 48, characterized in that the input
medium is safety identified in order to secure correct output
medium.
50. System for media provision in a spill-free refilling system
comprising a storage tank for a refilling liquid medium,
characterized in that said medium is a liquid solution for
selective catalytic reduction, SCR, an exhaust after-treatment
technology for diesel engines and in that means are provided for
measuring the storage tank (43) content to keep record of input and
output of said liquid solution and in that means preferably are
provided for measuring the liquid solution temperature.
51. System according to claim 50, characterized in that it
comprises a stand-alone unit (44), a mobile unit (45) or a unit
integrated in a service and refilling depot (46).
52. Computer programme product comprising a programme code for
performing the method steps of claim 21, when said computer
programme is run on a computer.
53. Computer program product for controlling the refilling of at
least one liquid tank, said computer program product being
arranged, when run in a refilling control unit associated with a
tank for spill-free refilling of said tank, perform the following
steps: when a nozzle is received in the tank, receive pump
identification information on a wireless connection from a pump
control and communications unit (PCM), transmit a tank signal to
the pump control and communications unit (PCM), said signal related
to the status of the tank.
54. Computer program product according to claim 53, further
arranged to receive level information from a level sensor arranged
in said tank and, when the level in-formation indicates that the
level exceeds a threshold level, send a stop signal to the pump
control and communications unit (PCM) indicating that the refilling
should be stopped.
55. Computer program product according to claim 53, wherein the
tank signal comprises an identification of the liquid that should
be refilled in the tank.
56. Computer program product for controlling the refilling of at
least one liquid tank, said computer program product being
arranged, when run in a pump control unit in a system for
spill-free refilling, to perform the following steps: transmit
information regarding the pump identity on a wireless connection to
a refilling control unit associated with said at least one liquid
tank, receive a tank signal from the refilling control unit, said
signal providing tank related information, starting the refilling
in dependence of the tank signal.
57. Computer program product according to claim 56, wherein the
step of transmitting information regarding the pump identity is
initiated when a nozzle for refilling the tank is removed from the
pump.
58. Computer program product according to claim 56, further
arranged to receive a stop signal from the refilling control unit
and to stop refilling the tank when said stop signal is
received.
59. Computer program product according to claim 56, further
arranged to receive a tank signal comprising information about the
liquid that should be refilled in the tank and start the refilling
only if the pump provides said liquid.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Technical field
[0002] The present invention relates to the use of a method and a
system for spill-free refilling of liquids for e.g. vehicles,
according to the introductory part of claim 1.
[0003] The invention further relates to a gun for spill-free
refilling of liquids.
[0004] The invention also relates to a connection for a tank.
[0005] The invention further relates to a method and a system for
control and communication in a spill-free liquid refilling
system.
[0006] The invention also relates to a method and a system for
media provision in a spill-free refilling system.
[0007] The invention further relates to a spill-free and
liquid-tight refilling connection.
[0008] The invention also relates to computer programme
products.
PRIOR ART
[0009] Previously known are methods and systems for spill-free
refuelling of e.g. vehicles, such known techniques involving a
spill-free coupling comprising a, normally male, fuel container
part and a, normally female, refuelling nozzle part of a refuelling
gun. According to such techniques, refuelling is not possible until
a spill-free connection is established between said parts.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] According to recent development for reducing emissions from
diesel engines, a liquid solution for selective catalytic
reduction, SCR, an exhaust after-treatment technology, is used, a
specific such compound being called AdBlue.RTM. and comprising a
32.5% by weight solution of urea in water, the compound being
specified in the DIN standard DIN V 70 070, the urea solution, when
applicable, being kept in a separate vehicle mounted tank or
container of the diesel engine vehicle.
[0011] According to a first aspect of the present invention, use is
made of a method and a system for spill-free refilling of a liquid
solution for SCR, into tanks as a solution to the problem of
unwanted distribution of such compounds which, although classified
as non-toxic, are corrosive etc. in certain environments and have
special properties with regard to exposure to air and cold, and the
problem of supervising the use and consumption of such
compounds.
[0012] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a gun
for spill-free refilling is provided as a solution to the problem
of establishing a safe and detectable spill-free connection between
a liquid container and a refilling nozzle, and the problem of
handling solutions for SCR, when applicable.
[0013] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a
liquid container connection is provided as a solution to the
problem of providing a standard connection for specific
liquids.
[0014] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a
method and a system for control and communication in a spill-free
refilling system is provided as a solution to the problem of
supervising the media provision as far as kind of media and, when
applicable, refilling order is concerned, the problem of stopping
the refilling at a predetermined liquid level in the liquid
container and the problem of collecting static and dynamic specific
information and refilling information to e.g. a central management
system employing a spill-free refilling system.
[0015] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a
method and an arrangement for media provision in a spill-free
refilling system is provided as a solution to the problem of
keeping record of the consumption etc. of a stored liquid and the
problem of freezing of the liquid.
[0016] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a
spill-free and liquid-tight refilling connection is provided as a
solution to the problem of obtaining a reliable coupling and
release mechanism and of signalling coupling and release of the
connection.
[0017] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention
computer programme products are provided.
[0018] These and other associated problems are solved by means of
the inventions specified in the attached independent claims.
Preferred embodiments are specified in the respective dependent
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] A better understanding of the present invention will be had
upon the reference to the following detailed description when read
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like
reference characters refer to like parts throughout the several
views, and in which:
[0020] FIG. 1 schematically shows an axial section of a first
embodiment of a tank inlet and a first embodiment of an adapter to
be fitted into the inlet and carrying a male part of a spill-free
coupling,
[0021] FIGS. 2a and b show, partly in an axial section, both a male
coupling part, fitted into a tank inlet according to FIG. 1 by
means of an adapter according to FIG. 1, and a female coupling
part, carried by a refilling gun, in an unconnected state (a) and
the two parts in a connected state (b),
[0022] FIG. 3a shows, partly in an axial section, in more detail
the male part substantially according to FIG. 2, FIG. 3b shows,
partly in an axial section, in more detail the female part
substantially according to FIG. 2, and FIG. 3c shows, also in more
detail, the two coupling parts of FIGS. 3a and 3b in a connected
state, FIG. 3d showing the female part of FIG. 3a without axial
section,
[0023] FIG. 4 shows a side view of a coupling collar according to
e.g. FIGS. 3a and c,
[0024] FIG. 5a schematically shows an axial section of a second
embodiment of a tank inlet and a second embodiment of an adapter
fitted into the inlet and carrying a male part of a spill-free
coupling;
[0025] FIG. 5b schematically shows an assembly according to FIG. 5a
in three perspective views, one partly sectioned, one complete and
one with a cap for cover,
[0026] FIG. 6 shows an exploded perspective view of a first
embodiment of a refilling gun according to the invention,
[0027] FIG. 7 shows the gun of FIG. 6 in a partly exploded
perspective view, in which one half of the cover is removed,
together with one half of the cover,
[0028] FIG. 8 shows the gun of FIG. 7 in a non-exploded state,
[0029] FIG. 9 shows a full perspective view of the gun according to
FIG. 6,
[0030] FIG. 10 shows the gun according to FIG. 9 together with i.a.
two halves of cover in a perspective view,
[0031] FIG. 11 shows the arrangement according to FIG. 10 put
together as an assembly,
[0032] FIG. 12 shows, in a perspective view, substantially one half
of the spill-free coupling, substantially according to FIG. 2,
specifically showing an identification etc. transponder arranged in
the female coupling part and an antenna arranged in the adapter for
fitting the male coupling part into the vehicle tank inlet,
[0033] FIG. 13 schematically shows communication in a control and
communication system in a spill-free liquid refilling system,
[0034] FIG. 14 schematically shows communication between multiple
channel program cards of vehicle and pump control and communication
modules and
[0035] FIG. 15a-c schematically show a comparatively small
stand-alone tank unit (a), a mobile refilling unit (b) and an
integrated system (c).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0036] The arrangement, the connection, according to FIG. 1 for
spill-free refilling comprises a tank inlet 1 in the form of a
preferably cylindrical pipe part 2 protruding from a tank-wall
piece 3. An adapter 4 is arranged to be fitted axially into the
tank inlet and to carry a tank coupling part 5 of the spill-free
connection, the tank coupling part being intended to be connected
to a refilling gun coupling part 6, FIG. 2 e.g., for spill-free and
liquid-tight refilling as described below and shown in e.g. FIGS. 2
and 3.
[0037] In order to standardize the refilling arrangement for
different liquids and, e.g., vehicles and for providing a
mechanical selectivity system, the tank inlet has standard
dimensions so that a standard adapter/coupling part designed for a
specific liquid may be fitted into it. According to a preferred
embodiment, the arrangement is intended for refilling for SCR by
means of AdBlue.RTM..
[0038] Further, as shown in e.g. FIG. 2a, according to a preferred
embodiment the adapter carries an antenna 7 arranged to communicate
with a transponder 8 carried by the refilling gun 9.
[0039] The adapter part turned from the tank is preferably adapted,
preferably by means of threads 4''or the corresponding, to receive
a cap 10 covering the adapter and, thus, the tank coupling
part.
[0040] Further, the connection is preferably sealed, as indicated
in FIG. 1, so that refilling is possible only through the tank
coupling part by the refilling gun coupling part.
[0041] The spill-free and liquid-tight refilling connection is
shown in more detail in FIGS. 2-4 and comprises a first coupling
part 6 carried by a refilling gun 9 and a second coupling part 5
carried by a tank inlet adapter, the coupling parts being arranged
to co-act in order to open a refilling connection in at least two
steps, the first coupling part 6 opening the second coupling part
5, which thereafter opens the first coupling part during
establishment of a refilling connection between the coupling parts,
and to close the refilling connection in at least two steps, the
first coupling part first being closed and thereafter closes the
second coupling part when the connection is released, the procedure
taking place between the two states shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.
[0042] The first coupling part 6 comprises a coupling collar 11,
FIG. 4, movable between a coupling position, shown in FIGS. 2b and
3b, and a release position, shown in FIGS. 2a and 3a, and
comprising flange means 12 arranged to co-act with flange means 13
of a release sleeve 14 of the gun arranged to be moved axially from
a coupling position to a release position for moving the coupling
collar to the release position of the coupling collar.
[0043] According to a preferred embodiment, the release sleeve 14
is movable by means of a link element 15, FIG. 6 e.g. of the gun,
the link element being intended to be operated by a refilling
operator at release. Further, the link element is intended to serve
also as a signalling means, indicating when coupling connection is
established and released, respectively, the link element being
turnable between a release position and a raised connection
position and vice versa.
[0044] Further, according to a preferred embodiment shown in the
drawings and specifically in FIG. 9, the link element 15 is
arranged to provide a releasable locking function to prevent
movement of the release sleeve to the release position if a trigger
handle 20', described later, is out of a non-refilling position.
According to the embodiment shown, the link element is provided
with two link arms 15', one on each side of the release sleeve 14
for movement of the sleeve, and pivotably fastened preferably
together with the trigger handle 20', the link element being
arranged with at least one but preferably two elongated holes 15'',
one on each side, in which holes two locking pins 20'' of the
trigger handle are fitted so that the link element is pivotable to
move the release sleeve to a release position when the trigger
handle is in a non-refilling position as shown in FIG. 9 and so
that the link element is locked by means of the holes and pins and
not pivotable to move the release sleeve to the release position
when the trigger handle is in a refilling position as is obvious
from FIG. 9.
[0045] Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment, the second
coupling part is arranged in the tank inlet adapter so that the
tank is ventilated both for over-pressure in the tank due to
refilling and for under-pressure in the tank due to consumption of
the tank content. Over-pressure is ventilated e.g. by means of a,
e.g. ring-shaped, membrane 16, e.g. a rubber membrane associated
with the second coupling part at the tank inlet adapter, as shown
schematically in FIGS. 2a and 2b. Under-pressure is ventilated e.g.
by means of the second coupling part, which is opened against a
spring force, the second coupling part being arranged with a spring
17 sufficiently soft for opening for ventilating the tank at
under-pressure in the tank. Other solusions are also imaginable.
Thus, according to yet another embodiment, threads 4'' for mounting
the cap 10 to the tank inlet adapter are provided with at least one
channel, not shown, for ventilating the tank at under-pressure.
[0046] According to the second embodiment of a tank inlet 1' and
the corresponding adapter 4', FIGS. 5a and b, the adapter as a unit
comprises both a tank coupling part 5 of the spill-free connection
and a principally open inlet 1'' for refilling arranged in a
housing 1''' of the adapter 4', the housing thus comprising two
openings arranged comparatively close together and arranged to be
covered by a cap 10' in a non-refilling mode. According to
preferred embodiments the non-spillfree open inlet is provided with
a separate removable cap 10''.
[0047] Further, according to a preferred embodiment electronics,
antenna etc, not shown, for the operation of the refilling
procedure etc are arranged in the housing.
[0048] For spill-free and liquid-tight refilling of liquids, a
refilling gun 9 is provided, said gun, FIGS. 6-11, comprising a
dispensing nozzle 9', i.e. said first coupling part 6, a handle
part 19, a trigger 20 intended to be operated by a refilling
operator, a valve arrangement 21 to be activated by the trigger and
a liquid input connection 22 for connecting the gun to a liquid
provision pipe 23 connected to a pump 23', FIG. 13. According to a
preferred embodiment, FIG. 7 e.g., the gun is provided with a
trigger device for transferring a trigger handle 20' movement
performed by an operator of the gun to valve means 21', the trigger
device providing a sealed, liquid-tight mechanical movement
transfer between the trigger handle and the valve means and
comprising a lever rod 24 carrying a centrally located
substantially spherical sealing and journalling body 25 arranged
between an upper 26 and a lower 27 sealing and lever rod guiding
seat, the trigger handle being arranged for applying a force to the
lever rod end 28 turned to the trigger handle, the lower end, said
force being substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of
the lever rod for turning the lever rod, and thus the body 25, in
the journalling arrangement in a plane substantially parallel to
the axial direction of the lever rod, the lever rod end 29 turned
from the trigger handle, the upper end being arranged for applying
an axial force to a valve rod 30 to open the gun valve 30' when
said lever rod is turned, the valve rod 30 being pulled against a
spring force by said force, the arrangement being schematically
shown in FIGS. 6-8. The seat 26, 27 and body 25 arrangement for the
lever rod is supported and held in a sleeve-like housing 31 of the
gun handle. Thus, no liquid is intended to pass the body 25 to the
trigger handle end of the lever rod.
[0049] According to a preferred embodiment the gun handle comprises
an inner housing 32 or cover, in which the gun valve arrangement
etc. is arranged and which carries the first coupling part, the
coupling sleeve, the link element etc., and an outer housing 33 or
cover, FIGS. 10 and 11, also providing a safety frame 34 for the
trigger handle.
[0050] FIG. 13 shows a preferred embodiment of a control and
communication system for a spill-free refilling system according to
the invention, the system comprising, as two basic parts, a vehicle
part 35 and a pump part 36, the vehicle part being located mainly
in the left portion of FIG. 13 and the pump part mainly in the
right part of FIG. 13.
[0051] A basic element of the system is a wireless two-way
communication system, indicated by communication arrows, for
communication between a, e.g. vehicle-mounted, control and
communication module VCM and a pump, control and communication
module PCM for controlling the refilling of at least one, e.g.
vehicle-mounted, tank 37.
[0052] Further elements of the system are [0053] spill-free nozzle
with the first coupling part and transmitter for pump
identification; [0054] tank inlet adapter with pump identification
receiver, antenna, connected to the VCM; [0055] level sensor or
meter 38 connected to the VCM, for detecting a predetermined upper
liquid level indicating an upper limit level in the tank and
preferably for detecting levels below said predetermined upper
limit liquid level for indicating the need for refilling; [0056]
pump 23' and pump control system POS for detecting and registering
the amount refilled and for controlling the refilling procedure;
[0057] various vehicle-mounted sensors and transmitters, not shown,
for transfer of vehicle-specific data to the VCM, e.g. kilometer
pulse sensor and pressure and temperature sensors for gaseous
fuels.
[0058] In FIG. 12 the information transfer arrangement provided in
the spill-free coupling is specifically illustrated, the
arrangement comprising a transmitter, a preferably passive
identity, e.g. RF, carrier, applied to the gun nozzle for wireless
transfer of pump identity and, preferably, gun nozzle identity to
the VCM by means of a, e.g. RF, antenna connected to the VCM, the
antenna being positioned adjacent to the corresponding tank
inlet.
[0059] Parameter initiation and other configuration of the VCM and
the PCM are in both cases arranged to be performed via direct
connection to a serial port, wireless communication or a superior
system, e.g. with Internet access, arranged for communication with
the VCM/PCM, respectively, or combinations thereof (not shown).
[0060] According to preferred embodiments, the control and
supervision performed by means of the system relates to at least
one of the following features: [0061] refilling a certain medium
into the correct tank; [0062] starting refilling at a level below a
predetermined level; [0063] stopping the refilling at said
predetermined level; [0064] transferring static and dynamic vehicle
specific information carried by the vehicle and refilling
information to a superior compiling and/or storing management
system.
[0065] Further, according to preferred embodiments, a refilling
procedure comprises the following steps, the system being provided
with the corresponding arrangements: [0066] activating the PCM
wireless communication e.g. by removing the gun from a gunstoring
position at the pump; [0067] establishing a spill-free and
liquid-tight connection between the gun nozzle and the tank inlet
by means of the first and the second coupling part; [0068]
registering, checking and storing the pump identity of the gun
nozzle and verifying by the VCM the correctness of the combination
of tank, gun and pump, i.e. the liquid provided; performing the
communication between the PCM and the correct VCM, using the pump
identity information and transferring further vehicle information,
when applicable, to the PCM for storing and, preferably, checking
against authorisation information in a superior system; [0069]
checking the need for refilling by means of an upper limit level
sensor or level meter communicating with the VCM before giving
access to pump start and refilling; [0070] automatically stopping
the refilling when a predetermined upper limit level detected by
said sensor/meter is communicated to the PCM via the VCM, and,
preferably, [0071] registering the refilling information e.g. in a
superior compiling and/or storing management system.
[0072] Further, preferred is also that the refilling is
automatically stopped when the dispensing nozzle connection to the
tank inlet is disconnected and also that the refilling is
automatically stopped when the wireless communication between the
VCM and the PCM is broken.
[0073] FIG. 14 shows, schematically, communication between program
cards 39 of a vehicle-based VCM and program cards 40 of pump-based
PCM:s, each VCM card comprising four channels 41 corresponding to
four tanks of the vehicle and each PCM comprising two channels 42
corresponding to two pumps by means of pump 23' ID transferred via
the gun/tank inlet connection to the VCM, a check being intended to
be performed between the VCM card channel and the PCM card channel
in order to check that a correct liquid is refilled to the tank of
this channel. Of course, the card may be designed to comprise only
one channel or more channels, e.g. two or four as in FIG. 14.
[0074] The different storing arrangements shown in FIG. 15 are
specifically arranged for handling liquid solutions for selective
catalytic reduction, especially AdBlue.RTM.. For this, the
respective containers 43, tanks, are provided by a temperature
sensor for supervision of the solution temperature, AdBlue.RTM.
specifically freezing at about -11.degree. C. Further, each
container is provided with means (not shown) for measuring the
container content in order to keep a strict record of the
consumption, incoming amount and outgoing amount. This shall be the
case irrespective of if the container is part of a comparatively
small stand-alone unit 44, FIG. 15a, a mobile unit 45 with pump
arrangement etc., FIG. 15b, or integrated in a service and
refilling depot 46, FIG. 15c.
[0075] The methods as well as the function of the systems and other
arrangements according to the invention should to a substantial
part have been made clear from the description given above.
[0076] Thus, the basic method and system function is the ones
described in association with FIG. 13, the main idea being to fully
control and supervise the spill-free refilling process, keeping
record of the liquid consumption as well as liquid input and output
of the system together with additional information for statistics
etc. This goes especially for AdBlue.RTM. or the corresponding
liquid solutions for SCR since it is very important that the
correct product, e.g. AdBlue.RTM., is used and that it is used in
amounts specified for a certain diesel engine.
[0077] Furthermore, also the components of the described systems
are adapted for liquids like AdBlue.RTM. or other corresponding SCR
liquids, spill-free and liquid-tight performance being an important
feature.
[0078] Crystal formation at air exposure has been considered for
certain components of the systems and arrangements, especially for
the spill-free coupling parts. Thus, in the first coupling part,
e.g. FIG. 3a, an internal space 42 available for axial movement of
an internal ring-shaped element 43 against a spring force for
opening the coupling part is arranged so that it is always exposed
to the liquid, a sealing 44 between the outer peripheral surface 45
of said element and the inner surface 46 of an element-guiding
sleeve part 47 of the coupling preventing air from entering into
said space, whereby crystal formation is prevented.
[0079] Part of the present invention are also computer programme
product comprising a programme code for performing method steps of,
primarily, anyone of the attached claims 21-34, 48 and 49. The
programme code may e.g. be stored on a computer readable media or
directly stored in an internal memory of a computer. According to
preferred embodiments the necessary computer capacity and the
corresponding memory capacity are part of both the VCM and the PCM
further computer program products are specified in claims 53-59 as
part of the present invention.
[0080] Above, the invention has been described in association with
preferred embodiments.
[0081] Of course, further embodiments and minor changes and
additions may be imagined without leaving the basic inventive
idea.
[0082] Thus, according to preferred embodiments the other housing
33, FIGS. 10 and 11, is made up of two halves 33', 33''
corresponding to each other and being arranged to be put and held
together as a cover for the inner housing 32 comprising the valve
arrangement. The outer housing provides an opening 15'' for the
link element 15, a part of said element being arranged to protrude
out of the opening in the revised connection position described
above.
[0083] The outer housing end part 33a being intended to be turned
to a pipe, not shown, for liquid provision to the gun, also
provides a seat 33b for holding the inner housing end part and
valve connection 32a, and a seat 32b for the liquid input
connection 22, the connection 22 comprising flange means 22' being
rotatably clamped in said seat offering a swivel configuration for
the connection 22 in the outer housing end part 33b, the connection
being intended to be e.g. by means of O-rings 22'', sealingly
introduced into the inner housing end part 32a.
[0084] Further, according to a preferred embodiment a locking arm
20a, FIGS. 7 and 10 e.g., is provided for releasably holding the
trigger handle 20', in a refilling position, i.e. upwards from the
non-refilling position shown in e.g. FIG. 10, the locking arm being
arranged in the rear end of the outer cover and having a fastening
piece 20a' in its end turned from the trigger handle, a preferably
platelike push piece 20a'' in its other end, this end being free,
and a support piece 20a''' turned to the trigger handle between
said ends, the looking arm being resilient and intended to be
pushed against a spring force from a non-locking position shown in
e.g. FIG. 11 to a locking position in which the free end 20''' of
the trigger handle in a refilling position rests upon the support
piece preferably by means of a groove, not shown, in the trigger
handle free end, the locking arm by its resilience being intended
to return to the non-locking position when the trigger handle is
lifted and thus releases the support piece 20a''' and thus
permitting the trigger handle to return to the non-refilling
position. The locking arm is preferably made of a polymeric
material in one piece.
[0085] Also it should have been made clear that the invention,
although especially designed for a solution for SCR, such as
AdBlue.RTM., to a considerable extent is applicable for other
liquids, such as diesel fuel, other vehicle fuels etc., and for
other applications than vehicles. Also issued have been made clear
that, although the invention is especially designed for vehicles
and refilling related to vehicles, the application of the invention
for vehicles should be considered as an example, the invention
being applicable for other objects than vehicles, e.g. stationary
objects of various kinds. Thus, the tank subject to refilling does
not have to be a vehicle tank but e.g. a stationary or mobile
storage tank. Furthermore, the pump does not have to be stationary
but may e.g. be carried by a vehicle. Further, a locking arm 20a
are described above may be applied in other guns for refilling and
not only in the ones described here.
[0086] Thus, the invention shall not be considered limited to the
embodiments shown but may be varied within the scope of the
attached claims.
* * * * *