U.S. patent application number 14/271717 was filed with the patent office on 2015-11-12 for receiver for reductant tank.
This patent application is currently assigned to Caterpillar Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Caterpillar Inc.. Invention is credited to Herbert H. Speas.
Application Number | 20150321836 14/271717 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53963571 |
Filed Date | 2015-11-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150321836 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Speas; Herbert H. |
November 12, 2015 |
RECEIVER FOR REDUCTANT TANK
Abstract
A receiver is disclosed. The receiver includes a housing. The
housing defines a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The fluid inlet
and the fluid outlet are positioned at opposing ends of the
housing. The receiver also includes a piston. The piston includes a
head portion positioned at the fluid inlet. The piston also
includes a rod portion. The rod portion extends from the head
portion towards the fluid outlet. The receiver further includes a
plate positioned within the housing and surrounding the rod
portion. The plate includes through holes provided therein. The
receiver includes a spring mounted on the rod portion. The spring
is configured to bias a movement of the piston with respect to the
housing. Further, the plate and the head portion of the piston
define an adjustable volume therebetween. The volume is adjusted
based on the movement of the piston with respect to the
housing.
Inventors: |
Speas; Herbert H.; (Oreana,
IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Caterpillar Inc. |
Peoria |
IL |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Caterpillar Inc.
Peoria
IL
|
Family ID: |
53963571 |
Appl. No.: |
14/271717 |
Filed: |
May 7, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
141/1 ;
220/86.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y02T 10/24 20130101;
F01N 2610/02 20130101; F01N 2610/1413 20130101; Y02T 10/12
20130101; F16L 37/40 20130101; B65D 88/54 20130101; F01N 3/2066
20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 88/54 20060101
B65D088/54 |
Claims
1. A receiver comprising: a housing defining a fluid inlet and a
fluid outlet, wherein the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet are
positioned at opposing ends of the housing; a piston comprising: a
head portion positioned at the fluid inlet; and a rod portion
extending from the head portion towards the fluid outlet; a plate
positioned within the housing and surrounding the rod portion, the
plate including through holes provided therein; and a spring
mounted on the rod portion, the spring configured to bias a
movement of the piston with respect to the housing, wherein the
plate and the head portion of the piston define an adjustable
volume therebetween, such that the volume is adjusted based on the
movement of the piston with respect to the housing.
2. The receiver of claim 1, wherein the movement of the piston is
an inward direction with respect to the housing during an inflow of
a fluid into the receiver.
3. The receiver of claim 1, wherein the movement of the piston is
an outward direction with respect to the housing during an
expansion of the fluid.
4. The receiver of claim 1 further comprising: a stopper provided
at one end of the rod portion.
5. The receiver of claim 4, wherein the spring includes a first
spring mounted between the head portion of the piston and the plate
and a second spring mounted between the plate and the stopper.
6. The receiver of claim 1, wherein the spring includes a first
spring mounted between the head portion of the piston and the
plate, and a second spring mounted within the first spring.
7. The receiver of claim 1, wherein the adjustment in the volume is
based on a diameter of a neck of the fluid inlet, a depth of the
neck of the fluid inlet and a thickness of the head portion of the
piston.
8. The receiver of claim 1 further comprising: a sealing member
provided between the piston and the fluid inlet.
9. The receiver of claim 1, wherein the through holes are kidney
shaped.
10. A system comprising: a reductant tank; and a receiver for the
reductant tank, the receiver comprising: a housing defining a fluid
inlet and a fluid outlet, wherein the fluid inlet and the fluid
outlet are positioned at opposing ends of the housing; a piston
comprising: a head portion positioned at the fluid inlet; and a rod
portion extending from the head portion towards the fluid outlet; a
plate positioned within the housing and surrounding the rod
portion, the plate including through holes provided therein; and a
spring mounted on the rod portion, the spring configured to bias a
movement of the piston with respect to the housing, wherein the
plate and the head portion of the piston define an adjustable
volume therebetween, such that the volume is adjusted based on the
movement of the piston with respect to the housing.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the fluid inlet is configured
to receive a fluid supply from an external source.
12. The system of claim 10, wherein the fluid outlet is connected
to the reductant tank.
13. The system of claim 10, wherein the spring includes a first
spring mounted between the head portion of the piston and the
plate, and a second spring mounted between the plate and a
stopper.
14. The system of claim 10, wherein the spring includes a first
spring mounted between the head portion of the piston and the
plate, and a second spring mounted within the first spring.
15. The system of claim 10, wherein the adjustment in the volume is
based on a diameter of a neck of the fluid inlet, a depth of the
neck of the fluid inlet and a thickness of the head portion of the
piston.
16. A method for accommodating an expansion in a volume of a fluid
present in a receiver, the method comprising: connecting a fluid
supply to the receiver; receiving the fluid into a fluid inlet of
the receiver; moving a piston of the receiver in an inward
direction within a housing of the receiver; providing the fluid to
a tank; disconnecting the fluid supply; and moving the piston in an
outward direction with respect to the housing during the expansion
in the volume of the fluid present in the receiver.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a receiver, and more
particularly to the receiver associated with a reductant tank.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A reductant tank associated with an aftertreatment system of
an engine may be filled with a reductant using a pressurized fill
system. A hose and a receiver may be positioned upstream of the
reductant tank. In order to fill the reductant in the reductant
tank, an external reductant source may be connected to the
receiver. The hose and the receiver may introduce the reductant
into the reductant tank.
[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 8,430,261 discloses a closure cover for tanks
under internal pressure, with a cover body which can be fixed in a
tank neck by rotation, and with a cover which is provided with a
handle and is operatively connected to the cover body, and with a
pressure control valve. A coupling device is arranged between the
cover body and the cover and, during the positive pressure which
prevails in the fuel tank during normal operation, releases the
rotational connection between the cover body and the cover such
that the fuel tank cannot be opened, and in that a pressure control
valve is provided which opens when the positive pressure prevailing
during normal operation is exceeded.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0004] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a receiver is
disclosed. The receiver includes a housing. The housing defines a
fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The fluid inlet and the fluid
outlet are positioned at opposing ends of the housing. The receiver
also includes a piston. The piston includes a head portion
positioned at the fluid inlet. The piston also includes a rod
portion. The rod portion extends from the head portion towards the
fluid outlet. The receiver further includes a plate positioned
within the housing and surrounding the rod portion. The plate
includes through holes provided therein. The receiver includes a
spring mounted on the rod portion. The spring is configured to bias
a movement of the piston with respect to the housing. Further, the
plate and the head portion of the piston define an adjustable
volume therebetween. The volume is adjusted based on the movement
of the piston with respect to the housing.
[0005] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a system is
provided. The system includes a reductant tank. The system also
includes a receiver for the reductant tank. The receiver includes a
housing. The housing defines a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The
fluid inlet and the fluid outlet are positioned at opposing ends of
the housing. The receiver also includes a piston. The piston
includes a head portion positioned at the fluid inlet. The piston
also includes a rod portion. The rod portion extends from the head
portion towards the fluid outlet. The receiver further includes a
plate positioned within the housing and surrounding the rod
portion. The plate includes through holes provided therein. The
receiver includes a spring mounted on the rod portion. The spring
is configured to bias a movement of the piston with respect to the
housing. Further, the plate and the head portion of the piston
define an adjustable volume therebetween. The volume is adjusted
based on the movement of the piston with respect to the
housing.
[0006] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method
for accommodating an expansion in a volume of a fluid present in a
receiver is disclosed. The method includes connecting a fluid
supply to the receiver. The method also includes receiving the
fluid into a fluid inlet of the receiver. The method further
includes moving a piston of the receiver in an inward direction
within a housing of the receiver. The method includes providing the
fluid to a tank. The method also includes disconnecting the fluid
supply. The method further includes moving the piston in an outward
direction with respect to the housing during the expansion in the
volume of the fluid present in the receiver.
[0007] Other features and aspects of this disclosure will be
apparent from the following description and the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary fill system for
a reductant tank, according to one embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0009] FIGS. 2 and 3 are perspective cross-sectional views of a
receiver for the reductant tank, during a fill operation;
[0010] FIG. 4 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the
receiver, during an expansion of a reductant within the
receiver;
[0011] FIG. 5 is a perspective cross sectional view of another
configuration of the receiver, according to one embodiment of the
present disclosure; and
[0012] FIG. 6 is a flowchart for a method of accommodating an
expansion in a volume of the reductant present in the receiver.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used
throughout the drawings to refer to the same or the like parts. A
reductant delivery and supply system is associated with an
aftertreatment module of an engine (not shown). The aftertreatment
module may be used to treat an exhaust stream which leaves the
engine. The exhaust stream generally contains emissions which may
include nitrogen oxides (NOx), unburned hydrocarbons, and
particulate matter. The aftertreatment module is generally designed
to reduce the content of NOx, unburned hydrocarbons, particulate
matter, or other components of the emissions prior to the exhaust
stream being released from the engine. The reductant delivery and
supply system may include a reductant tank 100, a dosing module
(not shown) and other components for supplying a reductant, such as
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF), to the aftertreatment module.
Alternative liquid reductants may comprise ammonia or any other
reducing agent.
[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary fill system 102 for the
reductant tank 100, according to one embodiment of the present
disclosure. The reductant tank 100 may be positioned inside a
machine (not shown). The reductant tank 100 may be fluidly
connected to the dosing module via a breather 104 for supplying the
reductant into the exhaust stream of the engine. The reductant tank
100 may be made of a polymer, a metal or any other known material.
Parameters related to the reductant tank 100, such as, shape,
dimensions, material used and location of the reductant tank 100
may vary as per the system requirements.
[0015] A valve 106 may be attached to the reductant tank 100 for
receiving the reductant into the reductant tank 100 from an
external reductant supply. Based on a level of the reductant
present within the reductant tank 100, the valve 106 is configured
to control a reductant flow into the reductant tank 100. The valve
106 may be positioned on a top surface of the reductant tank 100.
The valve 106 may be fluidly connected to a receiver 108 positioned
on a frame of the machine. A portion of the receiver 108 is shown
in FIG. 1. Further, a hose 110, a flexible pipe or any other
filling line defining a conduit therein for the flow of the
reductant into the valve 106 may be utilized to form the connection
between the valve 106 and the receiver 108. The receiver 108 is
configured to connect to the external reductant supply during a
fill operation. The filling of the reductant from the external
reductant supply into the receiver 108 will be explained in detail
in connection with FIGS. 2 and 3.
[0016] Referring to FIG. 2, the receiver 108 includes a housing
112. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 112 has a two piece
design. The two piece design may be assembled using any known
methods to form the housing 112, for example, welding. The housing
112 may have a hollow configuration. Further, the housing 112
defines a fluid inlet 114 and a fluid outlet 116. The fluid inlet
114 and the fluid outlet 116 are positioned at opposing ends of the
housing 112. An interior space of the housing 112 is defined
between the fluid inlet 114 and the fluid outlet 116 of the housing
112. The fluid inlet 114 of the housing 112 is configured to be
coupled to the external reductant supply. A portion of a nozzle 120
of the external reductant supply is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.
Further, the fluid outlet 116 is fluidly coupled to the reductant
tank 100 via the hose 110.
[0017] The structure of the receiver 108 will now be explained in
detail. The receiver 108 includes a piston 122 slidably received
within the housing 112. The piston 122 is configured to provide the
flow of the reductant into the receiver 108, based on a movement of
the piston 122. The fluid inlet 114 may include a sealing ring 124
provided within a groove of the housing 112. The sealing ring 124
may be configured to seal the fluid inlet 114 with respect to the
housing 112 of the receiver 108. The piston 122 includes a head
portion 126. The head portion 126 of the piston 122 is positioned
at the fluid inlet 114 of the housing 112. The head portion 126 of
the piston 122 is provided in sliding contact with an inner surface
of a neck 118 of the fluid inlet 114. Accordingly, an outer
diameter of the head portion 126 is lesser than the diameter of the
neck 118 of the fluid inlet 114 so that the head portion 126 of the
piston 122 may be received therein. The head portion 126 may have a
circular cross section. The head portion 126 may have a centrally
disposed hole therein. A depth of the hole is lesser than an
overall thickness of the head portion 126.
[0018] The piston 122 also includes a rod portion 128. The rod
portion 128 extends from the head portion 126 of the piston 122
towards the fluid outlet 116. In the illustrated embodiment, the
rod portion 128 is provided as a separate unit from that of the
head portion 126. A part of the rod portion 128 is received by the
hole provided within the head portion 126. Alternatively, the head
portion 126 and the rod portion 128 of the piston 122 may be
manufactured as a single unit.
[0019] The receiver 108 includes a plate 130 fixedly provided
within the housing 112 of the receiver 108. The plate 130 is
configured to partially surround a length of the rod portion 128 of
the piston 122. The plate 130 is configured to divide the interior
space of the housing 112 into a first portion 132 and a second
portion 134. The plate 130 may have a disc shaped configuration
with through holes 136 provided therein. The through holes 136 are
configured to allow fluid communication between the first and
second portions 132, 134 of the housing 112. In the illustrated
embodiment, the through holes 136 are kidney shaped. Alternatively,
the through holes 136 may have a circular shape.
[0020] The plate 130 includes a projection 138 extending from a
surface of the plate 130 towards the fluid inlet 114. The plate 130
also includes a centrally disposed through hole. A diameter of the
through hole is slightly larger than an outer diameter of the rod
portion 128, such that the rod portion 128 of the piston 122 may
slide within the through hole.
[0021] A spring may be provided in connection with the piston 122,
to bias a movement of the piston 122 within the housing 112 of the
receiver 108. The plate 130 and the head portion 126 of the piston
122 define an adjustable volume of the housing 112 therebetween.
The volume is adjusted based on an inward or an outward movement of
the piston 122 with respect to the housing 112. For example, the
volume may increase during the outward movement of the piston 122,
and will be explained in detail later in this section.
[0022] In one embodiment, a first spring 140 is provided between
the head portion 126 of the piston 122 and the plate 130, such that
the first spring 140 partly surrounds the length of the rod portion
128 of the piston 122. In the illustrated embodiment, a portion of
the first spring 140 is received into the head portion 126 of the
piston 122. During the movement of the piston 122, the head portion
126 and the projection 138 extending from the plate 130 may serve
as end stops for the first spring 140.
[0023] Further, a second spring 142 is mounted on the rod portion
128 of the piston 122 and in the second portion 134 of the receiver
108. Further, the receiver 108 includes a retention element 144
provided at an end of the rod portion 128 proximate to the fluid
outlet 116. A stopper 146 or washer is provided in close contact
with the retention element 144. A length of the second spring 142
is accommodated between the plate 130 and the stopper 146. During
the movement of the piston 122, the plate 130 and the stopper 146
may serve as end stops for the second spring 142.
[0024] As shown in FIG. 2, during the fill operation, the nozzle
120 of the external reductant supply is connected to the fluid
inlet 114 of the receiver 108. The nozzle 120 includes a piston 148
therein. The piston 148 of the nozzle 120 is brought in contact
with the piston 122 of the receiver 108. As shown in FIG. 2, the
piston 122 of the receiver 108 is biased in a closed position by
the first spring 140.
[0025] Referring now to FIG. 3, the piston 148 of the nozzle 120 is
configured to exert a force on the head portion 126 of the piston
122, against a spring force of the first spring 140. This in turn,
causes the first spring 140 to compress against the projection 138
of the plate 130. The second spring 142 may expand between the
plate 130 and the stopper 146. The piston 122 of the receiver 108
may then move in the inward direction with respect to the housing
112. The inward movement of the piston 122 may create a passage for
the flow of the reductant into the receiver 108. The reductant may
flow through the through holes 136, from the first portion 132 of
the receiver 108 to the second portion 134 of the receiver 108.
Further, the reductant may exit the receiver 108 through the fluid
outlet 116. The reductant may then be introduced in to the
reductant tank 100 via the hose 110 and the valve 106.
[0026] After completion of the fill operation of the reductant, the
nozzle 120 is decoupled from the fluid inlet 114 of the receiver
108. The first spring 140 may expand, causing the piston 122 of the
receiver 108 to move in the outward direction, thereby closing the
fluid inlet 114. Also, the second spring 142 may compress when the
piston 122 moves in the outward direction.
[0027] The reductant flowing through the aftertreatment module is
susceptible to freezing. It should be noted that some quantity of
the reductant may be present within the hose 110 and the receiver
108. In machines operating in a relatively cold environment, the
reductant present within a receiving element may tend to freeze and
expand. The expansion of the reductant may cause the receiving
element to get damaged. In some situations, this may lead to a
rupture of the receiving element.
[0028] The present disclosure relates to a provision for
accommodating the expansion of the reductant present within the
receiver 108. Referring now to FIG. 4, the expanding reductant in
the receiver 108 applies a force on the second spring 142 mounted
on the rod portion 128. The second spring 142 compresses on account
of the applied force, thereby moving the piston 122 in the outward
direction. The movement of the piston 122 in the outward direction
causes an increase in a volume of the first portion 132 of the
receiver 108. The increase in the volume may accommodate the
expansion of the reductant therein.
[0029] It should be noted that the increase in the volume of the
receiver 108 is based on dimensions of the fluid inlet 114 and the
head portion 126 of the piston 122. In one example, the increase in
the volume may depend on parameters, such as, the diameter and the
depth of the neck 118 of the fluid inlet 114 and also on the
thickness of the head portion 126. When the piston 122 moves in the
outward direction, the head portion 126 of the piston 122 may
extend out of the fluid inlet 114, thereby creating additional
space or volume within the receiver 108. The increase in the volume
may depend upon a cross-sectional area of the fluid inlet 114 and
the depth of the neck 118 of the fluid inlet 114. Further, it is
desirable that the thickness of the head portion 126 is adjusted
such that during the movement of the piston 122 in the outward
direction, the head portion 126 is not completely ejected from the
fluid inlet 114.
[0030] FIG. 5 illustrates another design of the receiver 108',
according to an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure. The
working of the receiver 108' is similar to the working of the
receiver 108 described above. The housing 112' has a single piece.
Further, the plate 130' may additionally include a second
projection 150, such that the second projection 150 extends from
the plate 130' towards the fluid outlet 116'. In the illustrated
embodiment, the second spring 142' is mounted within the first
spring 140'. The second spring 142' is mounted on the rod portion
128', such that the second spring 142' lies between an inner
surface of the projection 138' of the plate 130' and an outer
surface of the rod portion 128' of the piston 122'. The housing
112, 112', the plate 130, 130' and the piston 122, 122' disclosed
herein may be made from any metal, polymer or ceramic known in the
art. Also, dimensions of the receiver 108, 108' may vary based on
the type of application the receiver 108, 108' is being used
for.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0031] Expansion of the reductant within the receiving element may
cause rupturing of the receiving element. The receiver 108, 108'
disclosed herein includes the adjustable volume, wherein the
movement of the piston 122, 122' in the outward direction may cause
the increase in the volume within the receiver 108, 108' for
accommodating the expansion of the reductant.
[0032] FIG. 6 is a flowchart for a method 600 of accommodating the
expansion in the volume of the reductant present in the receiver
108, 108'. At step 602, the external reductant supply is connected
to the receiver 108, 108'. At step 604, the reductant is received
into the fluid inlet 114 of the receiver 108, 108'. At step 606,
the piston 122, 122' moves in the inward direction within the
housing 112, 112' of the receiver 108, 108'. More particularly, the
piston 148 of the nozzle 120 is configured to move the piston 122,
122' of the receiver 108, 108' in the inward direction against the
spring force of the first spring 140, 140'.
[0033] At step 608, the reductant is provided to the reductant tank
100 via the fluid outlet 116, 116' and the hose 110. At step 610,
the external reductant supply is disconnected from the receiver
108, 108'. At step 612, the piston 122, 122' moves in the outward
direction with respect to the housing 112, 112', during the
expansion in the volume of the reductant present in the receiver
108, 108'.
[0034] It should be noted that the receiver 108, 108'disclosed
herein may be used in applications other than aftertreatment
module, to accommodate the expansion of any freezing fluid present
within the receiver 108, 108'. For example, the receiver 108, 108'
may be used in agricultural, automotive, hydraulic applications,
and the like.
[0035] While aspects of the present disclosure have been
particularly shown and described with reference to the embodiments
above, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that
various additional embodiments may be contemplated by the
modification of the disclosed machines, systems and methods without
departing from the spirit and scope of what is disclosed. Such
embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the
present disclosure as determined based upon the claims and any
equivalents thereof.
* * * * *