GUN FOR DISPENSING LPG, AND SIMILAR FUELS

Abstract

 A gun (1) for dispensing LPG comprises a body (2), inside which a duct (4) is realised for supplying the LPG coming from a dispensing device, a head (7) connected to the body (2) and in communication with the duct (4), the head (7) is designed to be coupled with a filler (8) for LPG supply to a motor vehicle and comprises a fixed sleeve (10), a movable sleeve (11) sliding on the outer part of said fixed sleeve (10), coupling means (32) for the filler (8) inserted inside the movable sleeve (11), which comprise shaped levers (33) arranged inside the opening of the head (7); the shaped levers (33) move between two positions: a first position in which the shaped levers (33) allow insertion of the filler (8) inside the opening of the head (7) and a second position in which the levers (33), when the gun (1) is fitted on the filler (8), lock onto the filler (8) itself, causing the coupling between the gun (1) and filler (8).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a gun for dispensing LPG, i.e. liquefied petroleum gas and similar fuels, in a pressurised tank.

[0002] In more detail, the present invention relates to a gun for safely dispensing LPG and similar fuels in a pressurised tank installed on motor vehicles and other means of transport with LPG supply.

[0003] The present invention is provided in particular for use on dual fuel cars provided with a pressurised tank for LPG and a tank for unpressurised liquid fuel, such as petrol, diesel, etc., whose fillers are located in the same recessed compartment.

PRIOR ART

[0004] Guns for dispensing LPG are known comprising a dispensing head for the LPG tightly coupled with a corresponding filler for the injection of the fuel, provided on a motor vehicle or other means of transport.

[0005] The dispensing head is provided with a coupling device that ensures the fuel pressure tightness and keeps the dispensing head in position on the filler.

[0006] Currently, many dual fuel vehicles, for instance LPG and petrol, have the filler for the LPG supply next to that of the petrol in the same recessed compartment provided in the bodywork of the vehicle and thus the filler for the LPG supply is located quite close to that of the petrol.

[0007] In particular, the fillers for LPG supply most frequently found in current vehicles are the so-called Euro 1 and 2 connectors, and also the connector used in Korea; these connectors all have similar geometrical characteristics and only slightly differing dimensions.

[0008] Due to the generally reduced size of the recessed compartment provided in the motor vehicle, the space available for the dispensing head of the gun for LPG is rather reduced, also due to the presence of the petrol filler in the same compartment.

[0009] In order to be able to connect the LPG dispensing gun in an operating mode to the filler of the motor vehicle, it is therefore necessary to apply an extension tube and possibly an adaptor. In addition to being rather uncomfortable, the use of extension tubes and/or adapters is a potential source of gas leaks.

[0010] There is therefore a need for a gun for dispensing LPG that can be used directly, without extension tubes and/or adapters, in the current dual fuel vehicles, especially those which have a recessed compartment comprising both the filler for the LPG supply and the filler for the petrol supply arranged one beside the other.

[0011] The state of the art includes devices for dispensing gas shown in the documents WO2010/103476A1, GB802917A, US2013/105037A1 and EP1236678A1.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0012] An object of the present invention is to improve the field of guns for dispensing LPG.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a gun for dispensing LPG that can be used on injection fillers positioned in confined spaces.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a gun for dispensing LPG that ensures safe and reliable operation.

[0015] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a gun for dispensing LPG which is of simple and low-cost construction.

[0016] Consistently with one aspect of the invention, a gun is for dispensing LPG is provided according to claim 1.

[0017] The dependent claims refer for example to preferred and advantageous embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the description of non-exclusive embodiments of a gun for dispensing LPG, according to the present invention, given by way of non-limiting example in the attached drawings, wherein:

figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the gun for dispensing LPG according to the present invention;

figure 2 is a section view of the embodiment of the gun for dispensing LPG referred to in figure 1;

figure 3 is a section view of another embodiment of the gun for dispensing LPG according to the present invention;

figure 4 is a section view of a further embodiment of the gun for dispensing LPG according to the present invention;

figures 5, 6 and 7 illustrate successive steps of insertion of a gun for dispensing LPG referred to in figures 1 and 2, on a respective filler;

figure 8 is a section view of the embodiment of the gun for dispensing LPG referred to in figure 3 in the insertion step corresponding to the insertion step illustrated in figure 6;

figure 9 is a perspective view of a head of a gun for dispensing LPG of the previous figures, with some parts sectioned and inserted on a respective filler;

figure 10 is a perspective view with some parts of the head of a gun for dispensing LPG sectioned, referred to in the previous figures;

figures 11 and 12 illustrate, laterally and in perspective view, a detail of the head of a gun for dispensing LPG according to the present invention; and figure 13 is an enlarged view of the head of a gun for dispensing LPG referred to in the previous figures.

EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The discussion which follows makes explicit reference to guns for dispensing LPG into a pressurised tank of a motor vehicle, however the present invention can be used for any type of pressurised fluid, even with a flammable type of fluid and with maximum operating pressures around 2.5 MPa, or 25 bar, for example.

[0020] With reference to figures 1, 2, 5-7, number 1 generally refers to a first embodiment of the gun for dispensing LPG according to the present invention.

[0021] The gun 1 essentially comprises a body 2 having a handle 3, inside which a duct 4 is provided for supplying the LPG, and activation means 48 of the gun 1 which causes the coupling to the filler of the tank of a motor vehicle (or the like) and the dispensing of the LPG.

[0022] The duct 4 terminates, at one thereof, with a coupling for a delivery tube coming from an LPG dispensing device (not shown); at another end, the duct 4 communicates with a compartment 5 formed in the body 2 which is provided with joining means 6 to which a dispensing head 7 is associated.

[0023] The dispensing head 7, which is designed to couple with a filler 8 (figures 5-9) for supplying LPG to a motor vehicle (not shown), has a connection assembly 9 essentially comprising a fixed sleeve 10, a movable sleeve 11 slidable on the outer part of the fixed sleeve 10, coupling means 32 inserted inside the movable sleeve 11, and shutter means 12 sliding inside the fixed sleeve 10.

[0024] The movable sleeve 11 has a first end 111 facing towards the filler 8 and a second end 112 which is associated with the activation means 48 of the gun 1; in the illustrated embodiment the activation means comprise a lever 48 which is inserted in corresponding seats 113.

[0025] When the lever 48 is activated, the movable sleeve 11 is shifted by the latter axially with respect to the fixed sleeve 10, causing the coupling to the filler 8 and the dispensing of the LPG, as specified in more detail hereinafter.

[0026] The aforementioned joining means 6 of the dispensing head 7 to the body 2 can comprise, for example, a threaded seat 41 that is located in the body 2 and a corresponding threaded portion 42 which is located at one end of the fixed sleeve 10; the joining means 6 can also be formed in other ways, for example by means of a bayonet coupling or with a flanged coupling.

[0027] It should be noted that the shutter means 12 allow the dispensing of the LPG only when the gun 1 is completely coupled to the filler 8, see in particular the position in figure 7.

[0028] The shutter means 12 comprise a plunger 13 formed by a stem 14 provided with two ends, at the first end of the stem 14 there is a first head 15 of cylindrical shape and provided with a seat for a first seal 22, at the second end of the stem 14 there is a second head 16 also of cylindrical shape and provided with a seat for a second seal 23.

[0029] The first seal 22 and the second seal 23 have the shape of a ring with a substantially rectangular section and the respective seats in the heads 15, 16 have a substantially trapezoidal section with a smaller opening at the bottom, so as to retain the seals in their respective seats.

[0030] The fixed sleeve 10 has an axial central hole 17 surrounded by an annular abutment 18; the stem 14 of the plunger 13 is slidable within said hole 17 with little clearance.

[0031] A ring 30 can also be provided between the hole 17 and the stem 14, made of a non-stick material, for example fluorinated elastomer, to improve the flow and seal of the LPG in the stem 14 with respect to the hole 17.

[0032] The first head 15 is designed to be associated with the filler 8, while at the other end of the stem 13, the second head 16 is adjacent to the compartment 5, which is in turn connected to the duct 4 for supplying the LPG.

[0033] The stem 14 in turn has a hole 19 arranged substantially along the axis of the stem 14 and open towards the end in which the first head 15 is located.

[0034] The opposite end of the stem 14 has, in a position adjacent to the second head 16, at least one radial hole 20 arranged in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial hole 19 and communicating with it; for example, there can be two or more radial holes 20.

[0035] The axial hole 19 and the radial holes 20 thus constitute a passage for the LPG in certain operating conditions of the gun 1.

[0036] When the shutter means 12 are in a condition of dispensing LPG, the plunger 13 with the radial hole or holes 20 and the axial hole 19 allow the passage of the LPG between the compartment 5 and the filler 8.

[0037] The plunger 13 is slidable in the axial central hole 17 of the fixed sleeve 10 between two operating positions: in a first operating position the plunger 13 is extracted with respect to the fixed sleeve 10 and in a second operating position the plunger 13 is retracted.

[0038] The first position of the plunger 13 corresponds to a condition in which the gun 1 does not dispense LPG, the second position of the plunger 13 corresponds to a condition in which the gun 1 is coupled to the filler 8 and dispenses LPG.

[0039] A first spring 21, which acts between the body 2 of the gun 1 and the second head 16, serves to keep the plunger 13 extracted in the first non-operating position. When the plunger 13 is extracted in the first operating position (figures 5 and 6), the radial hole or holes 20 are enclosed within the cylindrical wall of the hole 17, not allowing the passage of LPG; the seal of the plunger 13 to the LPG is further ensured by the second seal 23 which is located in the second head 16.

[0040] The second seal 23 rests and is facing towards the annular abutment 18 that surrounds the axial central hole 17, and is subjected to the force of the first spring 21, therefore the second seal 23 partially deforms on the annular abutment 18 and partly also around it, ensuring a perfectly airtight seal to the LPG.

[0041] Also the pressure of the LPG, which is present in the compartment 5 through the duct 4, when the LPG dispensing device (not shown) is activated, favours the maintenance of the second head 16 and the relative second seal 23 against the annular abutment 18.

[0042] During the step of coupling the gun 1 to the filler 8, the plunger 13, through the first head 15, rests on the filler 8 and is shifted by the same filler 8 in the second operating position.

[0043] In this second operating position the plunger 13 is retracted (figure 7) and the radial hole or holes 20 are in communication with the compartment 5, allowing the passage of LPG from the dispensing device through the radial hole or holes 20 and the axial hole 19, to the filler 8.

[0044] In the version illustrated in figures 2, 5-7, the first head 15, through the first seal 22, comes into contact with a front abutment 31 of which the filler 8 is provided, providing a hermetic seal.

[0045] The first seal 22 has an internal diameter which is substantially similar to the internal diameter of the front abutment 31 and an annular width greater than the latter.

[0046] Also the first seal 22, being compressed on an annular surface which is slightly smaller, deforms so as to wrap around the abutment 81, also laterally. The gas seal is ensured even if the filler 8 is not perfectly aligned with the head 7 of the gun 1. In a second variant illustrated in figures 3 and 8, the plunger 13 has a first head 24 formed by a frustoconical portion 25 and by a cylindrical end 26 designed to be inserted in a corresponding hole provided in the filler 8, the cylindrical end 26 also comprises a non-stick bushing 27, for example made of fluorinated elastomer, to favour the flow and the seal inside the hole of the filler 8.

[0047] In a third variant illustrated in figure 4, the plunger 13 has a first head 28 provided with an O-ring type seal 29, i.e. ring-shaped with a circular section. Also in this variant, the seat for the seal present in the first head 28 has a substantially trapezoidal section with a smaller opening at the bottom, in order to retain the seal in the seat of the first head 28.

[0048] In all the variants shown, the seals or bushings 22, 27, 29 that are located in the first heads 15, 24, 28 are made and coordinated with the contact surfaces of the respective fillers, so as to allow a perfect seal to the LPG even in the case of a slight misalignment.

[0049] One important characteristic of the present invention is in the connection assembly 9 that is similar in all the variants illustrated and has a minimum footprint with respect to the diameter of the respective filler 8.

[0050] As mentioned above, the connection assembly 9 comprises coupling means 32 to maintain the gun 1, and in particular the dispensing head 7, coupled to the filler 8.

[0051] The coupling means 32 essentially comprise shaped levers 33 arranged inside the opening of the head 7; the shaped levers 33 can rotate slightly between two positions: a first position in which the levers 33 allow the insertion of the filler 8 inside the opening of the head 7 and a second position in which the levers 33, when the gun 1 is fitted on the filler 8, lock onto the filler 8 itself, causing the coupling between the gun and the filler.

[0052] In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, there are three shaped levers 33 arranged at equal angular distance around the filler 8, i.e. with the respective axes at about 120° from one another, but it must be considered that the number and arrangement of the shaped levers 33 may be any in order to obtain the locking onto the filler 8.

[0053] Each shaped lever 33 has a substantially elongated shape and comprises, at a first end which in use will be facing towards the filler 8, pivoting means 34, and at a second end, a tip 35 inclined towards the inside of the head 7.

[0054] Each shaped lever 33 also comprises, on the inner surface provided for contact with the filler 8, an inner profile 36 corresponding to the outer shape of the filler 8, at least for the first part that is located adjacent to the pivoting means 34.

[0055] The shaped levers 33 are inserted in suitable housings 37 provided in the movable sleeve 11.

[0056] As will be more apparent from figures 9, 10 and 13, the housings 37 allow the shaped levers 33 to rotate about the pivoting means 34.

[0057] For this reason, in the end 111, i.e. in the part facing towards the filler 8, the housings 37 comprise semicircular seats 38 in which the pivoting means 34 are inserted, the housings 37 are then closed externally by a cylindrical jacket 39; the semicircular seats 38 and pivoting means 34 thus realise a hinge for the shaped levers 33, which as mentioned can rotate to some degree to allow the insertion and locking of the filler 8 inside the head 7.

[0058] With respect to the solutions of the known type, for example illustrated in the documents WO2010/103476A1 and US2013/105037A1, in the present invention the shaped levers 33 are hinged in a position opposite to the solutions shown in these documents.

[0059] Therefore, thanks to this configuration, i.e. thanks to the presence of the semicircular seats 38 and the pivoting means 34 at the end 111 of the movable sleeve 11, the head 7 has a radial footprint which is particularly reduced in the part facing towards the filler 8 and therefore it is possible to connect the gun 1 directly to the filler 8 of the motor vehicle without having to use extension tubes.

[0060] For the activation of the levers 33, cam means 40 are provided which are positioned on the fixed sleeve 10 towards the opening of the head 7, at the opposite end with respect to the end in which the fixed sleeve 10 has a threaded portion 42.

[0061] The cam means 40 comprise an annular channel 43 within which the inclined tip 35 of each shaped lever 33 is inserted.

[0062] The relative movement between the movable sleeve 11, on which the shaped levers 33 are hinged, and the fixed sleeve 10, on which the cam means 40 are located which move the inclined tip 35 of the shaped levers 33, causes the rotation of the shaped levers 33 between the first position which allows the fitting of the gun 1 to the filler 8, for example illustrated in figures 5 and 6, and the second position, for example illustrated in figure 7, in which the levers 33 are locked on the filler 8. The annular channel 43 of the cam means 40 is formed by a diverging frustoconical surface 44, which is located directly on the fixed sleeve 10 at the end facing towards the opening of the head 7, and a substantially cylindrical inner annular surface 45, with an initial bevel 46, which is located on an abutment sleeve 47 for the inclined tip 35 of the levers 33.

[0063] The shape of the annular channel 43, the rounded shape and the inclination of the tip 35 allow obtaining an activation of the fluid levers 33 without effort and without jamming.

[0064] The abutment sleeve 47 is fixed to the fixed sleeve 10, for example by means of a threaded connection.

[0065] The activation in rotation of the shaped levers 33 through the cam means 40 and the inclined tip 35, as specified above, further reduces the footprint of the head 7 precisely in the area of coupling to the filler 8, with respect to the known solutions, because the activation is arranged on a part of the gun 1 which is more retracted with respect to the filler 8 coupling part.

[0066] Furthermore, the substantially flat shape of the shaped levers 33 helps limit the radial footprint of the head 7.

[0067] Ultimately the head 7 has a radial footprint which is slightly greater than the filler 8 itself, on which the gun 1 is fitted.

[0068] The movable sleeve 11 is activated by means of the activation lever 48 rotatable about a hinge 49 formed in the body 2, the lever 48 being provided with a locking device 50 to keep the gun 1 coupled to the filler 8.

[0069] A return spring 51 is also provided, positioned within the movable sleeve 11, that serves to return the sleeve 11, and the activation lever 48 is in a non-operating condition in which there is no dispensing of LPG.

[0070] In use, the gun 1 is moved closer to the filler 8 (arrow F, figure 5), the levers 33 are located in the first position which allows the insertion of the filler 8 inside the opening of the head 7; the gun is then fitted on the filler 8 until the shutter means 12 make contact with the front abutment 31 of the filler 8 (figure 6); then, by acting on the activation lever 48 the body 2 approaches the mobile sleeve 11, causing the locking of the shaped levers 33 on the filler 8 and at the same time the shifting of the shutter means 12 into a position which allows the dispensing of the LPG, which follows the path indicated by the G arrows (figure 7).

[0071] Figure 8 shows the gun 1 of the second variant of figure 3 in the operating condition for dispensing the LPG; it can be noted that the head 24 of the shutter means 12 is inserted inside the filler 8; the cylindrical end 26 of the head 24 enters in a seat of the filler 8, allowing an excellent LPG pressure tightness.

[0072] It has thus been seen how the present invention achieves the intended purposes. Various modifications and variations can be made in the invention thus conceived, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0073] Moreover, all the elements can be replaced with other technically equivalent elements. In practice, the materials used as well as the contingent shapes and dimensions can vary greatly according to needs, without thereby departing from the scope of protection of the following claims.

Claims

1. Gun (1) for dispensing LPG, and similar fuels, comprising a body (2), inside which a duct (4) is realised for supplying the LPG coming from a dispensing device, a head (7) connected to the body (2) and in communication with the duct (4), said head (7) being designed to be coupled with a filler (8) for LPG supply to a motor vehicle or the like, said head (7) comprising a fixed sleeve (10), a movable sleeve (11) sliding on the outer part of said fixed sleeve (10), said movable sleeve (11) having a first end (111) and a second end (112) associated with activation means (48), said first end (111) being facing towards the filler (8), coupling means (32) for the filler (8) inserted inside the movable sleeve (11), said coupling means (32) comprising shaped levers (33) arranged inside the opening of the head (7); said shaped levers (33) comprising a first end and a second end (35) and being movable between two positions: a first position in which the shaped levers (33) allow the insertion of the filler (8) inside the opening of the head (7) and a second position in which the levers (33), when the gun (1) is fitted on the filler (8), lock onto the filler (8) itself, causing the coupling between the gun (1) and filler (8), characterised in that said movable sleeve (11) comprises housings (37) for housing said shaped levers (33), and said shaped levers (33) comprising at their first end pivoting means (34) that are inserted into seats (38) provided in said housings (37), said pivoting means (34) allowing a rotation of the shaped levers (33).

2. Gun according to the preceding claim, wherein said fixed sleeve (10) comprises cam means (40) which control the movement of said shaped levers (33), said cam means being arranged in a retracted part of the gun (1) with respect to the part for coupling with the filler (8).

3. Gun according to the preceding claim, wherein said cam means (40) comprise an annular channel (43) within which said second end (35) of said shaped levers (33) is inserted.

4. Gun according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said second end (35) of the shaped levers (33) has a rounded shape.

5. Gun according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said second end of the shaped levers (33) comprises an inclined tip (35) towards the inside of the head (7), said inclined tip (35) being provided to be inserted into said annular channel (43).

6. Gun according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising shutter means (12) sliding inside said fixed sleeve (10) to allow the supply of LPG only when the gun (1) is fully coupled to the filler (8).

7. Gun according to the preceding claim, wherein said shutter means (12) comprise a plunger (13) formed by a stem (14) provided with two ends, at the first end of the stem (14) there is a first head (15, 28) of cylindrical shape and provided with a seat for a first seal (22, 29), at the second end of the stem (14) there is a second head (16) of cylindrical shape provided with a seat for a second seal (23).

8. Gun according to claim 6, wherein said shutter means (12) comprise a plunger (13) formed by a stem (14) provided with two ends, at the first end of the stem (14) there is a first head (24), comprising a frustoconical portion (25) and a cylindrical end (26) intended to be inserted into a corresponding hole provided in the filler (8), at the second end of the stem (14) there is a second head (16), of cylindrical shape and provided with a seat for a second seal (23).

9. Gun according to claim 7 or 8, wherein said stem (14) has a hole (19) arranged substantially along the axis of the stem (14) and open towards the end where the first head is located (15, 24, 28) and at least one radial hole (20) arranged in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial hole (19) in a position adjacent to the second head (16), said axial hole (19) and said at least one radial hole (20) forming a passage for LPG under certain operating conditions of the gun (1).

Drawing