US20130146494A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20130146494A1
Application number: US13/323,804
Authority: US
Inventors: Richard J. Gilpatrick
Original assignee: Briggs and Stratton Corp
Current assignee: Briggs and Stratton Corp
Priority date: 2011-12-12
Filing date: 2011-12-12
Publication date: 2013-06-13

Abstract

An apparatus and method sense a level of fuel in the fuel tank and actuate one or more lights to different states based upon the sensed level of fuel in the fuel tank.

Description

BACKGROUND

During the filling of fuel tanks with fuel, the person may become distracted from the task which sometimes results in the spilling of fuel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an example fuel filling system.

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of an example method for filling fuel using the system ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of another example of a fuel filling system.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of another example method for filling fuel using the system ofFIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of an example fuel powered implement including an implementation of the fuel filling system ofFIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of an engine including an example implementation of the fuel filling system ofFIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary perspective view of an example fuel tank and fuel filling system for the engine ofFIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of a portion of the fuel filling system ofFIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the portion ofFIG. 8 taken along lines9-9.

FIG. 10 is a top elevational view of the portion ofFIG. 8 taken along lines10-10.

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary top elevational view of the fuel tank ofFIG. 7 illustrating an example cap position sensor.

FIG. 12 is a top elevational view of another example of a notification light for the fuel filling system ofFIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates one example of afuel filling system20.Fuel filling system20 comprisesfuel tank22,cap24,float26,sensor28 andnotification light30.Fuel tank22 comprises a container having aninterior32 to receive a liquid, such asfuel34. Theinterior32 oftank22 is filled through anopening36 which is selectively open and closed bycap24. In one implementation, opening36 may include a fill spout projecting beyond an exterior oftank22 or may include a skirt projecting intotank22 to form a vapor lock near a top interior oftank22. In one implementation, opening36 may include a threaded portion for threadably engaging a corresponding threaded portion ofcap24. As may be appreciated,tank22 may have a variety of sizes, shapes and configurations.

Float

26 comprises a structure configured to float along thesurface38 ofliquid34 withininterior32. Float26 is movably guided withininterior32 oftank22. In one embodiment,float26 comprises a hollow member. In another embodiment,float26 comprises a member formed from a material having a density less than that ofliquid34.

Sensor

28 comprises one or more mechanisms configured to sense positioning offloat26 withininterior32. In one implementation,sensor28 may include a first component carried byfloat26 and a second component supported bytank22. In one implementation,sensor28 comprises a switch which actuates between different states in response to proximity of a magnet. In one implementation, the magnet is carried by the float. In yet other implementations,sensor28 may comprise other types of proximity or position sensors such as Hall effect sensors, inductive sensors, potentiometers, capacitive sensors, optical sensors, mechanical switches such as reed switches, magnetic sensors and the like.

Light30 comprises one or more lights which actuate between different states based upon sensed positioning offloat26. In particular,light30 changes between different states based upon the amount offuel34 withintank22. In one implementation,light30 is in a first state whentank22 is not completely full and a second state whentank22 is full or sufficiently close to being full such that a danger of overfilling and spillage is possible. In another implementation,light30 is in a first state whentank22 is not completely full, is in a second state whentank22 is approaching a condition of being completely filled, providing theperson filling tank22 with a warning that such filling will need to be stopped shortly, and is in a third state whentank22 is completely filled. In one implementation,tank22 may be deemed to be completely filled when fuel has reached or entered the bottom of a skirt projecting into theinterior tank22. In another implementation,tank22 may be deemed to be completely filled when fuel has reached a predefined level within the fill spout or neck. In yet other implementations,tank22 may be deemed to be completely filled at other predefined levels.

In one implementation,light30 emits different colors of light in response to float26 (and fuel34) being at different levels or positions withintank22. In another implementation,light30 emits a different intensity of light in response to float26 (and fuel34) being at different levels or positions withintank22. In one implementation,light30 emits different colors of light in response to float26 (and fuel34) being at different levels or positions withintank22. In another implementation,light30 emits a pattern or arrangement of light in response to float26 (and fuel34) being at different levels or positions withintank22. For example, a first level of fuel withintank22 may result in a first set of individual light elements emitting light while a second level of fuel within tank may result in a second distinct set of individual light elements emitting light. In one implementation,light30 emits different colors of light in response to float26 (and fuel34) being a different levels or positions withintank22. In another implementation,light30 emits a different frequency of light in response to float26 (and fuel34) being at different levels or positions withintank22. In one implementation,light30 may be binary, emitting light when thefloat26 andfuel34 are at a first level or within a first range of levels and not emitting light andfloat26 andfuel34 are at second level or within a second range of levels.

In one implementation, the actuation oflight30 between the different states is directed by a controller, such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a processor that generates control signals forlight30 in response to signals received fromsensor28. In another implementation, theactuation light30 between different states is effectuated by simple logical or mechanical switches which are actuated in response to either sensors fromsensor28 or the position offloat26. For example, in one implementation,float26 may carry a magnet, wherein sufficient proximity of the magnet to the switch which may cause the switch to close an electrical circuit providing power directly tolight30 or providing power to cause an electrical signal to be sent to a controller or application specific circuit.

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating amethod50 by whichfuel filling system20 may operate to reduce the likelihood of overfilling or fuel spillage during filling of a fuel tank such asfuel tank22. As indicated bystep52,sensor28 andfloat26 cooperate to sense a level of fuel withintank22 as it is being filled. As indicated bystep54, based upon the sensed fuel level, one or more lights oflight30 may be activated to indicate to aperson filling tank22 howclose fuel tank22 is to being filled. Withlights30, users are less likely to become distracted and are provided with a more positive indication of when filling oftank22 should be stopped. As a result, spillage of fuel during filling oftank22 is less likely.

FIG. 3 schematically illustratesfuel filling system120, another example offuel filling system20. For ease of illustration, those components offuel filling system120 which correspond to components offuel filling system20 are numbered similarly.Fuel filling system120 is similar tofuel filling system20 except thatfuel filling system120 additionally includessensor140.

Sensor

140 comprises one or more proximity sensing devices configured to sense or detect the positioning ofcap24. The one ormore lights30 actuate between different states additionally based upon the sensed positioning ofcap24. In one implementation,light30 actuates to different states based upon a combination of the sensed level offloat26 andfuel34 withintank22 and the sensed positioning ofcap24. For example,light30 may enter a particular state only whencap24 is removed from opening36 (indicating a filling state) and whenfloat26 orfuel34 are sensed as being at, below or above a particular height or level withintank22. In one example,light30 may be in an off state, regardless of the level offuel34 withintank22 whencap24 is in a closed position ontank22. As a result, electrical power tolight30 may be conserved. Upon removal ofcap24,light30 may enter a particular state based upon the detected level offloat26 andfuel34. In another example, light30 may additionally enter a different state whencap24 is attached totank22, but is not fully sealed or closed.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of amethod150 may be carried out byfuel filling system120. As indicated bystep152,sensor28 senses the level offuel34 withintank22. As indicated bystep153,sensor140 senses a positioning ofcap24. As indicated bystep155, light30 is activated or switched between different states based upon one or both of the sensed level offuel34 withintank22 and the sensed positioning ofcap24.

FIGS. 5-7 illustrate one example implementation offuel filling system120 in a gas or fuel powered implement (shown as a walk behind lawnmower200). In other implementations,fuel filling system120 may be implemented as part of other fuel powered implements or may be employed in standalone fuel tanks used for transporting fuel.

In the example illustrated, walk behindmower200 comprisesdeck204, cuttingblade206, wheels208, handle210 and gas poweredengine212.Deck204 comprises one or more structures serving as a base, support and blade shield.Deck204 serves as a base upon whichengine212 is mounted.Deck204 further supports wheels208 and handle210.Deck204 may have a variety different sizes, shapes and configurations.

Cuttingblade206 comprises one or more blades configured to be rotationally driven byengine212 about a substantiallyvertical axis213 when cutting grass. Wheels208 are coupled to and supported bydeck204 so as to rollablysupport deck204 for movement over a terrain while cutting grass. In one embodiment, wheels208 freely idle, not being driven, whereinmower200 is a push mower. In another embodiment, one or both of wheels208 are driven by a transmission powered byengine212, whereinmower200 is a self-propelled mower. Handle210 comprises one or more members extending fromdeck204 by which allow a person to steer ordirect mower200.

Engine

212 comprises a gas powered internal combustion engine operably coupled theblade206 by transmission (not shown) to driveblade206. In some embodiments,engine212 additionally drives or propelsmower200 such as with a self-propelled mower.Engine212 comprisesfuel tank222 which is part offuel filling system220. As shown byFIG. 6, which is an enlarged view of one example ofengine212,fuel tank222 supplies fuel via aconduit223 to acarburetor227 which provides an air-fuel mixture to a combustion chamber (not shown) ofengine212.Fuel tank222 is filled via anopening236 which may be selectively opened and closed bycap224.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary perspective view illustratingfuel filling system220, including anexample fuel tank222 in more detail. As shown byFIG. 7, opening236 is provided by a filler neck or spout254 and afiller skirt256.Filler spout254 projects away fromtank222 on exterior oftank222 to facilitate insertion of a fuel nozzle for filling oftank222.Filler skirt256 projects into theinterior232 oftank222 to form a vapor lock, a predefined space between a top offuel tank222 and the maximum level of fuel withintank222 prior to fuel rising intoskirt256 andneck254. In other embodiments,spout254 andskirt256 may be omitted.

As further shown byFIGS. 7-10, in addition totank222,fuel filling system220 comprisessensor float guide225,float226,sensor228,lights230,sensor240 and controller242 (shown inFIG. 10).Float guide225 comprises one or more mechanisms configured to guide movement offloat226 withininterior232 oftank222. In the example illustrated,float guide225 comprises a stem along which float226 vertically slides in response to changes in liquid levels withintank222. In other embodiments,float guide225 may have other configurations. For example,float guide225 may alternatively comprise a cage in which float226 vertically slides or moves. In yet another embodiment,float guide225 may alternatively comprise a hinge by which float226 pivots in response to changes in fuel levels withintank222.

Float

226 comprises a structure configured to float along the surface of fuel withininterior232. In one embodiment,float226 comprises a hollow member. In another embodiment,float226 comprises a member formed from a material having a density less than that of the fuel.

Sensor

228 comprises one or more mechanisms configured to sense positioning offloat226 withininterior232. In the example illustrated,sensor228 comprises a first component,magnet302, carried byfloat226 and a second component, aswitch304, supported bytank222, whereinswitch304 actuates between different states in response to proximity ofmagnet302. In yet other implementations,sensor228 may comprise other types of proximity or position sensors such as Hall effect sensors, inductive sensors, potentiometers, capacitive sensors, optical sensors, magnetic sensors, mechanical sensors such as reed switches, and the like.

Lights

230 comprises a arrangement of a plurality of individuallight emitting elements308 supported by ahousing310 along an upper surface ofhousing210. In one implementation,lights230 comprise a plurality of light emitting diodes. In other implementations, lights230 may comprise other lighting elements.

Sensor

240 comprises one or more sensing devices configured to sense positioning ofcap224.FIG. 11 illustratessensor240 in more detail. As shown byFIG. 11,sensor240 comprisesmagnets312 andswitch314.Magnets312 comprise a series of individual magnets circumferentially positioned about and carried bycap224. In one implementation,such magnets312 are embedded within an interior ofcap224. Although illustratedmagnet312 is illustrated as comprising three magnets spaced approximately 120 degrees aboutcap224, in other implementations,magnets312 may comprise a greater or fewer ofsuch magnets312.

Switch

314 comprises a switch configured to change states in response to proximity of one ofmagnets312. In one implementation, in response to changing switch states, switch314 transmits a signal tocontroller242. In one embodiment,sensor240 may indicate an extent to which cap is closed based upon the number of signals transmitted tocontroller242 during rotation ofcap224 ontotank222 during closing oftank222. As a result,lights230 may additionally indicate the extent to whichcap224 is closed. In one implementation,sensor240 comprises a Hall effect sensor. In other implementations,sensor240 may comprise other types of proximity sensors such as inductive sensors, potentiometers, capacitive sensors, optical sensors, magnetic sensors and the like.

Controller

242 comprises a processor or application-specific circuit (ASIC) configured to generate control signals in response to signals received from

sensors

228 and240, wherein actuation oflights230 between different states occurs in response to such control signals.Controller242 is powered by aninternal battery320 withinhousing310. In some embodiments,battery320 may be rechargeable. In some implementations,battery320 may be charged by a solar power source provided ontank222 orhousing310.

In one implementation,controller242 generates control signals such thatlights230 or in a first state whentank222 is not completely full and a second state whentank222 is full are sufficiently close to being full that a danger of overfilling and spillage is possible. In another implementation,lights230 or in a first state whentank222 is not completely full, is in a second state whentank222 is approaching a condition of being completely filled, providing theperson filling tank222 with a warning that such filling will need to be stopped shortly, and a third state whentank222 is completely filled. In yet another implementation,controller242 generate controlsignals causing lights230 to be in a first state in response totank222 being empty or substantially empty, a second state occurring in response to the fuel tank being full, a third state occurring in response to the fuel tank being partially full and a fourth state occurring in response to positioning of thecap224 ontank222.

In one implementation,tank22 may be deemed to be completely filled when fuel has reached or entered the bottom of a skirt projecting into theinterior tank22. In another implementation,tank222 may be deemed to be completely filled when fuel has reached a predefined level within the fill spout. In yet other implementations,tank222 may be deemed to be completely filled at other predefined levels.

In one implementation,controller24 to generate control signals such thatlights230 emit different colors of light in response to float226 (and fuel) being at different levels or positions withintank222. In another implementation,lights230 emit a different intensity of light in response to float226 (and fuel) being a different levels or positions withintank222. In one implementation,lights230 emit different colors of light in response to float226 (and fuel) being a different levels or positions withintank222. For example, lights230 may be controlled to emit a first color of light in a first state, a second color of light in a second state and a third color of light in a third state. In another implementation,lights230 emit a pattern or arrangement of light in response to float226 (and fuel) being at different levels or positions withintank222. For example, a first level of fuel withintank222 may result in a first set of individual light elements emitting light while a second level of fuel within tank may result in a second distinct set of individual light elements emitting light. In one implementation,lights230 emit different colors of light in response to float226 (and fuel) being at different levels or positions withintank222. In another implementation,lights230 emit a different frequency of light or timed pattern of light emissions in response to float226 (and fuel) being at different levels or positions withintank222. In one implementation,lights230 may be binary, emitting light when thefloat226 and fuel are at a first level or within a first range of levels and not emitting light and float226 and fuel are at second level or within a second range of levels. In some implementations, lights230 may have multiple different characteristics in different states. For example, one state may comprise a first color of light at a first frequency, a second state may comprise a second color of light at a second frequency and a third state may comprise a third color of light at a third frequency.

In one implementation, the colors and frequencies correspond to the urgency of the notice or warning being provided to theperson filling tank222. For example, in one implementation, lights may230 emit a green color when the tank is empty, a yellow color when the tank is approaching a condition of being filled and a red color when the tank is filled. In one implementation,lights230 may flash or emit light at a first frequency when thetank222 is empty, at a second greater frequency whentank222 is approaching a condition of being felt and a third evening greater frequency whentank222 is filled. In some implementations, audible signals may additionally be provided. In some implementations, one of the state may be the absence of the emission of light.

FIG. 12 illustrateslights330, another example lights230.Lights330 are similar to lights to30 except that lights330 include three distinct regions or

zones

332,334 and336. Whensensor240 detects thatcap224 is attached or closed (no tank filling of taking place, light330 may be in an off state. When sensor238 senses thattank222 is empty,controller242 may generate control signals causing light zone332 to be illuminated, while the other zones are not illuminated. When sensor238 senses that tank to22 is partially full,controller242 may generate control signals causinglight zone334 to be illuminated while the other zones are not illuminated. When sensor238 senses thattank222 is full,controller242 may generate control signals causinglight zone336 to be illuminated, while the other zones are not illuminated.

In another implementation,controller242 may generate control signals such that when sensor238 senses thattank222 is empty whilesensor240 is indicating thatcap224 is removed fromtank222, zone332 is illuminated. When sensor238 senses that fuel withintank222 has reached a predetermined level (is close to filling or partially filling) during filling,controller242 may generate controlsignals causing zone334 to be illuminated in addition to zone332. When sensor238 senses thattank222 is completely filled during filling (or removal of cap224), controller238 may generate control signals such that all of

zones

332,334,336 are illuminated. In such a fashion, light330 provides a conspicuous and intuitive notification to a person to stop filling. Such a notification is intuitive because the illumination of the pie of collective zones is complete when filling up the tank is complete. In some implementations, such zones may additionally be provided with a different colors of illumination: zone332 may be provided with a green color;zone334 may be provided with a yellow color; andzone336 may be provided with a red color.

Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to example embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. For example, although different example embodiments may have been described as including one or more features providing one or more benefits, it is contemplated that the described features may be interchanged with one another or alternatively be combined with one another in the described example embodiments or in other alternative embodiments. Because the technology of the present disclosure is relatively complex, not all changes in the technology are foreseeable. The present disclosure described with reference to the example embodiments and set forth in the following claims is manifestly intended to be as broad as possible. For example, unless specifically otherwise noted, the claims reciting a single particular element also encompass a plurality of such particular elements.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus comprising:

a fuel tank;

a float movably supported within the fuel tank;

a sensor to sense positioning of the float; and

one or more lights which actuate between different states based upon sensed positioning of the float.

2. The apparatus ofclaim 1 further comprising:

a cap configured to close an opening of the fuel tank; and

a second sensor carried by the cap, wherein the one or more lights actuate between different states based upon sensed positioning of the cap.

3. The apparatus ofclaim 2, wherein the second sensor comprises:

a second magnet carried by the cap; and

a switch responsive to a magnetic field, wherein the switch actuates the one or more lights between the different states in response to a proximity of the second magnet.

4. The apparatus ofclaim 2, wherein one of the different states occurs in response to a complete installation of the cap onto the fuel tank.

5. The apparatus ofclaim 2, wherein one light of the one or more lights indicates both positioning of the float and positioning of the cap.

6. The apparatus ofclaim 5, wherein the one or more lights actuate between a first state in response to a first sensed positioning of the float, a second state in response to a second sensed positioning of the float and a third state in response to a positioning of the cap.

7. The apparatus ofclaim 5, wherein the different states comprise a first state occurring in response to the fuel tank being empty, a second state occurring in response to the fuel tank being full, a third state occurring in response to the fuel tank being partially full and a fourth state occurring in response to positioning of the cap on the tank.

8. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the first state occurs in response to the fuel tank not being full and wherein the second state occurs in response to the fuel tank being full.

9. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the different states comprise a first state occurring in response to the fuel tank being empty, a second state occurring in response to the fuel tank being full and a third state occurring in response to the fuel tank being partially full.

10. The apparatus ofclaim 9, wherein the first state comprises a first color of light, wherein the second state comprises a second color of light and wherein the third state comprises a third color of light.

11. The apparatus ofclaim 10, wherein the one or more lights emit the first color of light at a first frequency, wherein the one or more lights emit the second color of light at a second frequency and wherein the one or more lights emit the third color of light at a third frequency.

12. The apparatus ofclaim 9, wherein the one or more lights emit light at a first frequency and the first state, emit light at a second frequency greater than the first frequency in the second state and emit light at a third frequency greater than the first frequency and less than the second frequency in the third state.

13. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the different states comprise flashes of light at different frequencies.

14. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the different states comprise a first state comprising a first color of light and a second state comprising a second color of light.

15. The apparatus ofclaim 14, wherein the different states comprises a third state comprising no emission of light.

16. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the different states comprise a first state comprising a first area of emitted light, a second state comprising a second area of emitted light and a third state comprising a third area of emitted light.

17. The apparatus ofclaim 16, wherein the first area and the second area each emit light in the second state and wherein the first area, the second area and the third area each emit light in the third state.

18. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the one or more lights comprise a plurality of lights.

19. The apparatus ofclaim 18, wherein the first state comprises a first total number of the plurality of lights emitting light and wherein the second state comprises a second total number of the plurality of lights emitting light.

20. The apparatus ofclaim 18, wherein the first state comprise a first pattern of light emitted by the plurality of lights and wherein the second state comprise a second different pattern of light emitted by the plurality of lights.

21. An apparatus comprising:

a fuel tank;

one or more lights;

a first magnet;

a float carrying the first magnet movably supported within the fuel tank; and

one or more switches responsive to a magnetic field to actuate the one or more lights from a first state to a second state in response to proximity of the first magnet.

22. A method comprising:

sensing a level of fuel in the fuel tank;

actuating one or more lights to different states based upon the sensed level of fuel in the fuel tank.

23. The method ofclaim 22 further comprising emitting light from the one or more lights based upon the level of fuel in the fuel tank and positioning of a cap of the fuel tank.

24. The method ofclaim 22 further comprising emitting light from the one or more lights based upon the sensed level of fuel in the fuel tank in response to a cap of the fuel tank being removed.