Insert element for a container suitable for filling with urea at a filling station

#This is a national stage application filed under 35 USC 371 based on International Application No. PCT/EP2009/057084 filed Jun. 9, 2009, and claims priority under 35 USC 119 of German Patent Application Nos. DE 102008027463.1 filed Jun. 9, 2008 and DE 102008049150.0 filed Sep. 26, 2008.

#The invention relates to an insert element for a tank provided with a filler opening suitable for filling with urea at a filling station by means of a pump nozzle. The invention relates furthermore to a tank having one such insert element designed to prevent fuel from being inadvertently filled into the urea tank.

#In prior art, nitrous oxides emitted in engine operation are reduced, among other things, by selective catalytic reduction involving directing the engine exhaust gases through a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst. To chemically convert the nitrous oxides the SCR catalyst is operated with a highly pure, urea solution as clear as water. This liquid solution of urea standardized by DIN is marketed under the name ADBLUE.

#The invention will now be detailed with reference to the attached drawings in which:

#FIG. 1 is a view in perspective of the insert element in accordance with the invention showing how it is located on the filler neck;

#FIG. 2 is an exploded view of one embodiment of the insert element in accordance with the invention, showing it fitted to the filler neck;

#Referring now to FIG. 1 there is illustrated a view in perspective of the insert element 13 in accordance with the invention showing how it is located on the filler neck 10 of a tank. The cover element 24 has an insertion opening (not shown in this view in perspective) for insertion of a urea pump nozzle spout whilst preventing the insertion of a Diesel pump nozzle spout. In other words, the cover element has an opening diameter which permits insertion of pump nozzles 12 having a reduced diameter whilst any pump nozzle having a larger spout will not pass through the opening of the cover element. Shown in FIG. 1 in the lower portion of the illustration are two pump nozzles featuring different spouts. The pump nozzle on the left has a spout diameter engineered for standardized urea solution tanking whereas the one on the right is a Diesel pump nozzle having a larger spout diameter. Reference numeral 27 identifies in each case the level control gauge of the pump nozzle for automatically shutting off the pump nozzle when the tank is full.

#The filler neck 10 comprises a conventional cap locking element 42 rimming the filler neck. Complementary to said cap locking element 42 with its two recesses each facing the other the insert element comprises two tabs 36, so that the combination of cap locking element 42 with the tabs 36 and the cover element 24 result in a bayonet lock. When fitting the insert element in place the cover element 24 is urged to top the cap locking element 42. A sealing ring (not shown) beneath the cover element creates a tight closure.

#So that the insert element 13 itself can be closed off, the cover element 24 is topped by a male coupling 30 onto which the cap (not shown in this illustration) of the insert element can be screwed. In this embodiment with a male coupling 30 it is necessary that its inner diameter closes off the opening of the cover element 24 flush.